Catalonia president signs decree calling for independence referendumSeptember 27, 2014 - 13:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The president of the Spanish region of Catalonia has signed a decree calling for a referendum on independence, BBC News reports. Artur Mas wants Catalonia to hold a Scottish-style vote on Nov 9, but does not have the backing of the central government in Madrid. Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy has said he will block any referendum. Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, is one of Spain's richest and most highly industrialized regions, and also one of the most independent-minded. On Sept 19, Catalonian lawmakers voted by a margin of 106 to 28 in favor of authorizing the referendum, known locally as a "consultation". Rajoy and the Spanish government believe any vote would be illegal. The Prime Minister is expected to take action at a special cabinet meeting early next week, and is likely to take the dispute to the country's Constitutional Court. However, Mas said he can use local laws to hold a vote in a matter of weeks. Until recently, few Catalans had wanted full independence, but Spain's painful economic crisis has seen a surge in support for separation. There is resentment over the proportion of Catalan taxes used to support poorer regions, the BBC says. The pro-independence movement in Catalonia believes that the region can go ahead with the independence vote after the decree is signed. Earlier this month hundreds of thousands of Catalans formed a "V" for "vote" along two of Barcelona's main roads calling for their right to vote. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |