Obama urges more Zika funding in U.S.May 21, 2016 - 09:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President Barack Obama has criticised the U.S. Congress for failing to back his request for a $1.9bn fund to combat the spreading Zika virus, BBC News reports. He warned that the country could face "bigger problems" in the future. His comments come as the latest figures showed that there were nearly 300 pregnant women in the U.S. who had tested positive for Zika. The virus is thought to cause serious birth defects. It is spread through mosquitoes and sexual contact. It can cause microcephaly, a birth defect, marked by a small head size and can lead to developmental problems in infants. Symptoms of Zika virus include mild fever, conjunctivitis, headache, joint pain and rashes. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |