Sweden extends full support for Turkey's membershipMay 8, 2009 - 19:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Sweden, which will take over the rotating presidency of the European Union (EU) from Czech Republic as of July 1, is extending full support for Turkey's EU bid, Secretary General Maria Asenius announced in Stockholm. Speaking about Turkey's efforts towards EU integration, she noted that Turkey was a strategically important country for the union, however, it should carry on with implementing reforms. Turkish Today's Zaman newspaper quotes the Swedish official as saying that solution of the Cyprus issue will be a remarkable progress in Turkey's ongoing negotiation process with EU. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |