U.S. lawmakers call for tougher measures against Iran, SyriaOctober 15, 2011 - 12:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Senior Democratic and Republican lawmakers issued a unified call Friday for tougher measures against Iran and Syria, warning that news of an alleged Iranian assassination plot in the United States is indicative of a political movement increasingly unconstrained by international norms and values. According to CNN, Congressmen from both parties expressed fear that time is running out in the fight to stop Tehran from building nuclear weapons. Appearing before members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, senior State and Treasury department officials insisted the Obama administration has been significantly ratcheting up pressure on Tehran and Damascus, and promised to take further steps as warranted. "The Iranian and Syrian governments continue their current behavior at ever-increasing risk of isolation," said Wendy Sherman, under secretary of state for political affairs. "Our actions to counter their domestic, regional, and international belligerency are unmistakably escalating the cost of doing business as usual for both countries." The United States and its allies are "making progress in both Iran and Syria," insisted David Cohen, Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Despite the recent imposition of a host of new economic sanctions, all options "are on the table" and "we will continue (to develop) new and innovative ways" to punish the two governments if they fail to change, he said. 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 | Exclusive access to all EURO 2024 games for Ucom subscribers This year once again Ucom stands as the primary partner of UEFA EURO 2024 in Armenia. Pashinyan congratulates Putin on Russia Day Nikol Pashinyan sent congratulatory messages to Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Mishustin on the occasion of Russia Day. Armenia, U.S. to upgrade Strategic Dialogue meeting to Strategic Partnership Commission The two governments have release a statement on the occasion of the U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialogue Capstone meeting. Azerbaijan complains to Germany about Armenia's constitution Bayramov has complained about the Armenian constitution to his German counterpart Annalena Berbock. |