Israel –Turkey relations were never worseJune 1, 2010 - 15:32 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel –Turkey relations were never worse, according to RA NAS Oriental Studies Institute director Ruben Safrastyan. As he told PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, Gaza ship incident is merely an extension to situation in Middle East. “It won’t go as far as direct hostilities; still, Freedom Flotilla incident revealed the adventurous nature of Turkey’s foreign policy. Turkish Foreign Minister-declared policy of “zero problems with neighbors” is actually ensuing in new problems. Turkish diplomacy demonstrated inability of estimating further steps,” Safrastyan emphasized. “Turkey’s policy of pressuring states who recognized Armenian Genocide has failed. Argentina’s refusal to set a monument to Ataturk is a proof of that,” the expert stated. Israel –Turkey relations became aggravated on Monday after a raid by Israeli naval commandos that killed nine people, many of them Turks, on an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. On last week’s Thursday, the Israeli Navy prepared for the expected encounter with the aid flotilla making its way to Gaza. Israel Defense Forces said they were concerned that terrorists may try to use the "Freedom Flotilla" to enter the Strip or smuggle in weapons. Top stories The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied Azerbaijan's accusations of violating the ceasefire. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. Partner news | POLITICO: Baku lobbying agains detained Karabakh ex-leader abroad Azerbaijan is lobbying agains former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan, according to POLITICO. Armenia named European U18 chess vice-champion The U18 chess team of Armenia won the title of vice-champion of the European Team Championship. Iran says change in presidency won’t affect ties with Armenia Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani made the remarks when speaking to reporters at the Iranian Embassy. Congress draft bill condemns Azerbaijan for Karabakh ethnic cleansing The bill condemns Azerbaijan for perpetrating ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. |