Italy strongly supports Turkey's EU membership processMay 4, 2009 - 18:41 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Speaking at a conference in Ankara, Marsili said that Turkey's face always turned towards western world.Noting that EU membership process was difficult, Marsili stressed that the target of Turkey was full membership to the EU. Marsili said that if Turkey met all the conditions asked by the EU in the end of membership negotiations, then there would not be any obstacle before Turkey's membership. He noted that Turkey should speed up membership process and fulfill the reforms within that scope. Expressing belief that there would be a "successful marriage" between Turkey and the EU, Marsili said that he believed the artificial obstacles before the membership negotiations would be eliminated. Marsili said that relations with Cyprus and Greece were influential issues in Turkey's negotiation process, adding that insolubility of Cyprus issue damaged Turkey's EU membership process. Noting that they did not want the EU to be a Christian club, Marsili said that objecting Turkey on the grounds that it was a Muslim country was not appropriate to the founding values of the EU. Marsili said that Turkey, in all aspects, was a European country, and it was important as a secular and democratic country. Noting that Turkey had one of the most dynamic economies of Europe, Marsili pointed out the economic growth of Turkey despite the global economic crisis, Today's Zaman reported. 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |