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The number of Syrian asylum seekers in the EU has more than tripled in just one year, the fastest growth rate for any group, according to the European Asylum Support Office's annual report. They numbered 24,110 in 2012 compared to 7,885 the year before. Overall the number of refugees increased by 11% in 2012, with the largest group coming from Afghanistan. The report will be presented to the civil liberties committee on 5 September.

A plane carrying 100 tonnes of UNICEF emergency supplies to assist Syrian refugee children and families arrived this evening in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

As the White House continues to make the case to U.S. lawmakers that Congress should approve military action against Syria's government, President Obama met with two key Republican senators whose support will be crucial.

A sign warning of the presence of landmines at the Afghan-Tajik border near Pyanj, Tajikistan, 6 April 2011.

Although much has already been accomplished this year, MEPs still have many important legislative files to deal with before the end of the year. The Parliament will have to decide on matters that will affect the EU and Europeans for years to come, such as the long-term budget, banking supervision, data protection and better protection for temporary workers.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) with Ake Sellström, head of the UN technical mission to investigate the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria

Syrians stream from their war-torn country into Iraq's Kurdistan region.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (file photo).

We strongly oppose U.S. military intervention in Syria and urge the Obama administration to support increased diplomatic measures to protect civilians in the region. A United Nations investigation into the massacre of last week is still ongoing. For whoever is deemed responsible, accountability must come by way of investigation and prosecutions under international law, not further militarism in the region.

Entrance gate of Camp Ashraf