Clinton tours Serbian Orthodox church in KosovoOctober 31, 2012 - 16:43 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton toured a Serbian Orthodox church in Kosovo Wednesday, Oct 31 as she pressed America's close ally to step up its minority outreach while trying to convince ethnic Serbs that they have a home in Europe's youngest nation, Edmonton Journal reports. At the St. Nicholas Church in Kosovo's capital, a site of anti-Serb riots eight years ago, Clinton greeted members of the Serb minority who've returned to Kosovo after years abroad despite continued interethnic tensions. In Pristina, she also joined the European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, in seeking to advance talks between Serbia and its former province so both can one day join the 27-nation EU. "The United States is firmly committed to Kosovo's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to seeing the rule of law extend throughout Kosovo," Clinton said, speaking to reporters alongside Ashton and Kosovo's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci. "We oppose any discussion of territory changes or reopening Kosovo's independent status. These matters are not up for discussion. The boundaries of an independent, sovereign Kosovo are clear and set." But she said Kosovo's government and people needed to embrace changes if they are to move forward. 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 | Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. Seven injured in massive gas station explosion in Armenia The Investigative Committee of Armenia has unveiled details about a massive explosion at a gas station on the Yerevan-Sevan highway. Pashinyan’s spokesperson denies intention to visit Baku for COP29 Pashinyan’s agenda doesn’t include a trip to Baku for the COP29 conference, his press secretary Nazeli Baghdasaryan has said. Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. |