Former PM appears to lead Czech presidential electionJanuary 12, 2013 - 19:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former leftist Prime Minister Milos Zeman and Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg appear to be the front runners in the first round of the presidential election in the Czech Republic, according to The Associated Press. With the votes from 95 percent of polling stations counted Saturday, Jan 12, Zeman was leading with 24.47 percent of the vote, followed by Schwarzenberg with 22.68 percent. Another former premier Jan Fischer was third with 16.57 percent. With no candidate achieving a majority, the top two finishers — Zeman and Schwarzenberg — would face each other in a runoff in two weeks. Czechs are electing the country's president in a direct popular vote for the first time, choosing from nine candidates to replace euroskeptic President Vaclav Klaus. Zeman and Fischer were considered favorites. Klaus' second and final term in office ends March 7. 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. |