Turkey calls for special NATO talks amid security concernsJuly 27, 2015 - 09:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - NATO said Sunday, July 26, that it would meet this week after Turkey called for special talks amid heightened concerns over its security, according to CNN. Turkey made the request under Article 4 of NATO's founding treaty, which allows countries to ask for consultations when they believe their territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened. It's only the fifth time in NATO history that members will meet under Article 4, CNN quoted NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu as saying. "In the wake of increased security threats following the attacks against our security and law-enforcement forces in provinces of Diyarbakır, Şanlıurfa and Kilis, in particular the terrorist attack that took the lives of 32 innocent Turkish citizens in Suruç on July 20, 2015, all necessary measures are being taken and in this context, operations are also being carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Upon these recent attacks and threats directed against our national security, North Atlantic Council has been called for a meeting by Turkey [this] week under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty with a view to informing our Allies about the measures we are taking and the operations we are conducting against terrorism, as well as to holding consultations with them," it said. NATO, in a separate statement, confirmed that a meeting would take place on Tuesday. The talks will come as Turkey grapples with a wave of violence near its southern border with Syria and is ramping up its effort to fight terrorists. 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 | Director General of Ucom takes part in recruiting conference Ralph Yirikian participated in the Recruit Days business and networking conference organized by Move2Career. Ameriabank named Best Bank in Armenia for 2024 by Global Finance Ameriabank has been named the Best Bank in Armenia by Global Finance magazine in its 31st annual awards. Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. Lavrov rejects Armenia’s “defamation” of Russia, CSTO Lavrov decried the Armenian leaders’ “defamation” of Russian soldiers and border guards deployed in Armenia. |