UN launches aid appeal to fund relief operations in SyriaJune 7, 2013 - 18:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United Nations is launching its biggest humanitarian appeal ever, seeking 5.2 billion US dollars (£3.3 bn) to fund relief operations for Syria until the end of the year, Belfast Telegraph said. The figure presented at an international conference in Geneva today (June 7) is a sharp increase from the three billion dollars (£1.93bn) the global body had previously estimated it would need this year. Officials say the calculation is based on the worsening security situation inside Syria, the sharp increase in people fleeing to neighbouring countries, and the assumption that the conflict won't end soon. UN aid agencies and independent relief organisations are asking for 2.98 billion dollars to help refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. They are also requesting 1.4 billion dollars (£900 million) to pay for aid operations inside Syria. The Jordanian and Lebanese governments are seeking 830 million dollars (£533 million). 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |