Kosovo leaders pledge respect for Serb minorityMarch 13, 2008 - 13:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Members of the U.S. Congress say the leaders of newly-independent Kosovo, as well as the country's Serbian minority and the government in Serbia, must work to ensure ethnic tolerance and protection.Lawmakers are concerned both that the Kosovo government follows through with commitments it has made to protect ethnic minorities, and that Serbia pursue a course that will not encourage unrest. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried said recognition of Kosovo was an exception to the rule of discouraging secession. He described Kosovo's leadership as focused on building its new country, and committed to protecting Serbian rights. "I can report to you that the Kosovo leaders with whom I met conveyed to me their intention to see that U.N. special envoy on Kosovo Martti Ahtissari's provisions, including the rights and privileges for the Serb community in Kosovo, are respected," he said. Fried said U.S. and international financial support for Kosovo's economy will be crucial adding that ensuring peace in the new country will be, in his words, a long term challenge. He said he has no reason to believe that Serbs will engage in what he called the most provocative behaviors, adding the hope that the parliamentary election campaign in Serbia will be about its future in Europe rather than self-isolation, the VOA reports. 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. |