  Turkey slams media reports linking Erdogan to Saudi execution January 8, 2016 - 12:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey has summoned the Iranian ambassador to demand an end to reports in Iranian state media linking Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite cleric, the Associated Press reports. A Foreign Ministry statement released late Thursday, January 7, says Turkey protested reports suggesting that the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was linked to Erdogan's recent visit to Riyadh. The ministry said: "We strongly condemned statements that accuse our president and asked that these kinds of publications are halted." It also criticized attacks on two Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. Turkey's government has urged both Riyadh and Tehran to ease tensions, criticizing both the execution of the cleric and the attacks on missions. Erdogan said later however, that the executions were Saudi Arabia's internal affair.   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 |  Latest 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. |
