Greece sets up 4 out of 5 proposed migrant registration centersFebruary 16, 2016 - 13:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Greece said on Tuesday, February 16 it had set up four out of five proposed registration centers for refugees, drafting in the army to help, after criticism from its European Union peers it was not doing enough to stem Europe's chaotic influx of migrants, Reuters reports. Last week, EU ministers gave Greece three months to fulfill 50 recommendations to fix its borders. If it does not, the EU members of the free-travel Schengen zone can impose checks on internal frontiers for up to two years. The Greek government drafted in the army last month to ensure the five registration centers and two relocation camps on the mainland were completed on time. The registration centers are set up on the "hotspot" islands of Samos, Lesbos, Chios, Kos and Leros near the Turkish coast, where migrants leaving Turkey tend to arrive. All but the center on Kos is now ready, and that one will be ready in five days, after opposition from island residents. Two disused military camps on the mainland will operate as relocation centers, each with a capacity to house up to 4,000 people. "It was a rather difficult operation," Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos, leader of the co-ruling Independent Greeks party, told journalists. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |