UNHCR: Syrian refugees shot at as they flee to JordanNovember 30, 2012 - 17:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian refugees are being shot at as they flee to neighboring Jordan and many have to be treated in hospital on arrival, the United Nations said on Friday, Nov 30, according to Reuters. In its latest briefing on the Syria crisis, the UN refugee agency also said 250,000 people were living in temporary shelters in the flashpoint city of Homs, without adequate food, clothing or medicine as winter added to the misery of civil war. "We have received very disturbing reports from Syrian refugees in Jordan who say they were targeted as they were fleeing. UNHCR calls on all sides to ensure that at least civilians have access to safe passage outside the country," spokeswoman Melissa Fleming told a news briefing in Geneva. It was not clear who was taking aim at civilians as they ran for their lives under cover of darkness. "These reports are generally kept highly confidential, people are terrified. They don't like having their stories told," Fleming said. “Some families sedate their children during the journey to the border to keep them calm and quiet.” More than 465,000 Syrians have registered as refugees in neighboring countries and North Africa. Thousands more have not signed up for refugee status and assistance, the UNHCR says. Nearly 138,000 are registered in Jordan, where the largest camp at Za'atri north of Amman houses more than 32,000. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. 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. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |