  EU: Turkey wants “zero problems with neighbors”, destroys friendship monument March 28, 2011 - 14:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey has major problems, such as the freedom of speech, journalists’ arrests, ban on yet unreleased books, trial on Ergenekon case and demolition of a Monument to Humanity in Kars, Director General for EU Enlargement stressed. As Michel Leigh stated at a Brussels-hosted forum, Turkey is attempting at having “zero problems with neighbors” while destroying a monument to Armenia-Turkey friendship, Hurriyet daily reported. As Turkish State Minister and chief EU negotiator Egemen Bagis stated by way of an excuse, the monument will be destroyed only because of its unsatisfactory architectural appearance and the resolution to demolish it is unrelated to its meaning. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan kicked off a new controversy in January 2011 after he described a statue in the eastern province of Kars as a “monstrosity.” “Turkey has not altered its position on Armenia. The demolition of the monument is unrelated to Armenia-Turkey relations. Moreover, Kars population supports the settlement of ties with Armenia, which will further promote economic relations and development of the region,” Bagis said.   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 |  Latest news The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity  The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.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. |
