Biden says PKK equally a threat to Turkey as Islamic State January 23, 2016 - 17:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Saturday, January 23 said that the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) is a threat to Turkey like Islamic State, condemning the Kurdish militants as "a terror group plain and simple," AFP reports. "IS is not the only existential threat to the people of Turkey, the PKK is equally a threat and we are aware of that.. it is a terror group plain and simple and what they continue to do is absolutely outrageous," Biden said after talks with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Istanbul. Biden on Fridaystrongly criticized Turkey for failing to set the right "example" on freedom of expression, following the imprisonment of journalists and investigation of academics who criticized government policy, AFP reports. "When the media are intimidated or imprisoned for critical reporting... and more than 1,000 academics are accused of treason simply by signing a petition, that's not the kind of example that needs to be set," Biden said at a meeting with civil society representatives in Istanbul. Related links:   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 Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan  A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia.U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel.Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |
