Spain applies to Constitutional Court over Catalonia secession rowNovember 11, 2015 - 17:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Wednesday, November 11, his government had filed an appeal with the Constitutional Court in a bid to block an independence drive by Catalonia region's local assembly and preserve Spanish national unity. Catalonia's regional parliament passed a resolution on Monday calling for secession from Spain, with the aim of forming a Catalan republic within 18 months and starting to set up state institutions, such as a tax office. "It's not just a reaction to a motion passed in parliament, this is about defending a whole country," Rajoy told a news conference after a cabinet meeting, adding the northeastern region would not be allowed to split from Spain. "This is a blatant disregard for the state's institutions. They are trying to do away with democracy. I will not allow it," he said. Spain's Constitution does not allow any region to break away and if the court agrees to process the central government's appeal later on Wednesday the Catalan assembly's resolution will be suspended for several months. If Catalan leaders continue to press ahead with the independence bid under those circumstances, it could further drive up tensions between Barcelona and Madrid since Rajoy vowed to take more steps if needed against local representatives. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |