Turkey doesn't eye Armenia as enemy but warns U.S. against Genocide recognitionOctober 30, 2008 - 18:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The chief foreign policy adviser to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that Turkey does not view Armenia as a threat or an enemy and that he is hopeful for reconciliation. "We should open our hearts, minds and arms to each other," Ahmet Davutoglu told a news conference in Washington. But speaking to Turkish reporters later, he also warned that a potential formal recognition by the United States of the Armenian Genocide would greatly damage the U.S.-Turkish relationship and hurt Turkey's efforts to reconcile with Armenia. Turkey will renounce partnership with the U.S. in case the latter recognizes the Genocide, according to him. Erdogan sent two foreign policy officials to meet the advisors of both U.S. presidential candidates Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain in the United States. Ahmet Davutoglu, chief foreign policy advisor to Erdogan and Suat Kiniklioglu, deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish parliament are instructed to convey Turkey's stance on a number of crucial issues, including PKK terrorism, the Armenian Genocide issue, Cyprus and other regional problems, to the advisors of both candidates. The officials are also expected to reiterate Turkey's aspiration to continue cooperation against the PKK and reaffirm that their country looks favorably on the territorial integrity of Iraq. 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 | Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. Armenian army holding strategic command, staff drills Live firing will be carried out using automatic control systems and modern equipment. Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. |