Kouchner offers no change on French opposition to Turkey’s accession to EUOctober 12, 2010 - 13:59 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite applauding Turkey's pro-active foreign policy, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner has signaled that his country has no intention of modifying its strong opposition to Turkey's accession to the European Union in the near future, Today's Zaman reported "No," Kouchner briefly replied when asked whether his two-day official visit to Turkey would make France change its position regarding Turkey's EU bid. "We want the chapters in negotiations to be opened one by one. We put reservations on [the opening of] some chapters. This [process] should be left to follow its natural course. It shouldn't move rapidly," Kouchner was quoted as saying in an interview with Hurriyet daily. Paris is one of the staunchest opponents of Turkey's accession to the EU, with French President Nicolas Sarkozy arguing that Turkey does not belong in Europe because it is culturally different, proposing instead a privileged partnership that falls short of membership in the 27-member bloc. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |