Abdullah Gul doesn't rule out Turkey's refusing EU membershipMay 1, 2011 - 15:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - On the threshold of his visit to Austria, Turkish President Abdullah Gul delivered a statement on Turkey's EU bid. “Turkey might follow the example of Norway, eventually refusing EU membership,” Turkish President said. As he noted, in 2005, a joint agreement on the launch of talks on Turkey's EU accession was made, which obligates the Union to abide by the “pacta sunt servanda” principle. According to the President, obstacles set in Turkey's way to EU accession are both illegal and unjust. “Turkey meets EU standards. It's unacceptable to isolate the nation professing a different faith,” Gul stressed, expressing concern over manifestations of xenophobia, radicalism and Islamophobia, which run counter to European values, TRT Russian reports. 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." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. 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. |