Erdogan advises Obama "to refrain" from Armenian Genocide recognitionNovember 15, 2008 - 14:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has asked U.S. President-elect Barack Obama to support Turkey in its fight against terrorism and to refrain from backing the Armenian Genocide recognition campaign once he takes over the post from George W. Bush."I sincerely congratulate Barack Obama and his team who won the elections. Turkey and the United States, as two allies that have very strong relations, have been supporting each other for more than half a century," the Turkish PM said in his speech at Columbia University in New York. "Turkey is determined to continue the close cooperation with Obama's administration. Naturally, we expect it to take into consideration our sensitivities on issues that are of vital importance to us." Erdogan said U.S. sensitivity over these issues is important for the future of Turkey-U.S. relations, Today's Zaman 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |