Olli Rehn: Sarkozy's policy may result in collision of civilizationsJune 11, 2007 - 18:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn has warned French President Nicolas Sarkozy regarding his stance on Turkey's membership. "If you block Turkey's membership to the European Union, you will cause a clash of civilizations," said Rehn. He also underlined a clash of civilizations between the West and Islam would be the "consequence" if Nicolas Sarkozy succeeds in blocking Turkey's European Union membership. "Turkey's accession to the European club is the defining geopolitical issue of the 21st century. The greatest challenge of our time is the relationship between Europe and Islam, or more widely between the West and Islam. Turkey is an anchor of stability in the most unstable region of the world, in the wider Middle East. It is a benchmark for democracy for the Muslim world from Morocco to Malaysia," Rehn said, Daily Telegraph Newspaper reports. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |