EU to Open 1st Round of Talks with Turkey on June 12May 30, 2006 - 16:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - During their meeting in Vienna over the weekend, European Union foreign ministers agreed to open the first round of negotiations with Turkey on June 12 during the ministers' meeting in Luxembourg. Diplomatic sources stated that the EU plans to open talks on the science and research chapter during the Turkey-EU Partnership Council meeting the same day in Luxembourg. Sources also underlined that the decision taken by the 25-nation bloc's foreign ministers is aimed at strengthening reforms in Turkey, which will give a positive message to those who object to Turkey's EU bid. They underlined that although Austria, which will hold the rotating EU term presidency until the end of June, is unwilling to open talks with Turkey, it might welcome the opening of talks on one chapter during its presidency to shake the impression that Vienna is biased against Turkey, reports the New Anatolian Agency. 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. |