Gul hopes today's football will generate important opportunitiesSeptember 6, 2008 - 21:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Saturday, aside from being the first match between two countries, tonight's World Cup qualifying match between the national soccer teams of Turkey and Armenia would generate important opportunities.Speaking to reporters at Ankara's Esenboga International Airport, Abdullah Gul said that he would travel to Yerevan, Armenia to watch tonight's soccer match between Turkey and Armenia. Gul said that his visit to Yerevan would take place upon an invitation by the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. "We have noticed a month ago how disputes in the Caucasus region jeopardized stability and peace in the region. The war between the Russian Federation and Georgia had an impact not only on the regional countries but the whole globe," Gul said. Stressing that his visit to Yerevan took place at an important period, Gul said that Sargsyan and he would have an opportunity to discuss regional developments. "The situation in the Caucasus, the Nagorno Karabakh problem and bilateral relations will be discussed in Yerevan today," Gul said. "I wish that the match to be played today will help the lifting of obstacles that prohibit closeness between the two peoples that share common history and will contribute to regional friendship and peace," Gul said. "With these feelings and thoughts, I wish our national team success," he added, Today's Zaman 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. |