Kurdistan to become new buffer between West and EastNovember 26, 2007 - 18:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Formation of independent Kurdistan is nearly finished, senior expert of the Institute of Oriental Studies at the Russian academy of Sciences Kirill Vertyayev said during Yerevan-Moscow space bridge. A Kurdish autonomy can be maintained in Iraq but the proclamation of independence has become an inevitable process, according to him."Kurdistan will become a new buffer between West and East. Along with Israel it will become a political unit opposing the Islamic world. Given its strategic consideration, Armenia is also close to Kurdistan," Vertyayev said. "Turkey was debarred from settling the Iraqi conflict. That is why the Turkish government seeks to convince the population in Turkey's regional importance." For his part, Director of Museum-Institute of Armenian Genocide Hayk Demoyan reminded that formation of independent Kurdistan was stipulated by the Treaty of Sevres. "There is official data that correlation of Turks and Kurds in Turkey will be equal by 2010. This means that Turkey won't benefit from operations in northern Iraq," he said. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |