Catalan parties file parliament bill to begin independenceOctober 27, 2015 - 17:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two parties holding a majority of seats in Catalonia's new regional parliament on Tuesday, October 27 presented a motion for the chamber to announce the formal start of secession from Spain and the formation of a new republican state of Catalonia, the Associated Press reports. The proposition was presented by the "Together for Yes" pro-independence alliance that won 62 seats in Catalonia's 135-member parliament in September elections, along with the radical leftist CUP party, which won 10 seats. The parties called for the Barcelona-based parliament to vote on the motion urgently but it is unlikely to have more than symbolic importance as the region has yet to form a new government. No date was set for the vote. The motion calls on parliament to pass laws within 30 days that would allow the region push ahead toward a separate constitution, social security system and treasury. It also says the process would not be subject to decisions made by the Spanish institutions, including the Constitutional Court. Spanish Justice Minister Rafael Catala said such a motion would lack legal significance but, if approved, the government will study whether it needs to be challenged in court. Spain has ruled out any possibility of Catalonia becoming independent, saying it goes against the country's constitution. Polls show Catalans overwhelmingly support the right for a secession referendum but are evenly divided over independence. The region of 7.5 million people is responsible for nearly a fifth of Spain's economic output. Photo. Reuters 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 | Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for children Moscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said. Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. Armenia, India hold first defense consultations The meeting was attended by Indian Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha and Defense Attaché Brigadier General Naveen Nijhawan. |