EU states agree to suspend travel from southern African nationsNovember 27, 2021 - 14:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - All 27 European member states agreed on Friday, November 26 to temporarily suspend travel from seven southern African nations over the outbreak of a new coronavirus variant, according to the Slovenian EU presidency, Deutsche Welle reports. A committee of health experts "agreed on the need to activate the emergency break and impose temporary restriction on all travel into EU from southern Africa," the Slovenia presidency of the EU said on Twitter. It comes after the European Commission proposed activating the so-called "emergency brake" to the bloc's shared coronavirus travel rules earlier on Friday. Member states agreed to the measure within a matter of hours. The emergence of the new B.1.1.529 coronavirus variant, which the WHO has officially named omicron, in South Africa sparked international concern, with a growing list of countries announcing travel curbs on countries in southern Africa. South Africa denounced the imposition of travel restrictions, calling it "draconian," unscientific and contrary to WHO advice. Health Minister Joe Phaahla told a media briefing that South Africa was acting with transparency and travel bans were against the norms and standards of the WHO, which held an emergency meeting over the variant. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |