EU pressures Serbia on KosovoFebruary 10, 2007 - 15:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - During a meeting between Serbian President Boris Tadic and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, EU enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier the high-level EU delegation pressed Belgrade to take part "positively" in UN talks on the future of its breakaway province of Kosovo and to speedily form a new government.AFP reports that the EU troika said they wanted to encourage authorities to engage in the final phase of efforts to grant Kosovo a new status, almost eight years since its inter-ethnic war. "It's important that they (the Serbs) respond constructively, positively and on time to the proposal," Solana said. In his part, Steinmeier noticed, "The European Union hopes for decisiveness on the difficult issue of Kosovo. It is now important that this agreement will create stability in the Balkans." Belgrade and most Serbs see Kosovo as the cradle of their nation's history, culture and Orthodox Christian religion. "We need a minimal delay in order to form the parliament and take other necessary measures," Serbian premier Vojislav Kostunica said, who renewed his strong opposition to Kosovo's independence. In his part President Tadic said he told the European leaders that Kosovo's independence was "unacceptable" but pledged to continue the talks "fully convinced that it is possible to change Ahtisaari's plan." 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. |