Queen Elizabeth unveils government's reform agenda ahead of EU voteMay 18, 2016 - 16:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Queen Elizabeth unveiled plans by British Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday, May 18 to overhaul prisons and help the poor under a social reform agenda he hopes to press after a referendum on European Union membership, Reuters reports. In a ceremony laden with pomp and pageantry in the upper house of parliament, the queen announced plans for more than 20 new laws, ranging from tackling extremism to making it easier for people to adopt children who are wards of the state. Much of what was announced was already known, and some members of Cameron's divided Conservative Party said measures had been watered down because of the June 23 vote, Reuters says. The queen listed some of the laws the government planned to introduce, including reforms of prisons and adoption rules. She said her "ministers will uphold the sovereignty of parliament and the primacy of the house of commons (lower house of parliament)." 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 | 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. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |