Pope Benedict XVI says refugees deserve dignified welcomeJune 19, 2011 - 17:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Benedict XVI says refugees deserve a dignified welcome from countries receiving them, until they can return home freely and safely. Benedict marked World Refugee Day, which is being observed Monday, June 20, with an appeal Sunday to political leaders to "guarantee a welcome and dignified living conditions" for refugees. He made the comments during a visit to San Marino, a tiny republic of some 30,000 people surrounded by Italy and located near the Adriatic city of Rimini, AP reported. More than 20,000 migrants from Tunisia and Libya have flocked to Italy in recent months fleeing unrest in North Africa. Italy's center-right government has struck new agreements with Tunisia and Libya to return those who don't qualify for refugee status. 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. |