Syrian activists report fierce clashes in AleppoJuly 29, 2012 - 12:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian activists say regime forces are shelling districts of Aleppo as fierce clashes continue on the ground for control of the key northern city, according to AP. Aleppo-based activist Mohammed Saeed says the shelling is most intense in the southwestern neighborhoods of Salaheddine and Saif al-Dawla, some of the first areas seized by the rebels when they started last week a push to take over the city after being routed from the capital Damascus. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported heavy fighting and explosions in Aleppo Sunday, July 29. The government said security agents were hunting down armed groups in Salaheddine. The state-run news agency SANA quoted an Aleppo official as saying that troops would continue to pursue "terrorists" until the city is "purged" of armed groups. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |