Armenian-Turkish ties normalization deemed as framework agreementJune 1, 2009 - 20:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The recent announcement on normalizing Turkish-Armenian relations is a potentially historic breakthrough. However, the lack of progress in implementing the "framework agreement" raises questions about Turkey's intentions and resolve, Columbia University expert David Philips says in an article published in Boston Globe. "During the conflict in Karabakh, Turkey closed border with Armenia in support of Azerbaijan. In the meantime, Armenian-Turkish conflict has lasted many years because of Turkey's negation of Armenian Genocide during World War I," Philips writes.After meeting with Turkish officials on April 7 in Istanbul, Obama concluded that resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh was not a formal precondition for normalization and recognition. But as a practical matter it is a deal-breaker, the expert further notes. "Armenian and Azerbaijani negotiators agree on 'basic ideas' for resolving Nagorno-Karabakh's status. But Turkey responded that Ankara's interests cannot be held hostage by Azerbaijan forever. As regards Obama administration, it is committed to good relations with Turkey and Armenia. Both are US allies and help counter global extremism. Therefore, US mediation is indispensable to the agreement on normalization and recognition," Philips stresses. 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 | 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. CSTO: Armenia has not participated in secretariat’s work recently Recently Armenia has not participated in the work of the secretariat of the CSTO, Imangali Tasmagambetov said. Meeting with U.S., EU not against third parties, says Armenia The meeting scheduled for April 5 is dedicated to strengthening of the Armenia-EU-US cooperation, Yerevan added. Ucom launches network modernization efforts in few regions of Armenia In particular, on March 28, the legacy Mobile Switching Subsystem will be replaced with a new one. |