Merkel strictly opposes Turkey’s EU bidSeptember 20, 2011 - 20:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel has opposed Turkey's full membership in the European Union. She announced this on the eve of a meeting with Turkish President Abdullah Gul. “However, we do not wish to lose Turkey as an important strategic partner,” said the head of the German government. In her opinion, the EU should find ways to build closer political cooperation with Turkey. Abdullah Gul, who is now on an official visit to Germany, spoke at Berlin's Humboldt University, where he stressed that Ankara's strategic goal for the foreseeable future is to join the EU. His speech was postponed for several hours due to a bomb threat which was further revealed to be false, The Voice of Russia 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |