Netanyahu explains Israeli apology to Turkey March 24, 2013 - 17:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu says concerns over the security of Syria's chemical weapons stockpile were the motivating factor in restoring relations with Turkey, Belfast Telegraph reported. Netanyahu wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday, March 23 that Israel and Turkey, which border Syria, need to communicate with each other over the issue. The Syrian "crisis" and the possibility that al-Qaida-linked groups could acquire chemical weapons was "the main consideration," in restoring ties, he wrote. Netanyahu phoned his Turkish counterpart on Friday and apologized for a botched raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010 that left eight Turks and one Turkish-American dead. Turkey demanded an apology as a condition for restoring ties. The Israeli premier had until now refused to apologise, saying Israeli soldiers acted in self-defence after being attacked by activists. Relations were tense before the flotilla incident.   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 |  Latest 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. |
