  Barroso closes Turkey’s window to Europe September 22, 2010 - 12:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Turkey's ambitions to join the bloc are being thwarted because of cultural differences and a change in attitude toward Turkey, Reuters reported. “There are some big questions about the membership of Turkey because of cultural differences and that is something that is extremely serious. We are now discussing this matter with our member states... Turkey recognizes that not all benchmarks have been met - this is the first issue. The European Commission is very much in favor of the enlargement of the European Union but we have to see all the members meet all criteria,” Barroso said. Turkey's application to join the 27-nation EU has met with European resistance for years because of Turkey's human rights record and friction with Cyprus, an EU member that Turkey does not recognize.   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 |  Latest news Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
