Sarkozy narrows gap with rival Francois HollandeJanuary 9, 2012 - 21:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Nicolas Sarkozy, the French president, has closed the gap in voting intentions on his opposition Socialist rival Francois Hollande, just four months before they face off in an election, according to the first poll of the year. The poll by the Ifop institute for the Journal du Dimanche newspaper forecast Mr Hollande would beat Mr Sarkozy 54 to 46 per cent in a head-to-head run-off - the closest margin between the two favourites in many months and two points closer than in the last Ifop poll in December. Mr Sarkozy's supporters have begun privately boasting that the momentum in the race now favors the president, who has been slowly building support while his once dominant rival's campaign got off to a lacklustre start. The president is not expected to officially declare his intention to run for a second five-year term until March, but no one doubts he will and his weekly agenda has long resembled a campaign program. Mr Hollande, a former Socialist leader who has never held ministerial office, enjoyed strong public support during his party's primary season last year, but has made a slow start to the campaign proper, The Telegraph reported. It is noteworthy that in the framework of his visit to Armenia Sarkozy called for Turkish recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Later, at President’s initiative, French MP Valerie Boyer put forward the bill criminalizing Armenian Genocide denial, which was passed by the French National Assembly on Dec. 22. After adoption of the aforesaid bill, many noted backing pro-Armenian ideas as part of Sarkozy’s election campaign, given the fact that about 600 thous. Armenian reside in France. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. 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. |