UN raises funding appeal for Syrians to $490mlnSeptember 27, 2012 - 16:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Nations on Thursday, Sept 27, increased its funding appeal for Syrians who have fled the conflict in their country to almost $490 million, warning that the number of refugees could rise to over 700,000 by the end of the year, The Associated Press reported. So far donors have given $141.5 million toward humanitarian assistance for the estimated 294,000 Syrians who have fled abroad, the UN refugee agency and 51 other aid groups said in a joint appeal. "We only have one-third of the funding we need to respond," said Panos Moumtzis, Syria coordinator for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. "We are running out of time and we need to respond." Aid groups had previously estimated that 100,000 Syrians would have crossed into neighboring Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey by the end of 2012. But with no end in sight to the 18-month conflict and 2,000 to 3,000 Syrians crossing daily into neighboring countries, humanitarian groups are preparing to help up to 710,000 by year end, said Moumtzis. This includes Syrians who have already fled abroad but have yet to come forward to register as refugees. Almost 95,000 Syrians have found refuge in Jordan, followed by almost 88,000 in Turkey and 78,000 in Lebanon. Some 33,000 Syrians have fled to Iraq, which recently reopened its border crossing at al-Qaim. 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 | Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. 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. |