Jose Manuel Barroso: EU is not ready to accept Turkey either tomorrow or the day after tomorrowJuly 24, 2007 - 15:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - In an interview to Kathimerini Greek newspaper European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso stated that Turkey is not ready to join the European Union, but the membership negotiations should continue. "Let's be honest. Turkey is not ready to become an EU member and the European Union is not ready to accept Turkey as a member. Neither tomorrow nor the day after tomorrow", Barroso told. But at the same time he urged EU member states not to shut the door on Turkey altogether. "Personally, I believe it is a matter of the EU's credibility. I would like to ask France and all member states not to change the decision we took jointly and continue negotiations," he underlined. Membership talks with Turkey begun in 2005 and include 35 policy areas. Ankara also must open his ports and airports for Cyprus, an EU member-state. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy, who took office earlier this year, has said he opposes Turkish EU membership. 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 | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |