Armenian Genocide resolution: Turkey doesn't threaten but warnsMarch 3, 2009 - 15:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Estranged neighbors Turkey and Armenia are getting closer to normalize their ties, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said. Meanwhile, he warned adoption of Armenian Genocide resolution by U.S. Congress will "harm the process." "We are not using a threatening rhetoric. We are not saying 'if you pass this resolution, we will do this and that.' Honestly, we are telling them [the Americans] about the current situation in the South Caucasus," Babacan said en route to Egypt. "A resolution between Turkey and Armenia has never been that close. Where we stand now is the closest point ever to a settlement with Armenia since 1915. I'm not saying we've reached a solution, but we are getting close to it." Asked what he meant by a "solution," he explained: "Full normalization." "The U.S. should not interfere with the process that is underway in Armenia," said Babacan, reiterating that Turkey's strategic ties with the United States will be harmed if Washington recognizes the Armenian Genocide. "We have a historic opportunity now. The current work being done in the South Caucasus is not something that you can find every day," he said, Today's Zaman reports. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. |