Israel to pay $20 mln compensation to normalize ties with TurkeyAugust 17, 2016 - 17:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish lawmakers on Wednesday, August 17 submitted to parliament a settlement deal with Israel that would see the latter pay Ankara $20 million within 25 days in return for Turkey dropping outstanding legal claims, ending a six-year rift, The Jerusalem Post reports. Relations between the two countries crumbled after Israeli marines stormed a Turkish ship in May 2010 to enforce a naval blockade of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, killing 10 Turks on board. Israel had already offered its apologies for the raid. Both countries are to appoint ambassadors, and Turkey is to pass legislation indemnifying Israeli soldiers as part of an agreement partly driven by the prospect of lucrative Mediterranean gas deals. “Israel has met our terms, paving the way to normalize ties,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. “Therefore, we must do this as soon as possible.” Cavusoglu, meanwhile, met with visiting Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki on August 11, in what seemed an effort to reassure the Palestinians that the renewal of ties with Israel will not impact on Ankara’s support. Malki was also scheduled to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that the two sides “will discuss the recent developments in the context of the Palestinian cause, and the steps which may be taken in the upcoming period about the development of strong support provided by Turkey for Palestine in every area.” The German Press Agency reported that Yildirim also spoke by phone with Hamas head Khaled Mashaal. 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 | IDBank, Dalma team up for Caucasian Deer Reintroduction Program IDBank has joined Dalma Garden Mall’s Green Challenge to support the Caucasian red deer reintroduction project. Through Ucom’s support the 12th Sunchild Festival concludes On May 24-28, with the support of Ucom, the 12th international environmental festival Sunchild took place in Yerevan. U.S., Turkey emphasize importance of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal Jake Sullivan and Akif Cagatay Kilic have discussed the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia coach expects good football in Slovenia friendly The Armenian national team has left for Ljubljana a friendly match against Slovenia on June 4. |