Iran says Syria chemical weapons ‘read line’ but urges rebel probeApril 30, 2013 - 18:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Foreign Minister is insisting that use of chemical weapons in Syria would also be a "red line" for Tehran, but suggests rebel forces should be investigated rather than the Islamic Republic's allies in Damascus, according to The Associated Press. Ali Akbar Salehi's comments reflect the deep divide between Tehran and the West over Syria's civil war. Iran remains loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad despite recent suspicions that his forces used chemical agents. The semiofficial ISNA news agency quotes Salehi as saying Tuesday, April 30 that the use of chemical weapons "by anybody is our red line." But he claimed opposition groups could have used chemical agents and demanded a UN probe. Last week, Washington said it had "varying degrees of confidence" that pro-Assad forces used small amounts of the nerve agent sarin against rebels. 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |