Stratfor: Karabakh issue not included in Armenian-Turkish talksMay 4, 2009 - 12:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Opening of the Armenian-Turkish border is quite possible, according to a Stratfor analyst. "Surely, Turkey doesn't feel comfortable enough to open the border before resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict," Marco Papic said. "However, the point is that resolution is unlikely in the near future. Besides, both Turkey and Russia understand that they will incur displeasure of Azerbaijan and Armenia irrespectively of their position on the problem," he said. "Many in Turkey are afraid of Azerbaijan's negative reaction. Making Baku angry over the Karabakh issue, Turkey should be confident of Russia's support. Karabakh is not on the agenda of Armenian-Turkish talks," Mr. Papic said, adding that if the Azeri-Turkish dispute damages Europe's energy interests, it can also engage in the talks. 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |