Turkish President to be elected by popular voteOctober 22, 2007 - 14:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - With 69.4% of votes 'for' and 30.5% 'against', Turks have backed the constitutional reforms. The appearance made 64.8%, AFP reported quoting the Turkish Supreme Election Committee. The law on "Making Amendments in Some Articles of the Republic of Turkey's Constitution," envisaging the election of the president directly by the people instead of Parliament, will give rise to major changes in the Turkish political system. The law will decrease the seven-year term of the president to five years and allow a president to be elected twice, while stipulating the holding of general elections every four years instead of the current five and decreasing the quorum required to hold a parliamentary session to 184. This last article provides a very clear answer to the Constitutional Court's condition of a 367-member quorum. Meanwhile, critics say the reform will complicate the work of state bodies, Lenta.ru reports. 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 | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |