Catalonia’s new President not planning secession yetJanuary 15, 2016 - 16:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Catalonia's new pro-independence President says secession parties do not have enough parliamentary force to declare the powerful northeastern region's independence from Spain just yet but they will continue preparing for the promised new state, the Associated Press reports. Carles Puigdemont told Catalan TV3 television Thursday, January 14 he was not ditching his party's pledge of secession but admitted it might need more time than the planned 18 months. He said his government will prepare a new independence constitution he hopes will get majority backing in an eventual referendum. Fresh elections would follow. Pro-independence groups won most seats in the region's September elections but failed to get a majority of the popular vote. Puigdemont was chosen as president in a last-minute deal to salvage the secession drive and avoid fresh elections. Spain has ruled out separation. 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. 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. |