Bryza stands up for potential revolutionists in AzerbaijanMarch 11, 2011 - 17:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union expressed concern over Azerbaijan's arrest of young democracy activists trying to organise a nationwide day of protest through the Facebook social network. The EU delegation in Baku said in a statement it was "concerned" over the "increasing number of reports of arrests of youth activists in the country." The "Great People's Day in Azerbaijan," called for March 11, is an attempt by activists in the tightly controlled Muslim-majority country to latch on to the mood of revolt sweeping through the Arab world. But the authorities have made clear they will not tolerate even small-scale unsanctioned protests and have arrested leading activists on what the opposition claims are spurious charges. Five young activists have been arrested so far, prompting Amnesty International to urge Azerbaijan to "stop this crackdown immediately and allow activists to organize peaceful protests." The U.S. ambassador to the former Soviet republic, Matthew Bryza, said he would "continue to monitor closely" the cases. The group's page on Facebook, the online social networking site used extensively in the revolt that toppled Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, says "we are on the road of democracy and intend to follow this road till the end." "By clicking 'I am attending' you are simply showing your support for the Azerbaijani cause online." Some 4,135 people had confirmed their attendance by March 11 morning, EUbusiness 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 | About 173 million drams and more than 30 beneficiary funds. "The Power of One Dram" is 4 years old In June 2020, the exclusive joint corporate social responsibility initiative of Idram and IDBank "The Power of One Dram" was launched. CSTO budget “to be adjusted due to Yerevan’s non-payment of contributions” The CSTO budget for the current year requires adjustments due to the refusal of Yerevan to pay their share of contributions. Russia sends note of protest to Armenia over envoy’s trip to Ukraine’s Bucha Russia has sent a note of protest to Armenia over the visit of Vladimir Karapetyan and Tigran Ter-Margaryan to Bucha. Armenia: Protesters march to parliament, some spend the night on street The protesters did not disperse despite heavy rain that began at around 2 a.m. local time. |