Erdogan Welcomed Pope in PersonNovember 28, 2006 - 18:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in the Turkish capital of Ankara on his first visit to a predominantly Muslim country amid very tight security measures. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose party has Islamic origins, welcomed the Pontiff soon after he disembarked the plane. Erdogan and Pope Benedict then entered the VIP Hall at the airport and had a brief meeting.Five archbishops and five cardinals will accompany Benedict XVI during the papal visit. The four-day visit to Turkey is his first one to a predominantly Muslim country as Pope. He arrived in Turkey at the invitation of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Thousands of law-enforcers and snipers are invited to secure the Pope during his visit. Besides, the authorities intend to use a false motorcade, which will move in the city without the Pope. Authorities say nothing will threaten the Pontiff. Benedict XVI will be the second Pope visiting a mosque. Besides, the Pontiff will meet with Muslim and Judaic leaders, as well as heads of Christian communities of Turkey, reports BBC Russian service. 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “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. |