Islamist Turkey will have to forget the EUOctober 2, 2007 - 19:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "I am a devout Catholic. However, I do not let religion interfere with politics. I understand the fear in some Turks' hearts. If Turkey wants to be a part of Europe, state and religion should be separate," PACE President Rene van der Linden said"If Turkey inclines towards becoming an Islamic state, EU membership will be a dream," he said. He made four significant warnings in a period when the debates on both the headscarf and secularism are already hot. "First, if Turkey is inclined to be an Islamic state, forget the EU. Second, if the change in the constitution is not compatible with the European Agreement, we will take it under investigation at the Venice Commission. Third, those that feel subject to pressure to wear a headscarf should apply to the European Court of Human Rights. Fourth, Universities objecting to the ban on wearing headscarves can also apply to the European Court of Human Rights," he said in an interview with Sabah newspaper. 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. |