Catalonia’s new President not planning secession yetJanuary 15, 2016 - 16:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Catalonia's new pro-independence President says secession parties do not have enough parliamentary force to declare the powerful northeastern region's independence from Spain just yet but they will continue preparing for the promised new state, the Associated Press reports. Carles Puigdemont told Catalan TV3 television Thursday, January 14 he was not ditching his party's pledge of secession but admitted it might need more time than the planned 18 months. He said his government will prepare a new independence constitution he hopes will get majority backing in an eventual referendum. Fresh elections would follow. Pro-independence groups won most seats in the region's September elections but failed to get a majority of the popular vote. Puigdemont was chosen as president in a last-minute deal to salvage the secession drive and avoid fresh elections. Spain has ruled out separation. Related links: 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 | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |