Eurocommission Suggests Ceasing Talks with TurkeyNovember 30, 2006 - 13:08 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Eurocommission has suggested to partially freeze the talks with Turkey over its membership in the EU, reports AFP referring to an anonymous source at the EU. According to his information, that step by the EU top executive is due to Turkish authorities refusing to open ports for ships sailing under the flag of the Republic of Cyprus. It is reported that the talks will be ceased on 8 out of 35 items referring to relations of Turkey with Cyprus authorities. A Cyprus representative stated that the Turkish party will have to compromise sooner or later, as without adjusting the entire list of requirements the EU accession will be closed to it. December 11, 2006 EU FMs will gather for a wide-composition meeting. They will have to adopt or reject the Eurocommission proposal. British PM Tony Blair has already stated that Turkey's refusal from EU membership will be "a serious mistake." November 27 the talks between EU, represented by Finnish FM Erkki Tuomioja, and Turkey over Cyprus were futile, given the Eurocommission presenting an ultimatum to Turkish authorities demanding to meet all requirements to the united Europe. For latest several months the EU threatened Turkey with full or partial stopping of the talks, if it closes ports to Cyprus ships. In exchange Ankara demands canceling sanctions against unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in compliance with agreements of 2004, reports Lenta.ru. 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. |