Syria regime expanding use of banned cluster bombs, report saysMarch 16, 2013 - 11:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - An international human rights group says the Syrian regime is expanding its use of widely banned cluster bombs in attacks on residential areas, AP reported. Such bombs open in flight, scattering smaller bomblets. They pose a threat to civilians long afterwards since many don't explode immediately. Human Rights Watch said Saturday, March 16 that at least 156 cluster bombs were used in 119 locations across Syria in the past six months. It says two strikes in the past two weeks killed 11 civilians, including two women and five children. The group says it based the report on field investigations and analysis of more than 450 amateur videos. The Syria conflict was sparked by an uprising against President Bashar Assad that turned into a civil war. Long deadlocked, it entered its third year Saturday. 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 | 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. Armenia coach expects good football in Slovenia friendly The Armenian national team has left for Ljubljana a friendly match against Slovenia on June 4. |