Top Syrian official from Assad’s inner circle flees to TurkeyJuly 6, 2012 - 16:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A member of Syrian president Bashar Assad's inner circle has defected, a western official has revealed. Sources said Brigadier General Manaf Tlass, a member of the elite Republican Guards and the son of a former defense minister, has abandoned the regime, Belfast Telegraph said. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and other opposition websites claim Brig Gen Tlaas fled to Turkey. The defection is a fresh blow to Mr Assad just as the US and its European partners threaten new sanctions, while the opposition urges military intervention. Brig Gen Tlass's departure comes as around diplomats meet in Paris at a so-called Friends of Syria conference, aimed at bolstering the Syrian resistance and pressing Syria's allies to discuss transition strategies after 16 months of brutal crackdowns and civil war. The US and its European partners are threatening new sanctions on Mr Assad's regime if he does not act on a new peace plan, but the fractured Syrian opposition is seeking quick military actions instead. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |