Turkey fears spoiling relations with IranDecember 16, 2009 - 18:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey is against the proposal on locating elements of American PRO system on its territory for fear of jeopardizing relations with Russia and Iran. U.S. President Barrack Obama has proposed Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan to locate "anti-missile shield" on Turkish territory. The proposal was made last week during negotiations in Washington. Turkish media report that Ankara has disapproved the initiative. "According to preliminary assessments, military and pro-government circles are inclined to believe that such PRO will make Turkey a direct shooting mark for Iranian short- and medium- ranged rockets. Besides, there are concerns that the project will create tensions in relationship with Russia, leading to 'cold war' atmosphere despite Turkey's 'friendship with neighbors' policy." Turkish and Western media have several times released information on United States plans to locate elements of PRO system in Turkey, but Turkish officials did not confirm such information, RIA Novosti 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 | 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 |