Merkel, Hollande agree refugee crisis needs EU solutionFebruary 8, 2016 - 11:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande stressed on Sunday, February 7, the migrant crisis, which brought more than a million people to the European Union last year, needs an EU-level solution, Reuters reports. The two leaders were meeting in Strasbourg on the Franco-German border to discuss the agenda of the next European summit on February 18-19. They had a private meeting before joining EU Parliament Chairman Martin Schulz for dinner. Hollande and Merkel agreed the action plan defined by the European Commission was a priority, a source close to the French president said, according to Reuters. The plan involves assistance to Greece to control its borders, reinforcing its means to register refugees but also a fight against smugglers and the acceleration of procedures to expel illegal migrants. It also includes a package for Turkey to help it curb the influx of migrants into Europe. Separately, the two leaders also expressed a "strong common concern" about the situation in Syria, the French source said. 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |