  US: normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations should be completed within a reasonable timeframeDecember 4, 2009 - 18:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama has pledged to continue to press for an unconditional normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations which he believes should be completed within a "reasonable timeframe." Obama hailed the U.S.-backed dialogue between the two nations as "historic," in a letter to Hirair Hovnanian, Chairman of the Armenian Assembly of America."We will continue to vigorously support the normalization effort in the months ahead," he said. The letter dated November 20 came in response to a September 9 joint appeal to Obama from Hovnanian and the leaders of the Armenian General Benevolent Union and two U.S dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The signatories voiced support for the fence-mending Turkish-Armenian agreements and said Washington should get Ankara to stop linking their implementation with a resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict favored by Azerbaijan, ArmeniaDiaspora.com 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 |  Related sections Topic Latest 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 |
