European Parliament hails steps for Turkish-Armenian reconciliationNovember 26, 2008 - 15:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - European Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee member and the accompanying delegation held a news conference in Ankara after the reception hosted in their honor. MEP Hannes Swoboda said Tuesday that they observe a halt in the reform process in Turkey. Speaking at the news conference Swoboda said they have a very clear message for Turkey: "Please, continue the reform process". If Turkey truly wants to become an EU member, it should carry on the reforms with determination, said Swoboda. He praised Turkey's foreign policy and the steps taken for normalization of relations with Armenia. Also speaking at the press conference, EP's Turkey rapporteur Ria Oomen Ruijten said she will submit the first draft of the Turkey report to the EP next week and it will be open to debate next Tuesday. She said the report is well balanced and unbiased adding that it could be more critical in certain areas compared to past, while more positive in the area of foreign relations. Rujiten also said there is a halt in the reform process and noted that political reforms are more important than opening of the chapters. She added that with political reforms she meant reforms about individual, cultural and constitutional rights and also the judicial reform, the Anatolian news agency reports 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |