EU: Turkey's regional importance grewOctober 29, 2008 - 18:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's importance to the EU has increased in the areas of energy, and regional security and conflict prevention in the Caucasus, says the EU annual progress report on Turkey to be released on November 5.The EU reforms, it says, makes Turkey "a stronger force for stability" in the volatile region, which witnessed a Russian-Georgian war over the breakaway region of South Ossetia in August. It said Turkey played a "constructive role" in the Caucasus and the Middle East by proposing a Caucasus cooperation platform after the August crisis; by mediating peace talks between Israel and Syria; and by starting dialogue with Armenia with President Gul's visit in September. The report noted changes to the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK), which the EU said restricts freedom of expression, but complained that the wording still remains largely the same and that the revised form, which requires prior authorization from the justice minister to open cases on the basis of Article 301, raises concerns that the article will be subject to political considerations. On the government, however, the report's tone was tougher, complaining that, although it expressed commitment to the reforms, it has not put forward "a consistent and comprehensive program of reforms" to bring Turkey closer to the EU, Today's Zaman reports. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | EU encourages Armenia to prioritize strategic projects The EU has encouraged Armenia to prioritize strategic projects, according to a statement from the country’s Foreign Ministry. Some 100 detained as protesters, police clash in Yerevan Riot police fired stun grenades outside the Armenian parliament as they clashed with protesters. Exclusive access to all EURO 2024 games for Ucom subscribers This year once again Ucom stands as the primary partner of UEFA EURO 2024 in Armenia. Pashinyan congratulates Putin on Russia Day Nikol Pashinyan sent congratulatory messages to Vladimir Putin and Mikhail Mishustin on the occasion of Russia Day. |