US CONGRESSMEN ASKED GEORGE BUSH TO CALL ON TURKEY TO END ARMENIA'S BLOCKADEJanuary 23, 2004 - 21:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Co-chairs of the Armenian Congressional Caucus Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg sent a letter to US President George Bush asking to call on Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan to immediately raise Armenia's blockade. To remind, Turkey's Prime Minister is to meet with Bush January 28 during his visit to the US. The Congressmen's letter notes that Armenia's blockade imposed by Turkey does not contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region. "The protection of the military-economic interests of the US, Turkey, European Union and NATO today, as never, depends on Armenia's blockade immediate end", it says. At the same time the Congressmen reminded Bush about the US Department report published in 2003, which pointed out that the blockade resulted in 30-35% increase of Armenia's cargo transportation expenses, thus crippling the economy. Besides, proceeding from the State Department's forecast the opening of the border will allow Armenia and Turkey to carry out joint projects in the sphere of trade, energy, economy and tourism, the annual turnover of which would comprise $1 billion. The Congressmen also underscored that the Armenian government has reiterated during the recent years about the readiness to establish normal relations with Turkey without any pre-conditions. 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. |