Austrian lawmakers want suspension of Turkey’s EU accessionNovember 11, 2016 - 15:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Austrian lawmakers Thursday, November 10 called for a suspension of Turkey's EU accession process amid the recent detention of a number of opposition deputies and journalists, Anadolu Agency reports. "We urge the Turkish government to release the detained MPs and journalists urgently," said a joint declaration issued by the six political parties represented in parliament, calling the move "worrisome". The parliamentarians from the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO), the Austrian People's Party (OVP), Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), The Greens, Team Stronach and NEOS - The New Austria also criticized the current state of emergency in Turkey declared in the aftermath of July 15 coup bid. Nine journalists and executives from the Cumhuriyet newspaper were remanded in custody Saturday in a "counter-terrorism investigation" into the PKK and the so-called Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). It followed the detentions of 10 lawmakers from the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on t"errorism charges," including the party's co-chairs. The same six parties had signed on April 23, 2015 a joint declaration calling the 1915 mass deportation of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire a "genocide" upon which Turkey recalled its ambassador to Vienna. Hasan Gogus resumed his post in September 2015 after Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz ensured Ankara that they did not recognize the Armenian claims regarding the incidents. The Turkish ambassador was recalled again on Aug. 20 after Austrian authorities did not allow Turkish citizens to hold anti-coup demonstrations in the country but allowed a pro-PKK march to take place. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |