EU slams Turkish PM's media boycott callsJanuary 29, 2009 - 18:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Union is closely monitoring Turkey after harsh statements Prime Minister Erdogan made regarding the country's media, a European official said.Freedom of the press is a basic requirement of the EU's political criteria, Marc Pierini, head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey, told Milliyet daily. "As far as we are concerned, it is of great importance that media make objective judgments and reach resources equally," said Pierini, adding that this situation might be displeasing for politicians, stopping short of naming Erdogan. The Prime Minister repeated this week his call to "boycott media", saying that certain newspaper had twisted remarks he made regarding Gaza during his talks in Brussels. "Do not buy those newspapers. Truth is not what they wrote. In my meetings in Brussels, they told me (you have imposed a ban on the press). No, I have not. But I have used civilian initiative. Let's boycott the media that covers false stories," Erdogan had told his party meeting on Tuesday. Erdogan attracted the EU's attention again last November when he called for a boycott against Dogan Media Group publications, on their coverage of corruption cases with connections to the ruling party. 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |