Italy's top court set to approve constitutional referendum: paperAugust 6, 2016 - 17:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italy's highest court is set to give a green light on Monday, August 8 for a national referendum due to take place in the autumn on a major constitutional reform, Reuters reported on Saturday citing daily la Repubblica reported. The referendum, in which people can vote on a series of changes to the country's constitution, will be a big test for Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's government. Renzi has said he would resign if people voted against the reforms, one of the main pillars of the agenda of his center government. The new rules, approved by parliament in April, aim at increasing political stability and ending decades of revolving-door governments that have made it difficult to revive the country's debt-ridden economy. The court had 30 days to examine signatures in a petition needed to call the referendum, which totaled more than the 500,000 threshold required by law, but reached a decision quickly, la Repubblica reported. The court is due to hold a press conference on Monday to give its approval, the paper said. Under Italian law, the government will then have 60 days to set a date for the vote, which must be held on a Sunday. In July, Renzi said the referendum could be held either October 9 or November 6. 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 | 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. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |