Egypt approves Iranian request for passage of vessels through Suez CanalFebruary 20, 2011 - 17:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel says it takes a "grave" view of Iran's plan to send two warships through Egypt's Suez Canal into the Mediterranean, in what would be Tehran's first such move since its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the comment to his Cabinet Sunday, calling the passage of Iranian warships through the Suez Canal a ploy by Iran to extend its regional influence at a time of instability. Suez Canal officials say they expect the Iranian frigate and supply ship to enter the waterway Monday en route to Syria. They denied reports by Iranian state-run television that the warships already had crossed the canal Sunday. Egypt's new military rulers approved an Iranian request for the transit of the two vessels last Friday, despite decades of strained relations between the two sides, VOA 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |