European Commission: Turkey made a step in the right directionSeptember 13, 2010 - 14:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States and the European Union have hailed the results from Turkey's referendum on a package of changes to the country's military-era constitution. The White House said President Barack Obama called Erdogan to congratulate him and "acknowledged the vibrancy of Turkey's democracy as reflected in the turnout" for the referendum. European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in a statement that the reforms were "a step in the right direction as they address a number of long-standing priorities in Turkey's efforts towards fully complying with the accession criteria." But he added that the vote "needs to be followed by other much-needed reforms to address the remaining priorities in the area of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion." German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle welcomed the success of the referendum and said constitutional reform was critical for Turkey's bid for EU membership, RFE/RL reported. With nearly all votes from the September 12 referendum counted, some 58 percent of Turks voted in favor of the 26 proposed amendments, which would curb the military's power and reshape the judiciary. Turnout was 77 percent. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Armenia: Rescue workers restore pedestrian bridge for flood-hit community Rescue workers on Wednesday, June 5 restored a pedestrian bridge in the town of Alaverdi in Armenia’s north. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. |