Scandal between France and Turkey expandsNovember 18, 2006 - 16:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul announced on late Thursday that France hasn't been officially invited to a defense industry fair over the French Parliament's passage of an Armenian bill last month, introducing punishments to those who question genocide claims. Gonul stated that Ankara gave a notice to French companies, instead of invitations, and added, "The French defense minister is a valuable government member. But he has not been formally invited here. We sent invitations to other countries." In related news, the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry canceled the invitation of the a French music company to perform a remembrance ceremony for Turkish poet and Sufi mystic Mevlana Rumi, reports The New Anatolian. 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 | “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. 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. |