  EU: Georgia crisis fortifies importance of TurkeySeptember 20, 2008 - 15:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The EU's enlargement chief says the Georgian crisis has strengthened the strategic importance of Turkey in the Caucasus region and for the European bloc.European Union Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn says Turkey's diplomacy is helping solve political problems in the region and is also forging new ties between Syria and Europe. Rehn described Turkey as an important bridge between Europe and the Islamic world, saying it is also trying to help improve relations between Israel and the Palestinians. "In other words, everything that has happened in recent weeks has only strengthened Turkey's strategic importance from the EU's point of view," Rehn told reporters in Helsinki on Friday, the AP 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 |  Related sections Latest 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. |
