Turkey has driven Azerbaijan in awkward situationMarch 16, 2009 - 20:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey and Armenia are holding talks which can result in opening of the common border, an Azeri expert said. "Our concept bases on blockade imposed on Armenia by Azerbaijan and fraternal Turkey. We do understand that this blockade can't completely isolate Armenia from the outer world. We also understand that opening of the Armenian-Turkish border will not be an economic shock for Azerbaijan, neither will it affect the life of ordinary Armenian citizens. But opening of the border before resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will be a blow to Azerbaijan's interests and Azeri-Turkish relations," said Mubariz Ahmedoglu, director of the Azerbaijani center of innovations and technologies. "I believe that Ankara will take into account Azerbaijan's position," he said. However, he remarked that opening of the border is a long process and Azerbaijan will have time to take countermeasures. "Azerbaijan has always supported Turkey, specifically in energy projects, but the ruling AK Party has driven us in an awkward position," Ahmedoglu said, Novosti Azerbaijan reported. 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 | 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. |