Turkish Ex-President: France Won't Wish to Offend Important Friend like TurkeyOctober 16, 2006 - 17:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The adoption of the bill penalizing the Armenian Genocide denial in France is a "great shame", Turkish ex-President Suleyman Demirel said. "This is France's erroneous opinion about Turkey and Turkish nation. I sharply condemn this bill and do not believe that it will be approved by the Senate and signed by the President. France will not wish to offend an important friend like Turkey but the decision by the French parliament deserves reproach. We were offended," he said adding that the "issue demanded reaction." "This is an international issue and Turkey has expressed its position. Our country is unanimous. Our citizens protested against the French parliament's decision. Our people will never forget it," he said, reports APA news 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 | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |