Europe Highlights Ideas, Not PeopleJanuary 17, 2007 - 16:28 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The EU enlargement is accompanied by a number of forces regarding elaboration of a common line in economics and politics, Kenneth Munro (UK), the Deputy Chairman of the John Smith Memorial Trust, said during a round-table discussion on the topic of "Leadership as a diving force towards European integration." In his words, proceeding from economic interests the European community should move towards integration in politics and consolidation of European values. At that the British expert reminded of two principal criteria for any state aspired to the EU. "First, the state should be geographically located in Europe, Second, it should be democratic. As to these conditions as regards Turkey, this is a separate subject of discussion and I would not like to touch on it. Presently, the number of EU member states totals 27 and further enlargement has been suspended. As for Ukraine and Georgia, this is a matter of future. They are participants of the European Neighborhood Program, which is not connected with EU accession," Munro said. 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 | Armenia named European U18 chess vice-champion The U18 chess team of Armenia won the title of vice-champion of the European Team Championship. Iran says change in presidency won’t affect ties with Armenia Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani made the remarks when speaking to reporters at the Iranian Embassy. Congress draft bill condemns Azerbaijan for Karabakh ethnic cleansing The bill condemns Azerbaijan for perpetrating ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. MEPs issue statement to defend Armenia-France military cooperation The deputies emphasized that having an army armed with combat and modern military equipment is the sovereign right of any country. |