Greek police fires teargas at protesting migrantsNovember 23, 2012 - 20:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Greek police fired teargas at dozens of immigrants pelting them with sticks and metal objects during a protest at a detention center in the northeastern city of Komotini on Friday, November 23, police said, according to Reuters. The clashes broke out after more than 400 of about 550 immigrants held at the center protested against their living conditions, shouting "Freedom!" and "Send us home!". Some set fire to dozens of mattresses. At least four immigrants and four police officers were injured, police said. Greece is a gateway for mostly Asian and African migrants trying to enter the European Union. The country's deep economic crisis has fuelled tensions between Greeks and immigrants, who right groups say are often held in poor conditions or subject to racist attacks by a powerful far right. About 130,000 immigrants cross Greece's sea and land borders every year, most via Turkey, and authorities are forced to release those arrested because of a lack of permanent housing. Komotini, a town hard hit by the recession, is close to the Turkish border. Police launched a sweep operation in August called "Xenios Zeus" after the ancient Greek god of guests and travelers. They have so far arrested thousands of suspected illegal immigrants. 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. |