With no solution to Cyprus and Armenian issues, Turkey's EU prospects out of questionNovember 1, 2008 - 15:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Daniel Gros, director of the Brussels-based Center for European Policy Studies, warned Turkey it would need to get things moving. "Turkey is losing time," said Gros, adding that he has seen no progress in Turkey's reform process for EU membership. "The two big stumbling blocks, Cyprus and Armenia, sooner or later have to be resolved." "The later Turkey takes steps on the Cyprus issue, the more difficult it will become as each year passes," Gros said. "If there is no solution to the Cyprus and Armenian issues, we will not be able to speak about Turkey's EU prospects." The Armenian issue is, "a secondary question," because it is not a member of the EU, Gros added, placing the emphasis on Cyprus. He said he remained optimistic over the future of northern Cyprus. "As long as northern Cyprus develops nicely, which it seems to be doing now, over time it will become a de facto state and this reality will be recognized," Gros said, the Turkish Daily News reports. 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 | Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. U.S. doesn’t see Russia as contributing to peace in Caucasus Patel made the remarks when asked about the implications of Russia’s withdrawal of peacekeepers from Karabakh. Up to 1% cashback when shopping on Wildberries with IDBank cards IDBank is launching an exclusive campaign on Wildberries for online shopping enthusiasts. |