Syria's neighbors urge European states to accept more refugeesOctober 28, 2014 - 16:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syria's neighbors on Tuesday, Oct 28, urged European countries to open their doors to more refugees from the 3 ½ year civil war, and for immediate financial and technological help as their infrastructures buckle under the massive influx of civilians fleeing the conflict, the Associated Press reports. More than 3 million people have fled Syria because of the conflict, mostly to neighboring countries. Another 6 million are displaced within Syria. Lebanon, whose population is only 4.5 million, has alone taken on some 1.1 million refugees. Its Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, told a Berlin conference of foreign ministers and representatives from 40 nations that the status quo was unsustainable. In addition to placing huge strains on the country's hospitals, schools and other institutions, the refugees also are taking jobs from Lebanese workers, creating resentment, he said. "The massive influx of Syrians into poor communities totally unprepared to cope with such a sudden burden has had a destabilizing effect, with a variety of challenges and threats that constitute a fertile ground for extremism and violence," he said. Jordan warned of similar issues, while Turkey's deputy foreign minister, Naci Koru, noted that his country had spent some $4 billion on dealing with Syrian refugees so far, and received only $250 million from the international community. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who organized the one-day conference, said in addition to easing the hardships of the refugees themselves, the focus needed to be on international investment in hospitals, schools, water supplies and waste disposal systems in the neighboring countries. "This is not only a question of more money," he said. "We also need to use the funding more effectively and more sustainably." He noted that Germany has taken in some 70,000 Syrians since 2012, but remains willing to do more. "We hear the call from host countries to reduce the number of refugees," he said. 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 | Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. Baku: EU, U.S. share responsibility for Armenia’s “destabilizing actions” Azerbaijan has declared that the European Union and the United States will share responsibility for any destabilizing actions of Armenia |