EU to continue Kosovo debates December 14December 12, 2007 - 16:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - EU foreign ministers failed to agree on a common position over Kosovo's looming declaration of independence and the EU's subsequent mission at a meeting on Monday. The issue will be back on the table when EU leaders meet for a summit on 14 December, said Manuel Lobo Antunes, Portugal's Secretary of State for European Affairs. "We are hopeful that the European Council will outline the way of maintaining stability and security in the region," he said in Strassbourg. Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amada, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, said: "The EU partners do not have a common position on Kosovo's status. We should be patient in this delicate process. We are moving towards a common position...Today we came another step forward." For his part, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt told reporters that there is only "one country who cannot accept" a solution for Kosovar independence without a UN resolution; other foreign ministers identified that country as Cyprus. Spanish Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said that "a unilateral proclamation of independence is not positive for Spain, but it will wait to see what happens." Madrid fears that the Kosovo precedent will encourage separatist spirit. Observers remind that Russia's veto will block any resolution on Kosovar independence. Nevertheless, December 10, the EU Foreign Ministers agreed to send a mission which would replace NATO forces in the province, RIA Novosti 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 | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. |