Armenian apology campaign organizers threatenedDecember 23, 2008 - 16:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish nationalistic forces create tension in the country by threatening to use force against the Turkish intellectuals who signed the Armenian Genocide apology petition, independent French journalist Jean Eckian told PanARMENIAN.Net Nevertheless, initiators of the campaign believe that the Turkish government is capable to overcome the crisis. Mr. Eckian reminded that many Turkish intellectuals are still persecuted for statements referring to the Armenian Genocide. Mehmed Ali Varis, assistant to publisher Ragip Zakaroglu, was imprisoned for "insulting Turkishness" because he was unable to pay a $15000 fee. Over 20 thousand Turkish intellectuals, authors, journalists, scientists and musicians have already signed the online petition which reads, "My conscience does not accept the insensitivity showed to and the denial of the Great Calamity that befell the Ottoman Armenians in 1915. I reject this injustice and for my share, I empathize with the feelings and pain of my Armenian brothers. I apologize to them." 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. |