Baku, who threatened to shoot down planes, backs out, unsupported by U.S.March 25, 2011 - 21:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - After short silence, Azeri authorities decided to respond to a stir over Baku's threats to shoot down civil planes bound for Stepanakert airport. After criticism addressed to Baku even on behalf of the U.S. who's been always supporting Azerbaijan, the Azeri Foreign Ministry spokesman Elkan Polukhov decided to make excuses, stating that “Armenian armed forces shot down civil helicopters transporting civil population and humanitarian aid.” Having realized that it has gone too far with its threats, Azerbaijan decided to back out, attempting to present its rash statements as either “justice” or revenge for mystically shot down helicopters. It may well be so that Azerbaijan became scared of its conceit, having received a clear message from Stepanakert: even an attempt at shooting down a plane bound for Karabakh will lead to unpredictable consequences, which Azerbaijan does not need to face. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |