Gaddafi accepts AU peace proposal to end conflictApril 11, 2011 - 14:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - South African President Jacob Zuma says the Libyan government has accepted an African Union peace proposal to end the eight-week-old conflict. Mr Zuma's AU delegation met Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli on April 10. An AU team is going to the eastern rebel stronghold of Benghazi. But rebel spokesmen said there could be no truce unless Col Gaddafi stepped down and his forces withdrew. In Ajdabiya, pro-Gaddafi forces have pushed back rebels in fierce fighting. NATO says its planes destroyed 25 government tanks on April 10 alone. The alliance said it had "taken note" of the AU initiative and welcomed efforts to save Libyan civilians, BBC reported. The AU deal's main points are: an immediate ceasefire; the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid; protection of foreign nationals; a dialogue between the government and rebels on a political settlement; the suspension of NATO airstrikes. 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |