Turkey’s plan to lift MPs' immunity could go to referendum May 18, 2016 - 13:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey's ruling AK Party has won initial support in parliament for a constitutional change that could see pro-Kurdish and other lawmakers prosecuted, but failed to secure a strong enough majority for now to avoid a referendum, Reuters reports. In a secret ballot late on Tuesday, May 17, 348 lawmakers in the 550-seat parliament backed the plan to lift MPs' immunity from prosecution, which critics say targets the pro-Kurdish opposition and could fan the flames of conflict between Kurdish militants and the state. The assembly will now vote on the amendment in a second round of voting on Friday. The AKP needs 367 votes to change the constitution directly, 330 votes or at least 330 to put the measure to a referendum. The bill triggered brawls in parliament this month between the members of AKP and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), parliament's third-largest grouping, Reuters says. The left-wing HDP has said the move is aimed at undermining its support and could disenfranchise its voters, drawn mainly from Turkey's Kurdish minority of 15 million people.  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 |  Latest news Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat  To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents.“By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents.The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. |
