European Commission: Turkey made a step in the right directionSeptember 13, 2010 - 14:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States and the European Union have hailed the results from Turkey's referendum on a package of changes to the country's military-era constitution. The White House said President Barack Obama called Erdogan to congratulate him and "acknowledged the vibrancy of Turkey's democracy as reflected in the turnout" for the referendum. European Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele said in a statement that the reforms were "a step in the right direction as they address a number of long-standing priorities in Turkey's efforts towards fully complying with the accession criteria." But he added that the vote "needs to be followed by other much-needed reforms to address the remaining priorities in the area of fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of religion." German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle welcomed the success of the referendum and said constitutional reform was critical for Turkey's bid for EU membership, RFE/RL reported. With nearly all votes from the September 12 referendum counted, some 58 percent of Turks voted in favor of the 26 proposed amendments, which would curb the military's power and reshape the judiciary. Turnout was 77 percent. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |