Russian trucks arrive in Syria to take out chemical weaponsDecember 19, 2013 - 13:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The first batch of Russian trucks to be used for transporting Syria’s chemical weapons for subsequent destruction have arrived in the Syrian city of Latakia, the Russian ambassador said. “Nine flights were performed today, and more will follow,” Ambassador Azamat Kulmukhametov said, according to RIA Novosti. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), an international watchdog overseeing the disarmament effort in war-torn Syria, said earlier in the day that Russia would send 65 trucks, as well as water tanks and other logistical supplies to the country. Moscow is also ready to provide security for cargo operations at the port of Latakia and in Syrian territorial waters while weapons stocks are transferred to a U.S. navy ship that will neutralize the chemicals. The transfer of Russians vehicles and equipment is due to be completed by year-end. Russia is among many countries assisting the disarmament effort in Syria. The operation to destroy Syria’s arsenal of more than 1,000 metric tons of weapons-grade chemicals is due to take place in two stages. The most dangerous weapons have to be removed from Syria by the end of December and destroyed at sea by April, the rest is slated for destruction by mid-2014. 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 | 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. |