Chirac: I Stressed Need to Open Armenian-Turkish Border Many TimesSeptember 28, 2006 - 14:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "I believe that the prospect of EU accession is an important element for keeping Turkey on a way, linking that country with the West, which Turkey chose itself," French President Jacques Chirac stated in an interview to the Hayastani Hanrapetutyun (Republic of Armenia) newspaper. In his words, the accession to EU itself provides for necessary reforms. "This is a long way. I am sure that seeing Turkey declined towards European values, human rights, peace, democracy in interests of both EU and Armenia," the French President said. He emphasized that he had urged Turkey to open the border with Armenia many times. "However, evidently the issue is closely related with solution of the Karabakh conflict and progress in the Karabakh settlement may have huge importance for solving that issue. I believe it is possible today," Chirac said. As of the Armenian Genocide the French leader said that European values provides for working for reconciliation, peace and respect. "I believe in Turkey's ability to pay historical tribute, as the spirit of Europe lies in that," Chirac underscored. 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 | Concept to complete Yerevan Cascade discussed at city hall A conceptual proposal to complete the Cascade complex in downtown Yerevan has been presented by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Pashinyan visits flood-hit region Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday, June 8 visited the disaster area in the Lori province. €3.5 mln EU grant to support justice reforms in Armenia The European Union has paid €3.5 mln grant to Armenia within a €11mln program on Support to Justice Reforms. Yerevan reacts to Baku’s proposal to see Minsk Group abolition Alen Simonyan has declared that Armenia is taking steps aimed at concluding a peace treaty with Azerbaijan. |