Erdogan could bring back death penalty after Turkey referendum winApril 17, 2017 - 14:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took just minutes to insist his country could bring back the death penalty after appearing to win a referendum on his powers, The Express reports. With 98 per cent of the votes counted many now fear Erdogan has been given permission to shape Parliament to his wishes. According to the agency, Yes stands at 51.49%. The Head of the Turkish Electoral Board said unofficial results show 1.25 million votes between yes and no. There are 600,000 votes yet to be counted. The ruling AK Party began celebrating early, despite the tight race. Erdogan said he will discuss the death penalty with the Prime Minister. He said in a televised speech in Istanbul: “If it [a parliament bill] comes in front of me, I will approve it. “But if there isn't support (from the opposition in parliament)... then what shall we do? “Then we could have another referendum for that.” A win for Erdogan will represent one of the most dramatic overhauls of the country’s democratic system since the republic was founded in 1923. The yes vote will also mean Erdogan can abolish the post of prime minister - a role he had in 2003. Immediately after he believed he had secured enough to win, Erdogan said: “With the people, we have realised the most important reform in our history. “Turkey for the first time in its history has decided with the will of the parliament and its people on such an important change.” 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 | 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. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |