U.S. urges reconciliation between Kosovo and SerbiaAugust 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |