Syrian troops reportedly fighting rebels over prisonJanuary 29, 2013 - 15:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Activists say Syrian troops are fighting rebels over a government intelligence complex and a major prison where opposition figures are reportedly being held in the oil-rich east of the country. According to The Associated Press, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said clashes are taking place in the city of Deir el-Zour, along the border with Iraq. The Observatory said the rebels now control most of the government complex, including the prison, from which they have freed at least 11 opposition figures. It isn't clear if the freed people are fighters or activists. Deir el-Zour has been the scene of heavy fighting during nearly two years of conflict. The aid group Doctors Without Borders said last month the city is being shelled and bombed by government forces almost daily. 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 | Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. IDBank, Dalma team up for Caucasian Deer Reintroduction Program IDBank has joined Dalma Garden Mall’s Green Challenge to support the Caucasian red deer reintroduction project. Through Ucom’s support the 12th Sunchild Festival concludes On May 24-28, with the support of Ucom, the 12th international environmental festival Sunchild took place in Yerevan. U.S., Turkey emphasize importance of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal Jake Sullivan and Akif Cagatay Kilic have discussed the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. |