2 Germans seized, released in Lebanon November 2, 2013 - 12:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kidnappers briefly seized two Germans in the Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, but they were later released, the Associated Press reports. A Lebanese security official said the two were freed at dawn Saturday, Nov 2, after being captured Thursday evening. He did not say how they were released. The official spoke anonymously on Saturday in line with regulations. Lebanon's state news agency said a Lebanese soldier was killed in a firefight to arrest the kidnappers. Lebanon's Bekaa Valley is dominated by powerful armed clans who often use hostage-taking as a method of resolving conflicts. Lebanon is facing a growing phenomenon of businessmen being held hostage for cash. But it's unusual for foreigners to be seized, the AP says. The last major incident was in March 2011, when seven Estonian bike riders were abducted. They were released four months later. Related links:   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 |  Latest news About 173 million drams and more than 30 beneficiary funds. "The Power of One Dram" is 4 years old  In June 2020, the exclusive joint corporate social responsibility initiative of Idram and IDBank "The Power of One Dram" was launched.CSTO budget “to be adjusted due to Yerevan’s non-payment of contributions” The CSTO budget for the current year requires adjustments due to the refusal of Yerevan to pay their share of contributions.Russia sends note of protest to Armenia over envoy’s trip to Ukraine’s Bucha Russia has sent a note of protest to Armenia over the visit of Vladimir Karapetyan and Tigran Ter-Margaryan to Bucha.Armenia: Protesters march to parliament, some spend the night on street The protesters did not disperse despite heavy rain that began at around 2 a.m. local time. |
