France to conduct asylum seeker checks in Libya, Macron saysJuly 27, 2017 - 15:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - France will set up processing centres this summer in Libya for asylum seekers trying to reach Europe across the Mediterranean, President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday, July 27, according to AFP. "The idea is to create hotspots to avoid people taking crazy risks when they are not all eligible for asylum. We'll go to them," he said during a visit to a refugee shelter in central France, adding the plan would be put in place "this summer". Macron's announcement came two days after he brokered talks in Paris between the leaders of the two rival authorities in war-torn Libya, who agreed to a conditional ceasefire. The lawless country is the main launchpad for African migrants trying to reach Europe in rickety boats operated by smugglers that frequently sink. Macron had said Tuesday he hoped the agreement to try to end five years of chaos in Libya would check the flow of migrants. Since January, more than 100,000 people have made the perilous voyage from Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration. Over 2,300 have drowned this year attempting to make the journey, the IOM says. The vast majority land in Italy -- the EU country closest to North Africa -- which has complained of a lack of solidarity from its neighbours in dealing with the influx. From Italy, a fraction push on into France. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |