Armenians in Turkey important bridge for normalization of relationsFebruary 24, 2009 - 22:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish State Minister and Chief EU Negotiator Egemen Bagis said Tuesday that the government wants to improve relations with all neighbors including Armenia, adding that the Armenian community living in Turkey is an important bridge for this purpose.Bagis met directors, principals and heads of Parent Teacher Associations of Armenian primary and high schools in Istanbul. "We wish to improve political, economic and social relations with Armenia. Recent developments raised our hopes," Bagis told the meeting. "I am hopeful and we see the Armenian community living in Turkey as an important bridge for this purpose. Because you have got a lot to add to this friendship," Bagis said. He said hostility and hatred would go nowhere as Turkish and Armenian people lived together on this geography for centuries. He said Turkish and Armenian people would overcome obstacles together, adding, "We got over lots of difficulties together on this land. We have gone through very poor and troubled days together. Now we are experiencing maybe the most prosperous days of our history." "Mosques, churches and synagogues have made all of us peaceful in this land for centuries. Democracy is getting stronger in Turkey and you (Armenian people living in Turkey) have great contributions in it," he said, Anatolian Agency 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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |