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Armenian presidential elections at stake after attack on candidate

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:05:42 GMT

Politics and conflicts

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Sunday, February 3, 2013

An unidentified assailant shot at politician and Armenian presidential candidate Paruyr Hayrikyan and wounded him on Thursday just before midnight on a street in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. Hayrikyan was transported to hospital and his state is stable.

The presidential elections are scheduled for February 18, although Armenian constitution allows to postpone elections for up to 40 days if any candidate is unable to participate in the race for reasons he is not responsible for.

The deputy chairman of the parliament Eduard Sharmazanov also said the act was a "provocation against democratic, free and transparent elections". A parliament speaker Hovik Abrahamyan admitted the election can be postponed.

Following a press-conference on Friday, REGNUM News Agency reported that analyst Sergei Shakariants said the attackers could have wanted to delay the elections. He said that Paruyr Hayrikyan was not expected to win, and merely removing him from the race would not change the essence of the elections; elections were the real target. Sergei Shakariants also said the attackers may want to move the elections closer to March 1 to remind the public of previous troubles on this day in 2008 when the current president, Serzh Sargsyan, was elected.

Former dissident Hayrikyan leads the National Self-determination Union, which opposes ruling president Serzh Sargsyan. Sarkisian is expected to win the elections. Together eight candidates run for election. Hayrikyan, 63, was held in prison for years under the Soviet regime and later left the country for exile, but he returned to Armenia in the 1990s. He received only a small support in the pre-election polls. He had already participated in elections in 2003 but was not elected.

Political violence is not new to the country. In 1999, eight politicians and officers, including prime minister Vazgen Sargsyan and parliament speaker Karen Demirchyan, were assassinated inside the parliament hall.

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Sources [edit]

AP, Reuters. "Armenian presidential candidate Airikian wounded in shooting" — Deutsche Welle, February 1, 2013
"Цель покушения на Айрикяна - отсрочка президентских выборов в Армении: политолог" — IA Regnum, February 1, 2013 (Russian)
Associated Press. "Gunman Wounds Presidenital Candidate in Armenia" — The New York Times, January 31, 2013
AP / Avet Demourian. "Armenia Presidential Hopeful Shot and Wounded" — Time, January 31, 2013

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Release and pardon of killer jeopardises Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:46:04 GMT

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Politics and conflicts

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Photo-collage from the '88—'94 Nagorno-Karabakh War
Image: Nicholas Babaian, Oleg Litvin, Jalpeyrie, Marshall Bagramyan.

Following Hungary's release and repatriation of convicted Azeri axe-murderer Ramil Safarov, who Azerbaijan subsequently pardoned, Armenia announced it is "ready for war".

The declaration is in-response to Safarov's pardon and promotion, despite the Azeri officer having been given a life sentence — with a minimum jail term of 30 years, by Hungarian authorities in 2006. Safarov was found guilty of the 2004 murder of Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan in Budapest, when both Safarov and Margaryan were attending a NATO Partnership for Peace programme. Safarov killed Margaryan in his sleep with an axe; the attack allegedly stemming from a desire to avenge Azeris killed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War and being mocked by Margaryan and another Armenian.

On his return home, Safarov was met with a hero's welcome, given a pardon by president Ilham Aliyev, promoted to the rank of major, awarded eight-years of back-pay and given a house. Armenia sees these acts, when it was expected that Safarov would serve out his prison term in Azerbaijan, as highly provocative.

Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian declared: "We don't want a war, but if we have to, we will fight and win. We are not afraid of killers, even if they enjoy the protection of the head of state" .

Historically both Armenia and Azerbaijan lay claim to some of the same territories, an issue complicated by the intermingling of ethnic populations so some areas have no clearly demarcated Azeri and Armenian border; these potential sources of conflict remained quiescent whilst both nations were subsumed by greater powers. However, the collapse of the Ottoman and Russian Empires in the wake of the First World War led to the Armenian–Azerbaijani War. With the demise of the short-lived Armenian-Azerbaijan-Georgia Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, fighting broke out which only ended when the two nations were annexed by the expanding Soviet Union.

With the USSR's collapse, Armenia and Azerbaijan re-emerged as independent states — as-did old rivalries over territory. Between 1988 and 1994 over thirty thousand people died, and a million were displaced in bitter ethnic fighting between Armenians and Azeris over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh; despite an Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe brokered ceasefire, no final armistice has been signed and intermittent violence between them the two states continues. Nagorno-Karabakh remains legally part of Azerbaijan, but under effective Armenian control. On multiple occasions president Ilham Aliyev has stated his willingness to resort to force in order to assert Azeri rule, with oil wealth tipping any local arms race in favour of Azerbaijan.

On Friday, The National Security Council of Armenia decided to break ties with Hungary during an emergency summit, describing the Hungarian actions as a "grave mistake". In turn, the Azeri ambassador was summoned by Hungary on Monday regarding the breach of Azeri assurances that Safarov would serve out the remainder of his sentence in Azerbaijan.

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Sources [edit]

AFP. "Armenia 'ready for war' over axe killer's pardon" — The Australian, September 4, 2012
"Armenia cuts ties with Hungary over Azerbaijan killer pardon" — BBC News Online, August 31, 2012
Andrew Andersen, PhD. "Armenia: Nation Building and Territorial Disputes 1918-1920" — Atlas of Conflicts, Accessed September 5, 2012

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2012 Paralympic Village occupied by competitors as nations ready for the Games

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 03:02:20 GMT

Sunday, August 26, 2012

London, England —

The Paralympic Village officially opened on Wednesday in London, with many nations having moved in as of Saturday in preparation for the start of the games. Press access has been limited, as Paralympic Games organisers are trying to give competitors as much privacy in the village as possible.

A Ukranian Paralympian
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of Canadian Paralympians
Image: Laura Hale.

The Irish section of the village is decorated with signs bearing pictures
Image: Laura Hale.

A member of Team Great Britain uses a mobile phone while in the Village
Image: Laura Hale.

A member of the Cuban delegation
Image: Laura Hale.

Members of the Brazilian delegation
Image: Laura Hale.

Team Canada moves in a large group around the Village
Image: Laura Hale.

Two members of Team USA (right) pass an Angolan competitor (left).
Image: Laura Hale.

An Aremenian SB5 swimmer
Image: Laura Hale.

A Cuban Paralympian in the village
Image: Laura Hale.

A sign outside the Spanish part of the Paralympic Village
Image: Laura Hale.

Two members of the Iranian delegation
Image: Laura Hale.

An Iraqi competitor and an unnamed member of the United States delegation chat
Image: Laura Hale.

McDonalds is located inside the Paralympic Dining Hall; athletes receive meals free of charge.
Image: Laura Hale.

A Team Great Britain football player
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of women from Uzbekistan
Image: Laura Hale.

Members of the Croatian delegation took out their umbrellas after it started to rain
Image: Laura Hale.

Senegal and Palestinian delegation members wait outside the gate to be officially welcomed to the Village
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of Australians walk past the Hungarian part of the Paralympic Village
Image: Laura Hale.

A pair of Colombian Paralympians are guided around the Village by two Paralympic volunteers
Image: Laura Hale.

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Sources [edit]

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

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Wikinews Shorts: January 26, 2012

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:39:44 GMT

A compilation of brief news reports for Thursday, January 26, 2012 .

1 US marine may serve no jail time for 2005 Haditha deaths
2 Turkish Prime Minister claims that French bill is: discriminatory, racist and unjust
3 Many feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide

If you believe any of these stories deserves more in-depth coverage, feel free to write a full article on the issues raised.

US marine may serve no jail time for 2005 Haditha deaths [edit]

United States Marine Corp staff sergeant Frank Wuterich, on trial for the manslaughter of 24 innocent Iraqi citizens in 2005, has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of "negligent dereliction of duty"; the result of a plea bargain, this may see Wuterich may serve no jail time.

Wuterich is one of eight marines initially charged with the Haditha killings.

"US marine spared jail over deaths of unarmed Iraqis" — The Guardian, January 25, 2012
"US marine in Haditha case 'should serve no time'" — BBC News Online, January 24, 2012

Turkish Prime Minister claims that French bill is: discriminatory, racist and unjust [edit]

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned as "discriminatory, racist and unjust" a bill passed by the French Senate criminalising denial of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

Having cleared the National Assembly in December, the bill only needs President Nicolas Sarkozy's consent to become law.

Joe Parkinson and Nadya Masidlover. "Turkey Slams France on Genocide Bill" — The Wall Street Journal, January 25, 2012
"France-Turkey Armenia 'genocide' row reflected in media" — BBC News Online, January 24, 2012

Many feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide [edit]

A landslide that struck early Tuesday morning, has engulfed a cluster of hamlets in a remote area of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Initial reports stated at least 60 people died in the disaster; however, with only four bodies recovered the authorities have now become more cautious in their estimates.

Whilst anticipating more deaths, Martin Mose of the PNG's National Disaster Center said "I am unwilling to put a number on that until I get confirmation from my team."

"Massive PNG landslide wipes out sleeping village" — Sydney Morning Herald, January 26, 2012
"Landslide Hits Papua New Guinea, 4 Dead" — Time World, January 25, 2012

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Azerbaijan win 2011 Eurovision Song Contest

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:57:51 GMT

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Eurovision Song Contest

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Eurovision Song Contest

The Esprit Arena, the venue for the contest

Azerbaijan has won the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, Germany. Duo Ell & Nikki, which consists of Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal, won the contest with 221 points after their performence of Running Scared. This is the first time that Azerbaijan has won the contest, they first appeared in 2008. Italy took second place and Sweden finished third.

Commenting on their country's win the pair said "the one thing we want to say is, we just love you. Thank you for your support". Gasimov continued to say that he was "the happiest man in the world".

Azerbaijan received the maximum of 12 points from three countries, Russia, Turkey, and Malta.

Ukraine came fourth in the contest and fifth place went to Denmark. Switzerland came in last with 19 points. Host and last year's winner Germany finished in tenth place. Other countries that participated in the final include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Ireland, Georgia, the United Kingdom, Moldova, Slovenia, Serbia, France, Russia, Romania, Austria, Lithuania, Iceland, Finland, Hungary, Spain, and Estonia.

Two semi-final heats were held in the days before the final to determine which acts would proceed to the final. Greece and Sweden won the semi-finals with 133 and 155 points. The countries that failed to make it to the final are Malta, Armenia, Turkey, Albania, Croatia, San Marino, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Belgium, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Belarus, Israel, F.Y.R Macedonia, Latvia, Cyprus, and the Netherlands

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Sources [edit]

"Eurovision Song Contest 2011 Final" — Eurovision, May 14, 2011
"Azerbaijan wins the Eurovision Song Contest" — BBC News Online, May 15, 2011
"Winner's Press Conference: "We want to bring Europe together"" — Eurovision.tv, May 15, 2011
"Eurovision 2011: Semifinals results revealed" — ESC Today, May 15, 2011

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World's oldest leather shoe found in Armenia

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:32:56 GMT

Friday, June 11, 2010

Armenia

Sources [edit]

Wikipedia has more about this subject:

Armenian shoe

"'Oldest leather shoe' discovered" — BBC News, June 10, 2010
Kate Ravilious. "World's Oldest Leather Shoe Found—Stunningly Preserved" — National Geographic, June 9, 2010
Ron Pinhasi, Boris Gasparian, Gregory Areshian, Diana Zardaryan, Alexia Smith, Guy Bar-Oz, Thomas Higham. "First Direct Evidence of Chalcolithic Footwear from the Near Eastern Highlands" — PLoS ONE, June 9, 2010
"World's Oldest Shoes In Oregon -- 10,000-Year-Old Sandals Found In 1938 Among 70 Pairs Unearthed Within Cave" — The Seattle Times, December 1, 1999

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Turkey recalls ambassador to Sweden over "genocide" vote

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:22:47 GMT

Friday, March 12, 2010

Turkey

Sources [edit]

Wikipedia has more about this subject:

Denial of the Armenian Genocide

"Turkey recalls envoy to Sweden over Armenia vote" — Reuters, March 11, 2010
"Turkey protests Sweden Armenia 'genocide' vote" — BBC News Online, March 11, 2010

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US Congressional panel claims Turkey committed genocide

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:16:26 GMT

Friday, March 5, 2010

Turkey

Sources [edit]

"Turkey recalls Ambassador after US vote on Armenia 'genocide'" — Times Online, March 4, 2010
"US Congress panel accuses Turkey of Armenian 'genocide'" — BBC News Online, March 4, 2010

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Turkey and Armenia sign historic agreement

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:09:44 GMT

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Turkey

Sources [edit]

"Armenia and Turkey normalise ties" — BBC News online, October 10, 2009
"Armenia, Turkey sign historic agreement" — CNN, October 10, 2009
"Distrust mars Turkey–Armenia deal" — Euronews, October 10, 2009
"Turkey–Armenia ink historic accord" — Al Jazeera, October 10, 2009

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Armenia to send military forces to Afghanistan

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:47:53 GMT

Friday, July 24, 2009

Armenia

Sources [edit]

"Armenia to send forces to Afghanistan this year" — Armenian Reporter, July 24, 2009
"Armenia Expects NATO Offers on Afghan Contingent Deployment" — Asbarez, July 23, 2009
Harutiunian, Sarkis. "Armenia Expects NATO Offers on Afghan Contingent Deployment" — Armenia Liberty, July 23, 2009
"Armenia to send forces to Afghanistan this year" — CTV News, July 21, 2009

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Swedish wrestler throws away Olympic bronze medal, leaves

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:24:37 GMT

Friday, August 15, 2008

Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games

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Ara Abrahamian, an Armenian-born wrestler from Sweden, received a bronze medal in the 84kg class of Greco-Roman wrestling. During the award ceremony on Thursday, Abrahamian stepped down from the podium, took off his medal and dropped it onto the wrestling mat. He then angrily left and was later quoted as saying "I don’t care about this medal. I wanted gold."

Abrahamian was upset about a decision in his semi-final loss to eventual gold medal winner Andrea Minguzzi from Italy. His coach, Leo Myllari, seemed to agree that he had been unfairly treated by the judges. "It's all politics," Myllari said, though he did not indicate if he was going to file an official protest.

	I don’t care about this medal. I wanted gold.
—Ara Abrahamian

Abrahamian participated in the bronze-medal bout, but only after friends pleaded with him. "I decided that I had come this far and didn't want to let them down, so I wrestled," said Abrahamian. "This will be my last match. I wanted to take gold, so I consider this Olympics a failure," the 33-year-old Swede said. Abrahamian won a silver medal back in the 2004 summer olympics in Athens.

"Certainly one can always question decisions made in the course of refereeing, but in sports it is appropriate to show sportsmanship and accept the results," said gold-winner Minguzzi, who was unhappy that his celebration was spoiled.

The International Olympic Committee said there will be a disciplinary hearing.

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Sources [edit]

Douglas Hamilton. "Angry Swede throws down medal, quits" — Thomson Reuters, August 14, 2008
"Swedish wrestler throws away Olympic medal" — CNN, August 14, 2008
Andy Hooper. "Swedish wrestler Ara Abrahamian vows to quit after throwing away Olympic medal" — The Daily Telegraph, August 14, 2008

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Cargo plane crash in Sudan leaves seven dead with one survivor

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:09:51 GMT

Sunday, June 29, 2008

A file photo of a Russian An-12 in commercial use

An Antonov An-12 has crashed North of Upper Nile State capital Malakal, Sudan. Seven crewmembers were killed but an eighth escaped injury.

The aircraft, owned and operated by Juba Air Cargo, had departed Khartoum International Airport at 5:55 am (0255 GMT) and was an hour and ten minutes into its flight towards Juba Airport. Juba is the capital of Southern Sudan.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesman Abdel Hafiz spoke with AFP, and told them "One person survived out of eight. His name is Mohamed Hamza, a Sudanese. Two Sudanese were among the dead (as were) four from Ukraine and one from Armenia," he said, adding "A thunderstorm hit the plane, as the survivor said, one of the crew. This apparently is the cause. The survivor is not injured but was taken to hospital (as a precaution)."

Those killed were removed from the wreckage and flown back to a Khartoum morgue.

The Sudan Media Centre (SMC), which is thought to be tied to the intelligence services, said the aircraft had returned to Sudan recently after major maintenance work in the United Arab Emirates. The SMC also agreed with he nationalities of the deceased, adding that one of the Sudanese was the pilot-in-command.

It said the surviving air operations officer had said the plane was struck twice by lightning. It also said the plane had been talking to Air Traffic Control in Khartoum at the time to request permission to reduce altitude to avoid the worst of the storm.

Major General Abdubaker Jafar, manager of the CAA, was quoted by the SMC as praising the quick emergency response, which was conducted with three helicopters owned by local companies.

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Sources [edit]

"7 killed following crash of Cargo plane near Sudan’s Malakal" — Sudan Tribune, June 28, 2008
"Plane crash in southern Sudan kills 7, 1 survivor" — Associated Press, June 28, 2008
"Seven killed in Sudan cargo plane crash" — Agence France-Presse, June 28, 2008

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Dima Bilan wins the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest for Russia

Sun, 25 May 2008 12:56:47 GMT

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Russia

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Dima Bilan has won the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, the 53rd, for Russia with his song Believe. The song was developed by US R&B artist Timbaland. The song won the competition with 272 points; 42 points ahead of Ukraine's Ani Lorak in second place with 230 points for the song Shady Lady. Third was Kalomira for Greece with Secret Combination The voting for the competition came from 43 countries across Europe, but with 25 countries competing, the others having failed to get through the semi finals. Russia has never won the contest before, Bilan having come second in 2006, losing out to Finnish hard rock band Lordi with Hard Rock Halellujah.

Dima Bilan (centre) performing in the first semi final of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest
Image: Daniel Aragay.

Furtherdown the scale Germany's No Angels with Disapear, Poland's Isis Gee with For Life and the United Kingdom's Andy Abraham with Even If came joint last with 14 points. Fourth last was Teräsbetoni, a Finnish heavy metal band performing in their native language with Missä Mihet Ratsastaa (Where Men Ride). Sweden's Charlotte Perrelli had been predicted to repeat her 1999 victory, this time with Hero, but also received a low score.

There was an estimated 100 million television viewers from across Europe.

UK commentator Terry Wogan has garnered significant media attention for criticising the contest live towards the end of the broadcast for being overly political. "It's a disappointment, considering that Andy Abraham gave, I think, the performance of his life with a song that certainly deserved more marks than it got when you look at the points that Spain got, that Bosnia-Herzegovina got - some really ridiculous songs," he said. "You have to say that this is no longer a music contest... I have to decide whether we (himself and his producer, who already announced he wanted to leave) want to do this again. Western European participants have to decide whether they want to take part from here on in, because their prospects are poor." He called the contest "political".

Spain was represented by Rodolfo Chikilicuatre with Baila el Chiki Chiki (Dance the Chiki Chiki) and Bosnia and Herzegovina by Elvir Laković Laka with Pokušaj (try).

Bilan, who received the maximum 12 points from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus and Armenia, all of which are former Soviet countries, was sent a telegram from Putin to congratulate him after his victory. Mevedev also contacted him later by phone to congratulate him. "Russia is the favorite now, it's just tearing everybody up — in basketball, football, hockey, and Eurovision!" commented champion figure skater Evgeni Plushenko, who had joined Bilan onstage to skate as part of the winning performance. He is now also a politician.

Next year's contest will be held in Russia.

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Sources [edit]

Wikipedia has more about this subject:

Eurovision 2008

"Medvedev, Putin congratulate Bilan on Eurovision win: "One more triumph for all Russia"" — International Herald Tribune, May 25, 2008
"UK land at dismal last place in Eurovision as Wogan warns he may quit 'political' contest" — Daily Mail, May 25, 2008
"TERÄSBETONI Places 22nd In EUROVISION Finals" — Blabbermouth.net, May 25, 2008
"Russia scoops Eurovision victory" — BBC News Online, May 24, 2008
"Sweden tipped to win Eurovision" — BBC News Online, May 20, 2008

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Sarkisian wins Armenian presidential elections

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:09:38 GMT

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Armenia

Sources [edit]

Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau. "Sarkisian wint Armeense presidentsverkiezingen" — de Volkskrant, February 20, 2008 (Dutch)
Margarita Antidze and Hasmik Mkrtchyan. "Thousands protest over Armenia's election result" — Reuters, February 20, 2008

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Bottled water in Canada recalled due to arsenic concerns

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:45:05 GMT

Friday, March 16, 2007

Canada

Sources [edit]

Health Hazard Alert. "ARSENIC IN ARK LAND BRAND NATURALLY CARBONATED MINERAL WATER" — CFIA, March 14, 2007

CBC News Staff. "Ark Land bottled water may contain arsenic, Canada's food watchdog warns" — CBC News, March 15, 2007

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English Wikinews RSS feed.

Armenian presidential elections at stake after attack on candidate

Sources [edit]

Release and pardon of killer jeopardises Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire

Sources [edit]

2012 Paralympic Village occupied by competitors as nations ready for the Games

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Wikinews Shorts: January 26, 2012

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US marine may serve no jail time for 2005 Haditha deaths [edit]

Turkish Prime Minister claims that French bill is: discriminatory, racist and unjust [edit]

Many feared dead in Papua New Guinea landslide [edit]

Azerbaijan win 2011 Eurovision Song Contest

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World's oldest leather shoe found in Armenia

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Turkey recalls ambassador to Sweden over "genocide" vote

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US Congressional panel claims Turkey committed genocide

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Turkey and Armenia sign historic agreement

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Armenia to send military forces to Afghanistan

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Swedish wrestler throws away Olympic bronze medal, leaves

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Cargo plane crash in Sudan leaves seven dead with one survivor

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Dima Bilan wins the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest for Russia

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Sarkisian wins Armenian presidential elections

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Bottled water in Canada recalled due to arsenic concerns

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	...characterise the systematic and deliberate annihilation of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide
—Partial text of the resolution passed yesterday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee

	...accuses the Turkish nation of a crime it has not committed
—From a statement issued by the Turkish government in response to the passage of the resolution

	...an important step towards the prevention of crimes against humanity
—From a statement issued by the Armenian government in response to the passage of the resolution