Turkey may help U.S. withdraw troops from Iraq?March 23, 2009 - 16:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - There have been signals coming from Ankara that not only US troops but also their arms may be allowed to be transported via Turkish soil, i.e., via the İncirlik air base in the country's south, Turkish government sources have said."If we are going to make a fresh start in our relations with the US, then Turkey has to act positively. This means that Ankara is ready to talk with the US about both the passage of American troops and arms via Turkish soil. But this does not mean that Turkey will accept all US requests," said the same sources, speaking to Today's Zaman on condition of anonymity. As a reflection of a new period in Turkish-US relations under President Barack Obama, Ankara is prepared to talk with Washington without any prejudice and in a positive mood, said the same sources. President Obama announced recently that most American troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by August 2010. Around 35,000 US troops are expected to stay in Iraq to aid with training, civilian protection and counterterrorism. 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. |