Turkish Constitutional Court accepts CHP appealJune 8, 2010 - 15:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey’s Constitutional Court announced on Tuesday morning that it has accepted an indictment filed by the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) against the government's referendum package passed in May. The court said it will review the appeal request on procedural grounds, Today’s Zaman reported. The court's decision on the package that includes articles that reform the judiciary is crucial for Turkey. Liberal jurists in the country say a ruling from the high court that cancels the public vote on the referendum scheduled for Sept. 12 would severely damage Turkey's democratization process. The government's constitutional amendment package, which introduces new regulations in many areas, also makes structural changes to the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK). These two articles have been the most contentious changes in the package. The CHP in its appeal to the Constitutional Court claimed that the government's intended changes violate the constitutional principle of separation of powers by giving too much say to the government in the formation of the makeup of these two judicial bodies. The government says the high courts' juristocracy-like powers need to be reined in for Turkey to democratize, while the opposition accuses the government of trying to dominate the judiciary. 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. |