Controversial changes to Turkey’s constitution will be put to referendumMay 8, 2010 - 15:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Controversial changes to Turkey’s constitution will be put to a referendum after failing to win the support of two-thirds of lawmakers to give them automatic effect. The Islamic-leaning governing AK party wants more judges sitting in the constitutional court. It also wants greater powers for parliament and the president to appoint them. Critics say the changes amount to a power grab. The court is seen as the guardian of Turkey’s secular constitution. Under the changes, the military will become answerable to civilian courts. The current constitution was drafted in 1982 after a military coup. The composition of the Turkish judiciary has been criticised by human rights groups, Euronews reported. Related links: 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 | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. 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. |