RA MFA: Armenia, Turkey to establish diplomatic relationsNovember 24, 2008 - 18:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said the RA will continue negotiations for normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia. "Active dialogue, which started early September when Turkish President Gul paid a visit to Armenia, will be continued. I don't see any serious obstacle for normalizing our relations. Our position implies normalization of relations and opening of the border without any preconditions, Armenia is ready to do that and we wait for Turkey to do the same. Armenia is interested in establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey. There are many countries in state of war, which have diplomatic relations and are open to each other," he said in Istanbul during the meeting of the BSEC Secretariat. "My optimism originates from the negotiations with the Turkish side; we started negotiations immediately after the visit of the Turkish President of in September. We had very constructive, very interesting and frank discussions," he said. Commenting on the possibility of direct flights to be exercised by Turkish Airlines, Minister Nalbandian said, "I came directly from Yerevan. So if THY decides to have own direct flights to Armenia, why not? It would be very useful for business and tourism between two countries." He also voiced hope that Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan will be in Istanbul in October 2009 for Turkey-Armenia return soccer match. 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. |