Turkish state minister visits Armenian church in IstanbulApril 22, 2011 - 14:25 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey’s state minister, chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis paid a visit to the Surp Takavor Armenian Church in Istanbul to join people in their Easter prayers. “As long as we [the ruling party] have been in power, we have not intervened in anyone’s religion,” he said. “People in Turkey have long believed they can change each other through pressure,” Bagıs said, adding that people instead have to work and live together in harmony, regardless of their religions or faiths, Hurriyet Daily reported. “We haven’t intervened in anyone’s private life,” Bagıs said. He added that during the period the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, has been in power, everyone has felt freer to express their religious beliefs. Head of the church foundation Shapuh Cholakyan expressed gratitude to Bagis, saying: “The situation has improved so much that we have forgotten the bitterness of past events.” 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |