Ali Babacan: article 301 will be amendedNovember 22, 2007 - 14:11 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "The amendments in article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code will follow budget discussions, as promised to the European Union," Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said during 58th meeting of Turkey- EU mixed parliamentary commission yesterday."Amendments will be brought to the national assembly soon. The discussions on other articles may become an issue of debate with the amendment of the article 301. We will change this because this is what Turkish people want," he said. Article 301 makes it a crime to insult "Turkishness". It has been used to bring charges against writer Orhan Pamuk, novelist Elif Shafak, slain Agos editor Hrant Dink and his son Arat Dink for mention of the Armenian Genocide. 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 | Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. EU still discussing funding Armenia through European Peace Facility Discussions continue in the EU on providing Armenia with funds from the European Peace Facility, Vassilis Maragos says. |