Kuwait voters casting ballots in parliamentary electionJuly 27, 2013 - 11:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Voters in Kuwait are casting ballots in a parliamentary election that leaders in the oil-rich Gulf nation hope will restore some stability after years of political confrontations, but an opposition boycott suggests more showdowns ahead, The Associated Press reports. The voting was called after a court invalidated the 50-seat chamber elected in December. It found technical flaws in the balloting, but let stand a new system ordered by Kuwait’s ruler for one vote per person. It replaced the former method allowing voters to spread four votes between various candidates. Critics say the old system encouraged vote buying and tribal blocs. Opposition groups, led by Islamists, plan to boycott — as they did in December. The vote takes place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. 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 | U.S., Armenia sign customs deal According to Armenian customs data, U.S.-Armenian trade reached $670 million last year. Glendale mayor to visit Yerevan Asatryan last visited Armenia in December 2022-January 2023 as she helped establish a partnership between Armenia’s Opera House and Los Angeles Opera. Ucom’s fixed network launches in Nor Hachn City residents will be able to use fixed-line Internet, mobile communications and television in one package at more affordable prices. Ambassador summoned to Russia returns to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin has returned to Yerevan more than two weeks after being recalled to Moscow for consultations. |