Germany approves plan to withdraw identity cards from Islamic extremistsJanuary 14, 2015 - 18:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Germany's Cabinet on Wednesday, Jan 14, approved a plan to allow authorities to withdraw identity cards from Islamic extremists and prevent them from traveling to Iraq, Syria or other crisis areas to join terrorist groups, the Associated Press reported. The plan has been in the works since October and still requires parliamentary approval. It would allow authorities to withdraw plastic national identity cards for up to three years. Those affected will get a replacement temporary identity card stating in several languages that it doesn't entitle the holder to leave Germany. It is already possible to withdraw passports but officials until now have lacked the authority to withhold the identity cards that Germans use to travel to many countries in and beyond the European Union — among them Turkey, through which the vast majority of extremists who went from Germany to Syria and Iraq are believed to have traveled. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that around 600 suspected extremists from Germany are now believed to have left the country — up from the 550 that officials previously said had traveled to Syria and Iraq to join extremist groups. "There is no panacea against terror, but we have an obligation to do everything in our power to reduce the danger of terrorist attacks and of Germans participating in them at home and abroad," de Maiziere said. He said he couldn't predict how many people the new rules might affect. 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 | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |