EU Commission frontrunner urges against Turkey's EU membershipApril 29, 2019 - 11:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A German politician who is looking to become the next head of the EU Commission said on Saturday, April 27 that he wanted a bloc that rested on Christian values and did not include Turkey, The Local reports. Manfred Weber is the centre-right European People's Party candidate and frontrunner to replace Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission. "We are proud that this continent has a Christian influence... it is not only something for museums, and that should guide us for the future," Weber said at a political meeting in Münster, western Germany. The Christian values should ensure Europeans were "frank" in their discussions with Ankara "which is why I believe that Turkey cannot be a member of the EU", he said, reiterating his opposition to Turkey being allowed to join the EU club. "We want a partnership, a friendship, but we must end accession negotiations with Turkey". The European project should be "defended against nationalists and the selfish" he said, adding that Europe faced a "historic turning point" in defence of the European "way of life". He said that with the "towers of Notre-Dame burning" in Paris earlier this month, he saw the French cathedral as a significant symbol "for us Europeans to... rely on our shared values and ways of thinking". The European Union is to hold elections to its European parliament between May 23 and 26. The vote is expected to see a surge in far-right and populist parties. Weber, 46, is the leader of the centre-right EPP which is projected to win the biggest number of seats in the parliament, potentially putting him in pole position to take over from Juncker, 64, when he steps down late this year. 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. 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. |