Greek parliament fails to elect new president in second roundDecember 23, 2014 - 14:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Greek lawmakers failed to elect the country's new president in a second round of voting Tuesday, Dec 23, leaving the government with a final attempt next week to break an impasse that could force early elections, the Associated Press reports. The conservative-led government's candidate, Stavros Dimas, received 168 votes in the ballot, far short of the 200 needed for his election. In the final round on Dec. 29, a reduced total of 180 in the 300-seat parliament is required. Otherwise, parliament is dissolved and a general election called in a month. The government needs opposition support to get Dimas elected, and has offered to set a timetable for early elections by the end of 2015. The left-wing Syriza party, leading in opinion polls, is demanding immediate elections, arguing that the country must renegotiate its bailout program. Related links: 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. |