Russia’s Aeroflot to halt Damascus flightsJuly 23, 2012 - 18:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian flag carrier Aeroflot will next month stop its flights between Moscow and the Syrian capital Damascus, where rebels are waging a 16-month battle to oust President Bashar al-Assad, Reuters said. "As of 6th of August we will stop flights to Damascus due to low demand," an official at Aeroflot's press office said. The company operates two flights from Moscow and two from Damascus each week. Russia, one of Syria's few remaining allies, has blunted Western efforts to force Assad to step aside to end the deepening violence. 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 | Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. Iran’s Red Crescent sends aid to Armenia’s flood-hit regions The Iranian Red Crescent Society has sent humanitarian aid to the victims of deadly floods that hit northern Armenia on May 25-26. Putin congratulates Pashinyan’s birthday Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his birthday on June 1. Opposition motorcade en route to Gyumri for large rally A motorcade of protesters headed by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan is heading to the city of Gyumri. |