CoE calls on Turkey to protect rights of non-Muslim minoritiesFebruary 5, 2011 - 13:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Council of Europe (CoE) called on Turkey to protect the rights of non-Muslim minorities better. "Positive steps have been undertaken to allow religious minorities to freely manifest their beliefs. However, a number of outstanding issues remain, which require the attention of the Turkish authorities," said COE Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg who published a letter addressed to the Turkish government on February 4. Hammarberg welcomed the measures taken to strengthen the protection of places of worship, properties and religious freedom of non-Muslim minorities, and also welcomed Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's instruction to counter publications containing elements of incitement to hatred and hostility towards non-Muslim communities. Hammarberg also recommended the opening of Greek Orthodox Seminary in Heybeliada (Halki) in Istanbul, and expressed concern over the slow implementation by Turkey of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights concerning freedom of religion. Hammarberg said wants Turkey to find a solution about the issue of identity cards that contained an indication of religion in accordance with the decision of ECHR, Today’s Zaman 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 | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. 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. |