UNHCR slams use of tear gas against refugees at Macedonia borderApril 11, 2016 - 19:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UNHCR has condemned the actions of Macedonian police, who reportedly fired tear gas and rubber bullets at crowds on Greece's side of the border Sunday, April 11, DW reports. Up to 12,000 refugees have slept in huts or in the open at the Idomeni crossing since February, when several Balkan nations shut their borders to them and cut off their route northward into Europe. "Time and again in recent months, we have seen tension unfolding at various European borders, between security forces on the one hand and people fleeing war and in need of help on the other," UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards said Monday. "Harm is done to perceptions of refugees and to Europe's image alike," he added. "Everyone loses." On Sunday, DW reported tear gas clouds spreading through the camp housing refugees and neighboring village. The Macedonian police deployed the tear gas for over two hours and even threw stones and later fired water cannons and rubber bullets as people fainted and volunteers and activists rushed to get them out of the conflict zone and provide first aid. By early evening, Doctors Without Borders had reported treating at least 300 people for tear gas and trauma. On Monday, Greece's government announced that it had lodged two "very strong protests" with Macedonia. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras added his own outrage over Macedonia's response to "people who did not constitute a threat and were not armed," calling it "a great shame for European society and a country that wants to be a part of it." Photo: Reuters 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |