Armenia is willing to start a visa liberalisation dialogue with the EU, and the latter has expressed its preparedness to explore further possibilities to facilitate this dialogue and reach an agreement on the matter.
The EU-Armenia Partnership Council met in Brussels this week. During the meeting, the EU and Armenia confirmed their commitment to deepening the relations and working on the possibility of permitting visa-free travel for Armenians, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
According to the Council of the EU, the Partnership Council said that Armenia is ready to begin talks on visa liberalisation.
The same stressed that the EU is also committed to making additional efforts, suggesting that the authority is open to exploring options for starting the visa liberalisation dialogue with Armenia.
In addition expressing its readiness to make additional efforts on the matter, the EU also welcomed the implementation of the Visa Facilitation agreement and of the readmission agreements by the country.
The EU also encouraged Armenia to maintain and intensify its efforts in this regard.
Under the Visa Facilitation agreement, the issuance of Schengen visas for short stays is facilitated for citizens of Armenia.
Different from nationals of other third countries who need to pay a €80 visa fee, Armenians need to pay only a €35 fee for their Schengen visa application.
Moreover, in line with the Visa Facilitation agreement, Member States shall issue multiple-entry visas with a validity of up to five years to some Armenians.
While Armenians still have to undergo the same visa application procedure as all those who need a visa to enter the Schengen Area, the Visa Facilitation agreement has significantly cut the expenses for them.
Earlier in September 202, it was revealed that citizens of Armenia are saving around €2.2 million each year since the visa fee cost was cut. As for the 2014-2023 period, Armenians saved more than €18 million with reduced visa fees.
Armenians file a high number of applications each year, and the reduction in the visa fee has had a positive impact not only on them but also on Schengen countries as more Armenians are choosing European destinations.
The number of Armenians reaching the Schengen Member States is expected to increase even more once a visa liberalisation agreement is reached.
Armenia’s Greco-Roman Wrestling Team finished 3rd in the team ranking at the 2024 European Wrestling Championships in Bucharest with 3 medals.
Olympic champion Artur Aleksanyan won his 7th gold at the European championships. Malkhas Amoyan took his 3rd bronze. Manvel Khachatryan also won bronze.
Armenia’s Greco-Roman Wrestling Team finished 3rd in the team ranking at the 2024 European Wrestling Championships in Bucharest with 3 medals.
Olympic champion Artur Aleksanyan won his 7th gold at the European championships. Malkhas Amoyan took his 3rd bronze. Manvel Khachatryan also won bronze.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan agreed that Bulgaria and Armenia have an excellent partnership, an active and constructive dialogue, and the potential to significantly build on bilateral economic and investment cooperation. The two held a meeting at the President’s Office during Simonyan’s official visit to Bulgaria, the head of State’s press service said.
During their talks, Radev highlighted Bulgaria’s interest in further boosting trade and investment in Armenia and the importance of expanding transport, energy, and digital connectivity in the region. He stressed the importance of the Armenian-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Economy, which provides additional tools for cooperation between the businesses of the two countries.
The sides also highlighted the centuries-old historical and cultural ties between Bulgarians and Armenians, which are a solid foundation for deepening cooperation in education through an increased exchange of students and researchers.
Radev pointed to the outstanding contribution of the large Armenian community in Bulgaria to the development of bilateral ties and its active participation in the social, economic, and cultural life in Bulgaria.
“Bulgaria will also continue to work to strengthen the European Union’s partnership with Armenia,” the President further noted. The sides also discussed topical issues related to the ways sought to achieve sustainable peace, security, and stability in the South Caucasus region.
One person is dead and 10 to 15 people are injured from a shooting in Kansas City, Missouri, following the parade and rally for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, officials said.
The exact number of gunshot victims was not immediately clear, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said, calling the shooting a “tragedy.”
Two suspects have been taken into custody, she said.
Three victims are in critical condition and five are in serious condition, according to the Kansas City Fire Department.
The shooting took place west of Union Station, near the garage, as Chiefs fans were leaving, according to Kansas City police.
About 1 million paradegoers were expected at Wednesday’s celebration.
Paradegoer Arnold Sauther said when the rally ended the Chiefs went into Union Station, and fans followed the players to get autographs.
“Then, all of a sudden they all started running out, and you see all these policemen come running in there — and you knew something happened in the station,” Sauther told Kansas City ABC affiliate KMBC.
“We see people running and we hear gunshots and we take off running. And we look over and there’s a guy next to us on the ground,” witness Jennifer Wilbers told K All Chiefs players, coaches and staff are safe, according to police.
Players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes, linebacker Drue Tranquill and guard Trey Smith, are speaking out on social media.
“People started crashing forward, everybody started running, there was screaming,” another woman told KMBC. “We didn’t know what was happening, but in this day and age when people run, you run.”
“We went where an elevator was, we shut the doors and sat back against the doors and we prayed,” she said.
“There was yelling and we didn’t know if it was safe to leave, so we tried to block the doors. We heard the elevator start to move so we opened the doors and ran out — there were officers there,” she said. “I’ve never been so glad to see an officer in my life.”
The police chief said 800 law enforcement officers were at the parade and rally.
“I am angry,” Graves said. “The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.”
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the shooting, according to the White House.
As the nation tuned in for the highly anticipated Super Bowl showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and their formidable opponents, the energy was electric. Yet, amidst the thrilling plays and intense competition, a moment of anguish and concern gripped the hearts of fans worldwide as one of the 49ers’ star players suffered a devastating Achilles injury.
The game had been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. However, it was during a pivotal moment in the second half that the mood shifted dramatically. As the star player, whose explosive athleticism had been instrumental in the 49ers’ journey to the Super Bowl, made a sharp cut, a collective gasp echoed through the stadium.
In the midst of the chaos on the field, the microphones picked up the raw emotions of players, coaches, and commentators alike. The disbelief and concern were palpable as they witnessed the star athlete crumble to the ground, clutching his lower leg in agony. The announcers’ voices wavered as they struggled to maintain their composure while conveying the severity of the situation to millions of viewers.
“Unbelievable, Jim. That’s a sight nobody wanted to see,” remarked one commentator, his voice tinged with sadness.
The cameras panned to the sidelines, capturing the reactions of teammates and coaches. Some bowed their heads in prayer, while others paced anxiously, their faces etched with worry. The microphones captured snippets of conversations as players rallied around their fallen comrade, offering words of encouragement and support.
“Stay strong, brother. We got you,” one teammate could be heard saying, his voice filled with empathy.
As medical personnel rushed onto the field to attend to the injured player, the gravity of the situation became even more apparent. The commentators provided updates on the player’s condition, but the somber tone underscored the seriousness of the injury.
“It’s confirmed, folks. It’s an Achilles tear. A devastating blow for the 49ers,” announced one commentator, his voice heavy with regret.
Throughout the remainder of the game, the specter of the injury loomed large, casting a shadow over the proceedings. Despite the valiant efforts of the remaining players, the loss of their star athlete was keenly felt by the 49ers and their fans.
In the aftermath of the game, as the final whistle blew and confetti rained down on the field, the focus shifted to the injured player’s recovery journey. Messages of support flooded social media channels, with fans, teammates, and rivals alike expressing their hope for a speedy recovery.
“Sending prayers and positive vibes your way, champ. You’ll be back stronger than ever,” tweeted one fan, encapsulating the sentiment of many.
As the Super Bowl concluded and the spotlight dimmed, the resilience and camaraderie displayed by the players in the face of adversity remained a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s indomitable nature. While the outcome of the game may have been decided on the field, the true measure of strength and character was evident in the compassion and support shown in response to one player’s injury.
As the nation tuned in for the highly anticipated Super Bowl showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and their formidable opponents, the energy was electric. Yet, amidst the thrilling plays and intense competition, a moment of anguish and concern gripped the hearts of fans worldwide as one of the 49ers’ star players suffered a devastating Achilles injury.
The game had been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. However, it was during a pivotal moment in the second half that the mood shifted dramatically. As the star player, whose explosive athleticism had been instrumental in the 49ers’ journey to the Super Bowl, made a sharp cut, a collective gasp echoed through the stadium.
In the midst of the chaos on the field, the microphones picked up the raw emotions of players, coaches, and commentators alike. The disbelief and concern were palpable as they witnessed the star athlete crumble to the ground, clutching his lower leg in agony. The announcers’ voices wavered as they struggled to maintain their composure while conveying the severity of the situation to millions of viewers.
“Unbelievable, Jim. That’s a sight nobody wanted to see,” remarked one commentator, his voice tinged with sadness.
The cameras panned to the sidelines, capturing the reactions of teammates and coaches. Some bowed their heads in prayer, while others paced anxiously, their faces etched with worry. The microphones captured snippets of conversations as players rallied around their fallen comrade, offering words of encouragement and support.
“Stay strong, brother. We got you,” one teammate could be heard saying, his voice filled with empathy.
As medical personnel rushed onto the field to attend to the injured player, the gravity of the situation became even more apparent. The commentators provided updates on the player’s condition, but the somber tone underscored the seriousness of the injury.
“It’s confirmed, folks. It’s an Achilles tear. A devastating blow for the 49ers,” announced one commentator, his voice heavy with regret.
Throughout the remainder of the game, the specter of the injury loomed large, casting a shadow over the proceedings. Despite the valiant efforts of the remaining players, the loss of their star athlete was keenly felt by the 49ers and their fans.
In the aftermath of the game, as the final whistle blew and confetti rained down on the field, the focus shifted to the injured player’s recovery journey. Messages of support flooded social media channels, with fans, teammates, and rivals alike expressing their hope for a speedy recovery.
“Sending prayers and positive vibes your way, champ. You’ll be back stronger than ever,” tweeted one fan, encapsulating the sentiment of many.
As the Super Bowl concluded and the spotlight dimmed, the resilience and camaraderie displayed by the players in the face of adversity remained a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s indomitable nature. While the outcome of the game may have been decided on the field, the true measure of strength and character was evident in the compassion and support shown in response to one player’s injury.
One person is dead, and five people are injured after a sedan crashed into an Austin, Texas, hospital’s emergency room.
According to a Facebook post from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS), the incident happened at 5:38 p.m.
Authorities confirmed that the driver of the sedan died in the crash.
According to authorities, the vehicle barreled into St. David’s North Austin Medical Center emergency room, leaving multiple injured.
As of 9 p.m. EST, eight patients are awaiting transport to other area hospitals.
Two children were taken to Dell Children’s Hospital and two adults were taken to other hospitals, the agency said.
Another adult patient was transported in critical condition to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.
The Austin Fire Department said a hazmat task force also responded to the crash.
In an updated statement, the Austin Police Department said the incident does not appear to be “intentional.”
“There is no threat to the general public. Based off preliminary information and details gathered at this time, this incident does not appear to be an intentional act,” the Austin Police Department said in an X post. “APD officers continue to assist our first responder partners, and the investigation is ongoing.”
In a media briefing, the Austin Police Department said that vehicular homicide detectives are on the scene investigating what led up to the crash.
Moreno, originally from El Salvador, who had a lengthy criminal record, also previously used the name Jeffrey Escalante Moreno, investigators said. The shooter was killed after off-duty police officers at the church responded to the incident. Police said two people were injured – a 57-year-old man and the child who accompanied the shooter. The child is not expected to survive, a Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson told the Houston Chronicle.
Preliminary reporting indicated the shooter was transgender, but in a Monday news conference, investigators identified her as a woman and the biological mother of the 7-year-old child.
A search warrant showed that Moreno pointed an AR-15 at the officers who then fired upon her and killed her in self-defense.
The preliminary reporting also indicated that the message “Free Palestine” was written on the rifle; investigators said later it was just “Palestine.”
Lakewood Church shooter identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno; ‘Palestine’ written on gun
Moreno, 36, had a criminal history including convictions for assaulting a police officer in 2009 and forgery in 2010.
Members of the FBI, the Texas Rangers, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Conroe and Houston Police Departments were investigating a property Monday in Conroe, north of Houston, that was believed to be Moreno’s residence, KPRC reported.
The shooting unfolded the afternoon before the Houston megachurch’s 2 p.m. Spanish service was set to begin.
Moreno entered the church with a long rifle, wearing a backpack and a trench coat and accompanied by the child, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
After the shooter opened fire, off-duty officers at the scene “engaged” the shooter and returned fire. Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene.
During a news conference, Osteen thanked law enforcement and said that he was “devastated” by the shooting.
“We don’t understand why all these things happened, but we know God’s in control,” Osteen said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the shooting “tragic.”
HOUSTON (AP) — A woman in a trenchcoat opened fire with a long gun inside celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Texas, sending worshippers rushing to find safety while two off-duty officers confronted and killed the shooter. Two other people were shot and injured, including a 5-year-old boy who was in critical condition.
The violence erupted shortly before the Houston church’s 2 p.m. Spanish service was set to begin, just as the rest of the country was preparing for the Super Bowl. The woman entered the enormous Lakewood Church – a building with a 16,000-person capacity that was previously an arena for the NBA’s Houston Rockets — with the boy who was later hurt in the shootout with police. A man in his 50s was also wounded.
Moreno, originally from El Salvador, who had a lengthy criminal record, also previously used the name Jeffrey Escalante Moreno, investigators said. The shooter was killed after off-duty police officers at the church responded to the incident. Police said two people were injured – a 57-year-old man and the child who accompanied the shooter. The child is not expected to survive, a Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson told the Houston Chronicle.
Preliminary reporting indicated the shooter was transgender, but in a Monday news conference, investigators identified her as a woman and the biological mother of the 7-year-old child.
A search warrant showed that Moreno pointed an AR-15 at the officers who then fired upon her and killed her in self-defense.
The preliminary reporting also indicated that the message “Free Palestine” was written on the rifle; investigators said later it was just “Palestine.”
Lakewood Church shooter identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno; ‘Palestine’ written on gun
Moreno, 36, had a criminal history including convictions for assaulting a police officer in 2009 and forgery in 2010.
Members of the FBI, the Texas Rangers, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Conroe and Houston Police Departments were investigating a property in Conroe, north of Houston, that was believed to be Moreno’s residence, KPRC reported.
The shooting unfolded Sunday afternoon before the Houston megachurch’s 2 p.m. Spanish service was set to begin.
Moreno entered the church with a long rifle, wearing a backpack and a trench coat and accompanied by the child, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
After the shooter opened fire, off-duty officers at the scene “engaged” the shooter and returned fire. Moreno was pronounced dead at the scene.
During a news conference, Osteen thanked law enforcement and said that he was “devastated” by the shooting.
“We don’t understand why all these things happened, but we know God’s in control,” Osteen said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the shooting “tragic.”
Two people were injured and one suspect was killed during a shooting at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church on the afternoon, Texas authorities say. During a press conference, police chief Troy Finner said that the shooting began at 1:53 p.m. It happened at around the time that the Spanish language church service was scheduled to start. The suspect, who was a woman, entered the church with a long rifle. She was wearing a backpack and a trench coat, and was accompanied by a “small child, approximately 4 to 5 years old”, Finner said. After she began shooting, off-duty officers at the scene “engaged” the woman and returned fire. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said that two people were injured, including a 57-year-old man who was shot in the leg. The child that the shooter came with was also injured and remains in critical condition. Finner also disclosed that the suspect mentioned that she had a bomb. Once she went down, officers reported back to us that she threatened that she had a bomb,” the police chief explained. “So we searched her vehicle, our bomb squad, and also the backpack [she brought]. No explosives were found, but she was also spraying some type of substance on the ground. The death of the shooter was first announced by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez earlier that afternoon. Correction: shooter is down,” Gonzalez wrote on social media. “But it does not appear that@HCSOTexas deputies fired shots; other agencies fired.” We continue to assist in a methodical/thorough search of the complex At around 2:10 p.m. CT, Gonzalez announced that there were “possible shots fired at/or around Lakewood Church.” Less than an hour later, Texas police confirmed that the scene was Lakewood Church. Police later advised that anyone with missing family members should head to the “family reunification location” at Greenway Plaza’s Life Time Fitness gym. Lakewood Church confirmed on X that there was a shooting and asked that users “please pray for Lakewood and our community. In a press release sent to local outlets, Governor Greg Abbott called the shooting “tragic.” “Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting and the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston,” Abbott said. “Places of worship are sacred Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston Police Department for comment. Police said the shooting appears to be isolated and they believe there is no further threat to the public.
