Al-Qaeda commander says no merger with other groups in SyriaMay 18, 2018 - 17:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Commander of an al-Qaeda-linked group in Syria denied reports about the group’s intention to dissolve and merge with other rebel factions in Syria’s north, Al-Masdar News reports. In a speech delivered after Friday prayers, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani told a congregation that all reports about creating a merger with any other group – including Faylaq al-Sham – are farce and untrue. “The organizational structure of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham is something not to be negotiated or bargained about outside the HTS circle of leadership”, he said. Unconfirmed reports circulated recently stated that Turkey is seeking to create a new rebel alliance which includes all FSA-affiliated groups in northern Syria such as Free Idlib Army, Jaish al-Izza, Jaish al-Nasser, 1st Coastal Division, as well as Faylaq al-Sham which is expected to lead the alliance. Yesterday, Turkey has set up the 12th and last observation post in the west countryside of Idlib province as per Astana peace talks. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |