Syria’s Assad appoints new Prime MinisterJune 6, 2012 - 18:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria's president has appointed a new prime minister following last month's parliamentary elections, Belfast Telegraph reported. Riad Farid Hijab, a member of the ruling Baath party, was previously Syria's agriculture minister. President Bashar Assad touted the May 7 elections as an example of the reforms he is bringing to the country. But the opposition boycotted the vote and said it was orchestrated by the regime to strengthen Assad's grip on power. 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |