Syrian rebels, govt. forces agree on truce near HomsMay 24, 2014 - 16:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian activists say rebel fighters and government forces have agreed to a truce in an opposition-held area near the central city of Homs, the Associated Press reported. A Syrian activist who uses the name Thaer Khalidiya and another who uses the name Abu Yasin al-Homsi said on Saturday, May 24, that the truce will enable the two sides to negotiate an agreement for the rebels to leave al-Waar, an area across the Orontes River from Homs. The two activists say the truce began on Friday. In early May, an agreement that began with a truce ultimately allowed for the evacuation of hundreds of rebels from opposition-held parts of Old Homs. Forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad are trying to seize rebel-held parts of major urban centers before June 3 presidential elections. Photo: Reuters 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |