Syria to vote on new constitution Feb 26February 15, 2012 - 14:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Syrian President Bashar Assad has ordered a referendum on February 26 on a new constitution that would open the way to political parties other than the ruling Baath Party, the state news agency said Wednesday, February 15. Amendments to Syria’s constitution were a key demand by the opposition at the beginning of the country’s 11-month-old uprising against Assad. But in the wake of the military’s deadly assault on dissent, many opposition leaders are demanding nothing less than Assad’s departure. The current Syrian constitution enshrines Assad’s Baath Party as the leader of the state. But according to the new draft, “the state’s political system is based on political pluralism and power is practiced democratically through voting.” The draft also says the president can hold office only for a maximum of two seven-year terms. Assad, who inherited power from his father, has been in power for nearly 12 years, AP reported. The Syrian revolt started in March with mostly peaceful protests against the authoritarian regime. But the conflict has become far more violent and militarized in recent months as army defectors fight back against government forces. 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. |