UN seeks over $8.4 billion for next year to help Syrian refugeesDecember 18, 2014 - 14:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Nations is seeking more than $8.4 billion for next year to help nearly 18 million people affected by the war in Syria. The UN high commissioner for refugees, Antonio Guterres, said Thursday, Dec 18, that people who have been displaced within Syria "have exhausted their savings and resources" while nearby countries faced with a refugee influx "are at breaking point." Some $2.9 billion of next year's requested funding is aimed at addressing needs inside Syria, giving aid and shelter to 12.2 million people. The UN wants $5.5 billion to help refugees outside Syria and bolster host countries. The aim is to help nearly 6 million people in total and it's working on projections that there will be up to 4.27 million refugees in countries neighboring Syria in a year's time. 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 | 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. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |