20 Syrians reported captured in LebanonAugust 15, 2012 - 17:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Family members of a Lebanese man held by Syrian rebels say they have captured more than 20 Syrians and will hold them until their relative is freed, AP reported. The Lebanese prisoner Hassane Salim al-Mikdad appeared in a video released by rebels saying he is a member of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite militant group allied with Iran and Syria. He said he was sent to Syria to fight with regime forces. Hezbollah denied al-Mikdad is a member and the family says he has been living in Syria for more than a year. Abu Ali al-Mikdad, a relative, told reporters in Beirut Wednesday, August 15 that they have abducted "more than 20 Syrians" including a senior member of the Free Syrian Army rebel group. The latest development shows that Syria's violence could easily spillover to Lebanon, where there are deep divisions between supporters and opponents of Assad's regime. 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 petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |