Karabakh conflict serves Armenian-Turkish reconciliationDecember 5, 2009 - 14:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Almost all what is happening in the South Caucasus is linked to normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, according to Alexander Iskandaryan, director of Caucasus Institute. "Regional problems, including the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are auxiliary in the process," he said at a joint news conference with expert Harutyun Mesrobyan. "Major actors, specifically OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries are doing their best to remove barriers on the way to Armenian-Turkish reconciliation. Therefore, the latest developments in Karabakh talks somehow serve the Armenia-Turkey process," Mr. Iskandaryan said. Harutyun Mesrobyan, for his part, denied the auxiliary role of Karabakh conflict and set a stress on energy resources routes. "An alterative transit route may be come through Armenia in case of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and resolution of the Karbakh conflict," 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 | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. 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. |