Italy rescues 1,000 migrants from three overcrowded skiffsApril 11, 2015 - 15:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian and merchant ships have rescued almost 1,000 migrants from three overcrowded skiffs near the coast of Libya and found one dead body, Italy's coast guard said, according to Reuters. The migrants sent out a distress call by satellite phone on Friday, April 10, and were being taken to ports in Sicily, the coast guard added, without giving details of their nationalities. Refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Africa regularly risk the hazardous journey between Libya and Sicily to reach the European Union. About 3,500 are estimated to have drowned last year when more than 170,000 migrants managed to reach Italy by sea. At least 480 migrants lost their lives in the Mediterranean during the first three months of this year, compared with fewer than 50 fatalities during the same period last year, the International Organization for Migration said on Friday. Three vessels from Italy's navy and coast guard and three merchant ships took part in Friday's rescue mission about 30 miles from Libya's coast, according to the coast guard statement. Around 1,500 people were picked up from five boats near the Libyan coast last week. Related issues: 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |