EU ministers approve, leaders set to ratify migrant quota planSeptember 23, 2015 - 10:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - EU interior ministers have approved a controversial plan to relocate 120,000 migrants across the continent over the next two years, BBC News reports. It will see migrants moved from Italy, Greece and Hungary to other EU countries. The BBC's Europe correspondent Chris Morris says it is highly unusual for an issue like this - which involves national sovereignty - to be decided by majority vote rather than unanimous decision. The matter must now be ratified by EU leaders in Brussels on Wednesday, September 23. Earlier in the day, the Czech government warned that the plan was unlikely to work, even if it gained approval. Under the EU's constitution, a country that does not agree with a policy on migration imposed upon it could have the right to appeal to the European Council - if it feels "the fundamental principles of its social security or legal system are under threat".
None of the countries that voted against the plan has yet indicated whether it would appeal. Wednesday's emergency summit will also focus on tightening EU borders and boosting aid to neighbours of Syria, from where many migrants come, BBC says. British Prime Minster David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande held talks on the eve of the meeting, saying that finding a solution to the Syrian conflict would be key to resolving the migrant crisis. They also agreed more should be done to return migrants who do not have a genuine claim for asylum, a Downing Street spokesman said. The UK has opted against taking part in the relocation scheme and has its own plan to resettle migrants directly from Syrian refugee camps. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |