Kouchner offers no change on French opposition to Turkey’s accession to EUOctober 12, 2010 - 13:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite applauding Turkey's pro-active foreign policy, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner has signaled that his country has no intention of modifying its strong opposition to Turkey's accession to the European Union in the near future, Today's Zaman reported "No," Kouchner briefly replied when asked whether his two-day official visit to Turkey would make France change its position regarding Turkey's EU bid. "We want the chapters in negotiations to be opened one by one. We put reservations on [the opening of] some chapters. This [process] should be left to follow its natural course. It shouldn't move rapidly," Kouchner was quoted as saying in an interview with Hurriyet daily. Paris is one of the staunchest opponents of Turkey's accession to the EU, with French President Nicolas Sarkozy arguing that Turkey does not belong in Europe because it is culturally different, proposing instead a privileged partnership that falls short of membership in the 27-member bloc. 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 | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |