Bağış says Greek Cyprus membership in EU mistakeNovember 7, 2011 - 12:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey’s European Union Minister Egemen Bağış said a solution based on political equality was beneficial for the future of Turkey, as well as the security of Cyprus and Europe, Hurriyet Daily News reported. Speaking on the Bayrak TV channel of northern Cyprus, Bağış said that a solution could be reached only by the compromise by the two sides of the island, adding that it should become clear whether Cyprus talks would be concluded and a solution would be found by the end of the year. Bağış said “it was a mistake to approve Greek Cypriot administration’s membership to the EU, and EU officials confessed that too.” “Seventy percent of Europe’s required energy resources were transported from within Turkey’s borders, and Europe did not have the chance to reach those resources without Turkey’s contribution,” Bağış said. “Unfortunately 26 countries were not able to see how a single country put reservations on their interests,” he said. “If a solution was not found by June 2012, the party responsible would be the Greek Cypriot administration, and the whole world should know that.” Commenting on Turkey’s relations with the EU, Bağış said Turkey “would bring a different momentum to the EU process and would not give up on the EU.” 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 | Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |