Turkish Opposition Journalist Detained Over Tweets Criticizing President

© REUTERS/ Umit Bektas

The arrest of the editor-in-chief of an opposition newspaper over allegations of “insulting” the Turkish president via twitter caused public backlash around the world, with some calling it an example of a “government crackdown” on freedom of speech.

© Flickr/ BlondieISFC

Europe Fails to Live Up as 'Global Authority' on Press Freedom

Bulent Kenes, editor of English-language newspaper Today's Zaman, based in Istanbul, was taken into custody for reportedly defaming Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. A local court judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Kenes on Friday. The charge? “Insulting” the president in a series of tweets.
Law enforcement apprehended Kenes at the newspaper’s headquarters. The event was televised live, and a crowd of supporters gathered in front of the building with signs reading "Free media cannot be silenced!"

Kenes denied the accusations, saying that he was instead exercising free speech. Despite the arrest, he insisted he would not stop criticizing President Erdogen.

"I will continue to oppose turning this country into an open-air prison and an unlawful, oppressive and arbitrary administration," he said, according to the Telegraph.

The Turkish Journalists' Union released a statement, condemning the court’s decision as a violation of human rights.
“Referring Today’s Zaman Editor-in-Chief Bülent Keneş to a court for arrest ahead of elections is another example of intimidation of the media. We hope these moves which harm Turkish democracy end,” the statement read.

© AFP 2015/ MOHAMMED ABED

Freedom of Speech? Charlie Hebdo Awarded in Germany After Caricature on Drowned Syrian Boy

Mahmut Tanal, the member of Republican People’s Party (CHP), called the move “unacceptable.” “Arbitrarily summoning members of the press to testify, detaining them and arresting them are against the principle of freedom of expression. Although the obstacles before fundamental rights and the freedom of expression should be lifted, arresting some members of the press is unacceptable,” he said, according to Today’s Zaman.
US and European officials also expressed outrage. Graham Watson, president of the Alliance of Liberal and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Party, tweeted his support for Kenes.

Turkey has often been the subject of outrage over its harsh treatment of journalists. A defamation law which was rarely used in the past has more recently been cited in dozens of cases related to criticizing the Turkish president.

NATO Secretary General strongly condemns terrorist attack in Turkey

• 10 Oct. 2015

I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in the centre of Ankara that killed and injured dozens of people. There can be no justification for such a horrendous attack on people marching for peace.

My thoughts at this difficult time are with the families of the victims, with those injured, and with the people of Turkey.
All NATO Allies stand united in the fight against the scourge of terrorism.

Putin VS Erdogan: Syrian Kurds Seek Alliance With Russia

© Sputnik/ Alexei Druzhinin

Syrian Kurds have expressed their willingness to cooperate with Russia. This would be a setback for the Turkish President Erdogan, who is seeking to destroy the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), DWN wrote.

In an interview with al-Monitor, the leader of the Syrian Kurds Salih Muslim announced his willingness to cooperate with Russia and Syrian President Bashar-al-Assad, the newspaper reported.

© Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

US Tries to Play Down Russian Military Gains in Syria – Iranian Analyst

He said the Syrian Kurds are interested in cooperating with anyone who fights against ISIL. Moreover, Russia had promised the government in Damascus that it would respond to any Turkish intervention in Syria, which many Kurds are afraid of. The US, for its turn, has been also increasingly supporting cooperation with the Russians. Many US officials believe that Russia could be helpful in their fight against ISIL, which turned out to be more difficult than expected.
However, Turkey fears that potential Russia’s support for the Kurds may lead to a situation in which a new Kurdish region would form along its southern borders and destabilize Turkey. This could result in a further downturn in the relations between Turkey and Russia, which have already deteriorated after an aviation incident at the Turkish border.
On October 3, a Russian Su-30 fighter jet had briefly crossed Turkish airspace due to poor weather conditions. Russian authorities officially apologized for the incident, saying it was a "misunderstanding," and promised to avoid such incidents in the future.

Russian jet SHOT DOWN by Turkey after it flew into their airspace, according to reports

A RUSSIAN jet has been shot down by Turkish forces after it flew into the country's airspace, according to as yet unconfirmed reports circulating on social media.

By Scott Campbell

PUBLISHED: 14:36, Sat, Oct 10, 2015 | UPDATED: 16:43, Sat, Oct 10, 2015

18K

317

ALAMY FILE PICTURE

A Mig-29 fighter jet similar to those used by Russia

Eyewitnesses saw a large explosion in Huraytan, northern Syria, while three fighter jets were hovering above.
One journalist tweeted that three Turkish planes were responding to "mysterious" lock-ons from Mig-29 jets, which are used by Putin's forces.
Express.co.uk has contacted the Turkish government and the Russian military but neither could be reached for comment.

At least 86 killed, 186 injured in bomb blasts at peace rally in Turkish capital

Published October 10, 2015

Associated Press

Oct. 10, 2015: Bodies of victims are covered with flags and banners as a police officer secure the area after an explosion in Ankara, Turkey. (AP)

ANKARA, Turkey –  Two bomb explosions targeting a peace rally in Turkey's capital Ankara on Saturday killed at least 86 people and injured 186 others, Turkey's Health Ministry said.
The explosions occurred minutes apart near Ankara's main train station as people were gathering for the rally, organized by the country's public sector workers' trade union and other civic society groups. The rally aimed to call for an end to the renewed violence between Kurdish rebels and Turkish security forces.
It was not clear if the attacks, which came weeks before Turkey's Nov. 1 elections, were suicide bombings.
An Associated Press photographer at the scene reported seeing several bodies that were covered with flags and banners that demonstrators had brought with them for the rally. Police later cordoned off the area.
Television footage from Turkey's Dogan news agency showed a line of protesters fanned out on the street near the train station, chanting and performing a traditional dance with their hands locked, when a large explosion hit behind them.
The video also showed several people lying injured on the streets or being taken into ambulances.
An Interior Ministry statement condemned the attack which it said "targets Turkey's democracy and peace." Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu called an emergency security meeting to discuss the attack. His office said he was suspending his election campaign programs for the next three days. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cut short his program in Istanbul to return to the capital.
"There was a massacre in the middle of Ankara," said Lami Ozgen, head of the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions, or KESK. "Two bombs exploded in very short intervals."
There was no immediate responsibility claim. A government official said authorities were investigating the blast.
"The toll is severe," said Selahattin Demirtas, leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish party, whose members attended the rally. "There are dozens of dead and hundreds of injuries. Some of our friends are in serious condition."
In July, a suicide bombing blamed on the Islamic State group killed 33 people in a town near Turkey's border with Syria.
A leftist militant group has also carried out suicide bombings in Turkey.

France Protects al-Qaeda Affiliates, Should Help Russia Instead

© AP Photo/ Claude Paris

Middle East

Instead of helping Russia to crash Islamic militants in Syria, France is doing the opposite – helping al-Qaeda-linked terrorists, said Marine Le Pen, the leader of French National Front party.

Le Pen criticized the French government, stating that it sides with the duplicitous policies of the United States. One can't trust Washington's policies anymore, Le Pen said on her Twitter account.

While Russia is fighting ISIL, trying to solve the Syrian crisis, France is "protecting" al-Nusra fighters, who represent the al-Qaeda terrorist organization in Syria, the French politician argued.

Instead of doing this senseless job, France should have been fighting ISIL alongside Russia in the Middle East, Le Pen said.

© AP Photo/ Claude Paris

Marine Le Pen Accused US for Trying to Discredit Actions of Vladimir Putin

Meanwhile, Russia started precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria on September 30, following a request from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. As of Friday, the Russian Air Force has carried out about 140 strikes against terrorist positions, destroying command centers, training camps and ammunition depots. Russian warships in the Caspian Sea also fired 26 cruise missiles on ISIL targets on Wednesday.
Currently, Le Pen's National Front party has the largest number of seats in the European parliament among all French parties.
Earlier this week, Le Pen accused French President Francois Hollande of failing to stand for France's national interests and following orders of Washington and Berlin.

Beam in Own Eye: Greece Scrambles Jets After Turkish F16s Violate Airspace

© AP Photo/ Selcan Hacaoglu

Europe

Greece scrambled fighter jets to intercept a pair of Turkish F16 planes over neutral waters of the Aegean Sea in a move condemned by Ankara but described by Athens as fully consistent with international procedure.

© Sputnik/ Dmitriy Vinogradov

Russia Has Fully Explained Turkish Airspace Violation - Deputy FM

Two Greek Air Force F16s had their missiles locked onto six Turkish F16 jets during what the Turkish military said was a training mission in international airspace over the Aegean Sea. “Just as six Turkish F16 fighter planes conducted a training flight over the Aegean Sea two Greek war jets held them in their crosshairs for 2 minutes and 13 seconds,” the Turkish General Military Staff said in a statement Friday.
The Greek military website defensenet.gr had earlier reported 39 violations of the country’s airspace by Turkish military aircraft.
According to the Greek side, three groups of Turkish F16 and F4A warplanes, as well as three CN-235s and a helicopter, entered the Greek airspace 39 times.
The planes were intercepted and identified in line with standard procedure.
Turkey and Greece have seen a rapid increase in incidents since 2013. In the first month of 2014 alone, Turkish aircraft allegedly violated Greek airspace 1,017 times.
This was twice the number of total airspace violations between the two countries for the first half of 2013.

"Euronews" albanian emigrants come back from Europe

smanalysis

PM Tsipras to observe “Parmenion” military exercise in Alexandroupoli

The Prime Minister will travel to Alexandroupoli for the final phase of the large-scal exercise

Friday, October 09, 2015

Tsipras supervises military exercise, boards C-130 for test flight

 

The final phase of the “Parmenion 2015” military exercises take place today, with the Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras scheduled to travel to Alexandroupoli.
The large-scale “Parmenion” military exercise is designed to examine the preparation of the country’s Armed Forces. Earlier in the week the country's air raid system was tested as part of the exercise.

EU condemns violence in Kosovo parliament

The European Integration Office,EU's Special Representative in Kosovo-Metohija (KiM), embassies and EU MS' Offices all condemned the violence in KiM parliament.
Source: Tanjug Friday, October 9, 2015 | 12:11

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The European Integration Office, EU's Special Representative in Kosovo-Metohija (KiM), embassies and Member States' Offices all condemned the violence that took place on Thursday in KiM parliament and deemed it unacceptable.
We condemn the opposition's actions in the assembly and we urge them to respect the basic principles of democracy and allow an open debate on the KiM issues in the parliament, reads the joint statement.

Violent actions, similar to those in the parliament are pitiful, the statement says, adding that everyone is free to express their opinion and defend their stand but that the use of violence is unacceptable.

ISIL kills top Iranian commander in Syria

Iranian military says Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani was killed by the rebels near Aleppo overnight.

09 Oct 2015

Iranian military commander Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani [File: AFP/Getty]

Iranian military commander Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani has been killed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) on the northern outskirts of the Syrian city of Aleppo, Iran's army has said.
The rebels killed Hamedani overnight on Thursday, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) - the elite branch of the Iranian army - said in a statement carried by Sepah News on Friday.
The Brigadier General was providing military advice to the Syrian army in the country, Iran's Press TV reported.
IRGC said in its statement that Hamedani had been playing an "important role... reinforcing the front of Islamic resistance against the terrorists".
Iran is a staunch ally of President Bashar al-Assad, sending Revolutionary
Guard forces and military advisers to aid him against rebels seeking his
overthrow.

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

DRITE HIJET E TREKENDESHIT TIRANE - ATHINE – PRISHTINE

KANE NDODHUR BRENDA 1 MUAJ KETO LEVIZJE DIPLOMATIKE:

Takimi Rama – Tsipras, (dhe Kotsias – Mustafa – Thaci) ne OKB, nje sinjal ne te cilen Tirana mori ftesen per te zgjidhur mosmarveshjet historike nen frymen e prespektives europiane te Shqiperise dhe te Kosoves.

Edi Rama perserit per te treten here ftesen qe Tsipras te vizitoje Tiranen.

Njohja e Kosoves nga Greqia (Qipro)  do te kushtezohet me nje status Autonom te zgjeruar bazuar ne Protokollin e Korfuzit per Jugun e Shqiperise.

Prishtina i shikon keto interesa brenda nje realiteti historic, ndersa Tirana gjithmone dhe me tej, po zhytet ne nje euforizem nacionalist.

Athina Note proteste Tiranes, per prishjen e Kishes se Ag. Athanasios ne Dhermi

Tsipras: OKB “Me Tiranen, do te hapim marveshjet Nderkombetare per te drejtat dhe lirite e Komunitetit Grek”. 

Tsipras: Ne pergjigje te pyetjes se deputetetes Bakoyani, deklaroi se “Ne, kemi nje plan, per te dominuar politikat dhe interesat tona ne Ballkan”.

Edi Rama dhe Ilir Meta, vendosen te perfshijne ne qeverine e tyre, Partine Nacionaliste PDIU.

Raporti i Sekret i OSBE, ngre dyshime te forta ne perfshirje korruptive dhe kriminale te nje liste prej politiko oligarkesh si dhe politikanet me te larte te Shqiperise.

Rinia Vorio Epiriote (jo Omonia as PBDNJ), mer pjese per here te pare ne nje session per te Drejtat Humane ne Varshave, e ftuar nga OSBE.

Mistere ne Mbledhjen e Komisionit te Jashtem Parlamentar te Shqiperise, ku u mbajt nje mbledhje secret per Kosoven.

Te lidhura:

Athina Zyrtare: "Prespektiva e Shqiperise dhe Kosoves per ne BE, kalon nga Athina"..  

Tirana Zyrtare: "Ne Europe do te shkojme te bashkuar si komb dhe jo te ndare ne Rajon"..

Sali Berisha 28 Nentor 2012: “Shqiperia fillon nga Preveza dhe perfundon ne Presheve”

Edi Rama, shkurt 2015: “Europa te na pranoje te bashkuar me gjithe shqiptaret ne familjen e vete europiane. Me greket do te mbrojme interest tona kombetare”

Edi Rama: Tetor 2014 Presheve (Serbia). “Ne krenohemi qe kemi standartet me te mira per minoritetet duke filluar nga ai grek”.

Edi Rama: 31 Korrik 2014. “Himara, eshte njesoj sic do vend tjeter i Shqiperise si Tropoja apo Kukesi, edhe pse atje jetojn e greke te vjeter”.

Tsipras Dhjetor 2014, Beograd: “Kemi bere gabim qe dhame driten jeshile per ne NATO per Shqiperine.”

Kamenos: Shkurt 2015, Ministri Grek i Mbrojtjes Kombetare, deklaron perpara stafit ushtarak, se”kemi akoma pune per te mbaruar me Shqiperine….”.

Greek Authorities Uncover Criminal Ring that Distributed Forged Passports

By Ioanna Zikakou -
Oct 7, 2015


The organized crime unit of the Greek police made 12 arrests regarding the case of a large illegal migrant trafficking ring, which managed to bypass security systems even at airports. The criminal group had specialists who would forge passports and other legal documents, in order to serve their “customers.”

The criminal ring made it clear to migrants that they only provided high quality forged documents in order to help them leave Greece for northern Europe in a matter of days, by airplane or any other means of transport. According to the authorities, the trafficker’s price ranged between 2,300 to 3,000 euros.

According to preliminary police investigation, the circuit had provided documents to at least 100 refugees earning around 300,000 euros. The perpetrators mostly operated in central Athens, where they lured migrants and refugees.

12 Pakistani nationals were arrested in association with the ring and allegedly had special labs where they forged the passports, as investigated by the Greek police. The authorities, are concerned about the quality of the forged documents, which were good enough to pass by strict airport security systems.
- See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2015/10/07/greek-authorities-uncover-criminal-ring-that-distributed-forged-passports/#sthash.kugelsXZ.dpuf

Gérard Depardieu Slams US: They’ve 'Consistently Destroyed Others'

© RIA Novosti. Mikhail Fomichev

Gérard Depardieu appears not to have many regrets about his decision two years ago to take Russian citizenship, as he’s revealed his conviction that Europe’s failures in foreign policy are all the US’ fault.

© Flickr/ Televisione Streaming

Madness Ukrainian Style, Depardieu Movies Banned - German Media

"If the Europeans stopped listening to the Americans, well, I'd be a lot happier," the actor told Russian journalists on Wednesday.

The popular French actor repeatedly slammed his native country of France for unreasonably high taxes before being granted Russian citizenship in 2013 by President Vladimir Putin.

Depardieu became a huge international star at young age, and featured in such films as "The Man in the Iron Mask," "Les Misérables," and "Green Card," in which, some 15 years ago, he played a French man desperate for American citizenship.

But real life, as we know, is a far cry from Hollywood fantasy.

"I have never wanted to be a US citizen," he said. "That's totally out of the question. They have a very aggressive culture. And I don't like US films," he added in his interview to RIA Novosti on Wednesday.

"They fought each other, destroyed the Indians, after that they perpetrated slavery, then there was the civil war," the actor said, giving a rundown of the US' violent history.

"After that, they were the first to use the atomic bomb…No, I prefer being Russian," added Depardieu.

Depardieu has recently said he has intentions to sell all the houses he owns in France in order to be rid ties to his native country. The actor also revealed his plans to move to Belarus, as he is fascinated by the country's leader, Alexander Lukashenko, saying "the country is beautiful and the president is a nice guy".

Russian citizenship has become somewhat sought-after for western stars following Depardieu's move. Fred Drust, front man of the the US band Limp Bizkit, and tattoo artist Zombie Boy have both confessed they'd like to trade their passports for Russian ones.

Hammond on Britain’s stand on Kosovo’s UNESCO membership

Philip Hammond confirmed on Thursday that the London government has a positive stand concerning Kosovo’s UNESCO membership.
Source: Tanjug Thursday, October 8, 2015 | 17:53

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Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of Great Britain Philip Hammond confirmed on Thursday that the London government has a positive stand concerning Kosovo’s UNESCO membership.
Replying to reporters’ questions as to whether he thinks ethnic Albanians in Kosovo would be able to provide better protection for Serbian cultural heritage, Hammond replied that the United Kingdom believes UNESCO membership will impose additional, more rigorous obligations for Kosovo in terms of protecting Serbian cultural heritage.

In this manner, we will reinforce protection of Serbian cultural heritage instead of bringing it into question, Hammond told a joint press conference following the meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, and noted that people should focus on the future.

Serbia is fiercely opposing Kosovo-Metohija’s UNESCO membership and Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic stated on Saturday that the proposition concerning Kosovo’s UNESCO membership is equally absurd as would be a suggestion for the Islamic State to be admitted into UNESCO.

He specified that since the arrival of KFOR in the southern Serbian province in 1999, the ethnic Albanians in KiM destroyed by dynamite or set fire to more than 200 Serb churches, monasteries and sites of religious and cultural significance and demolished 8,000 tombstones.

Vucic: No tolerance for ambassador’s undiplomatic move

Aleksandar Vucic stated on Thursday that the Albanian ambassador in Belgrade, has acted in an undiplomatic manner.
Source: Tanjug Thursday, October 8, 2015 | 18:04

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic stated on Thursday that the Albanian ambassador in Belgrade, who refused to collect the protest note of the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the stoning of the bus transporting the Serbian football team in Tirana, has acted in an undiplomatic manner and will therefore be denied contact with Serbian officials in the next six months.
Addressing a news conference following the meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of Great Britain Philip Hammond, Vucic said that ambassadors have the right to react in such a manner and that Serbia can declare them as persona non grata or deny them contact with Serbian representatives for the duration of six months in such instances.

My decision is for us to try and not spoil the relations in this way, which is why he (Albanian ambassador) will not be able to reach me or other government officials over the next six months, Vucic said and added that such behavior cannot be tolerated.

Vucic said that he talked to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and that the two countries would continue their cooperation.

Rama apologizes to Serbs over stoning of bus

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama apologized for the incident in which a bus transporting Serbian football team was stoned.
Source: Tanjug Thursday, October 8, 2015 | 13:54

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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama conferred on Thursday with Serbian Minister of Education Srdjan Verbic and a group of students from Serbia and apologized for the incident in which a bus transporting Serbian football team was stoned.
You are aware that even neighbors go at each other during football matches, and though it is important for Albania to win, or Serbia to score a victory as the minister (Verbic) may put it, the most important matter is for proper conduct to triumph as a quality we represent together, Rama said.

The Albanian prime minister voiced regret over the fact that, as he said, a young man aged 14 or 15 threw a stone at a bus transporting the Serbian football team late on Wednesday.

Rama said that this is a proof that a lot of work still remains to be done since the older generation nurtures hatred against changes and is brining the dreams of the new world into jeopardy over nationalism and the spirit of hatred.

Rama conferred with Serbian students in the building of the Albanian government and expressed gratitude to them for the gifts they brought him.

Before the meeting, the official welcome ceremony for Minister Verbic and Serbian students was organized by Albanian Minister of Education Lindita Nikolla and 60 Albanian students whose families will provide accommodation for the guests.

NATO Defence Ministers take further steps to enhance collective defence

• 08 Oct. 2015

NATO Defence Ministers took further steps on Thursday (8 October 2015) to make the Alliance’s collective defence stronger. “This sends a clear message to all NATO citizens: NATO will defend you. NATO is on the ground. NATO is ready,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

The Ministers reviewed the implementation of the Alliance’s Readiness Action Plan. The Plan, agreed by NATO leaders at their Summit in Wales last year, ensures NATO’s readiness to confront challenges in an evolving and fast-moving security environment.
They gave their green light to the completed military concept for the Enhanced NATO Response Force, including its command and control arrangements. “We now have everything in place to make the Response Force stronger, faster and more capable,” Mr. Stoltenberg said. The Ministers also agreed to set up two more NATO Force Integration Units (NFIUs) or small headquarters in Hungary and Slovakia. Six other NFIUs were activated in September in  Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania. The Secretary General also welcomed the announcement by Germany to lead the Alliance’s very high readiness Spearhead Force in 2019 and plans by the United Kingdom to rotate more troops into the Baltics and Poland for training and exercises.
The Defence Ministers also held a discussion on Syria and the recent violations of Turkish airspace by Russian aircraft. The Secretary General called on Russia “to play a constructive role in the fight against ISIL,” adding that NATO stands in strong solidarity with Turkey. They also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan. The Secretary General said that Allies will later this year decide on the troop levels and where they will be based. This will be done on the basis of a detailed security assessment, which is expected in the coming weeks.

Serbia interrupts diplomatic relations with Albania

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Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, has decided to boycott for a 6-month period Albania's ambassador to Belgrade, Ilir Bocka.

He said today to the Serbian media that the Albanian ambassador will not have diplomatic contacts after refusing to accept a protest note of the Serbian government, over the incident in Tirana, where some hit with a stone the bust with the Serbian players.

Vucic told reporters that Albania has the right to have such a reaction, to which Serbia can respond in two ways: to proclaim Albanian ambassador as persona non grata or deny him meetings with Serbian officials for a period of 6 months.

"Within 6 months he will not meet with me or with any other officials. I cannot understand one such anti-diplomatic behavior", said Vucic.

Albanian foreign ministry said that "we are disappointed by the actions of the Serbian authorities, to prejudice the goodwill of Albanian authorities of the football match. Such decision is a non-proportional response. Such reactions, as well as the arbitrary reading of the immunity and privileges of diplomats, beyond all-accepted rules of international law remind us of outdated practices,"said spokesperson Glevin Dervishi.

What is Really Driving Migrants to Europe and What Risk Do They Pose?

© REUTERS/ Bernadett Szabo

Europe

Ilona, a hotel owner in the town of Bicske, where one of refugee camps in Hungary is located, shared her personal worries concerning the migrant issue and explained to Sputnik why European civilization is in danger.

© AFP 2015/ LOUISA GOULIAMAKI

EU Migrant Crisis: Germany's Spiegel Asks 'How Naïve Do We Want to Be?'

Vasily Raksha — Ilona voiced her approval of the international attempts to help forlorn asylum seekers from war-torn countries, as “it is naturally true and everyone has to help people in those situations.” However, as a resident of Hungary, which serves as a gate for thousands of migrants rushing in to the EU's Schengen border-free area, Ilona advised against accepting the situation at its face value. The personal experience she gained from observing the developments near the camp differs profoundly from the image of migrants that the global mass media presents as rock-solid truth.

“The immigrants that I saw, most of them, 90 percent were young people, no women, no children, no elder people, only young men in their twenties – well-dressed, equipped with money, queuing up in front of the exchange office, buying laptops and telephones.”

In Ilona’s opinion, the Syrian conflict became a reason for speculation. The term “Syrian refugee”, that arouses sympathy and compassion, is used by stowaways trying to sneak into Europe and exploit its developed system of social support.
“Out of those people, only one third were from Syria.”
She cast doubts on the motives of people who decide to embark on long and dangerous journeys to culturally and religiously alien Europe instead of staying in countries with a more similar culture and background such as Turkey and Lebanon.

“If there is a war and you have to leave your country, I don’t think you should run thousands of miles on foot with your pregnant wife and children, for me it’s not natural.”

Ilona explained that the real driving force behind the new great transmigration in most cases is the chase after economic benefits.

© AFP 2015/ RADEK MICA

Half of Czech Citizens Oppose Taking in Refugees

"In my understanding, the main reason that motivates the big amount of people [to go to Europe] is to have a better life for free. At the end of that journey they are going to get money for free. Having better life and in exchange doing nothing.” What shocked her most was the behavior of migrants during an accident on September 3, when migrants stopped a train in Bicske demanding to be taken on to Vienna instead of staying in the local refugee camp.
“These people were under the train and the train was stopped. The migrants were very angry, people went there giving them water and food as it was still summer and it was hot. Everybody thought they [migrants] would need water. But you could see on the news that they threw away the water, they kicked the food down from the train – is it the behavior of somebody who is running away from big danger and wants to save his life? No, I don’t think so.”
Such conduct cannot be a feature of those who are willing to integrate into a new community, Ilona argued.

“If one is homeless, if he needs help, he behaves differently. He arrives, he follows the rules, he is happy to be offered what he is offered and he tries to adjust himself or herself to the situation. And this is not what we see.”

However, despite such a devastating experience, Hungary should not reject its EU obligations despite having “a big burden”.

“We have to bear that responsibility. This is our job because we are a part of Europe.”

The resolution of the Syrian conflict and similar crises will hardly stem the influx, as the political situation in migrants’ home countries is not the true reason behind their relocation, the hotel owner said.
“Their motivation is not to live in their country safely, but go to Finland or Sweden and have the highest potentially available social benefit in the world.”
The incomers do not want to follow the rules and customs of the countries where they arrive, which poses a threat to the European way of life, Ilona said, citing young Muslim mens’ negative attitude toward European girls wearing 'inappropriate' clothes.
“But they are guests in these countries and at the same time they don’t respect the way of life of these countries.”
“If I have to travel to their countries, I must keep up with all those rules compulsory for women in their countries. But when they come to these countries, they don’t feel the same respect for the way of life in these countries. The European way of life is in danger.”

Archbishop Ieronymos Claims Europe Is Against Greek Orthodoxy

By Philip Chrysopoulos -
Oct 7, 2015


Ieronymos_arxiepiskoposArchbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece accused Europe and the Greek government of trying to alter Christian Greek society and the identity of Greek people.

Ieronymos spoke on the occasion of a recent government proposal to make easier for students to be exempted from religious education classes.

“The recent incident regarding religious education classes is the tip of the iceberg, I’m afraid. It seems that our European friends — taking advantage of our dire economic situation and in light of changing the economic relations between us — will seek by all means to alter Greek society starting with our schools,” Ieronymos said, addressing the Annual Conference of the Holy Synod.

“The tragic thing is that our enemies are no longer far away. They are inside our walls. We can see it,” he said. The Archbishop referred to the reforms required by Greece’s creditors as part of the bailout agreement. He said that the Greek government has committed to a series of reforms and measures that are imposed by international creditors in order to “devalue Greek history and our traditions, tear down the institution of family, enforce perverted ideas, further degrade our language and show obvious contempt for centuries of our great civilization, our homeland, our faith.”

The Archbishop called on the faithful Greek people, the hierarchy of the Greek Orthodox Church and the clergy to defend Greece’s traditions and faith. He also called on the state to collaborate with the Church “with sincerity and consistency and to set an example to our people for cooperation and unity.”

- See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2015/10/07/archbishop-ieronymos-claims-europe-is-against-greek-orthodoxy/#sthash.3xwbxtvx.dpuf

Vucic asks Greece not to vote for KiM in UNESCO

Aleksandar Vucic spoke on the phone with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday and asked Greece not to vote in favor of Kosovo's UNESCO membership.
Source: Tanjug Wednesday, October 7, 2015 | 14:25

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Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic spoke on the phone with his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday and asked Greece not to vote in favor of Kosovo's UNESCO membership, the government's media relations office said in a release.
In a long and constructive conversation, the two prime ministers expressed their opinions on the migrant crisis and agreed that it was necessary to coordinate the policies on this matter more frequently. The conversation also touched on the topic of promotion of economic cooperation.

"The two prime ministers also discussed the regional issues, particularly concerning Kosovo-Metohija. Prime Minister Vucic asked Prime Minister Tsipras for Greece not to vote for Kosovo's admission into UNESCO," the release states.

Vucic and Tsipras agreed that the friendship between Serbia and Greece was a foundation for the future economic and political ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Vucic invited his Greek counterpart to visit Belgrade. As agreed, the visit will take place in the next three to four months, the statement reads.

• 1 hour ago
• From the section Europe

 

 

 

A man who flew a drone into a football stadium in Serbia during a Euro 2016 qualifier last October has been arrested ahead of the return leg in Albania.

Ismail Morinaj was detained after giving an interview in which he admitted carrying a gun for protection.
Last year's match had to be abandoned as Serbian fans invaded the pitch and attacked Albanian players.
Security for the Serbia team is high in Albania before Thursday's match.
Although the match will take place in Elbasan, an hour's drive to the south-east of Tirana, the Serbia team are staying at a hotel in the capital surrounded by police.

Reports from Tirana spoke of roads inside the city being closed amid a major police operation.
Albania are third in their Euro 2016 qualifying group, behind Portugal and Denmark, but far ahead of Serbia and still hoping to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition.
Police arrested the 33-year-old suspect and three other men, saying they had found a Zastava pistol and several cartridges, as well as 36 tickets for Thursday's match.

Tensions had already been high before the Euro 2016 tie at the Partizan Stadium in Belgrade and ordinary Albanian fans were not allowed to attend the match.
The two countries have had a long and bitter history of rivalry, and ethnic-Albanian-majority Kosovo's decision to declare independence from Serbia in 2008 brought relations to a new low.
Ismail Morinaj admitted flying the drone from a church across the road from the stadium. As it hovered above the pitch, a large "greater Albania" flag could be seen, portraying nationalist claims to neighbouring states.

Serbia defender Stefan Mitrovic snatched at the drone and fans poured on to the pitch, attacking Albania players.
The ensuing brawl and the decision to abandon the game prompted football officials to deduct three points from Serbia, and they stand at the bottom of their group in Euro 2016.
Only a few dozen Serb supporters will be allowed into the stadium for Thursday's match, which will have a heavy police presence.
"This is an opportunity to show our values in supporting the national team and hosting the guest team," said Albanian Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri.

Rama "provokes" Athens again, Deputy Minister of Foreign Afairs gives to Cham Party

Justice, Integration and Unity Party, PJIU becomes part of the cabinet of the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. At today's meeting the government been appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Halil Hyseni, representative PJIU.

This post previously held by Alqi Pulo, representative HRUP (Omonia Represent). Appointment of a Deputy by cham community, could possibly cause a serious reaction from Athens.

PJIU left opposition coalition in local elections before June 21 and became part of the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Only a few days ago, in the headquarters of ONU in New York, Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras, has reminded his Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama, that Greece, will open some International Issues, ranging from the universal rights of ethno-religious of the Greek Community,.

EU Calls for Turkey to Return to Peace Process With Kurds

© Flickr/ International Labour Organization

Nicolas Schmit, Luxembourg’s labor minister, said that the 2013-2015 "re-launch" of the Turkish-Kurdish peace process as the best opportunity "in a generation" to both resolve the ongoing conflict and address Turkish citizen needs.

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) – The European Union has called on Turkey to increase stability in the country by restarting the settlement process with its Kurdish minority, Luxembourg’s labor minister said Wednesday on behalf of EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
"We have to actively support the return to the peace process…With no peace process in place, this opportunity risks to disappear and instability risks to continue or even grow," Nicolas Schmit said in an opening statement at a European Parliament session.
Schmit hailed the 2013-2015 "re-launch" of the Turkish-Kurdish peace process as the best opportunity "in a generation" to both resolve the ongoing conflict and address Turkish citizen needs. The ceasefire was scuttled in July after a series of deadly attacks, some attributed to Kurdish separatists and some to the Islamic State (ISIL) jihadist group.

© AP Photo/ Vadim Ghirda

Turkey Must Not Equate Kurds With Terrorists - PACE President

"We are all increasingly concerned by the escalation of violence in Turkey and the continuing terrorist attacks. However, measures taken by the government must be proportionate, targeted, not in danger to democratic political dialogue," Schmit stressed. He added that a ceasefire was "particularly urgent" in the region.
Turkish armed forces launched simultaneous attacks on ISIL positions in northern Syria and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) positions in northern Iraq and southeast Turkey in response to separate terrorist acts during the summer. Up to 120 Turkish law enforcement and military officers and civilians have fallen victim to separatist violence over the past two months.

Russian warships join Syria war with rocket attacks

President Vladimir Putin says Russian warships targeted ISIL in Syria with at least 26 rockets.

07 Oct 2015Civilian deaths are being reported from apparent air strikes by Russian fighter jets in several Syrian cities [Syria Civil Defense/AP]

Four Russian warships in the Caspian Sea have launched 26 rockets at Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria which hit their targets, Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a joint television appearance.
Russian efforts "will be synchronised with the actions of the Syrian army on the ground and the actions of our air force will effectively support the offensive operation of the Syrian army," Putin said in the meeting with Shoigu on Wednesday.

#footage:Smart weaponry used against #ISIS objects in #SYRIA by Caspian flotilla missile ship https://t.co/E57ufsea81 pic.twitter.com/12ib1lA43d

— ?????????? ?????? (@mod_russia) October 7, 2015

"In addition to the air force, four warships of the Caspian flotilla have been involved," Shoigu said, adding that the warships had carried out 26 cruise missile strikes against 11 targets.
"The intensity of the strikes is increasing."
Putin also stressed the need for cooperation with a US-led coalition fighting ISIL, saying that without cooperation from the US, Turkey and Saudi Arabia the intervention was unlikely to work.
Also on Wednesday the Syrian army and pro-regime forces launched a major ground operation in Hama province backed by air support from Russian warplanes, a military source told AFP news agency.
"The Syrian army and allied forces began a ground operation in the northern parts of Hama province (central Syria)... with fire cover from the Russian air force," the source said.