  Yemeni President announces national state of emergency March 18, 2011 - 21:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced a national state of emergency after at least 25 people were killed and hundreds injured when police opened fire Friday at hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in the Yemeni capital Sana'a. Reports said at least 50 people were killed and 240 injured by government forces. Saleh expressed sorrow for the protester deaths, but claimed that no police forces were in the area at that time and that those who had fired weapons were civilians. Saleh also announced a ban on weapons possession by civilians, haaretz.com reported. Earlier, security men in civilian clothes on the rooftops of surrounding houses opened live fire on protesters, apparently shooting to kill by aiming at the head and chest, an eyewitness told the German Press Agency DPA. They also used tear gas and water cannons hoping to disperse the protesters who were demonstrating to demand the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, he added. Security men in civilian clothes also attacked protesters camping in the northern province of Dhamar and set ablaze a number of tents. Dozens were injured in the attack. Yemeni Interior Minister Muttahar al-Masri said a curfew and other measures to prevent a further deterioration in the situation in Yemen were still being discussed. Protesters have rejected proposals by Saleh that aim at appeasing demonstrators. His proposals include giving more power to parliament and amending the constitution in a way to meet the peoples' aspirations.   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 |  Latest news Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village  The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015.Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents.“By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.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. |
