Thousands march in Dublin to protest austerity budgetNovember 24, 2012 - 22:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - About 10,000 socialist protesters have marched through Dublin Saturday, Nov 24, in opposition to government plans to unveil Ireland's sixth straight austerity budget next month, The Associated Press reported. The protest filled the major boulevard, O'Connell Street, with marchers from across Ireland. Many bore banners denouncing government leaders and vowing not to pay new and future tax hikes. A few came dressed as Santa Claus and bore signs claiming the government was about to steal Christmas. Ireland is committed to annual cuts and tax hikes through at least 2015 as part of its austerity program, begun in 2009, to combat yawning deficits and fund a colossally expensive bank rescue program. Ireland faced national bankruptcy in 2010 and was forced to negotiate an international bailout. Those European Union-International Monetary Fund loans run out next year. 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 | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |