Kerry defends decision to work with new Palestinian unity govt. June 4, 2014 - 20:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has defended Washington's decision to work with a new Palestinian unity government, saying none of its ministers has ties to the Islamic militant group Hamas, the Associated Press reported. Israel wants the West to shun the technocrat government backed by rivals Hamas and Fatah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is troubled by the U.S. decision not to cut ties. Hamas is blacklisted as a terror organization by the West. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of Fatah, has said the new Cabinet will follow his Western-backed policies. Kerry said during a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday, June 4 that the Cabinet "does not include any ministers that are affiliated with Hamas," adding that "we will work with it as ... is appropriate." Photo: AP 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 |  Latest 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 |
