Turkey will be ready for EU by 2013February 1, 2008 - 14:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said Turkey would have complied with the EU acquis by 2013. "Turkey is not only an aspirant but also a member state at the moment," he said."Over the last five months 229 meetings were held in both Ankara and Brussels to advance various chapters. In the same period, 46 visits were paid to EU countries at the level of state minister and head of government. Now the EU process is part of Turkey's daily work. We can't hold back the process only because one of the 27 EU members is discontent with something. Turkey's full membership is one of the most important peace projects of the 21st century," he said, Milliyet reports. Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke out for 'privileged partnership' for Turkey. 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. |