Azerbaijani authorities try to prevent opposition rally in BakuApril 17, 2011 - 16:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Baku's police have established control over central streets, parks and squares of the Azerbaijani capital. Baku's police have established control over central streets, parks and squares of the Azerbaijani capital with respect to the opposition rally planned for April 17 to demand democratic reforms in the country. The police also take measures to hamper participation of opposition activists in the rally in Baku and Sumgait. The Azerbaijani opposition's demands remain unchanged - resignation of the government, dismissal of the parliament and organization of new elections, struggle against corruption, release of political prisoners, freedom of media. On the eve of the rally, Amnesty International human rights organization urged the Azerbaijani authorities to prevent the police from cracking down on rally participants, Caucasian Knot 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 | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |