UN Secretary-General urges Turkey, Israel improve relationsSeptember 3, 2011 - 10:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Turkey and Israel on Saturday, September 3, to improve their relationship and accept the recommendations of a UN report into the deaths of nine Turks in Israeli attack on a Gaza-bound ship. Reuters reported. Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated since the UN report was made public on Thursday. Turkey has expelled Israel's ambassador and frozen military cooperation after the report failed to prompt an apology from Israel. Ban said strong ties between Turkey and Israel, which both share a border with Syria, were important for the middle East and the future of the Middle East peace process. "I sincerely hope that Israel and Turkey will improve their relationship," Ban told reporters in Canberra after talks with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. "Both countries are very important countries in the region. Their improved relationship, normal relationship, will be very important in addressing all the situations in the Middle East, including the middle east peace process. Ban said he would make no comment on the specifics of the report, written by a panel headed by former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer. "My only wish is that they should try to improve their relationship and do whatever they can to implement the recommendations and findings of this panel's report," he said. The report found Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip was legal, but that Israel used unreasonable force when its commandos raided the ship, despite meeting strong resistance from those on board. 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. |