Turkey: Greek Cypriot plans about offshore oil and gas exploration are an "adventure"June 12, 2009 - 02:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey says Greek Cypriot plans to launch offshore oil and gas exploration are an "adventure" that is likely to fuel tensions and hamper reunification talks, tuskishny.com reports. Burak Özügergin, the foreign ministry spokesman, reiterated on June 11, that Turkey was determined to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots in the island, warning Cyprus against unilateral moves. Özügergin spoke was in response to statement made on June 10 by Cyprus that it will not agree to open the key energy chapter in Turkey's accession talks with the European Union because of what it said was interference by Turkish navy ships with an offshore oil-and-gas survey off its southern coast. Özügergin says Turkey does not want to stir up tensions but intends to protect its interests. 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. |