Ankara uses Kurds and war threats for strengthening positions in regionNovember 1, 2007 - 14:47 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "The situation in the region is extremely tensed and complicated by three factors: the Turkey-Iraq collision, Iran's nuclear program and strengthening of Turkey's role in the region. Armenia can't be indifferent about it," Ruben Safrastyan, Director of the Institute of the Oriental Studies, told a news conference in Yerevan."There are Armenian communities in all Middle East states and the RA Foreign Ministry should closely watch the developments. It Turkey launches a major cross-border operation in northern Iraq it will inevitably lead to greater tensions. The PKK is menacing Ankara. In July 2007, the ruling AKP used Kurds for gaining a victory. As result, 1/3 of Turkish MPs are ethnic Kurds. If the situation deteriorates AKP will lose a part of mandates," he said. "War can deliver a heavy blow on the economy of southwest Turkey. The commodity turnover between Turkey and northern Iraq makes $2,5 - 3 billion with 200 thousand people engaged in business. Moreover, war would strain social problems in Turkey," he said. "With strong anti-Kurdish propaganda, Ankara uses Kurds and war threats to strengthen positions in the region." 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |