Islamist Turkey will have to forget the EUOctober 2, 2007 - 19:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "I am a devout Catholic. However, I do not let religion interfere with politics. I understand the fear in some Turks' hearts. If Turkey wants to be a part of Europe, state and religion should be separate," PACE President Rene van der Linden said"If Turkey inclines towards becoming an Islamic state, EU membership will be a dream," he said. He made four significant warnings in a period when the debates on both the headscarf and secularism are already hot. "First, if Turkey is inclined to be an Islamic state, forget the EU. Second, if the change in the constitution is not compatible with the European Agreement, we will take it under investigation at the Venice Commission. Third, those that feel subject to pressure to wear a headscarf should apply to the European Court of Human Rights. Fourth, Universities objecting to the ban on wearing headscarves can also apply to the European Court of Human Rights," he said in an interview with Sabah newspaper. 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 | U.S., Armenia sign customs deal According to Armenian customs data, U.S.-Armenian trade reached $670 million last year. Glendale mayor to visit Yerevan Asatryan last visited Armenia in December 2022-January 2023 as she helped establish a partnership between Armenia’s Opera House and Los Angeles Opera. Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. Ambassador summoned to Russia returns to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has returned to Yerevan more than two weeks after being recalled to Moscow for consultations. |