  PACE to dispatch mission to monitor Azerbaijan’s constitutional referendum September 6, 2016 - 12:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - PACE Bureau decided Monday, September 5 to send a seven-member delegation to conduct an “assessment mission” of the constitutional referendum in Azerbaijan, the PACE press service reported, according to Azeri media. PACE Bureau also decided to ask for an opinion from the Venice Commission (the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional matters) on the amendments to the Constitution. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to hold a referendum on Sept. 26 for making amendments to the country’s Constitution. Also Monday, a group of Azerbaijani human rights activists called on Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland to give a legal assessment to the constitutional reforms initiated by Aliyev. According to them, some of the changes run counter to democracy.  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 Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia  Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28.Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia.Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports.Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |
