Syria's Assad pledges to rebuild Deir ez-Zor Armenian churchJanuary 18, 2019 - 16:33 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor will be rebuilt with state funds, according to a pledge given by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The announcement was made after President Assad meet with Armenian businessmen. According to the businessmen, the Syrian government intends to prioritize programs to those countries who stood with the government throughout the war, International Christian Concern. The Armenian Genocide Memorial Church was consecrated in 1991 and commemorates the victims of the Genocide committed by the Ottoman Empire (modern day Turkey) against ethnic Christians. Many of these victims had fled to Syria. A museum within the church contained the bones of several massacre victims. ISIS destroyed the church in September 2014 as part of their own genocide against Christians. Armenia has hosted more than 20,000 refugees from Syria since the beginning of the civil war in the Middle Eastern country. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |