U.S. urges reconciliation between Kosovo and Serbia August 17, 2016 - 16:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is urging wartime foes Serbia and Kosovo to mend ties and normalize relations, a condition for both countries to join the European Union, the Associated Press reports. Speaking to reporters in Kosovo Wednesday, August 17 after talks with President Hashim Thaci, Biden said, "I know the scars of war are raw ... but reconciliation is necessary." Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade does not recognize its former province. However, it has signed a series of EU-brokered deals to regulate relations between the two. A U.S.-led NATO bombardment in 1999 stopped Serbia's crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists, ending Belgrade's rule over Kosovo. Biden offered condolences for those killed in the NATO airstrikes during a visit to Serbia on Tuesday, part of the vice president's 3-day trip to the Balkans.  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 |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
