Erdogan to explain Merkel bill on denying genocide "contradicts international law"April 14, 2007 - 15:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany, will raise his government's concerns over a new bill that would toughen requirements for Turkish immigrants to settle in Germany. Zaman reports, the bill, approved by the German Cabinet last month, would require the spouses of residents to pass a language test before being allowed to settle in Germany. It allows exemptions for several countries, including Australia, South Korea and Honduras.The German presidency's plans to put into force EU-wide legislation that would introduce penalties for denial of the crime of genocide are also on Erdogan's agenda. Turkey is concerned at the implications of this legislation, fearing that the Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire could also be covered by it. Erdogan is expected to "explain" Merkel that the legislation "contradicts international law and that it would restrict academic freedom and freedom of expression if endorsed". He is also expected to warn Merkel that its passage would further complicate Turkey's relations with the EU, the newspaper reported. 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. |