Serbs protest customs duties, block northern Kosovo border crossingDecember 14, 2013 - 18:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - About 30 Kosovo Serbs are blocking a northern border crossing with Serbia in opposition to paying customs duties to ethnic Albanian authorities, which is part of an agreement reached between Serbia and Kosovo, the Associated Press reports. The AP says its reporter at the Jarinje crossing on Saturday, Dec 14, saw passenger vehicles being allowed to pass but all trucks bringing goods into Kosovo were blocked. In talks mediated by the European Union, Serbia agreed to allow Kosovo authorities collect customs in the Serb-dominated northern area. The deal that came into force on Saturday is overseen by EU customs officers, part of the bloc's police and justice mission to Kosovo. The funds are to be invested in the Serb-run north but many from the minority believe the deal effectively endorses Kosovo's 2008 secession from Serbia. Related links: 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. |