UN says violence in Iraq killed over 5,500 civilians in 2014July 18, 2014 - 14:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Nations says violence in Iraq has killed more than 5,500 civilians over the first six months of 2014, according to the Associated Press. That time period corresponds with an offensive by the Islamic State extremist group and other Sunni militants that has overrun a huge chunk of northern and western Iraq. In a report released Friday, the UN mission to Iraq said that at least 5,576 civilians were killed and another 11,665 wounded in Iraq since the beginning of the year. In all of 2013, the UN reported just over 7,800 civilians killed. That was the highest annual death toll in years. The new report also documents human rights violations by the Islamic State group as well as Iraqi security forces and associated groups. Related links: 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. |