  Turkey won’t wait 50 years for EU membership: minister February 27, 2015 - 16:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's aim is to reach European standards in its membership process, the country's EU minister has claimed, Middle East Monitor reports. Speaking at a meeting of the Paasikivi Society think tank in Finland, Volkan Bozkir said, "Turkey has no intention of waiting for EU membership for over 50 years." Turkey applied for EU membership in 1987 and accession talks began in 2005. "Our first aim in the beginning was to achieve economic development, but we have already reached that target. Our current goal is to achieve EU standards," Bozkir said during his address on Wednesday. Bozkir also thanked Finland for its support for Turkey's membership process. To gain membership, Turkey must successfully conclude negotiations with the EU in 35 policy chapters, which involve reforms and the adoption of European standards. So far, 14 chapters have been opened, while 17 remain blocked and another four have yet to be discussed. Photo: Nahnews.com.ua   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 |  Topic Latest news Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24  U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says.Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |
