Italy president Napolitano re-election sparks protestsApril 22, 2013 - 10:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The re-election of President Giorgio Napolitano provoked gratitude from the mainstream Italian parties and protests from followers of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S), ANSA reported. Most of the parties in parliament lobbied Napolitano to agree to serve a second term and end a situation of gridlock after five ballots failed to elect a successor to the 87-year-old because of rifts within the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), the biggest group in parliament. The deadlock was threatening to further complicate efforts to end the political impasse recession-hit Italy has endured since February's inconclusive general election. Ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, whose centre-right alliance came second in February, thanked Napolitano for his "spirit of sacrifice" and "personal generosity" for agreeing to serve a second term as Italy's head of state "in such a difficult, uncertain situation". Outgoing PD leader Pier Luigi Bersani said the re-election was "excellent" and outgoing Premier Mario Monti expressed satisfaction too. But there was tension outside Italy's Lower House of parliament, where a big crowd gathered after M5S leader Beppe Grillo urged "millions" to protest against the re-election. 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 | 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. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |