Turkish parliament approves elective course on Quran in schoolsMarch 30, 2012 - 14:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish parliament has approved an article of a government-sponsored bill that aims to amend the country's educational system, paving the way for an elective course on the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad in schools, amidst heated debates between the opposition and the government, Today’s Zaman reported. Debates over Article 9 of the compulsory education bill, seeking to increase the duration of compulsory education from eight years to 12, started on Thursday. The ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) proposed article was approved amidst heated debates between the ruling and main opposition party. The proposal was approved by 306 out of 391 deputies. According to the approved article, an elective course on the Islamic holy book the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad will be available at middle schools and high schools. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenian delegation participating in NATO PA session The delegation is headed by Andranik Kocharyan, the chairman of the standing committee on defense and security matters. Schengen visa cost won’t change for Armenia – diplomat The increase in the cost of a Schengen visa will not apply to citizens of Armenia, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson has said. Yeremyan Projects opens state-of-the-art dairy production plant Yeremyan Projects officially launched the Yeremyan Products state-of-the-art milk processing plant in Yerevan on May 24. Armenian PM’s helicopter makes emergency landing in Vanadzor The helicopter transporting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made an emergency landing in Vanadzor. |