Italy strongly supports Turkey's EU membership processMay 4, 2009 - 18:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Speaking at a conference in Ankara, Marsili said that Turkey's face always turned towards western world.Noting that EU membership process was difficult, Marsili stressed that the target of Turkey was full membership to the EU. Marsili said that if Turkey met all the conditions asked by the EU in the end of membership negotiations, then there would not be any obstacle before Turkey's membership. He noted that Turkey should speed up membership process and fulfill the reforms within that scope. Expressing belief that there would be a "successful marriage" between Turkey and the EU, Marsili said that he believed the artificial obstacles before the membership negotiations would be eliminated. Marsili said that relations with Cyprus and Greece were influential issues in Turkey's negotiation process, adding that insolubility of Cyprus issue damaged Turkey's EU membership process. Noting that they did not want the EU to be a Christian club, Marsili said that objecting Turkey on the grounds that it was a Muslim country was not appropriate to the founding values of the EU. Marsili said that Turkey, in all aspects, was a European country, and it was important as a secular and democratic country. Noting that Turkey had one of the most dynamic economies of Europe, Marsili pointed out the economic growth of Turkey despite the global economic crisis, Today's Zaman reported. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |