Turkey takes over UN Security Council's rotating presidency
02/09/2010
NEW YORK, United States -- Turkey took over the month-long rotating presidency of the UN Security Council on Wednesday (September 1st). The previous holder was Russia. On September 23rd, Turkish President Abdullah Gul will chair a meeting on peace protection. Four days later, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu will chair one on fighting terrorism. Turkey joined the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member last year. (DPA, World Bulletin - 01/09/10)
Romania's ruling PDL opts for cabinet reshuffle
02/09/2010
BUCHAREST, Romania -- Prime Minister Emil Boc presented two options at a meeting with lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (PDL) late Wednesday (September 1st), the Gandul daily reported. Boc suggested either a government reshuffle or the resignation of the entire cabinet. This followed an announcement by the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) and National Liberal Party (PNL) that they will file a no-confidence against Boc's cabinet by year's end to reverse a 5% hike in the VAT and a 25% cut in public wages. The two parties control 214 of the 471 seats in parliament. Gandul reported that PDL lawmakers opted to replace some ministers, because it only requires the president's consent. The prime minister announces nominees, who the president either approves or rejects. (Gandul, Jurnalul National, Ziare - 02/09/10; Bloomberg, Cotidianul - 01/09/10)
Bulgaria says no additional troops to Afghanistan
02/09/2010
SOFIA, Bulgaria -- Defence Minister Anyu Angelov said on Wednesday (September 1st) that Bulgaria will send no additional troops to join the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan next year. The statement coincided with the opening of the new academic year at the National Defence Academy. In June, the government decided to send 65 military instructors and medical staff to join Bulgaria's 540-strong mission in Afghanistan by the end of this year. (Xinhua, Mediapool, Focus - 01/09/10)
Albania's Berisha calls for laws to improve tourism infrastructure
02/09/2010
TIRANA, Albania -- Prime Minister Sali Berisha called on his cabinet Wednesday (September 1st) to draft laws that will improve tourism infrastructure. Berisha wants each beach to have a dedicated area of at least 100m and wants no illegal construction along the coast. He also urged the ministry for environment to protect tourist sites from pollution and to order the removal of bars and restaurants that pollute the environment. (Shekulli, Top Channel, Balkan Web, Ora News - 01/09/10)
Albanian government, opposition accuse each other of corruption
02/09/2010
TIRANA, Albania -- Accusations of corruption are flying between the government and opposition. On Wednesday (September 1st), opposition Socialist Party (SP) representatives again accused government officials of corruption and of benefitting from state contracts. In Turn, lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) accused SP leader and Tirana Mayor Edi Rama of corruption and bribes. News bulletins chronicle the allegations coming from both camps. SP members claim that 240 concessions granted to build hydro-plants in the country over the past five years are part of private deals that line the pockets of government officials and their relatives.
The officials targeted include Economy Minister Dritan Prifti, Integrations Minister Majlinda Bregu and lawmaker Albana Vokshi. Reacting to the attacks, DP representatives accused Rama of receiving bribes of up to 20% of the value of a new apartment block in exchange for construction licenses. Prosecutors now want some of the businessmen mentioned to make official statements regarding the allegations. Economy Minister Prifti says such accusations are "scaring away" investors and banks. (BBC, Telegrafi, Lajmifundit, Top News - 01/09/10)
BiH meets last condition for EU visa liberalisation
02/09/2010
SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) -- Parliament on Wednesday (September 1st) met the last condition for EU visa liberalisation after the House of People extended the mandate of Mijo Kresic as head of the Anti-Corruption Agency. Tanja Fajon, European Parliament (EP) rapporteur on visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans, said that the process of visa liberalisation for BiH and Albania could be accelerated if the report by European Commission experts on the countries' progress is positive. It is to be submitted to an EP committee for discussions Thursday.
BiH lawmakers also approved a decision to send 45 troops to Afghanistan. The soldiers will leave in October. BiH currently has ten officers serving within the International Security Assistance Force mission. (RTRS, Srna, BHRT, Radio Free Europe, Xinhua - 01/09/10)
Croatia to await EC assessment before deciding on shipyards
02/09/2010
ZAGREB, Croatia -- Economy Minister Djuro Popijac said on Wednesday (September 1st) the cabinet will wait for the European Commission's (EC) assessment of proposed restructuring programmes before deciding on privatisation bids for state-owned shipyards. Only three of the six shipyards for sale attracted offers during the second privatisation tender, which ended on May 19th. Privatising these shipyards is a key requirement in completing Croatia's EU accession talks. Asked to comment on whether the government could turn to the IMF for financing, in light of the institution relaxing the terms of its lending tools, Popijac said the cabinet has not discussed it. (HINA, Poslovni Dnevnik - 01/09/10)
Kosovo awaits recognitions from CARICOM states
02/09/2010
PRISTINA, Kosovo -- The independence of Kosovo will soon be recognised by members of CARICOM, an organisation of 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies, according to the office of Albanian Parliament Speaker Jozefina Topalli. Pristina-based media reported on Thursday (September 2nd) that Topalli has received a letter from her counterpart in Grenada, George McGuire, saying that a decision on Kosovo's independence from all 15 countries is expected soon. Topalli's office credits continuous lobbying in Grenada after Pristina declared independence in 2008. Kosovo Foreign Minister Skender Hyseni declined to comment on the matter, but expressed confidence that recognitions will come soon. Kosovo has been recognised by 69 countries so far. (Koha Ditore, Express, Lajm, Zeri - 01/09/10)
Turkish ship sinks off Romanian coast
02/09/2010
BUCHAREST, Romania -- A Turkish cargo ship sank off the Romanian coast in the Black Sea on Wednesday (September 1st), the Naval Authority announced. All 17 crew members were rescued. The Medy, loaded with metal, left the port in Constanta in the morning. A few hours later, the crew sought help, saying the ship had started to list. After several more hours, the vessel sank, despite efforts by Romanian ships to keep it afloat. (AP, CNN, Romania Libera, Adevarul, Realitatea - 01/09/10)