U.S. mans new radar defense site in TurkeyFebruary 27, 2012 - 21:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - American forces are now manning a new radar defense site in Turkey that could help defend Europe from a potential Iranian ballistic missile attack, the U.S. Army's commander in Europe said. "We have the forces in place ... at a radar site in southern Turkey," Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling said in an interview at Montenegro's main military airport in its capital, Today’s Zaman reported. It is the first time a senior US commander has confirmed reports that the NATO defense shield radar - which has caused tensions between Turkey and its Muslim neighbor Iran - has been operational in the past few weeks. The radar is a key element in a planned ballistic missile defense system that also would put other land- and sea-based radars and anti-missile interceptors in several European locations over the next decade. "I can only speak for the ground base air defense units," Hertling said. "But I will tell you that we make constant coordination (with the US Navy and Air Force), and I think we are well on track to conduct missile defense." 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. |