Syria to vote on new constitution Feb 26February 15, 2012 - 14:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian President Bashar Assad has ordered a referendum on February 26 on a new constitution that would open the way to political parties other than the ruling Baath Party, the state news agency said Wednesday, February 15. Amendments to Syria’s constitution were a key demand by the opposition at the beginning of the country’s 11-month-old uprising against Assad. But in the wake of the military’s deadly assault on dissent, many opposition leaders are demanding nothing less than Assad’s departure. The current Syrian constitution enshrines Assad’s Baath Party as the leader of the state. But according to the new draft, “the state’s political system is based on political pluralism and power is practiced democratically through voting.” The draft also says the president can hold office only for a maximum of two seven-year terms. Assad, who inherited power from his father, has been in power for nearly 12 years, AP reported. The Syrian revolt started in March with mostly peaceful protests against the authoritarian regime. But the conflict has become far more violent and militarized in recent months as army defectors fight back against government forces. 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. |