Non-lethal chemical weapons used against Syria rebels – French paperJanuary 20, 2013 - 15:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian forces used non-lethal chemical weapons against rebels in the town of Homs in late December, according to intelligence service sources cited by French daily Le Monde on Saturday, January 19, Reuters reported. The weapons were used in four rockets fired on December 23, according to unnamed sources in Western intelligence services cited by the newspaper. Le Monde suggested Western powers played down an isolated event in the hope it would not be repeated. Le Monde quoted French Foreign Ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot as having told it that the matter had been investigated but that the checks did not produce evidence. A French diplomatic source contacted by Reuters said Lalliot's response to Le Monde remained the official line. Le Monde said Western powers had previously warned that recourse to chemical weapons could force them into action in a deadly conflict where President Bashar al Assad has used troops to crush an uprising now nearly two years old "We checked this out, closely, and notably the videos that were circulating. We cannot say that combat gas or any lethal chemical products were deployed," Le Monde quoted Lalliot as having told it of the chemical weapons reports. The diplomatic source contacted by Reuters said this was and remained the case. The United Nations says 60,000 have been killed in the 22-month-old conflict. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |