Azeri President refuses to attend the "Alliance of Civilizations" project meeting in TurkeyApril 3, 2009 - 21:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev refused to attend "Alliance of Civilizations" project meeting in Turkey. It could be valued as a protest against Turkey's intention to open borders with Armenia. The sources in the European Union confirmed that Turkey was going to open borders with Armenia. Euronews agency wrote two days ago quoting senior officials of the European Union that official Ankara will pass a decision to open borders with Armenia. According to the information, Ankara may open borders with Armenia after U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Turkey in April. According to the source, this will have positive influence on Turkey-European Union relations. All these factors prove that Turkey intends to open borders with Armenia without taking into consideration Azerbaijan's position and before Nagorno Karabakh conflict is solved. This step may be regarded as one of the causes of Ilham Aliyev's refusing to attend Alliance of Civilizations in Turkey. Of course, the refusal may also be connected with the president's work schedule. Still the main version is that Turkish officials have not taken a stance on the reports on improvement of Turkey-Armenia relations and opening of borders. Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan are the co-chairs of the Alliance of Civilizations under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, APA reported. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. Armenian army holding strategic command, staff drills Live firing will be carried out using automatic control systems and modern equipment. |