WikiLeaks: Washington secretly financed Syrian oppositionApril 18, 2011 - 21:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A respected U.S. newspaper claims Washington has been secretly financing the Syrian opposition, just as reports emerged of more deadly clashes between Syrian forces and antigovernment protesters. The Washington Post reported on April 18 that the U.S. Department of State had funneled about $6 million to Syrian opposition circles since 2006, much of which was used to run the London-based satellite channel Barada TV. Barada TV began broadcasting in April 2009 but recently expanded its operations to cover the mass protests against President Bashar al-Assad that erupted last month in Syria. Citing previously undisclosed diplomatic cables provided by WikiLeaks, The Washington Post said the first funds for the Syrian opposition were transferred under President George W. Bush after the United States froze its ties with Damascus in 2005. The money reportedly continued to flow under current President Barack Obama despite his administration's efforts to repair ties with Assad. According to the newspaper, it is unclear whether the United States now still funds Syrian opposition groups. The article cites a diplomatic cable signed by the top-ranking U.S. diplomat in Damascus at the time warning that Syrian authorities "would undoubtedly view any U.S. funds going to illegal political groups as tantamount to supporting regime change." The article said the U.S. Department of State had declined to comment on the authenticity of the leaked cables or its alleged funding of Barada TV, according to RFE/RL. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |