Talks on Turkey's accession to the EU openedOctober 4, 2005 - 14:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - After long and intense discussion EU FMs came to accord in Luxembourg. Thus, the stalemate situation was overcome: Austria renounced its proposal on «privileged partnership» to Turkey. On the night of October 4 the talks on Turkey's accession to the EU opened officially. Ankara assessed the beginning of the talks as a huge diplomatic victory. In Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan's words, the agreement «fits Turkey's interests fully.» «Turkey has made historical strides. This achievement belongs to the Turkish people,» Erdogan stated. «This is a really historical day for Europe and the whole international community,» stated the Premier of the UK, which presides at the EU at present. There is «a long way» ahead still, he added. As if confirming it Turkish FM Abdullah Gul did not shake hands with FMs of Austria and Cyprus at the opening ceremony. «I am sure the EU will overcome the distrust towards Turkey,» Gul said. Negotiations will be held from firm positions if necessary, he added, reported RFE/RL. 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 | Ucom Celebrates Telecommunication Day May 17 commemorates the founding of the International Telecommunication Union on May 17, 1865. Armenian, Azerbaijani heads of parliament meet in Switzerland President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Border residents overnight on highway to protest Armenia’s Residents of Kirants continue to express outrage over the government’s decision to cede land to Azerbaijan. Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. |