  UN-Arab League envoy to meet Syrian President March 10 March 10, 2012 - 10:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan meets President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday, March 10, to press for a political solution to Syria's year-long uprising, Reuters reported. Arab foreign ministers were also due to hold talks in Cairo with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Russia and China vetoed a UN draft resolution last month which would have backed an Arab League plan calling for Assad to step aside. Activists said tank rounds and mortar bombs crashed into opposition districts in the rebellious central city of Homs, killing 20 people, while 24 were killed in the northern province of Idlib and more deaths were reported elsewhere. The former UN chief Annan, now the U.N.-Arab League envoy, discussed his mission with current U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the head of the Arab League, Nabil Elaraby. "I have very strongly urged Kofi Annan to ensure that there must be an immediate ceasefire," Ban told reporters in New York after the conference call. After a ceasefire, he said, there should be "inclusive political solutions" found through dialogue. Annan also plans to meet the Syrian opposition before leaving the country on Sunday. He has called for a political solution, but dissidents say there is no room for dialogue amid Assad's crackdown.   Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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".   Partner news |  Latest news Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora  To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia.Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar.ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event.Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |
