Italian parliament electing PresidentJanuary 30, 2015 - 14:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's candidate in this week's presidential election could cost him backing for his reform agenda. Lawmakers were voting in Parliament Friday, Jan 30, a day after a first round fell far short of producing the two-thirds majority needed to elect a new head of state. Chances of victory improve on Saturday, when only a simple majority is needed. Renzi has urged his Democrats and coalition allies to vote for Sergio Mattarella, a constitutional court justice. But the choice angered opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi's forces. Decades ago, Mattarella raised conflict-of-interest concerns after the media mogul jumped into politics. The risk for Renzi is that Berlusconi might now renege on promises to back the premier on electoral reforms aimed at making governments more stable. Related issues: 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 | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |