France ‘concerned’ over Russian delivery of S-300 system to SyriaOctober 8, 2018 - 14:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The French Foreign Ministry held a question and answer session on Monday, October 8 afternoon to discuss the ongoing developments in Syria. Among questions raised was whether France is worried about the recent news regarding Russia’s delivery of the S-300 air defense system to the Syria, Al-Masdar News reports. A Spokesperson for Foreign Ministry said France is ‘concerned’ over the development, as they blame the Syrian government for the downing of the Russian aircraft on September 17. “France is concerned by Russia’s delivery of sophisticated anti-aircraft capacities benefiting the Syrian regime,” the spokesperson said. “This delivery comes a few days after a serious incident caused by the Syrian anti-aircraft defense that took the lives of 15 Russian soldiers,” they continued. The French Foreign Ministry would add that “Russia’s delivery of such equipment is contributing to the risk of a military escalation and to undermining prospects for a political resolution to the Syrian crisis. Last week, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the first delivery of the S-300 air defense system to the Syrian government. The move by the Russian Federation comes in response to the downing of their IL-20 aircraft off the coast of Syria on September 17. The Russian Federation held Israel responsible for the downing of the aircraft, as they believe the F-16 fighter jet used their reconnaissance plane for cover. 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. |