Preliminary data: 93% of Kurds vote for independence from IraqSeptember 26, 2017 - 11:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Preliminary data reveal that 93% of Kurds have voted for independence from Iraq, RIA Novosti reports. Only 9% of the ballots have been counted so far though. The poll on support for Kurdish independence is non-binding and not recognized by Baghdad. Large numbers of people have taken part in the landmark vote, with a big victory for "yes" expected. The referendum passed off peacefully across the three provinces that make up the region, and turnout was estimated at about 72%, according to the electoral commission. It was reported earlier that Armenian will be among the five official languages if Kurds vote to become an independent 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 | 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. |