Turkish authorities are too emotional about Turkey -EU negotiationsJune 22, 2009 - 13:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Calling it a 'privileged partnership' is wrong. Turkey is already in a customs union with us. What we seek is a relationship that would make Turkey associated as much as possible with the EU," Pierre Menat, director of EU affairs for the French foreign ministry, told the Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review in an interview conducted last week in Paris."It would be much better if we could discuss it. But it's not possible, as the Turkish authorities are too emotional on this issue. If we can see the reality, then we can have better relations," he said. French President Nicholas Sarkozy is known for his firm opposition to Turkey's admission into the EU, a stance in which he is joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Sarkozy says Turkey's full membership in the EU would destabilize the bloc's future by enlarging its borders to the fragile Middle East. "Having said so, France, during its EU term presidency, did not hinder the negotiations," he said. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |