Turkey rejects joining Eastern PartnershipFebruary 25, 2009 - 15:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey will not join the Eastern Partnership, a Turkish official said."The talks with the EU are held for Turkey's full-fledged membership in the Union. So, we can't accept an offer which conflicts with the EU previous decisions," said Yasar Yakis, ex-Foreign Minister and chairman of Turkey-EU parliamentary commission, Trend Azeri news agency reports. The Eastern Partnership targets six of the EU's immediate eastern neighbors - Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and, provisionally, Belarus. Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg, speaking for the current EU presidency, said that Turkey may also be invited. The final shape of the project will emerge at an EU summit on March 19-20. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |