EU, U.S. discuss possible airline laptop banMay 18, 2017 - 11:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Top U.S. and EU officials traded intelligence Wednesday, May 17 on what they called "serious evolving threats" to airline security as Washington mulls banning carry-on computers on flights from Europe, AFP reports. Both sides said they intended to hold more talks next week in Washington on a possible ban of such equipment. "Both sides exchanged information on the serious evolving threats to aviation security and approaches to confronting such threats," a joint statement said. They discussed "existing aviation security standards and detection capabilities" as well as security improvements "related to large electronic devices placed in checked baggage," it added. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security sparked deep concern in Europe last week when it said it would soon decide on extending to European airlines a carry-on computer ban on flights from eight mostly Muslim countries. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc took part in what U.S. officials said were four hours of "robust" talks with a U.S. delegation led by Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke. But a senior U.S. administration official told reporters on a conference call that there were points of agreement and points they were continuing to discuss. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly was mulling "next steps" and would make any decision based on an evaluation of threats, the official said on condition of anonymity. "Secretary Kelly has made no decision on expanding the restriction on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins, but the decision is currently under consideration," the senior official said. In March, Washington banned passengers from eight countries in North Africa and the Middle East from bringing laptop computers, tablets and other electronic devices larger than cellphones as carry-on items. Britain followed with a similar ban applying to incoming flights from six Middle East and North African countries. 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. |