Iran detains members of Azeri separatist group on espionage chargesJune 24, 2016 - 10:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iranian authorities detained six members of an Azeri separatist group on espionage charges in the country's northwest, state-owned IRAN newspaper reported on Thursday, June 23, according to the Associated Press. The report said the suspects gathered "classified military and economic documents and handed them over to enemies." It says they were members of the "Gamo" separatist group in East Azerbaijan province. The paper didn't elaborate how the suspects obtained access to classified information. Many Iranian leaders are Azeri or have Azeri roots, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has final say on all state matters. Also Thursday, Iranian media quoted a local official in the southwestern province of Khuzestan as saying that authorities killed and detained several people suspected of sabotage and terrorism recently. The report didn't provide other details, AP says. And on Tuesday, Iran said 10 "terrorists" were arrested in the capital, Tehran, and three border provinces. The announcement came a day after authorities said that security forces had broken up one of the biggest terrorist plots ever on its soil, AP says. According to the statement, the suspects planned to carry out suicide attacks and other bombings in parts of the Iranian capital. Photo. Morteza Nikoubazl/Reuters 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |