Iranian oppositionists clash with police in TehranDecember 26, 2009 - 14:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian security forces clashed with opposition supporters in southern Tehran on Saturday, as the Islamic Republic marked an emotive Shi'ite religious ritual."A large group of people and security forces clashed in the Pol-e Choubi area while people were marching," Jaras website said. The report could not be independently confirmed, as foreign media have been banned from reporting directly on protests. The same website earlier reported that hundreds of riot police were deployed in central Tehran. The reported incident occurred as people around Iran marked the day of Tasoua with religious ceremonies which peak on Sunday, when Shi'ite Muslims commemorate the 7th century death of Imam Hossein in a battle that sealed the schism between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims. Hossein was a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad. Tension has been mounting in Iran after last Saturday night's death of leading dissident cleric Grand Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, a fierce critic of the clerical establishment who called the disputed June election fraudulent, Reuters reported. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |