Italy rescues over 4,000 migrants at sea in past 4 daysMarch 20, 2014 - 23:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian authorities said they have rescued more than 4,000 would-be migrants at sea over the past four days as the war in Syria and instability in Libya spawn new waves of refugees, the Associated Press reports. The numbers of migrants reaching Italian shores generally rises this time of year as warm weather and calm seas make the Mediterranean Sea crossing from North Africa easier. But the UN refugee agency said the numbers so far in 2014 represent a 300 percent increase over the same period in 2013. Italian maritime officials said 2,922 people were picked up March 17-18, and another 1,165 were rescued in the two days ending Thursday. The spike is primarily due to renewed instability in Libya, where refugees from Syria and across Africa gather, awaiting a chance to leave on Italy-bound smuggling boats, said Carlotta Sami, spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency in Italy. Because of the increase in violence in Libya, migrants have pushed harder to leave the country sooner, she said. "They cannot stay safe in Libya," she said, adding that the recent arrivals in Sicily included two Syrian women in their 80s. "Everybody is trying to escape Syria." Italy beefed up its air and sea surveillance of the sea smuggling route after a boat capsized last October off the southern island of Lampedusa, killing more than 360 people. Nearly 43,000 migrants arrived by sea in Italy in 2013. Related links: 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 | 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. 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. |