EU states agree to suspend travel from southern African nationsNovember 27, 2021 - 14:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - All 27 European member states agreed on Friday, November 26 to temporarily suspend travel from seven southern African nations over the outbreak of a new coronavirus variant, according to the Slovenian EU presidency, Deutsche Welle reports. A committee of health experts "agreed on the need to activate the emergency break and impose temporary restriction on all travel into EU from southern Africa," the Slovenia presidency of the EU said on Twitter. It comes after the European Commission proposed activating the so-called "emergency brake" to the bloc's shared coronavirus travel rules earlier on Friday. Member states agreed to the measure within a matter of hours. The emergence of the new B.1.1.529 coronavirus variant, which the WHO has officially named omicron, in South Africa sparked international concern, with a growing list of countries announcing travel curbs on countries in southern Africa. South Africa denounced the imposition of travel restrictions, calling it "draconian," unscientific and contrary to WHO advice. Health Minister Joe Phaahla told a media briefing that South Africa was acting with transparency and travel bans were against the norms and standards of the WHO, which held an emergency meeting over the variant. 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. |