Turkish General Headquarters: We'll continue our mission in AfghanistanApril 30, 2009 - 19:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian-Turkish border can be opened only after Armenia withdraws its troops from Nagorno Karabakh, General Ilker Bashug , Head of the Turkish Armed Forces General Headquarters said. According to the General, the US has not made any claim regarding Ankara's policy in relation to Afghanistan and Iraq, however, it required that Turkey increase the number of its military subdivisions in Afghanistan to continue its mission there, Turkish Hurriyet periodical reports .With regard to Armenian-Turkish border opening, General Bashbug referred to the following statement made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, "The border opening should be accompanied by the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Nagorno Karabakh." "We share that viewpoint," Mr. Bashbug said in conclusion. 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. |