Belarus banishes EU envoys, pulls own ambassadorsFebruary 28, 2012 - 20:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Belarus has asked the European Union and Polish ambassadors to leave the country and recalled its own ambassadors in response to new EU sanctions, AP reported. The moves announced Tuesday, February 28 by the foreign ministry came one day after the EU Council voted to add 21 names to a list of some 200 Belarusian officials prevented from travelling to EU countries because of human rights violations. The officials also face an assets freeze. The EU sanctions target Belarus' repression of political opposition. The sanctions date to the December 2010 presidential elections, in which more than 700 people including seven candidates were arrested after a massive protest against alleged vote fraud. Strongman President Alexander Lukashenko was declared winner of a new term in the election. 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. |