Serbia to be granted EU candidate statusFebruary 27, 2012 - 19:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - EU foreign ministers on Monday, February 27 approved a first key step in Serbia's bid to join the European Union, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said, according to AFP. A formal decision to grant Serbia candidate status is to be given by European Affairs ministers on Tuesday, with an EU summit to deliver the final verdict on March 1 and 2. "At last there were no further objections today," Juppe said. "This will encourage Belgrade to progress on its path towards rapprochement with the EU" although he said there is "still ground to cover". Several European Union foreign ministers spoke out in favour of backing Belgrade's long drive to join the 27-member club. Belgrade strengthened its chances of winning entry into the bloc in an 11th hour deal with Kosovo Friday that enables the province to be a full diplomatic player on the Western Balkans scene, alongside Serbia. The groundbreaking accord notably allows Kosovo - which unilaterally declared independence in 2008 - to take part in official regional meetings and organisations in its own right and as a full member. 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. |