Pope hints Ukraine refugees treated betterApril 16, 2022 - 12:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Francis has hinted that racism was behind the fact that many countries have been more welcoming to refugees from war-torn Ukraine than to those from other parts of the world, the Australian Associated Press reports. Speaking to Italian television station RAI, the pontiff said the weakest always suffered the most in wars, adding: "The refugees are divided. First class, second class, by skin colour, whether you come from a developed country or a non-developed one. "We are racists. And that's bad," the Pope said. According to UN figures, more than 4.7 million Ukrainians have left the country since Russia invaded in late February. Later on Good Friday, when Christians remember the death of Jesus, Pope Francis is due to hold a public service at St Peter's Basilica in Rome for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began over two years ago. Francis told RAI that he accepted countries had a right to defend themselves, but said the general abandonment of peace was a problem. "We live according to an idea where we kill each other because of the need for power, for security, for many things," the head of the Catholic Church said. "I understand governments that buy weapons. I understand them, but I don't approve of it." 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |