ATHENS -- Greek officials presented on Wednesday a series of action plans aimed to enhance the protection and integration of thousands of unaccompanied minors during the refugee and migrant influx.

The number of unaccompanied minors in Greece has dropped from 5,424 in February 2020 to 2,576 in December 2021, according to an e-mailed press release by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. More than 1,000 minors had no shelter two years ago, while currently they are all accommodated. (Greece-migration)

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WASHINGTON -- A new ensemble forecast from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicted that more than 62,000 more people could die from COVID-19 over the next four weeks.

The number of newly reported COVID-19 deaths will likely increase over the next four weeks, with 10,400 to 31,000 new deaths likely reported in the week ending Feb. 5, according to the forecast published on Wednesday. (U.S.-coronavirus-death)

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BEIRUT -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday called on all political parties to secure a meeting for the council of ministers in a bid to end the political deadlock.

Speaking at a conference held for the launch of an environmental report at the Grand Serail, Mikati urged all parties to cooperate to save Lebanon and restore its prosperity before it is too late, the National News Agency reported. (Lebanon-meeting-deadlock)

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BERLIN -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated his support for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in the country during his first briefing to the Bundestag (lower house of Parliament) on Wednesday.

Scholz said he hoped for a swift discussion in the Bundestag on a general COVID-19 vaccination obligation, stressing that "I, for one, believe it is necessary and will actively campaign for it." (Germany-mandatory-vaccination)