Merkel says Israel has obligation to protect its citizensNovember 21, 2012 - 17:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Wednesday, Nov 21, for solidarity with Israel in its conflict with Hamas and said the Jewish state had both the right and the obligation to protect its citizens against the rocket attacks from Gaza, Reuters reported. "I don't think we can imagine, if we're not there, what it means to be always in fear of being fired at with your family," Merkel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament. "That is why I say emphatically that there is the right to defend the population and the Israeli state has this right, and this duty," she said. On Wednesday, Israeli air strikes shook Gaza and Palestinian rockets hit across the border as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton continued to pursue a truce. Merkel renewed her appeal for a rapid ceasefire and the resumption of political dialogue between the two sides. 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 | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. 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. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |