Kerry defends decision to work with new Palestinian unity govt.June 4, 2014 - 20:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has defended Washington's decision to work with a new Palestinian unity government, saying none of its ministers has ties to the Islamic militant group Hamas, the Associated Press reported. Israel wants the West to shun the technocrat government backed by rivals Hamas and Fatah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is troubled by the U.S. decision not to cut ties. Hamas is blacklisted as a terror organization by the West. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of Fatah, has said the new Cabinet will follow his Western-backed policies. Kerry said during a visit to Lebanon on Wednesday, June 4 that the Cabinet "does not include any ministers that are affiliated with Hamas," adding that "we will work with it as ... is appropriate." Photo: AP 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |