EU, Balkan states to talk migrant crisis in BrusselsOctober 21, 2015 - 13:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union's executive on Wednesday, October 21, announced an extraordinary mini-summit of EU and Balkan leaders this coming Sunday to deal with the migrant crisis, the Associated Press reports. A statement from EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's office said "there is a need for much greater cooperation, more extensive consultation and immediate operational action." Nations invited to attend are EU member states Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania and Slovenia, as well as non-EU countries Macedonia and Serbia. The announcement came as migrants from the Middle East and Africa continue to make their way across Europe by the tens of thousands, fleeing war or seeking a better life. Many of the arrivals attempt to enter the EU through the Balkans. The statement from Juncker's office said the extraordinary meeting of heads of state and government is necessary because of "the unfolding emergency in the countries along the Western Balkans migratory route." "The objective of the meeting will be to agree common operational conclusions which could be immediately implemented," the EU Commission statement said. It said officials from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees have also been invited to attend, as well as officials from the EU's own border protection agency and asylum office. 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. |