  Turkey’s ruling party may hold referendum on Gezi Park June 13, 2013 - 12:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The deputy chairman of Turkey's ruling AK party says it is open to the idea of a referendum on controversial plans to redevelop Istanbul's Gezi Park, BBC News reported. Huseyin Celik hoped the "gesture of goodwill" would clear the area, but said those who remained would "face the police". Police treatment of people campaigning against the redevelopment triggered broader demonstrations from 31 May. Overnight, police in the capital Ankara fired tear gas to disperse protesters. Senior European diplomats have expressed deep concern over Turkey's response to the protests. There is still no obvious way out of the impasse that has seen unrest in cities across the country for the past two weeks. Demonstrators accuse Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of trying to impose Islamic values on a secular state.   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 |  Latest news Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive”  At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments.OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg.151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation.France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |
