EU: Turkey wants “zero problems with neighbors”, destroys friendship monumentMarch 28, 2011 - 14:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey has major problems, such as the freedom of speech, journalists’ arrests, ban on yet unreleased books, trial on Ergenekon case and demolition of a Monument to Humanity in Kars, Director General for EU Enlargement stressed. As Michel Leigh stated at a Brussels-hosted forum, Turkey is attempting at having “zero problems with neighbors” while destroying a monument to Armenia-Turkey friendship, Hurriyet daily reported. As Turkish State Minister and chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis stated by way of an excuse, the monument will be destroyed only because of its unsatisfactory architectural appearance and the resolution to demolish it is unrelated to its meaning. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan kicked off a new controversy in January 2011 after he described a statue in the eastern province of Kars as a “monstrosity.” “Turkey has not altered its position on Armenia. The demolition of the monument is unrelated to Armenia-Turkey relations. Moreover, Kars population supports the settlement of ties with Armenia, which will further promote economic relations and development of the region,” Bagis said. 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 | 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. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |