Sabah: Kurdistan Freedom Falcon responsible for Istanbul blastsJuly 29, 2008 - 16:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kurdistan Freedom Falcon (TAK) has taken on the responsibility for Istanbul Sunday blasts, Sabah newspaper reports with e reference to sources in Turkish intelligence. No other sources have confirmed the information yet. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan implicitly blamed separatist Kurdish rebels Monday for two bomb blasts that ripped through a crowded Istanbul street, killing 17 people and wounding more than 150. Erdogan all but named the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), describing the two explosions as "the cost" of an intensified crackdown against the rebels in Turkey and in neighboring northern Iraq, where they take refuge. Meanwhile, the PKK made an announcement and denied having any connection with the attack. Zubeyir Aydar condemned the attack saying, "This is a very dark incident. There had been some similar events in the past. Such an attack is very thought provoking in such a period when Ergenekon and AK Party cases are heard. PKK has no connection with the event. We believe there are dark forces behind this incident." 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |