Armenian patriarch lends support to Erdogan's AKPJune 6, 2007 - 14:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) received support from Patriarch Mesrob II Mutafyan, the religious leader of the Turkish Armenian community. Partiarch Mutafyan, speaking to the German weekly Der Spiegel, claimed the Armenian community would prefer the AKP to the social democrat Republican People's Party (CHP). Speaking about the murder of prominent Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink, Mutafyan said the mood of solidarity, evident in the aftermath of the crime, faded away soon and made way for an upsurge of ultra-nationalistic rhetoric among the Turkish society. "We the Armenians were left alone again" he said. "I do not think that the investigation [on the murder] will move forward, Mutafyan claimed. Apparently those who organized it are backed and protected by some circles. Mutafyan announced he plans to visit Ankara to hold talks with the chief of the military, claiming there are rumors that the security forces might have some links with those who committed the crime. I will ask him: What do you recommend to the Armenians? What should the Armenians do? said Mutafyan. It appears that those who want to drive Armenians away from Turkey are strengthening, Mutafyan said. But he also criticized the Armenian Diaspora. "Armenians in the Diaspora do not understand our situation. We cannot deny the bloodshed in 1915 but we have to look to the future and try to promote the dialogue between Turks and Armenians," he said. 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. |