Israel starts campaign against Turkey’s 2020 Olympics bidOctober 18, 2011 - 18:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games may be in danger after an attempt by the Israeli Parliament. A group of Israeli parliamentary members, led by Deputy Knesset Speaker Danny Danon, have written a letter to International Olympic Committee (IOC) chairman Jacques Rogge, pleading with him to cancel Turkey’s bid. “The Olympic Games, which constitute a cultural lighthouse of values, cannot be held in a country whose values contradict everything the Olympic Games stand for,” Danon wrote. “The support for terror and the ties with Iran are only the tip of the iceberg of Turkey’s actions. Its entire policy contradicts the cultural values expressed in the Olympic framework. Letting Turkey host the Olympics will stain the reputation of the Western world in general and the Olympic Movement in particular.” Istanbul is bidding against Tokyo, Madrid, Rome, Doha and Baku for the opportunity to host the 2020 Olympics, Hurriyet Daily News 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |