Preliminary data: 93% of Kurds vote for independence from IraqSeptember 26, 2017 - 11:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Preliminary data reveal that 93% of Kurds have voted for independence from Iraq, RIA Novosti reports. Only 9% of the ballots have been counted so far though. The poll on support for Kurdish independence is non-binding and not recognized by Baghdad. Large numbers of people have taken part in the landmark vote, with a big victory for "yes" expected. The referendum passed off peacefully across the three provinces that make up the region, and turnout was estimated at about 72%, according to the electoral commission. It was reported earlier that Armenian will be among the five official languages if Kurds vote to become an independent state. 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 | 17 bridges collapse as a result of floods in Armenia As a result of floods in Armenia’s northern Lori and Tavush provinces, 17 bridges, including five large ones, have collapsed. Armenia: Top cleric to retain title as he bids to become interim PM Galstanyan said earlier that the interim government would be tasked with stopping the “destruction of our homeland”. Ex-mayor of Karabakh capital arrested in Yerevan Ex-mayor of the Nagorno-Karabakh city of Stepanakert David Sargsyan has been arrested for 20 days. 269 people evacuated amid severe floods in Armenia’s north According to the Interior Ministry, 269 people have been evacuated from their homes in Lori and Tavush provinces. |