Syrian opposition groups release 7 Iranian engineersFebruary 10, 2012 - 18:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran on Friday, February 10 confirmed reports that seven Iranian engineers have been released by Syrian opposition groups after more than one month. Fars news agency quoted officials at the Energy Ministry as saying that the seven engineers who were kidnapped early January by a Syrian opposition group in Homs have been released. The seven engineers were all contractors of the Iranian Energy Ministry and working on a power plant project in Homs, the Fars report said. On Tuesday eleven Iranians kidnapped by Syrian rebels were released and transferred to Turkey. According to the Syrian authorities, a total of 22 Iranians had been seized since the uprising erupted. Iranian pilgrims frequently visit Shiite Muslim shrines in Syria, M&C reported citing DPA. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |