U.S. State Department: Iran helping Syria quell anti-government protestsApril 15, 2011 - 12:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. State Department said on April 14 it has credible information that Iran is helping the Syrian government quell anti-government protests. Meanwhile a top U.S. diplomat is returning to Bahrain to try to ease a conflict between authorities and protestors there. At a news briefing, State Department Acting Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said while the Iranian government has “obvious problems” with its own human rights record, it continues to play a meddling role in the region. “We believe that there is credible information that Iran is assisting Syria," said Toner. "I’m not going to get into details about that material assistance, but it’s of real concern to us.” Toner said if the Syrian government, which has spoken of its interest in reform, is turning to Iran for help, it “can’t be very serious” about it, VOA reported. As the same time, he called Iran’s encouragement of Arab protest movements, especially in Egypt and Bahrain, “hypocritical” though he said U.S. officials have not seen any indications that Iran is playing an “active role” in helping the mainly-Shiite Bahrain protest movement. 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. |