EU slams Greece over failure to control external bordersJanuary 27, 2016 - 17:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Greece has "seriously neglected" its obligations to control external borders, the European Commission has said in a draft report, BBC News reports. The assessment, made on a visit last November, describes serious deficiencies in Greek management. Greece is required to control its borders as part of the passport-free Schengen accord and has been given three months to improve the situation. More than 850,000 migrants and refugees arrived in Greece last year alone. A further 44,000 have reached the Greek islands since the start of 2016, mostly arriving on Lesbos, Samos and Chios from the Turkish mainland. The draft report cites failings in registering, fingerprinting and checking the identities of migrants, BBC says. If the Greek government is unable to make improvements, the European Commission says it will consider giving other Schengen states the right to enforce temporary border controls at Europe's internal frontiers. 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 | 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. 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. |