EU to shoulder responsibility for KosovoFebruary 2, 2008 - 14:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - On February 1, Ambassadors of 27 EU member states have agreed to dispatch a mission to Kosovo. A 1,800-strong mission of policemen, judges, prosecutors and customs officials is meant to stabilize Kosovo after the province officially secedes from Serbia. European Union Foreign Ministers are expected to give formal approval. The EU plans to send a first batch of law and order officials even before Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders declare independence, a step that some EU diplomats predict will happen in March. All 27 EU member-states except Cyprus support the prompt dispatch of the mission, but Cyprus is expected to object rather than block the decision, NEWSru.com reports. Meanwhile, some states, including Spain, Romania, Greece and Slovakia do not support unilateral independence of Kosovo. Romanian President Traian Basescu warned that a declaration of independence without an agreement with Serbia or full backing from the United Nations would violate international law and set a dangerous precedent for separatist groups elsewhere. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |