Over 3,000 migrants lost in Mediterranean since January: IOMJuly 26, 2016 - 15:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - More than 3,000 migrants and refugees have died while trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, while nearly 250,000 have made the perilous journey to Europe, the International Organization for Migration said Tuesday, July 26, according to AFP. "The latest discovery of 39 bodies washed up on Libyan shores this week bring the number of casualties to over 3,034 among the migrants and refugees who attempted to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe in 2016," the IOM said. An IOM statement said this year's fatality rate was "significantly higher" than in the same period last year, with 1,917 migrants having perished in the Mediterranean as of late July 2015. One reason for the higher death toll this year is that there have been a series of shipwrecks involving larger vessels carrying several hundred people rather than the more typical dinghies that carry a maximum of 100 migrants. "Despite the constant and increased patrolling of the Mediterranean, it has proved extremely difficult to reduce the number of victims," IOM spokesman Flavio Di Giacomo said in the statement. The total number of arrivals to Europe this year was also slightly above the 2015 rate, AFP says. Syrians fleeing the country's brutal civil war again made up the largest group to have risked their lives to make the dangerous sea crossing. Afghans were next on the list, followed by Iraqis. Related links: 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 | 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. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |