British judge opens inquiry into former Russian agent deathJuly 31, 2014 - 17:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A British judge has opened an inquiry into the death of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko, saying the central question is whether the Russian state ordered the killing, the Associated Press reports. Litvinenko died in London in 2006 after drinking tea laced with radioactive polonium-210. On his deathbed, Litvinenko accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of responsibility. An inquest stalled over authorities' reluctance to disclose secret intelligence evidence. But this month — amid growing tensions with Moscow over violence in Ukraine — Britain announced a public inquiry into the death. Opening the inquiry on Thursday, Judge Robert Owen said some hearings would be held in private to hear sensitive evidence. But he said "I intend to make public my final conclusions on the issue of Russian state responsibility." Hearings are expected to start in January. Related links: 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |