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ADL recognizes Bush for fighting terror, anti-Semitism

By JERUSALEM POST 

02/08/2014

Anti-Defamation League presents former president with its highest honor; cites commitment to Israeli-Palestinian peace process, promoting democratic values.

Former US president George Bush Photo: REUTERS/Larry Downing

The Anti-Defamation League has presented former US president George W. Bush with its highest honor, the America’s Democratic Legacy Award.
The ADL cited the former president’s leadership in promoting democratic values worldwide when faced with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; his commitment to securing Israeli-Palestinian peace; and his establishment of the United States’ Office to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism.

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“The best Middle Eastern policy starts with an alliance with the only democracy in the Middle East, and that is Israel....The cornerstone of peace begins with an unshakable US-Israel alliance,” Bush said at the award ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday.
“We will never forget, Mr. President, how the vision you laid out of ‘two states, living side by side, in peace and security’ still informs our consciousness and our parlance today,” ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman said. “You solidified an unbreakable affinity between two democracies challenged by extremists and terrorists – and an ironclad shared understanding – that security is one of the most important foundations for peace.”
Previous award recipients include former US presidents Ronald Reagan, Lyndon Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman; as well as Eleanor Roosevelt, Adlai Stevenson, Justice Earl Warren, author Saul Bellow, former CIA director George Tenet, and former secretaries of state Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger.

Greek Monopoly on Albanian tobacco
07/02/2014

The Minister of  Agriculture ordered the establishing of a task force for verifying problems between the Greek firm and tobacco growers in Albania, whose production has remained in stock.

During a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Edmond Panariti, farmers say that the Greek company that has the monopoly of tobacco has reduced prices to 100 ALL per kg and has violated the agreement.

A representative of the Greek company who was present in the meeting declared that they have respected the law. Minister Panariti warned for punishing measures if violations will be verified.

"There is no justification that even for agreements where price is settled, they demand sales with discriminatory prices. We will take measures of the agreement's terms are violated", Panariti declared.

By answering to the farmers' request for not letting this market a monopoly of one single company, Panariti declared that they will see the opportunities for liberalizing the market and supporting the domestic production.

Presheva Albanians boycott Serbian elections
08/02/2014

The Albanian politicians of the Presheva valley decided to boycott the Parliamentary elections of Serbia.

They said that the government in Belgrade is showing no interest for resolving the problems of the Albanian people, and that nothing can be achieved by participating.

There have been several meetings in Tirana and Prishtina, and the areas where they leave, but they say that however, the decision is up to them.

“Our Parliament Member in the Serbian Parliament has given no results in solving our problems”, declared Ragmi Mustafa, head of the Presheva commune.

The requests were for a joint list, but there was no consensus. Riza Halimi, Parliament Member at the Serbian Parliament and leader of a party that hasn’t decided about this idea yet, said that there are dissatisfactions by the Albanian population for the “so-called democratic governments in Serbia, since the fall of Milosevic”.

This situation ends the participation of Albanians in the Serbian Parliament, who had Parliament Members even during the war time.

Berlin: George Clooney Tells U.K. to Return Art Treasures to Greece

8:16 AM PST 2/8/2014 by Scott Roxborough

Columbia Pictures

"The Monuments Men"

At the press conference for his film "The Monuments Men," Clooney said Greece had "a very good case" in demanding Britain return treasures such as the Elgin Marbles.

George Clooney has called on the U.K. to act as real “Monuments Men” and return historic Greek art  held in British museums.

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Responding to a question from a Greek journalist at the press conference in Berlin Saturday for his new film The Monuments Men, Clooney said Greece had “a very good case” in demanding Britain return historic Greek artifacts.
Many Greek treasures – primarily among them the Elgin Marbles - were brought from Athens to Britain under suspicious circumstances. The issue of who owns the art is a controversial one and the source of continued tension between the two countries.
“It wouldn’t be a bad thing if they were returned,” Clooney said about the Greek art. “ I think that is a good idea. I think that would be a very fair and very nice thing. Yeah, I think it is the right thing to do.”
The Monuments Men, which Clooney directed and stars in alongside Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bill Murray and Jean Dujardin – all of which are in Berlin promoting the film – deals with a squad of art experts who endeavored to recover and return art stolen by the Nazis to their rightful owners.

Bosnia: violent protests ‘worst unrest’ since war

 

08/02 15:13

Government buildings have been set on fire and hundreds of people injured in the worst civil unrest in Bosnia-Hercegovina since the end of the war in the early nineties.
There have been three days of protests against high unemployment, corruption and botched privatisation which has driven many into poverty while producing a few wealthy tycoons.
The protests began in Tuzla, in what was once the industrial heart of northern Bosnia, when police clashed with unpaid workers of four former state-owned companies.
The new owners were supposed to have invested and made the companies profitable but instead sold the assets, stopped paying workers and filed for bankruptcy. Demonstrations spread to towns across Bosnia-Hercegovina in support of the Tuzla workers and in anger at the government for failing to tackle the more than 40 percent unemployment.

PM: FBI could open office in Belgrade

Source: Tanjug

WASHINGTON -- Serbian PM and Interior Minister Ivica Dačić conferred on Friday with the director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), James Comey.

The FBI headquarters (Beta/AP, file)

According to reports, they discussed "collaboration of U.S. and Serbian law enforcement agencies."
"We once again agreed that the FBI has very good cooperation with Serbian law enforcement agencies, in particular with our Interior Ministry," Dačić said in Washington.

The meeting with the new FBI director was very good, Dačić said, adding that the possibility of the FBI opening its office in Belgrade was also discussed.

"The FBI will assess such a proposal in the next six months, and if it cannot be accepted, a decision will be made on the proposal to send an expert on fighting hi-tech crime and cyber terrorism to Belgrade," Dačić said.

Also discussed at the meeting were vital national and state issues concerning the fight against extremism and terrorism, especially against radical Islamism, he added.

"We discussed the exchange of information through cooperation of our services for combating hi-tech crime and cyber terrorism, since a large number of people from our region are joining extremist groups, especially those now active in Syria, which poses a threat to peace and the security of citizens in our region," Dačić said.

Holding a conference that would bring together FBI directors, regional interior ministers and police chiefs in late 2014 was also discussed with top FBI officials, he added.

Serbia has had traditionally good cooperation with the FBI, Dačić noted, recalling that, as interior minister, he has discussed the cooperation five times over the past six years with top FBI officials.

He said that he also met with Ted Poe, the chairman of the Serbian caucus in the US Congress, and thanked senators and congresspersons who are striving to present an objective picture of Serbia to the US.

"An agreement was made for a group of senators and congresspersons to come to Serbia by the end of the year to familiarize themselves with the great progress the country has made, not only on the path to EU integration, but also in the reforms of our political system," the Serbian prime minister, who currently heads the caretaker cabinet, has said.

FT: New Democracy-Golden Dawn Battle for 2nd Place in Elections

Feb 8, 2014

International analysts of the British newspaper “Financial Times” see a head-to-head battle between the conservative New Democracy and the ultranationalist Golden Dawn for securing the second place in the upcoming EU elections, following the sure victory of the leftists SYRIZA.
“Some analysts foresee now that Golden Dawn could get 15% to 20% in the May EU elections and threaten the second place of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’ party,” reveals the FT article.
Ilias Kasidiaris: We aren’t neo-Nazis
The article makes extensive reference to the possibility of outlawing the neo-Nazi party because of illegal activities and goes into the creation of the new “National Dawn” party, while also hosting statements by Ilias Kasidiaris, Golden Dawn MP and candidate mayor for the city of Athens.
“The government wants to outlaw Golden Dawn, which would equal a destructive coup to the political system of Greece. National Dawn was created to represent the thousands of Greek patriots and to run in the elections if we get outlawed,” said Kasidiaris in the interview with FT.
“National Dawn’s list will include well-respected candidates, like retired armed forces generals, academics and doctors. They will receive strong support by the growing numbers of Greek nationalists,” he added.
“The government’s goal was to put me in jail before the elections, so that I wouldn’t be able to speak publicly,” said Kasidiaris, who took up the leadership of the party after the arrest of Nikos Michaloliakos a couple of months ago. He added, “I will continue to be a candidate, unless they pass a law depriving me of my civil rights.”
The Financial Times also discussed the popularity of Golden Dawn, which declined after Greek rapper Pavlos Fyssas was killed by a member of the party, but has since then risen again to about 10%, after the murder of two Golden Dawn members on November 1 last year triggered a wave of sympathy towards the party.
“We are not extremists, fascists or neo-Nazis as they support. They just want to prevent a popular nationalistic organization. Unfortunately, there are judges in Greece who adhere to specific party interests,” mentioned Ilias Kasidiaris.
New Poll shows battle between New Democracy and SYRIZA
Meanwhile, a new Greek poll published on Saturday indicated that the parties New Democracy and SYRIZA are very close to securing first place, with SYRIZA taking the lead in local and EU elections with just 0.3% and 0.8% respectively. The polled sample believes that SYRIZA would win the elections if they were to be held tomorrow, but thinks though that the most capable prime minister would be Antonis Samaras (with 45.4%).
According to the poll, the battle between SYRIZA and New Democracy for the top two spots in both elections is followed by Golden Dawn, KKE and ANEL. PASOK and DIMAR that ranks last in the poll.

Violent protests across Bosnia injure 150, as people demand govt. overhaul

"I think this is a genuine Bosnian spring. We have nothing to lose. There will be more and more of us in the streets, there are around 550,000 unemployed people in Bosnia," as Reuters was told by Almir Arnaut, an unemployed economist and activist from Tuzla. Another, a construction worker, told AFP that “people are hungry.”

 Published time: February 07, 2014 13:07

Edited time: February 08, 2014 12:55

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Protesters stand near a fire set in front of a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014. (Reuters / Dado Ruvic)

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Corruption, Economy, Employment, Europe, Police, Politics, Protest, Violence

At least 150 people were injured, as protesters across the former Yugoslav republic of Bosnia rebel against corruption, joblessness and political stagnation. Scuffles have reached the presidential residency, resulting in the use of water cannon.
Several major cities in the Balkan state are gripped by dissent, which started as a local unemployment rally and grew into a nationwide protest – the worst outburst of violence since the regional war ended back in 1995.
The unrest that blew up in the capital, Sarajevo, on Wednesday had quickly evolved by Friday into violent scuffles with law enforcement, and the setting of government buildings on fire. There were at least 105 injured by the end of the week, as police launched stun grenades and rubber bullets at angry egg and stone-throwing demonstrators.
With one in five people in the country living below the poverty line (by Reuters’ estimates), the numbers that took to the streets were great. Eyewitnesses reported on Friday that as many as 6,000 people were on the streets of the capital Sarajevo, which has a population of about 527,000. Two cars and a police cabin were set on fire, as the raging crowd was pushed back from the government residency with water cannon.
Tear gas and rubber bullets were also used in the course of those several days.

Protesters burn documents from a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014 (Reuters / Dado Ruvic)

In the town of Zenica, rioters successfully set fire to another government building, chanting "Revolution!" and "Thieves!" Around 3,000 people were on the streets, leaving a total of 55 people injured, 23 of them police officers, AFP reported.
But the most violent clashes are occurring in the northern city of Tuzla, where, as of Friday 11 more people were injured, following Thursday’s 130 people – mostly police. Factory closures led to a quick surge in anti-government sentiment.
Another government building was set on fire, as several officials were seen escaping through the windows. The city is also suffering looting, with people emerging from municipal buildings and escaping with computers. There have also been attacks on supermarkets.
"I think this is a genuine Bosnian spring. We have nothing to lose. There will be more and more of us in the streets, there are around 550,000 unemployed people in Bosnia," as Reuters was told by Almir Arnaut, an unemployed economist and activist from Tuzla. Another, a construction worker, told AFP that “people are hungry.”
The rapidly escalating situation has led to the chiefs of the regional Tuzla and Zenica government resigning. The chaos is unprecedented, given the common view that Serbs, Bosnians and Croats would rather risk political stagnation than ever returning to the kind of violence they saw during the Bosnian War of 1992-95.
"This is so sad,” a woman standing by a burning government said. "It took four years of war to destroy it and vandals now burned it in one day. This is just as in 1992."

Protesters throw rocks at a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014 (Reuters / Dado Ruvic)

Zenica, Bihac and Mostar are some of the other population centers that have witnessed clashes. However, peaceful rallies also occurred in support of unity among Bosnia’s ethnicities. In the Bosnian-Serb city of Banja Luka, 300 peaceful citizens came out to do just that.
"We are all citizens of Bosnia and we all have the same difficult lives here," Aleksandar Zolja, organizer and president of the non-governmental organization Helsinki Citizens' Assembly, said at the rally.
Some in Serbia's capital also stood in solidarity with the Bosnians.
The demonstrations began on Wednesday, the tipping point being controversial privatizations of key local industries, which since 2000 have resulted in eventual bankruptcies, leaving much of the working population unemployed.
Bosnia is now considered the poorest country in the whole of the former Yugoslavia.

A protester stands near a fire set in front of a government building in Tuzla February 7, 2014. (Reuters / Dado Ruvic)

But as protests have spread, so the demands have broadened. The demonstrators are now asking not just for better economic conditions, but for an overhaul of the political system. This has led to a televised address by the Bosnian tripartite government presidency’s chairman, Zeljko Komsic. He asks for peace, while taking the blame as politician.
"We are responsible for everything... Nothing good will come from anarchy," he appealed to the country, promising to hold an emergency meeting of the leadership. Prime Minister Nermin Niksic, who held the meeting on Thursday, has recognized the validity of the protesters’ complaints, but implored them to refrain from violence.
According to non-profit Transparency International, Bosnians experience more corruption than any other Balkan state.
A presidential election is scheduled for October.

Greece recovers bodies of four migrants

February 7 2014 at 08:51pm
By Reuters

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AP

Pictured is the islet Portes in the Aegean Sea near the island of Paros, in Greece. (AP Photo/Dimitri Messinis)

ATHENS - Greek divers recovered the bodies on Friday of four migrants who drowned while their boat was being towed by a coastguard vessel last month.

The bodies of two adults and two children were brought to the surface from the wreckage of their boat, 73 meters (240 ft) below the surface of the Aegean Sea, the coastguard said in a statement.

“There were also other bodies ... who could not be recovered,” it said.

Two people were confirmed drowned and ten declared missing on January 24, when the boat capsized.

Greek prosecutors launched an inquiry after the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR, human rights groups and political parties asked whether the coastguard itself had caused the accident by trying to tow the boat toward Turkish waters, as some of the survivors have said.

Migrant drownings are not uncommon in Greece, a gateway to the European Union, but the latest incident has drawn accusations that Greece breached EU law by trying to push the 28 migrants back to Turkey, where they had set to sea.

The coastguard says they were towing the boat towards Greek waters, not to Turkey.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has made illegal immigration a priority for his government and for Greece's six-month stint as holder of the rotating EU presidency. Greece has long complained of being overwhelmed by migrants and its economic crisis has boosted anti-immigrant sentiment.

Criticism of the government's handling grew after television footage showed survivors arriving at the port of Piraeus near Athens, recounting in tears how they watched their children drown as coastguard officials looked on.

6 killed, 5 injured in Albania when minivan falls down a cliff

 

 

By The Associated Press February 8, 2014 5:10 AM

 

 

 

A minivan is seen after it fell off a cliff in northeastern Albania, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014. Albanian police say a speeding minivan carrying 11 people lost control and hurtled 100 meters (more than 300 feet) down a cliff, killing six people and seriously injuring the five others. The crash occurred on the road to Kukes, 180 kilometers (110 miles) northeast of the capital, Tirana, early Saturday morning. (AP Photo/STR)

TIRANA, Albania - Albanian police say a speeding minivan carrying 11 people lost control and hurtled 100 metres (more than 300 feet) down a cliff, killing six people and seriously injuring the five others.
The crash occurred on the road to Kukes, 180 kilometres (110 miles) northeast of the capital, Tirana, early Saturday. Police say three people died immediately and three others perished at a hospital.
Police spokesman Jaho Caushi says four of the injured had life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital in Tirana, while the fifth person also had serious injuries but wasn't in danger of dying.

Bosnia urged to ensure balanced representation of constituent people

by michaletos • February 7, 2014

From: http://dalje.com/en-world/bosnia-urged-to-ensure-balanced-representation-of-constituent-people/498540

A draft resolution on Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will be on the agenda of the European Parliament next week, calls on leaders in that country to ensure the implementation of the Sejdic-Finci ruling from the European Court for Human Rights and to consider a possibility of merger of cantons in the Croat-Bosniak Federation with a view of simplifying the structure and ensuring a more balanced representation of constituent people and citizens.

The document drafted by German MEP Doris Pack which has also included several amendments, some of which proposed by seven Croatian deputies to the European Parliament, will be discussed by MEPs on Wednesday during a plenary session in Strasbourg and is to be endorsed on Thursday.The draft resolution underlines “constitutional reform remains key to transforming BiH into an effective and fully functional state.”It also urges the Federation “to consider concrete proposals in this regard, including the merger of some cantons and the redistribution of competences, in order to simplify its complex institutional structure, ensure a more balanced representation of all constituent people and citizens, eliminate ethnic discrimination and make the state more functional, less expensive and more accountable to its citizens.”In the same vein, all political parties are invited “to take part in this process in a constructive and open manner and to make use of the advice and guidance that the Venice Commission can provide during this process.

”The draft welcomes “the six-point agreement reached in Brussels on 1 October 2013, but deplores the obstruction of its implementation by centralist forces; stresses the importance of following the principles of federalism and legitimate representation in order to ensure BiH’s path.”Urging the European Commission to treat Bosnia and Herzegovina’s integration into the EU as a top priority, the document says that the European Union is committed to sovereign and united Bosnia and Herzegovina and its EU membership prospects.

The draft also “calls for a shift away from the nationalist and ethnocentric rhetoric coming from the leadership of the three constitutive peoples in BiH” and it condemns all kinds of segregation and discrimination on religious or ethnic grounds in a country.Bosnia is called “to further cooperate with the Commission regarding the adaptation of the Interim Agreement / Stabilisation and Association Agreement, especially in terms of crossborder trade in order to ensure that traditional trade flows between EU Member States and Central European Free Trade Agreement partners will continue.”Sarajevo keeps rejecting negotiations on traditional volume of trade regarding Croatia after the latter joined the EU and automatically departed from the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).

Protest in Prishtina escalates
07/02/2014

39 protesters and 32 police members have been injured today. This is the balance of the ninth day of the student protest. The Kosovo Special Unit forces reacted with tear gas against protesters who were trying to enter the Prishtina University Rektorat. Protesters appealed the police to leave, since their place is not in the knowledge premises.

The police justified the tear gas by saying that protesters threw solid objects against them, causing several officers to get hurt. Spokesperson Flora Ahmeti declared that the police has the right to use all equipments for taking situations like these under control. According to her, some of the police officers are in very serious conditions. Police say that the protesters have also injured some Kosovo media cameramen.

Protesters have returned several times, regardless in protest, regardless of the tear gas.

The clashes continued until 16:00, when the official working hours of the Rectorate are over, and when students close their protest. The organizers accused the police of not only arresting students without a reason, but also by kidnapping them with civil clothes.

The main request of the protestors remains the resignation of Ibrahim Gashi. 33 of them were arrested, including Ilir Deda from the civil society and Ylli Hoxha from the Self-Determination Movement. The “Kipred” Institution considered the arrest non-democratic, and explained that Deda was arrested when he was trying to talk with the police, in order to calm down the protest.

Ibrahim Gashi doesn’t seem to have any intention to resign. The Board of Directors at the Prishtina University declared that they have started addressing the responsibility to the entire staff of the Prishtina University, starting with the Rector. They requested time from protesters and institutions, so that they complete their task, starting with Rector Gashi.

The Board of Directors at the Prishtina University declared that the opposition’s request in Parliament for the resignation of the Board of Directors was an intervention in their autonomy. On the other hand, they declared that the police violence against protesters from the Democratic League and Self Determination Movement. These parties blame the government of Kosovo for the situation that has been created.

For the LDK, the Thaci government is showing that they have no good will to overpass this situation. For the Self-Determination Movement, the Prishtina University has been usurped by fraudulent people, supported by the government, and who are destroying the university of Kosovo, according to them.

The "Association of the Northern Epirus" (founded 1920) in collaboration with "World Council Epirotes" and "the Northern Epirus Youth", organize Meeting in occasion of the day event of the 100th anniversary of the Proclamation Autonomy of Northern Epirus, on 15 & 16 February 2014, to mark  (17 February 1914) in Athens

http://www.neb.gr/node/4505

Two US Navy ships arrive in Black Sea before Sochi Olympics

WASHINGTON - Two US warships have arrived in the Black Sea and will stand ready to offer assistance in the case of a security emergency at the Sochi Olympic games, officials said Wednesday.

 

The USS Mount Whitney, a command vessel for the Navy's 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean, arrived on Tuesday after departing its port in Naples, Italy over the weekend, officials said.

 

With a crew of 300 sailors and civilian mariners on board, the Whitney is outfitted with sophisticated communications equipment and a helicopter landing deck.

 

The second ship, the USS Taylor, is a frigate that arrived in the area on Wednesday, carrying a crew of about 200 sailors.

 

"Both ships will perform routine operations in the Black Sea to establish and enhance cooperation, mutual training and interoperability with regional partner nations and allies," the US Navy said in a statement.

 

Military officers said the vessels would be capable of providing a range of assistance, including potential evacuations of Americans or other foreign nationals, in the event of a possible terror attack at the games.

 

Russian state media had earlier reported inaccurately that the Whitney would be accompanied by a guided-missile destroyer, the USS Ramage, a larger vessel than the Taylor with more firepower.

 

The White House said on Tuesday the United States is "taking all appropriate steps regarding the safety of Americans" at the winter games.

 

US officials have voiced concerns over security at the February 7-23 games in Russia after two deadly December suicide attacks in the southern city of Volgograd. — Agence France-Presse

Religious leaders points at dialogue for peace

ISTANBUL

Threats on environmental welfare and global peace are at the center of the religious leaders’ concerns during a meeting at the 17th Eurasia Economy Summit. AA photo

Inter-religious dialogue within nations would lead to the success in attaining regional peace, prominent religious leaders of the Eurasia region and lawmakers have highlighted during a panel on “The Importance of Dialogue in Peace,” during the 17th Eurasia Economy Summit. “Peace is almost in the DNA of the religion,” Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community of Turkey İsak Haleva said during a speech in the panel.

In addition to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Istanbul Mufti Rahmi Yaran, the religious community representatives present at the summit included, leaders of the Azerbaijan Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church and the Jewish community, as well as the spiritual leader of the Turkish Syrian Community Yusuf Çetin and the mufti of Serbia Muhammed Jusufspahic.

Lawmakers from Macedonia, Greece, Israel and Albania also had the opportunity to address the participants of the panel, where the vitality of inter-religion and international tolerance was highlighted.
“Nobody should be afraid of each other nor should perceive the other as threat,” the Istanbul mufti said in his speech, dubbing “communication” as the first requirement for achieving of peace.

He urged every human being to realize “his existential responsibility” and “work to ensure the well-being of his home and his country first, only then to maintain world peace.” Particularly the threats on environmental welfare and global peace were at the center of the religious leaders’ concerns.
They also called attention to the imbalances created by economic preferences made by national states.

“They spent over $1.2 trillion for arms purchase, for killing people, but there are still millions of people suffering from economic inequalities,” Monsignor Yusuf Sağ, Patriarchal Vicar of Turkey for Syrians, said in his remarks.

The head of Alliance of Civilizations National Coordination Committee Bekir Karlıağ stated living together is impossible without knowing and understanding “the other.” “We need two tools for reaching peace,” he stated. “The first is intercultural dialogue at local levels, because cultures are conflicting at their core. The second is unification on a global basis.”

Therefore, the world needs to define a new civilizational concept that should be multi-dimensional, he stressed. And the religions’ common values should be at the center of this multidimensional civilization understanding, according to him. These concepts should not remain solely words, in order to be effective, he also noted.

Çetin, meanwhile, said it should not be hard for religions to find common values, considering their denominators, stating people should be able to communicate without trying to change their believes.

“Peace is people from different religions being able to talk without pressuring each other,” he said, giving historical examples of interreligious interactions, particularly in the cultural sphere, which benefited on all sides.

The president of International Biopolitics Organization Agni Vlavianos Arvanitis, who attended the conference for the ninth year in a row, focused on the advantage of co-existing, which put some responsibility on them. However, as the political leaders are comfortable with the current system with fixing apparent problems with only minor steps, reshaping the system and solving problems like environmental issues fall to us, particularly religious leaders, she said.

Also speaking at the panel, the Serbian mufti said there is no time to lose when peace and well-fare are the issues at stake.

“These are the last days of our lives. That’s why we shouldn’t be lost and we should talk,” he said.

Albania: New administrative division
07/02/2014

The Parliament Speaker, Ilir Meta, together with the representatives of the majority, have constituted today the Special Parliamentary Commission for the Territorial Reform.

Despite the time given and the several invitations made by the Socialist Party, and even by The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, the opposition did not change it stance and was not present in the first meeting of this commission.

“The necessity to realize the territorial reform is extraordinary. I can say that time of this reform has gone away. I need to underline once again the good will of the majority to make this reform with the opposition, which has requested even in the past to do this, although we didn’t have the vote. The difference is that the majority of today, although we have the votes, we insist to cooperate with the opposition. Because we need their opinions, ideas and becausew e think thi sis a reform for all Albanian citizen”, Meta declared.

Parliament Member Bashkim Fino, vice chairman, declared that this reform is late and that the current situation is unacceptable.

“This commission has three basic issues: deciding the criteria for the administrative division; planning and implementing the calendar for implementing the reform and preparing the project for the territorial division that we will present at the Parliament. The all inclusiveness of the project for the territorial division that we will make for presenting it to the Parliament. The all inclusiveness should be a condition for a successful reform and with great impact in the life of the Albanian citizens. We will not stop trying for our opposition colleagues to be part of this reform”, Fino declared.

The majority members in the days to come will publish the calendar of the Commission’s works.

Buildings blaze in Bosnia protests

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A Bosnian protester sets a local government building on fire during protests in the town of Tuzla (AP)

07 February 2014

Bosnian protesters have stormed and set ablaze local government buildings in three Bosnian cities in fury over unemployment and rampant corruption. At least 90 people were injured.

The anti-government protests that began two days ago in the northern city of Tuzla spread throughout Bosnia, with thousands taking their discontent over the almost 40% unemployment rate onto the streets of a dozen cities.
In Tuzla, the crowd stormed the local government building, throwing furniture, files and papers out of the windows and then setting the building on fire.
Protesters also set local government buildings ablaze in Sarajevo and Zenica, and the building of the Bosnian Presidency was also burning. Those fires were promptly put out but almost all the windows were broken.
At least 80 people were injured in Sarajevo and 10 in Zenica, authorities said. There were no immediate casualty figures from Tuzla, where the worst of the fighting was.
In an unprecedented move, hundreds gathered in the capital of the Bosnian Serb part of the country, Banja Luka, to express support for protesters in the country's other mini-state, which is shared by Bosniaks and Croats.
"We gathered to support the protests in Tuzla where people are fighting for their rights," said Aleksandar Zolja, an activist from Banja Luka.
The protests began on Wednesday with a clash between police and unpaid workers of four former state-owned companies, which left some some 130 hurt, mostly from tear gas.
The four companies employed most of the population of Tuzla. When they were privatised, contracts obliged the new owners to invest in them and make them profitable but they sold the assets, stopped paying workers and filed for bankruptcy.
Bosnians have many reasons to be unhappy as general elections approach in October. Beside the unemployment rate, the privatisation that followed the end of communism and the 1992-95 war produced a handful of tycoons, almost wiped out the middle class and sent the working class into poverty.
Corruption is widespread and high taxes to fund a bloated public sector eat away at paycheques.
AP

Thousands turn out for second day of Bosnian anti-government protests

06/02 23:40 CET

Related

• [Video] Bosnia: protesters set fire to a government building

Dozens were injured as clashes in the Bosnian town of Tuzla ran into a second day on Thursday.
Sparked by the closure of factories and firms in the northern town, the thousands-strong protests reflect resentment at the deepening economic and social problems in the country.
At 27.5 percent, Bosnia’s unemployment rate is the highest in the Balkans.
Demonstrators lobbed stones, eggs and flares at government headquarters, claiming authorities have stood by idly as several former state companies collapsed under privatisation.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people turned out in solidarity in the country’s capital Sarajevo, where protesters fought with police and also defaced government premises.
Police have now been given the green light to use force to stop the vandalism.
“The police will use all means at their disposal to prevent vandalism and protect citizens and public property,” police spokesperson, Izudin Saric, said.
Hana Obradovic, an unemployed philosophy and political science graduate took part in the rally.
“Our government sold state companies for peanuts, leaving people without their pensions or social security,” she said. “Their families have nothing to eat, while our politicians sit in these institutions and steal from people.”
The Tuzla protesters are made up largely of workers who were laid off when state-owned companies were sold then collapsed under privatisation.

Copyright © 2014 euronews

Protest continues in Bosnian town after major riot

Source: B92

TUZLA -- A protest has resumed in the town of Tuzla in eastern Bosnia on Friday, after a day of clashes between the police and demonstrators, and a peaceful night.

(Tanjug)

New protests have been announced in many towns in Bosnia-Herzegovina for Friday.
The police late on Thursday used tear gas to disperse the protesters from in front of the building housing the cantonal government. Police officers were then deployed around the building.

On Thursday, more than 6,000 angry workers and citizens turned out to protest against unemployment and political intransigence. The gathering turned violent when they threw stones at the government building, demanding the cabinet's resignation.

Roads were blocked and tires burned, and at one point the flag of the Tuzla Canton - a subdivision of the Muslim-Croat Federation (FBiH) entity - was also set on fire. Some demonstrators then took to looting stores.

Ministers and other employees had to flee the building through the back door.

The ground floor of the government building "has been destroyed," according to reports. The town's medical services said they treated 102 injured police officers and 28 citizens, the latter mostly for inhaling tear gas.

Albania's famous singer, Vace Zela, passes away
06/02/2014

The “People’s Artist”, Vace Zela, passed away in the first hours of this Thursday.

She gave her final breath close to her family in Basel, Switzerland, at 2:00 am. “Honor of our Nation” is a title that for the first time for a woman was received by Vace Zela.

“Golden Voice of Albania”, “Holy Icon of Albanian Singing”, “Queen of Albanian Singing”, are only some of the opinions for Vace Zela. Several generations adored her during 40 years of artistic career, not only for the excellent voice, but also for the state presence, where sometimes she appeared with her guitar.

“Initiator of a modern culture in the area of singing”, declared writer Dritero Agolli.

“She used to abandon songs that didn’t adapt to her voice. Vace kept a close connection between the characters of her voice and the song”, declared composer Tish Daija.

Vace used to make several suggestions to composers and poets about the notes and texts. “Her musical requests were incontestable”, declared composer Limoz Dizdari.

For Avni Mula, she had a natural intelligence in singing. Vace’s talent, musical intelligence and intuition were thrilling,

For poet Gjoke Beci, the “National Honor of Albania” can be translated into Vace Zela.

Vace Zela was born in April 7th 1939, Vace’s discovery was casual. Year after year she won the hearts of the Albanian public. She was present in a series of festivals, from Radio to TV, and holds the record of 12 first prizes. She won her first prize in the First Albanian Festival, with the song “Femija i Pare”. She left the scene in 1987, with her final song “Valtz of Happiness”. The last time that she appeared on a scene was 1992, during a tour in Switzerland. She left a rich repertoire with various songs, such as folk, light music, ballads and cantatas, all of them remained in the collective memory. She has contributed in many movie song themes, with “Lemza”, “Naten Vone”, “Ne Shtepine Tone”, “Lule Shqiperi”, “Per Arberine”, “E Dua Vendin Tim”, etc.

Zela had asked to be buried in Albania.

“In every national or family celebration, the first thing I want to do is place the Albanian flag, which makes me feel I’m in Albania. The love of the people keeps me alive. I miss Albania”, she had declared some time ago.

Some of the songs that Top Media uses to remake as a New Year greeting, have been performed years ago by Vace Zela in an exceptional way.

Man arrested after allegedly posing as earthquake official in Greece following quake

A ferry is docked at the damaged port after an earthquake in Lixouri on the island of Kefalonia, western Greece on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014. (AP Photo)

The Associated Press
Published Thursday, February 6, 2014 10:55AM EST

ATHENS -- Police have arrested a 44-year-old man in southern Greece for allegedly posing as an official from the country's main seismological institute, following powerful earthquakes on the western island of Kefalonia.
Police on Thursday alleged that the man, pretending to from the Institute of Geodynamics in Athens, called a 62-year-old woman on the island and warned of another major quake. The motive for the call was unclear.
Kefalonia has been rattled by two quakes since Jan. 26 of magnitudes 5.9 and 5.7 as well as scores of aftershocks, damaging around 3,000 homes, according to government estimates. The army set up tents and other temporary shelters this week and the Orthodox Church provided emergency rations as thousands of islanders continue to spend their nights outdoors.

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/world/man-arrested-after-allegedly-posing-as-earthquake-official-in-greece-following-quake-1.1673365#ixzz2sZbjbu5X

Man arrested after allegedly posing as earthquake official in Greece following quake

A ferry is docked at the damaged port after an earthquake in Lixouri on the island of Kefalonia, western Greece on Monday, Feb. 3, 2014. (AP Photo)

The Associated Press
Published Thursday, February 6, 2014 10:55AM EST

ATHENS -- Police have arrested a 44-year-old man in southern Greece for allegedly posing as an official from the country's main seismological institute, following powerful earthquakes on the western island of Kefalonia.
Police on Thursday alleged that the man, pretending to from the Institute of Geodynamics in Athens, called a 62-year-old woman on the island and warned of another major quake. The motive for the call was unclear.
Kefalonia has been rattled by two quakes since Jan. 26 of magnitudes 5.9 and 5.7 as well as scores of aftershocks, damaging around 3,000 homes, according to government estimates. The army set up tents and other temporary shelters this week and the Orthodox Church provided emergency rations as thousands of islanders continue to spend their nights outdoors.

Read more: http://www.cp24.com/world/man-arrested-after-allegedly-posing-as-earthquake-official-in-greece-following-quake-1.1673365#ixzz2sZbjbu5X

Tirana-Elbasan highway workers protest, not paid for 7 months
05/02/2014

The workers of the company that is building the Tirana-Elbasan highway protested this Wednesday at the Ibe village, since they haven’t been paid for the past seven months.

“This is supposed the only company in which we have regular agreements. These agreements say that we will be working until the project is finished. We haven’t been paid for the past seven months”, one worker says.

“We haven’t heard any promise from the government. This situation is unacceptable, because we haven’t received any explanation”, another worker says.

The salary mounts up to 300.000 per person. Workers say that if the company representatives will not react, the protest might continue by even blocking the main highway.

The company gave no comment for Top Channel, while workers have accepted several times the company’s offer for liquidation and leaving the post, but this hasn’t happened. Many of them have addressed their problem to the Ministry of Transports and the Road Directory, but they haven’t received any answer for the problem.

Albanian arrested for taking photos of military facilities

Source: Tanjug

NOVI PAZAR -- A 31-year-old Albanian citizen has been arrested in Novi Pazar, southwestern Serbia, after he took photographs of an army barracks in this town.

The police in Novi Pazar identified the man with his initials as J.M.
A police statement said that the Albanian national was being held in 48-hour custody, on suspicion that he committed the criminal act of unauthorized access to a military facility.

According to the police, the suspect on Wednesday morning took photographs of the Serbian Army (VS) barracks in Novi Pazar.

 
Bild: Greeks Richer than the Germans

By Evgenia Adamantopoulou on February 5, 2014


Bild GreeceAn article was published in the German newspaper Bild entitled “The Greeks are richer than us,” in which a journalist justifies his opinion explaining various reasons of how he has developed this opinion.

“The figures are official. The average wealth of Greeks is double that of the Germans. However, Greece is still on the verge of bankruptcy and is asking for a 20 billion euro aid package from EU countries. Among them is Germany, from which 6 billion euros will be granted. This cannot be happening. The average Greek household has more than 101,900 euros, according to the European Central Bank (ECB), when the average German household only has 52,000 euros,” the journalist said.

According to Bild, Greek wealth can be explained with four main reasons.

The first reason is the tax system in Greece. “They pay lower tax. A mid-employee three years ago used to pay 18.8 percent tax and social contribution, while a German 39.2 percent. The Greek government has increased the taxes since the crisis outbreak but the tax evasion issue hasn’t been resolved yet,” the article stresses.

The second reason according to the German journalist is that the Greeks own many properties. “72 percent of Greeks own an apartment or an entire building when in Germany this rate is only 44 percent.”

Furthermore, Greeks have been receiving higher pensions. A Greek pensioner gets 110 percent of his average annual salary, while in Germany a pensioner gets only 58 percent. The Greeks had also, until recently, been able to retire after 35-37 years of work and receive a full pension, when in Germany retirement is after 45 years of work, as it was proven in a survey conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Last but not least is tax evasion. “Until recently many Greeks had been managing to not pay the 23 percent VAT on their purchases and in restaurants. Moreover, tax evasion among lawyers, doctors and freelancers rose to 29 billion euros per year. The Greek government is trying to address tax evasion, however the audits stop at 10pm” the journalist concludes.
- See more at: http://eu.greekreporter.com/2014/02/05/bild-greeks-richer-than-the-germans/#sthash.hSbADWLN.dpuf

Bild: Greeks Richer than the Germans

By Evgenia Adamantopoulou on February 5, 2014 in Economy, Germany, news

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An article was published in the German newspaper Bild entitled “The Greeks are richer than us,” in which a journalist justifies his opinion explaining various reasons of how he has developed this opinion.
“The figures are official. The average wealth of Greeks is double that of the Germans. However, Greece is still on the verge of bankruptcy and is asking for a 20 billion euro aid package from EU countries. Among them is Germany, from which 6 billion euros will be granted. This cannot be happening. The average Greek household has more than 101,900 euros, according to the European Central Bank (ECB), when the average German household only has 52,000 euros,” the journalist said.
According to Bild, Greek wealth can be explained with four main reasons.
The first reason is the tax system in Greece. “They pay lower tax. A mid-employee three years ago used to pay 18.8 percent tax and social contribution, while a German 39.2 percent. The Greek government has increased the taxes since the crisis outbreak but the tax evasion issue hasn’t been resolved yet,” the article stresses.
The second reason according to the German journalist is that the Greeks own many properties. “72 percent of Greeks own an apartment or an entire building when in Germany this rate is only 44 percent.”
Furthermore, Greeks have been receiving higher pensions. A Greek pensioner gets 110 percent of his average annual salary, while in Germany a pensioner gets only 58 percent. The Greeks had also, until recently, been able to retire after 35-37 years of work and receive a full pension, when in Germany retirement is after 45 years of work, as it was proven in a survey conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Last but not least is tax evasion. “Until recently many Greeks had been managing to not pay the 23 percent VAT on their purchases and in restaurants. Moreover, tax evasion among lawyers, doctors and freelancers rose to 29 billion euros per year. The Greek government is trying to address tax evasion, however the audits stop at 10pm” the journalist concludes.

- See more at: http://eu.greekreporter.com/2014/02/05/bild-greeks-richer-than-the-germans/#sthash.hSbADWLN.dpuf

Changes To The Small Enterprises Tax Law In Albania

 

At the end of 2013, the Parliament of Albania has approved several laws, which initiate the implementation of the tax reforms declared by the new government after winning the elections. Among other things, one of the major changes was the reform of the small enterprises taxes. The new simplified tax on profits, replaced the two previous taxes paid by the small enterprises: the local tax on small enterprises and the tax on profits.

According to the recent changes the small enterprises whose annual turnover is less than ALL 2.000.000, will pay as simplified tax on profits a fixed amount of ALL 25.000, which is paid only in an annual installment. All those businesses that have an annual turnover between ALL 2.000.000 and ALL 8.000.000 will pay 7.5% of the profit. The payment of the tax shall be carried out, in four periodical installments. The payment of the tax is based on the self declaration statement that all the small enterprises will deposit to the Tax Authorities in accordance with the Guidance that the Ministry of Finance issues.

All taxpayers, with annual turnover from 2 to 8 million, are obliged to submit an annual tax statement prior to the 10th of February of the following financial year period. This tax statement should contain details regarding income, total input costs, taxable profit, tax payable, and any other details required by the Minister of Finance in the Guidance that is issued for completing and submitting the annual tax declaration. This Statement should be submitted to any of the banks with which the tax administration has signed the relevant agreements for accepting the declarations and payments. In case the tax paid during the previous financial year is greater than the obligation due to be paid according to the declaration, the taxpayer will deposit a request for reimbursement. On the other hand if the amount paid is less than the actual obligation, the taxpayer will have to make a request for paying the tax difference.

Another change made by the new law, is that contrary to previous financial years the small enterprises tax will be administered from now on by the Central Tax Administration and not by the local one.
The new changes to the law on personal income and on the local taxes are essentially a reduction of the taxes of small businesses but they also constitute an overall simplification of the tax payment procedure.

Albania, a valued NATO Ally in the Western Balkans

General Knud Bartels visited Albania from 5-6 February 2014, with the aim of discussing the country's defence reforms and strengthening military-to-military cooperation. Exchanging views with Albania's Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Chief of Defence, General Bartels acknowledged the country's strong commitment to collective defence and NATO-led operations. He is the first Chairman of the NATO Military Committee to visit Albania since it became a member of the Alliance in 2009.

As a valuable NATO member, Albania supports the Alliance in a wide range of areas, from collective defence to operations. Speaking to Prime Minister H.E. Mr Qemal Shkurti, General Bartels acknowledged Albania's important contributions to NATO's missions in Afghanistan and Kosovo, and stated:  "Our mission in Afghanistan is challenging, but our strategy is set, and we are making steady progress.  With our support, Afghan forces are on track to take full responsibility for their own security by the end of 2014."  The General also expressed his appreciation for Albania's readiness and willingness to take part of the post-2014 Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.  At the meeting they also discussed regional security perspectives and challenges.
The Albanian Minister of Defence, Mrs. Mimi Kodheli, shared her views on the importance of regional cooperation, emphasising her country's commitment to play a constructive role in the region, "because we are convinced that political stability, security and economic prosperity is possible only through cooperation."  General Bartels commended Albania's continued engagement in the region, stating that "NATO remains fully committed to the Western Balkans and to Euro-Atlantic integration.  Integration spreads stability and security, and provides a key incentive to aspiring countries to undertake democratic reforms." 
He also expressed his appreciation for the country's efforts to pool training resources with Croatia and regional partners within the Adriatic Charter, the so-called "A5" which Albania presently chairs.  "From a NATO perspective, Albania's regional involvement in defence and security cooperation is important and valued because it involves both core defence capabilities, in the framework of the Balkan Regional Approach to air defence initiative, and broader security issues in the A5 framework.  Close cooperation with other Allies and partners in defence capabilities and interoperability is key to making NATO prepared for the future.  We must be able to work closely together and find smart ways to make the best use of the taxpayers' money," stated General Bartels.
Beyond the focus of operations and regional cooperation, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee was informed about the Defence Minister's priorities for 2014 regarding defence reform, initiatives to counter corruption and to revise structures and processes.  General Bartels expressed his support for the reforms, highlighting the continuing need for adaptation to meet future challenges.  He concluded his trip with a visit at the Albanian Special Forces Battalion, where he acknowledged the professional skills and capabilities of the Albanian Special Forces.  Engaging with soldiers, the General emphasized the importance of maintaining the level of professionalism and solid commitment to ‘plug and play' within NATO forces, thus reaching interoperability.  "Exercising and training is crucial for the Armed Forces, even more so after 2014, in order to meet future challenges," commented General Bartels.

Patriarchal Moleben in Sochi Will Be Attended by Athletes from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova

redaktor   Feb 5th, 2014 // Comments are off for this post

“I would like to wish the athletes that the Olympics be successful for us,” said the Patriarch.
February 4, 2014. PRAVMIR. His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who arrived yesterday in Sochi, will celebrate a moleben [supplicatory service] in the Church of the Icon Not-Made-By-Hands of the Savior in Sochi. It is expected that the moleben will be attended by representatives of the Olympic teams from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova.

As the press service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia has stated, the same day His Holiness will inspect the sports facilities in the Olympic Park and meet with volunteers sent to the Olympics by church organizations.
On February 4, accompanied by the honorary vice-president of the Russian Olympic Committee, V. A. Vasin, Patriarch Kirill visited a number of sports facilities in the Olympic mountain cluster. In particular, the Patriarch visited the “Sanki” sledding center, where he inspected the start and finish areas and watched athletes training for their performance at the Olympics. Then the Primate of the Russian Church visited the “Russian Hills” complex and the ski stadium.
In one of the sports facilities, in conversation with a journalist of RIA “Novosti,” His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill, said:
“I believe that engaging in sports brings great benefit to man. The physical activity and, more important, the psychological training that accompanies one engaged in sports has a very positive impact of the formation of character. It produces remarkable qualities: one must be bold, courageous, and be able to take reasonable risks.
“And if we are to speak about team sports, then mutual support, team spirit, and real solidarity are also important,” His Holiness remarked.
In the words of His Holiness, sports are beneficial to all, regardless of their profession.
“All this creates wonderful human qualities that are needed in life, whatever a person does – whether he’s a doctor, an engineer, a businessman, a politician, or a priest,” the Patriarch emphasized.
Responding to questions from a correspondent of the “Russia-24” station, the Primate of the Russian Church stated his great appreciation for the quality of the Olympic facilities and the work of their designers and builders, also noting that the presence of such infrastructure will successful prepare for future sporting events.
“But I would like to wish the athletes that the Olympics be successful for us,” added the Patriarch.
The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Sochi will take place on February 7.

Reforms seen as key to Balkan integration with West

Written by VOANews on February 5, 2014 in Europe - No comments

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After years of Western investment and engagement, the Western Balkans have achieved considerable success.  But some challenges still remain unresolved.  In a recent discussion at Johns Hopkins University’s School for Advanced International Studies in Washington, panelists expressed support for the region’s Euro-Atlantic integration and urged the Western Balkan countries to continue reforms, and leave interethnic tensions behind.
The official U.S. view is that the Western Balkan countries have reason to celebrate — over Croatia’s membership in the European Union, the agreements between Kosovo and Serbia, and a smooth transition of power in Albania.
Jonathan Moore is director of South and Central European Affairs at the U.S. State Department.“The main point and focus for the United States is seeing the Euro-Atlantic integration of this entire region,” he stated. “As many administrations — Democratic and Republican — have said, a Europe whole, free and at peace, that very much is the focus.”
But Moore also said the countries of the region should try to diminish ethnic and national tensions, combat corruption and strive for economic reforms, increased security and the rule of law.  “We are engaged, we are committed, we are interested in a future for all of these countries in the EU, and, if they choose NATO, as well. There is where the United States has stood for years and that’s where we continue to stand,” he said.
Outside engagement is crucial, said Edward Joseph, a senior fellow at the school’s Center for Transatlantic Relations.  “In very few cases in the region have solutions to really tough problems come organically, through civil society or the political process.  In general, it has required outside intervention, an outside catalyst, meaning the U.S. and its European allies,” he noted.
Joseph said outside engagement has almost always come only when provoked by crisis — citing as an example the success in the talks which paved the way for normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia — a result of intense diplomacy by the United States and the EU.
Both Moore and Joseph agree that Macedonia and Bosnia are two exceptions in terms of achievements.  Macedonia is in limbo for NATO membership due to a name dispute with Greece, an alliance member. And Bosnia continues to be mired in ethnic friction.
Joseph said the EU magnet has not worked for Bosnia because the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the Bosnian war, do not work. “In my opinion it is a pathology, a structural problem, and we know the genesis of that problem is in the Dayton war-ending constitution.  Richard Holbrook’s book [mission] was to end a war, it was not to build a state,” he said.
The State Department’s Moore agrees that Bosnia is very complicated because of the Dayton agreements which ended the war but left  Bosnia ethnically divided. “The real question is:  can you dissassemble the Dayton structures and our firm answer is ‘no, you cannot’,” he said.
Many of the Balkan countries are holding elections in 2014.  But it’s not yet clear how much closer they will come to achieving their goals of advancing domestic democracy and moving toward integration with the EU.