Armenian Genocide resolution: Turkey doesn't threaten but warnsMarch 3, 2009 - 15:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Estranged neighbors Turkey and Armenia are getting closer to normalize their ties, Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said. Meanwhile, he warned adoption of Armenian Genocide resolution by U.S. Congress will "harm the process." "We are not using a threatening rhetoric. We are not saying 'if you pass this resolution, we will do this and that.' Honestly, we are telling them [the Americans] about the current situation in the South Caucasus," Babacan said en route to Egypt. "A resolution between Turkey and Armenia has never been that close. Where we stand now is the closest point ever to a settlement with Armenia since 1915. I'm not saying we've reached a solution, but we are getting close to it." Asked what he meant by a "solution," he explained: "Full normalization." "The U.S. should not interfere with the process that is underway in Armenia," said Babacan, reiterating that Turkey's strategic ties with the United States will be harmed if Washington recognizes the Armenian Genocide. "We have a historic opportunity now. The current work being done in the South Caucasus is not something that you can find every day," he said, Today's Zaman reports. 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 | Your home is in Armenia – Ameriabank offers mortgage loans for the Diaspora To buy real estate, Diasporans can apply to Ameriabank online to buy, renovate or build a home anywhere in Armenia. Armenia-Qatar ties discussed in Doha The Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council met with the Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Qatar. ARARAT special evening dedicated to Aznavour's 100th Anniv. On May 20 ARARAT legendary Armenian brandy, celebrated the centennial of Maestro Charles Aznavour with a special event. Surveying works underway in Armenia’s Kirants Surveying works are underway in the Armenian village of Kirants in the northern Tavush province. |