Turkish parties in fresh push to draft new constitutionFebruary 4, 2016 - 15:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Turkish parliamentary commission is meeting in a fresh push to draft a new constitution that would replace the current charter which is a legacy of the 1980 military coup, the Associated Press reports. The Constitutional Consensus Commission, comprised of legislators from all four parties in parliament, held its first meeting on Thursday, Feb 4. While all parties agree on the need to overhaul the constitution, the opposition is against the ruling party's plans to turn Turkey's political system into a presidential one, giving the president executive powers. Currently, the president's role is largely ceremonial. The opposition fears that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has grown increasingly authoritarian, is aiming to concentrate too much power in his hands. A previous commission disbanded in 2013 after failing to agree on several 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 | 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. |