Yasar Buyukanit supposed to be target of Ankara blastMay 23, 2007 - 15:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Leading Turkish newspapers Hurriyet and Radikal said that the blast in Ankara took place shortly before senior military commanders, including armed forces chief of General Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit were due to pass the area to go to a reception held within the framework of IDEF-2007, International Defense Industry Fair.There was no immediate claim of responsibility but the A-4 plastic explosives believed used in the blast pointed to the outlawed separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a security source and newspapers said. General Yasar Buyukanit did not rule out new blasts by Kurdish rebels. Turkish army leadership is holding Wednesday extra meetings to consider security measures throughout the country, specifically sea resorts. The violence could be caused by a large-scale operation against PPK troops at the Iraqi border, barring the pro-Kurdish Party of Democratic Society to take part in the parliamentary election due July 22 as well as the PPK's wish to destabilize political situation on the threshold of the elections, Cumhurriyet reports. 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 | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |