Merkel welcomes Arab League’s stance on Assad regimeFebruary 14, 2012 - 17:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel called Tuesday, February 14 for more sanctions against Damascus and praised the Arab League's “firm stance” towards the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, M&C reported, citing DPA. She spoke just before talks at her Berlin office with Nabil al-Arabi, the secretary general of the Arab League. Calling for an end to the bloodshed, al-Arabi said: “The killing has to stop.” Merkel said Germany would support the Arab League, which proposed on Sunday that a peacekeeping mission including UN blue-beret troops be sent to Syria. The Assad regime has rejected this. “The League has a firm stance,” Merkel said. “The European Union supports this stance and we will reinforce you (by imposing) additional sanctions as well.” EU foreign ministers are to debate the added sanctions at the end of this month. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |