Turkey: Greek Cypriot plans about offshore oil and gas exploration are an "adventure"June 12, 2009 - 02:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey says Greek Cypriot plans to launch offshore oil and gas exploration are an "adventure" that is likely to fuel tensions and hamper reunification talks, tuskishny.com reports. Burak Özügergin, the foreign ministry spokesman, reiterated on June 11, that Turkey was determined to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots in the island, warning Cyprus against unilateral moves. Özügergin spoke was in response to statement made on June 10 by Cyprus that it will not agree to open the key energy chapter in Turkey's accession talks with the European Union because of what it said was interference by Turkish navy ships with an offshore oil-and-gas survey off its southern coast. Özügergin says Turkey does not want to stir up tensions but intends to protect its interests. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |