U.S. official brands Assange as vandalFebruary 9, 2011 - 15:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A senior U.S. government official has branded the WikiLeaks disclosures an "act of vandalism". Speaking in Brussels, Philip Verveer strongly refuted claims by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his supporters that he was acting in he public interest in publishing thousands of confidential diplomatic cables. Verveer, U.S. coordinator for international communication and information policy, said of the revelations, "This was not an act of conscience but an act of vandalism." He said that many of the disclosures were "truly harmful" to "many individuals", including both private citizens and those in public office. His comments come as Assange currently faces possible extradition from the UK, where he lives, to Sweden. "It is not a case of whistleblowing, but feels more like vandalism," said Verveer, who is responsible for coordinating all U.S. telecoms and internet policy over a broad range of issues, the Parliament reported. 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 | Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Armenia says ready to extend nuclear plant’s lifetime by 10 years Armenia has taken necessary measures to extend the lifetime of its nuclear power plant until 2036. 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. |