Serbia rejects UN plan on KosovoFebruary 3, 2007 - 13:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - There's been a predictably mixed reaction to a proposal that puts Kosovo on a path to independence from Serbia. UN special envoy Martti Ahtisaari unveiled a plan that avoids the word 'independent', but implies eventual sovereignty. Applauded by Kosovo, the idea is flatly rejected by Serbia.European Commision President Jose Manuel Barroso declared his support for the plan and urged the two parties to use it as a basis for constructive talks. Ahtisaari said his suggestions aim to address what he calls the "dire economic situation" in the province. Kosovan Prime Minister Agim Ceku welcomed steps that would give Pristina access to international bodies and allow it its own flag and anthem. But while Serbian President Boris Tadic agrees on what the plan implies, he is categorically opposed to it: "It opens the possibility for Kosovo's independence. Serbia, and I as its President will never accept that." Ahtisaari said Belgrade and Pristina had one more chance to agree but that he was "not terribly optimistic" that would happen in his lifetime, reports EuroNews. 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. |