UAE releases 103 Egyptian prisoners to ease tensionsApril 29, 2013 - 20:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Arab Emirates is releasing more than 100 Egyptian prisoners in a gesture toward easing strained ties over political crackdowns on groups allegedly linked to Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, AP reported. The releases do not appear to include those held as part of recent arrests linked to political opposition, including more than a dozen Egyptians. Others in custody include UAE citizens charged with coup plotting and suspected ties to groups such as the Brotherhood, which now governs Egypt. Egyptian officials have complained strongly about the accusations. The official WAM news agency says UAE President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ordered the release Monday, April 29 of 103 Egyptian inmates. The prisoners were jailed for financial violations and other crimes, suggesting none of the politically linked detainees are in the group. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. Second round of Armenia-Azerbaijan talks set for May 11 The second round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will take place on May 11. About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. |