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 | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” |