UN says Greece refugee hotspots “have become detention centers”March 22, 2016 - 17:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN refugee agency says it's suspending some operations in Greece because centers known as "hotspots" to handle an influx of migrants "have now become detention centers" under a European Union deal to send back some to Turkey, the Associated Press reports. UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming says the refugee agency opposes mandatory detention. She said UNHCR would also halt transport to and from the centers. She said UNHCR is concerned that Greece doesn't have sufficient structures in place to process migrants properly. The EU-Turkey deal, in which many people who cross the Aegean will be returned to Turkey, took effect over the weekend. Separately, UNICEF expressed its frustration over the EU-Turkey plan for making no mention of children, who make up 40% of people stranded in Greece. Photo. UNHCR 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |