Merkel strictly opposes Turkey’s EU bidSeptember 20, 2011 - 20:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel has opposed Turkey's full membership in the European Union. She announced this on the eve of a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul. “However, we do not wish to lose Turkey as an important strategic partner,” said the head of the German government. In her opinion, the EU should find ways to build closer political cooperation with Turkey. Abdullah Gul, who is now on an official visit to Germany, spoke at Berlin's Humboldt University, where he stressed that Ankara's strategic goal for the foreseeable future is to join the EU. His speech was postponed for several hours due to a bomb threat which was further revealed to be false, The Voice of Russia reported. 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 | 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. |