EU, Balkan states to talk migrant crisis in BrusselsOctober 21, 2015 - 13:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union's executive on Wednesday, October 21, announced an extraordinary mini-summit of EU and Balkan leaders this coming Sunday to deal with the migrant crisis, the Associated Press reports. A statement from EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's office said "there is a need for much greater cooperation, more extensive consultation and immediate operational action." Nations invited to attend are EU member states Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania and Slovenia, as well as non-EU countries Macedonia and Serbia. The announcement came as migrants from the Middle East and Africa continue to make their way across Europe by the tens of thousands, fleeing war or seeking a better life. Many of the arrivals attempt to enter the EU through the Balkans. The statement from Juncker's office said the extraordinary meeting of heads of state and government is necessary because of "the unfolding emergency in the countries along the Western Balkans migratory route." "The objective of the meeting will be to agree common operational conclusions which could be immediately implemented," the EU Commission statement said. It said officials from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees have also been invited to attend, as well as officials from the EU's own border protection agency and asylum office. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |