Talks on Turkey's accession to the EU openedOctober 4, 2005 - 14:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - After long and intense discussion EU FMs came to accord in Luxembourg. Thus, the stalemate situation was overcome: Austria renounced its proposal on «privileged partnership» to Turkey. On the night of October 4 the talks on Turkey's accession to the EU opened officially. Ankara assessed the beginning of the talks as a huge diplomatic victory. In Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan's words, the agreement «fits Turkey's interests fully.» «Turkey has made historical strides. This achievement belongs to the Turkish people,» Erdogan stated. «This is a really historical day for Europe and the whole international community,» stated the Premier of the UK, which presides at the EU at present. There is «a long way» ahead still, he added. As if confirming it Turkish FM Abdullah Gul did not shake hands with FMs of Austria and Cyprus at the opening ceremony. «I am sure the EU will overcome the distrust towards Turkey,» Gul said. Negotiations will be held from firm positions if necessary, he added, reported RFE/RL. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |