Armenian refugee children's mother can return to NetherlandsApril 11, 2019 - 11:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The mother of two Armenian children who became key figures in the campaign to change the rules on well-rooted refugee children, will be allowed to rejoin her offspring in the Netherlands, Dutch media said on Wednesday, April 10. Armina Hambartsjumian was deported to Armenia in 2017, nine years after she came to the Netherlands with Howick, then aged three, and Lili, aged two, DutchNews.nl says. The children, then aged 12 and 13, went into hiding to avoid being sent back. Lili and Howick became part of a high profile campaign to stay in the Netherlands, even though they did not meet the strict terms of the child refugee amnesty, and appeared on television several times to make their case. Junior justice minister Mark Harbers eventually relented and last September used his discretionary powers to allow the children to stay in the Netherlands, after they vanished for a second time hours before they were due to be put on a plane. Howick told children’s television programme Jeugdjournall that he is "super happy" his mother can return to the Netherlands. The family’s lawyer has also confirmed that she has been granted permission to return, broadcaster NOS said. The issue placed severe strain on the coalition with ChristenUnie MPs saying there could be "no question of deporting" the children until proper arrangements had been made to house and educate them in Armenia. Earlier this year, the cabinet agreed to relax the rules of the children’s amnesty and review all the outstanding cases. Photo. Phil Nijhuis 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 |