Cypriot Armenian Taken Hostage in Iraq ReleasedJanuary 17, 2006 - 17:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - January 16 Cypriot Armenian Garabet Jekerjian returned to Nicosia after being held hostage by Iraqi fighters for 130 days. «I hope I will be able to leave it in the past and to start a new life. Thank God, I was able to return home. I would not wish what I experienced even to my enemy,» Jekerjian said. An unknown organization of Iraqi fighters that call themselves Group for spreading good and eliminating evil, kidnapped businessman Garabet Jean Jekerjian August 21 and demanded $1 million for releasing him. G. was released after the New Year and in the words of his family $200 thousand was paid for his release. The Islamic group threatened to kill the Lebanese-Cypriot 41-year-old representative of Jeto Trading Company, which provided food and drinking to «US occupation forces», if the company does not close its activities in Iraq. Fulfilling the demand of the fighters the company stopped activities in the country, reported RFE/RL. 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. |