UK suspends aid to Rwanda amid DRC concernsNovember 30, 2012 - 20:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UK has suspended aid to Rwanda, amid concerns about the country's role in the conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo, BBC News reported. Ministers said the UK would not now release a payment worth £21m. An aid payment of £16m was paid to Rwanda in September despite question marks over its alleged support for the M23 militia in DR Congo. The government also said it would give a further £18m for immediate humanitarian needs in the DR Congo. International Development Secretary Justine Greening said £21m, which was due to be handed over to Rwanda next month, would not be released because President Paul Kagame's regime had breached agreements. The International Development Committee of the House of Commons (IDC) welcomed Ms Greening's announcement but said the UK should continue to provide to Rwanda's poor "via other means". 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. |