Syria death toll now exceeds 210,000: rights group

The death toll after nearly four years of civil war in Syria has risen to 210,060, nearly half of them civilians, but the real figure is probably much higher, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Saturday.

The Observatory, which is based in Britain and has a network of activists across Syria, said that 10,664 children and 6,783 women were among the dead.

Reuters tried to contact Syrian authorities for comment, but they were not immediately available.

Note EU-Digest: This is totally unacceptable in whatever way you look at it

Read more:  Syria death toll now exceeds 210,000: rights group | Reuters

Illegal Immigration: 'EU has abandoned us' says Malta PM - by Chris Mangion

Malta and Italy have been abandoned and are facing the migration tragedy alone; a tragedy that is constantly changing and gaining momentum, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning.

Addressing the annual general meeting at the Ghaxaq PL Club, Dr Muscat observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the latest Lampedusa tragedy. 

The Prime Minister accused the European union of choosing money over life, saying that money is more important than people. “While all European countries including Malta reached out and helped in the Greek financial crisis, Malta and Italy’s are left alone to face this humanitarian crisis”, Muscat said, adding that peace in Europe can only happen through peace in the c which will stay out of reach without a clear and concrete strategy.

“At first it was Africans who took to rickety boats and look for a better future, but now people from Syria, are attempting the same trip to fleeing from war,” Muscat said. Unless action is taken our seas will witness further deaths.

Read more: 'EU has abandoned us' - PM - maltatoday.com.mt