Turkish Ex-President: France Won't Wish to Offend Important Friend like TurkeyOctober 16, 2006 - 17:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The adoption of the bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial in France is a "great shame", Turkish ex-President Suleyman Demirel said. "This is France's erroneous opinion about Turkey and Turkish nation. I sharply condemn this bill and do not believe that it will be approved by the Senate and signed by the President. France will not wish to offend an important friend like Turkey but the decision by the French parliament deserves reproach. We were offended," he said adding that the "issue demanded reaction." "This is an international issue and Turkey has expressed its position. Our country is unanimous. Our citizens protested against the French parliament's decision. Our people will never forget it," he said, reports APA news agency. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |