Crimean parliament declares independenceMarch 11, 2014 - 18:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The parliament of Crimea, a majority ethnic Russian region within Ukraine, declared independence on Tuesday, March11, ahead of a popular vote on secession and annexation by Russia, according to RIA Novosti. The declaration comes as the latest attempt to shore up the legal basis of the upcoming referendum, which is scheduled for Sunday but has been declared unconstitutional by the country’s central leadership in Kyiv. A representative of the regional parliament’s press office said that 78 of 100 MPs voted to declare independence. The text of the declaration, published on the parliament’s website, claims that the action is in line with international law, specifically citing a 2010 ruling by the International Court of Justice that affirmed Kosovo had the right to declare independence from Serbia. That ruling drew strong reactions from world leaders, with Russian officials insisting that independence for Kosovo threatened to undermine international law. Ukraine’s parliament ordered Crimea on Tuesday to halt the popular vote on secession by Wednesday or the regional parliament would be declared dissolved. The country's legislature also appealed to the citizens of Crimea not to take part in the vote and said that calls for Russian annexation violated the constitution, which gives only the central government the right to conduct foreign affairs. Photo: ITAR-TASS 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 | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |