Gul: Armenian apology campaign sign of Turkish people's reconciliation with their historyDecember 19, 2008 - 15:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Turkish army slammed Friday the online public apology to Armenians. "This move will have harmful consequences," Brigadier General Metin Gurak said. Meanwhile, the presidential press center has said that President Abdullah Gul eyes recent discussions in the Turkish public opinion and academic circles over the 1915 events as a sign of existence of a democratic discussion atmosphere in Turkey which is more civilized and freer than in many other countries and as Turkish people's reconciliation with their history and their self-confidence. The center also expressed President Gul's profound regret that the issue was distorted for some political purposes, although his views are well-known, Hurriyet Daily News reports. Some 14 thousand people have already signed the online public apology for the Armenian Genocide. To counterbalance the campaign, activists of Sabanci University launched a website with photos of Khojalu to demand pardon from Armenians. The number of petition signatories exceeds 40 thousand. 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. |