Air defence drills launched in IranFebruary 20, 2012 - 20:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran launched on Monday, February 20 four-day air defense drills to train protection of important national facilities, primarily nuclear facilities, Iran’s Fars news agency reported. The exercise in the south of Iran involves various missile systems, radars and aircraft. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) ground forces also launched military exercise, code-named Valfajr, on Sunday in the desert area of central Iran and in the central province of Yazd. Fars quoted Commander of IRGC Major General Mohammad Ali Jaffari as saying that “The wargames came after the U.S. threats and aggressions, especially its invasion of neighboring and regional states.” The Western powers suspect Iran is seeking to create a nuclear bomb and have tightened sanctions. Tehran says it only wants to produce its own energy. Speculation has also been growing in recent weeks that Israel may be preparing to attack OPEC’s No. 2 oil exporter to counter what it views as a serious threat to its national security. The United States has also refused to rule out force, according to RIA Novosti. 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. |