US and Russia Should Form Coordinated Coalition in Syria – Stephen Cohen

© Flickr/ Alan Wilson

Politics

20:36 03.10.2015

Despite enormous obstacles, there is still a chance for cooperation between Russia and the United States over Syria, Professor Stephen F. Cohen believes, warning that the world's peace is hanging in the balance.

As tensions between Russia and the United States continue to build over the Syrian and the Ukrainian crises, Stephen F. Cohen, professor of Russian studies at Princeton University and New York University, argues that it is necessary that the two powers form a substantial coordinated coalition in Syria in order to defeat the Islamic State.

"My hope is that [US President] Obama and [Russian President] Putin will rise above themselves and form a substantial coalition in Iraq and in Syria. But let's be realistic… There are enormous obstacles," Professor Cohen noted in an interview with US progressive political commentator Thomas Carl "Thom" Hartmann.

The professor noted that some analysts are convinced that Vladimir Putin is about to sell out Donbass, eastern Ukraine, in return for Syria. According to Cohen, it is naïve to believe that Moscow would give up ethnic Russians suffering from Kiev's hostilities in return for protecting Assad. "That won't happen," the professor underscored.  

© AP Photo/ Muzaffar Salman, File

Russia Out-Gamed US in Fight Against ISIL – US Politician

Professor Cohen bemoaned the fact that there are lots of obstacles in the way of US-Russian potential rapprochement. First and foremost there would be tremendous opposition in Washington, he noted, adding that Barack Obama would be accused of "appeasing [Vladimir] Putin." But there is another problem. There is the Ukrainian crisis, Cohen pointed out.
"It [the Ukrainian crisis] could flare up at any moment in a way that could disrupt any fragile agreement between Putin and Obama," the professor stressed.
According to Cohen, the US-backed regime in Kiev is sweating bullets about the possibility of close cooperation between Moscow and Washington in the Middle East.

"[Ukrainian authorities are worried] that Washington may kind of forget Ukraine or lessen its commitment to the Kiev government. So, I would not be surprised if Kiev stages a provocation to inflame the crisis which is at a very low level at the moment in Ukraine," Cohen warned.

© AFP 2015/ BULENT KILIC

By Bombing Terrorists in Syria Russia Hits Washington's Raw Nerve

Meanwhile, the grim specter of World War III is prowling across Europe and the Middle East. Professor Cohen has repeatedly stressed that if Washington continues to indulge the neocons' plan to arm Ukraine and encourage Kiev's warmongering against Russia, the United States will finally face an equivalent of the Cuban Missile Crisis in Eastern Europe. "Now we have the Syrian thing. And I mean this is serious," the professor pointed out.

"Everybody would understand that if American warplanes, Russian warplanes, Syrian warplanes, French warplanes, maybe Israeli warplanes, all are flying over Syria and Iraq, they …[could] shoot each other down. That is a very difficult, complex technical situation beyond my understanding except that we know this really has to be coordinated," Cohen emphasized.

Russia and the United States are currently involved in a new cold war on two fronts – in Ukraine and in Syria.
"Here is a chance for cooperation. In the old cold war, in forty-years cold war, it always happened… we found ways to cooperate, because there were rules. The problem is there are no rules today," Professor Cohen stressed.

Finally the Penny Drops: Merkel Admits Crimea is Part of Russia

© AFP 2015/ KAY NIETFELD

Politics

21:59 03.10.2015

German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the first time publically accepted the fact that Crimea doesn’t belong to Ukraine and that the peninsula will stay as part of Russia, Alexei Pushkov, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian Duma, said on his Twitter account, according to Gazeta.ru.

"Important: After a meeting in Paris, Merkel for the first time admitted that Crimea won't return to Ukraine. That means the crisis is only about the east of the country," Pushkov wrote.

The Normandy Four talks on Ukraine reconciliation concluded in Paris on Friday.

© Sputnik/ Aleksey Nikolskyi

'Normandy Four' Dialogue to Continue, Foreign Ministers to Meet in November

The leaders of the Normandy Quartet countries managed to agree on the procedure of the withdrawal of heavy weapons in eastern Ukraine, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday. "We were able to agree on the withdrawal of heavy weapons," Merkel said following the Normandy Four talks in Paris. "There is hope for progress. We are moving toward each other."
On the whole, the results of Friday's Normandy Four talks in Paris set a positive tone, Angela Merkel said, adding that she was satisfied with what the participants achieved during the meeting.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20151003/1027980523/merkel-admits-crimea-is-part-of-russia.html#ixzz3nXaek0NE

Obama has turned Putin into the world’s most powerful leader

By Benny Avni

September 29, 2015 | 1:21am

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Barack Obama extends his hand to Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: Reuters

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Benny Avni

The baton was officially transferred Monday to the world’s new sole superpower — and Vladimir Putin willingly picked it up.
President Obama (remember him?) embraced the ideals espoused by the United Nations’ founders 70 years ago: Diplomacy and “international order” will win over time, while might and force will lose.
Putin, too, appealed to UN laws (as he sees them), but he also used his speech to announce the formation of a “broad international coalition” to fight ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
“Similar to the anti-Hitler coalition, it could unite a broad range of forces” to fight “those who, just like the Nazis, sow evil and hatred of humankind,” he said.
And who’d lead this new coalition? Hint: Moscow has always celebrated the Allies’ World War II victory as a Russian-led fete.
Oh, and if anyone wondered which Syrian players the coalition would rely on as allies, Putin made it clear: “No one but President [Bashar al-]Assad’s armed forces and Kurd militia are fighting the Islamic State.”
That, of course, isn’t Obama’s view. America’s president said he opposed the “logic of supporting tyrants.” After all, Assad “drops barrel bombs on innocent children.”
But Putin has troops in Syria, is arming Assad to the teeth and signed a pact of anti-ISIS intelligence-sharing with Assad, Iran and the leaders of Iraq (the ones America fought to put in power).
And after meeting Obama for the first time in two years Monday, he spoke vaguely about future “joint air attacks on ISIS.” But no agreement on Assad was reached in the 90-minute meeting.
Meantime, if Obama has any realistic Syria plan of his own — beyond having Assad magically “transitioned” out of the country and simultaneously fighting ISIS — he failed to present it during his UN speech. Or any other time.
Instead, he scolded an “isolated” Putin for using force to annex Crimea and other parts of Ukraine. “Imagine if, instead, Russia had engaged in true diplomacy,” said Obama. “That would be better for Ukraine, but also better for Russia, and better for the world.”
Then again, imagine if Obama’s eloquence were backed by, say, American-led NATO. Would Putin so easily be able to eat up Ukraine and take over Syria? Not likely. But even as he chided Russia, China and even Iran for being steeped in the policies of the past, it was Obama who at times sounded like a throwback to days of yore.
His celebration of the United Nations was reminiscent of scenes from 1950s movies that portrayed it as a place where problems are actually resolved. In reality, along the decades (and even more so in the last six years), the UN became so paralyzed that it can no longer serve as arbiter of global security.
Obama’s speech was, as ever, full of promise. His turn from using “might” to claiming to have “right” on his side and relying on diplomacy have led to America’s opening up to Cuba and a key deal with Iran on nukes. But these are yet to yield positive results. “If this deal is implemented,” he said of Iran, “our world is safer.” Big if.
By contrast, Putin’s deployment of forces in Syria and arming of Assad create facts on the ground. They have also propelled him to the top by taking initiative on today’s most consequential world fight.
Although Obama received much less applause during his Monday speech than in past years, he’s still well-liked at the world body. Yet those who count, the ones he scolded in his speech — Putin, Assad, China’s Xi Jinping and even Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani — weren’t in their seats to hear his words.
Because as forceful as Obama’s words are, they’re rarely backed by action.
Putin? Nobody applauded him. He’s more interested in being feared than liked. Then again, his words, at most, are meant to explain forceful action.
That’s how Putin seized leadership from America.
And that, to borrow from Obama’s speech, is bad for Syria, where the war will continue as long as Assad remains in power. It’s bad for Europe and Syria’s neighbors, which have no idea what to do with that war’s refugees.
And it’s bad for America. Because sooner or later, after more bloodshed and under even worse conditions than now, our next president will be called upon to retake the leadership baton from Putin. And that could prove tricky.

http://nypost.com/2015/09/29/obama-has-turned-putin-into-the-worlds-most-powerful-leader/

Serbs Invited to 'Risky' Football Match in Albania

Ahead of a football match between Albania and Serbia on October 8, 70 Serbian students have been invited to cheer on the Serbian team in Elbasan in Albania, despite the risks.

Igor Jovanovic

BIRN

Belgrade

Interrupted football game between Serbia and Albania in Belgrade | Photo by Beta/AP

A group of 70 Serbian students will support the Serbian football team during the game in Elbasan, which is widely seen as a risky event after a match between the two teams in Belgrade ended in a brawl last year.
The Albanian football association announced on October 1 that the Serbian students had been invited to Elbasan by their Albanian colleagues.
Albanian football supporters were banned from attending the match in Belgrade and it was initally announced that Serbian fans would not be allowed to watch the game in Albania.
However, that decision has been changed.
The Albanian Football Association said that as the Albanian police had marked the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match as a high-risk event, the police will use heavy security during the game.
Albanian media reported earlier that the police would even engage snipers to prevent any incidents.
However, the Belgrade-based sports journalist Dejan Andjus told BIRN there was no reason to expect trouble.
“I expect nothing to happen. There is no reason for it, this is a sporting event, nothing else. The game is also practically without sporting significance because everything was already solved in our qualifying group,” Andjus said.
The first match between Serbia and Albania in Belgrade last October ended in mayhem when a small drone with a banner embossed with Albanian motifs flew over the pitch.
Serbian fans then invaded the pitch and also threw torches and lighters at the Albanian players as they left the field. Several Albanian players were struck by the hooligans who had invaded the pitch.
Following an investigation, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body penalised the Football Association of Serbia with a three-point deduction in the current UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying round, a fine of 100,000 euro and an order that the next two competition matches at home be played behind closed doors.
UEFA also sanctioned the Football Association of Albania, however, with the loss of the match 3-0 and a fine of 100,000 euro.
However, the Court of Sports Arbitration, CAS, in July finally awarded victory in the match to Albania.
After the CAS ruling, the prime ministers of both Serbia and Albania, Aleksandar Vucic and Edi Rama, debated the ruling on Twitter.
While Rama supported the Court decision, saying, "This is what means to have European justice”, Vucic called court verdict “shameful and a world-class example of injustice".
However, Andjus blamed the Serbian authorities for not resolving what actually happened during the game in Belgrade and who was responsible.
"Serbian officials first said the drone was launched by Olsi Rama, the brother of the Albanian Prime Minister but presented no evidence for their claims. In the end, the case was never investigated and we never learned who had started the incidents," Andjus said.

British Armed Forces to take part in biggest Nato military exercise in 13 years

The UK is to commit warships, Typhoon fighter jets and almost 3,000 troops to the biggest Nato military exercise to take place in 13 years.

 

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  Last updated: 03 October 2015, 12:50 BST

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  The UK is to commit warships, Typhoon fighter jets and almost 3,000 troops to the biggest Nato military exercise to take place in 13 years.
  Exercise Trident Juncture will feature 36,000 service personnel from more than 30 nations, and has been organised to test how the allied group will respond to crisis situations.
  Armed forces from the Navy, Army and RAF will take part in the five-week exercise which begins tomorrow in Italy, Portugal and Spain.
  It is the biggest Nato exercise since 2002 and will feature the UK's two largest warships - helicopter carrier HMS Ocean as well as HMS Bulwark, which was rescuing migrants from the Mediterranean earlier this year.
  Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said it was "vital" that the UK work with Nato partners in a "darker and more dangerous world".
  He added: "The UK will be right there at the heart of Exercise Trident Juncture - contributing nearly 3,000 troops, our two largest warships and our Typhoon fighter jets."
  The training exercise will feature 230 military units, 140 aircraft and more than 60 ships from various nations and will test the readiness of a new task force set to be launched.
  The Spearhead Force, Nato's new rapid reaction task force, will become fully operational next year and will feature UK troops.
  In total the UK will commit around 2,800 personnel to Trident Juncture, including an Army Brigade Headquarters and Battlegroup, three Royal Navy warships and aircraft, including Typhoon fighter jets and helicopters.
  

Breaking New Ground: China's Navy Tours Scandinavian Countries

© Sputnik/ Vitaliy Ankov

Military & Intelligence

Three naval ships of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), a missile destroyer, a missile frigate, and a replenishment ship, visited Denmark, Finland, and Sweden in the past two weeks on goodwill visits.

By paying a visit to Northern Europe, modern Chinese warships demonstrate versatile technical capabilities, as well as China's interest in the Arctic region, website The Diplomat reported.
According to China’s Ministry of Defense, PLAN Fleet 152 is on a “round-the-globe voyage” after finishing up a four-month anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden.

On their way home, the Chinese naval fleet decided to ‘drop by’ for a visit to Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. The countries were the third, fourth, and fifth stops (respectively) for the fleet, led by the guided-missile destroyer Jinan. The first two stops were Sudan and Egypt.

© AP Photo/ Xinhua, Li Tang

IHS Jane’s Navy International provided additional details on the three vessels, identifying them as “the Type 052C Luyang II-class guided-missile destroyer Jinan (152), the Type 054A Jiangkai II-class guided-missile frigate Yiyang (548), and the Type 903 Fuchi-class replenishment ship Qiandao Hu (886).”

Jinan and Yiyang are among the PLAN’s most modern ships, having been completed in late 2014. The Qiandao, meanwhile, was commissioned a decade earlier, in 2004; The Diplomat reported citing Finland’s YLE News.

The fleet is currently in Sweden and plans to spend five days there, after having arrived there on September 30.
Wang Jianxun, the fleet commander and general commander of the Jinan, said that “We are going to have signatory visits and organize cultural and sports activities. The ships will be open to the public, [and] the Chinese naval servicemen and their Swedish counterparts will visit each other,” The Diplomat reported.

Community of Serb Municipalities "no threat to Albanians"

Marko Djuric says that the future Community of Serb Municipalities (ZSO) in Kosovo is "no threat of any kind to (ethnic) Albanian population."
Source: Beta, RTS Friday, October 2, 2015 | 09:35

(Beta, file)

Its goal, the head of the Serbian Office for Kosovo and Metohija told the state broadcaster RTS, is to "protect Serbs in the province."
"First of all I think it's terrible that some politicians in Pristina are scaring the Albanian people with the ZSO. The fact Serbs will have more rights through this community doesn't mean that anyone else will have less rights," said Djuric.

According to the Beta agency, he added that "the 120,000 Serbs in Kosovo, which is a third of the previous number of the Serb population in that province, should have a chance to survive, and the ZSO will give them that chance."

Djuric stressed that Belgrade finds it important that it was recently heard "from top officials tasked with our country" that December 25 was the deadline to adopt ZSO's statute.

"That's a message for those who approach this process with less willingness, not for us. The EU is the guarantor of these agreements and we are completely prepared to work on implementing what has been agreed," he said.

Turkey and partners "deeply concerned" over Russian strikes

Turkey and its partners in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State "called on Russia on Friday to cease its attacks on the Syrian opposition."
Source: Beta, Reuters, Tanjug Friday, October 2, 2015 | 12:02

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(Image made from Russian MoD video)

Reuters is reporting they instead want the Russian Air Force "to focus on fighting Islamist militants."
In a joint statement with the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Gulf Arab allies, Turkey said Russia's actions constituted a "further escalation" of the conflict and would only fuel more extremism, the agency reported.

"We express our deep concern with regard to the Russian military build-up in Syria and especially ‎the attacks by the Russian Air Force on Hama, Homs and Idlib since yesterday which led to civilian casualties and did not target Daesh (Islamic State)," the statement said.

Reuters noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday "assertions that civilians had been killed in Russian airstrikes in Syria were an 'information attack'."

According to the agency, "Russia's decision to join the war with air strikes on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad this week, and the increased military involvement of Iran, could mark a turning point in a conflict that has drawn in most of the world's military powers."

Meanwhile in Moscow, chairman of the Duma Foreign Policy Committee Aleksei Pushkov announced that Russia will intensify airstrikes on targets in Syria, and that the campaign will last "from three to four months."

Speaking for French Radio Europe1, Pushkov added that there was "always the possibility of it lasting longer."

He said the airstrikes carried out so far by the U.S.-led coalition in Syria and Iraq have been "insufficiently efficient."

"The United States has been pretending to bombard Islamists for a year, but with no results. If you're efficient, results will follow ," Pushkov said.

PM: Constitution will have to be changed because of EU

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has said that "Serbia will have to change its Constitution due to joining the EU."
Source: Tanjug Friday, October 2, 2015 | 15:10

(Tanjug)

his will require "a broad consensus," he said on Friday, during a lecture he delivered at he Faculty of Law in Belgrade, dubbed, "Serbia between East and West."
"There must be a broad consensus, we need to talk with everyone, it is meaningless that two or three parties should be deciding on that, but also with non-governmental organizations and regional stakeholders," Vucic has been quoted as saying.

He was responding to a student's question "whether the Constitution will have to be changed because of its preamble (referring to Kosovo)," by saying that the Constitution will have to be changed "because of the entry to the EU" but that "the writer, that is, the legislative authority, will take the best when it comes to the content."

Vucic said that there must be "serious reasons to change the Constitution, as well as a broad consensus."

Asked about "initiatives to change the political system," the prime minister said he would like a parliament with 15 instead of 250 seats.

"It is not a key issue for the budget, but it is a signal how we should behave," said Vucic, adding that "local self-governments are cumbersome, there are problems in the functioning of the administration."

Vucic also told the students attending the gathering today that "the country is emerging from the crisis and firmly going to the EU."

"This will enable us to both go to the EU and preserve good relations with Russia, China, India and other countries," said Vucic and added that "our country needs to go to the European Union because we have a lot to learn but also so we can make a system."

Speaking about "the need of preserving traditionally good relations with the East," Vucic said that "we have demonstrated our attitude towards Russia" because Serbia is "the only one that has not introduced sanctions" for the Ukrainian crisis, and did so "regardless of the pressure, that was there."

"Serbia has a lot to learn from the West," said Vucic, but also underlined that it needs to take from the East "that kind of freedom and latitude that the West, because of procedures it has, does not allow."

Vucic then said that "when someone asks if you are for Europe, it unfortunately boils down to the absurd political question, 'are you for the European Union, or not'."

Serbia, he said, "should strive toward great work, prosperity and progress and acceptance of new technologies, and this is important because it is lagging behind in what is most important, in economic development."

Vucic said that "diligence has never been sufficiently appreciated as a virtue here - unlike in the Protestant world."

The prime minister noted there had been "at attempt at pressure to declare Serbs a genocidal people" and that "Serbia dared to stand up and had no consequences" - and, in an apparent reference to Croatia - that "an EU member state unilaterally imposed sanctions against our country and carried out economic aggression."

"This was the first instance when the European Commission sided with a non-member state in a conflict with a member of the EU," he said.

"States must be guarded, you must make difficult decisions, think three times before you decide and draw conclusions in a wise way," said Vucic, "exclusively informing the students" that the budget deficit in September was RSD 3 billion - six times smaller than planned, Tanjug reported.

Former Greek ministers attacked by members of far-right organisation in Ukraine

First entry: 30 September 2015 - 20:02 Athens

A delegation of Greek left-wing politicians, including former ministers under the previous cabinet Nadia Valavani and Kostas Isichos, were attacked by members of a far-right organisation in Ukraine on Wednesday, while visiting Odessa for talks with the city's Greek community.
Speaking to Athens news agency ANA-MPA, Valavani reported that the Greek delegation was followed and confronted by members of the far-right group, who demanded to know why they were in Ukraine.
The delegation, which also included former MP Vassilis Hatzilambrou and journalist Aris Hatzistefanou, had to take refuge in a restaurant and seek the assistance of the consulate and Ukrainian police, she said.
"[They] said we were enemies of Ukraine," Valavani said, adding that this was the first time that a foreign delegation had been confronted in this way by far-right elements in Odessa.
She said the harassment prevented a planned meeting with members of the Greek community in Ukraine and that the former ministers will return to Greece on Thursday.

"Tsipras will betray Serbia and recognize Kosovo"

GazetaExpress Friday, 02 October 2015

The invitation by the Greek Foreign Ministry to Kosovo's Foreign Minister, Hashim Thaci has angered Serbian media.

"Minister Nikolaos Kotzias has invited his colleague, Hashim Thaci for a visit in Athens and expressed the support of Greece to Kosovo's effort to join international organizations, based on international law and for the sake of regional stability", stated Klan Kosova.
Gazeta Blic also reaffirmed the statement that Athens is preparing the field for the formal recognition of Kosovo statehood by Greece.
Serbian political analyst, Dragomir Andjelkovic, said that Greek Prime Minister, Tsipras is "an unstable politician on everything else besides his personal gain".

Related: 

Tsipras to Edi Rama: The Greek Minority has the right to self determination

SManalysis

Athens, Tirana and Pristina. are called in New York city and talk diplomatically and intense in the same building, ONU. 

No wonder the media warning that Greece will review its national policies, the recognition of Kosovo, but in exchange between Albania and Greece, will open in the old Protocols of the International Agreements.

However, Greece is also makes a step, in which during talks with Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mustafa, Greek Foreign Minister  Kotsias, promises initially first step, entry in UNESCO and Interpol of Kosovo,.....

On the other hand, Edi Rama PM of Albania, has come under pressure from Tsipras, who has requested the opening of the breasts international issues concerning the Agreements between the two countries and particularly the full rights to the Greek Community and the Orthodox church. .

Based only on these two practice elements of New York, there is no doubt that for the official recognition of Kosovo, Albania should implement international agreements for Southern Albania, where lives a considerable Greek population.

http://smarkos.blogspot.al/2015/09/tsipras-to-edi-rama-greek-minority-has.html

Syrian Airbase Russia is Using to Bomb ISIL (VIDEO)

© Sputnik/ Dmitriy Vinogradov

Middle East

An RT television channel crew visited an airbase in Syria’s Latakia from which Russian combat jets are taking off to launch airstrikes against ISIL militants.

© Sputnik/ Vladimir Melnikov

Russian Su-34s Can Precisely Strike Any ISIL Ground Target in Syria (VIDEO)

The airbase is heavily secured and is constantly on full alert due to the fact that ISIL terrorist positions are located only 40 kilometers from the facility, according to the exclusive report by RT. The airfield is very busy with combat jets and transport aircraft taking off and landing non-stop.
Russian forces do not rely only on Syrian troops on the locations of ISIL fighters.

© Sputnik/ Dmitriy Vinogradov

Sputnik Exclusive: Russian Sukhoi jets at airfield near Latakia

A spokesperson of the Russian Defense Ministry told RT how the Russian strike force is finding and identifying targets to attacks.

"Data from air force attacks was analyzed, and verification from multiple sources clearly shows that the Russian airstrikes were conducted on objects of terrorist infrastructure belonging to ISIL," Colonel Igor Klimov explained.

"Air attacks on civilian infrastructure where civilians could be was not in the planning and were not hit," he added.
That could mean sending surveillance drones to search for ISIL facilities or tapping into terrorist communications, according to RT.

© Sputnik/ Dmitriy Vinogradov

Sputnik Exclusive: Russian Sukhoi jets at airfield near Latakia

© Sputnik/ Andrei Aleksandrov

Russian Air Force Destroys ISIL Command Center, Training Camp in Syria

On September 30, the Russia Air Force launched high-precision airstrikes against ISIL in Syria. According to the Defense Ministry, over the last two days Russian jets have destroyed over 10 targets, including a terrorist HQ, explosive-manufacturing plants, communication centers, as well as ammo and fuel depots. The combat unit of the Russian Air and Space Forces deployed to Syria includes over 50 aircraft and helicopters. The ministry reported that Su-34, Su-24M and Su-25 were involved in the airstrikes.

US Military Transport Plane Crashes in Afghanistan

© AP Photo/ Massoud Hossaini

12 people were killed when a C-130 military tactical transport plane crashed near Jalalabad in Afghanistan, according to defense officials.

Two defense officials told NBC news that the plane crashed by the Jalalabad airport a little after midnight. It is unclear how many people were aboard the C-130.
The US Military earlier confirmed that ten people had died in the crash: five service members and five civilian contractors, Reuters reported. Fox News and NBC raised the death toll to 12, citing officials. NBC reported two local Afghan civilians were killed on the ground.

"Cause of crash and status of crew and others onboard remains unknown," US Army Col. Brian Tribus said earlier. "We are gathering more information and will release as appropriate."
The C-130 is a four-engine turboprop transport aircraft designed and built by Lockheed Martin.
According to Fox News, Pentagon officials say the plane was not shot down. There were no reports of enemy dire at the time of the crash, the Pentagon later confirmed to Reuters.
The incident is under investigation.
The US Air Force operates a base at the Jalalabad airport approximately 3 miles southeast of the city.
There were 9,800 US troops left in Afghanistan until the end of September, under a deal between Washington and Kabul. In March it was agreed that number would drop to 5,500 for the remainder of the year and into 2016.
The Resolute Support mission replaced NATO-led ISAF forces, of which there were more than 13,000 from 40 countries, after their 12-year operation.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/asia/20151002/1027881614/US-Military-transport-plane-crash-Afghanistan.html#ixzz3nNBhWRuZ

France Ready to Discuss Syrian Conflict Settlement With US, Russia, Iran

© AFP 2015/ PHILIPPE WOJAZER

Politics

23:57 27.09.2015(updated 00:06 28.09.2015) Get short URL

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Francois Hollande said that France is open for discussion of the Syrian conflict resolution with the conflicting sides, as well as with the United States, Russia and Iran.

© AP Photo/ Ebrahim Noroozi

Int'l Community Should Talk to Syrian Government to Solve Crisis - Dutch FM

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — France is open for discussion of the Syrian conflict resolution with the conflicting sides, as well as with the United States, Russia and Iran, the French president said Sunday.

"The position of France is to discuss this [Syrian conflict resolution] with all the parties involved. First of all, with Syria’s neighbors, Arab countries, as well as with the United States, Russia and Iran. We do not leave anyone aside," Francois Hollande said at a press briefing at the UN headquarters.

The Syrian civil war is entering its fifth year and has claimed the lives of up to 330,000 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights’ August 2015 estimates.
Syrian government forces are involved in fighting rebel factions and extremist militant groups, including Islamic State and the al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150927/1027626486.html#ixzz3nLDwwWOW

© AFP 2015/ PHILIPPE WOJAZER

Politics

Francois Hollande said that France is open for discussion of the Syrian conflict resolution with the conflicting sides, as well as with the United States, Russia and Iran.

© AP Photo/ Ebrahim Noroozi

Int'l Community Should Talk to Syrian Government to Solve Crisis - Dutch FM

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — France is open for discussion of the Syrian conflict resolution with the conflicting sides, as well as with the United States, Russia and Iran, the French president said Sunday.

"The position of France is to discuss this [Syrian conflict resolution] with all the parties involved. First of all, with Syria’s neighbors, Arab countries, as well as with the United States, Russia and Iran. We do not leave anyone aside," Francois Hollande said at a press briefing at the UN headquarters.

The Syrian civil war is entering its fifth year and has claimed the lives of up to 330,000 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights’ August 2015 estimates.
Syrian government forces are involved in fighting rebel factions and extremist militant groups, including Islamic State and the al-Qaeda affiliated Nusra Front.

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20150927/1027626486.html#ixzz3nLDwwWOW

CIA-backed rebels, civilians reportedly targeted by Russian airstrikes in Syria

Published October 01, 2015

FoxNews.com

F

Russia's first airstrikes in Syria Wednesday targeted areas held by rebels receiving arms, funding, and training from the CIA and killed dozens of civilians, according to U.S. officials and published reports.
The Syrian National Council, a group opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, told Sky News that at least 36 people had been killed by airstrikes in the western city of Homs, including five children. Khaled Khoja, the SNC's leader, told Sky that none of the four areas targeted by Russian planes Wednesday contained ISIS fighters and called Moscow's claim that it was helping the U.S.-led coalition defeat the terror group "baseless."
A senior U.S. defense official said the Russian strikes targeted fighters in the vicinity of Homs, located roughly 60 miles east of a Russian naval facility in Tartus, and were carried out by a "couple" of Russian bombers. In a video released by the U.S.-backed rebel group Tajamu Alezzah, jets are seen hitting a building claimed to be a location of the group in the town of Latamna in the central Hama province.
The group commander Jameel al-Saleh told a local Syrian news website that the group's location was hit by Russian jets but didn't specify the damage.
The Wall Street Journal reported that one video released by people affiliated with local rebel groups showed rebels and citizens are seen rushing down a street as thick black smoke and fire engulfed heavily damaged buildings. Then they are shown attempting to rescue those trapped under the rubble. A dazed man covered in blood was lifted up from the ground and taken outside.
“Is there anyone here?” a voice is heard shouting. “I don’t know, I don’t know but lots of people live here!” answers a panicked man.

 http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/10/01/cia-backed-rebels-civilians-reportedly-targeted-by-russian-airstrikes-in-syria/?intcmp=hpbt1&cmpid=NL_morninghl

NATO has not approved "Kosovo Army" - minister

NATO has not officially approved the formation of the so-called Army of Kosovo, Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic has said.
Source: Tanjug Thursday, October 1, 2015 | 10:34

(Tanjug, file)

Speaking for the Belgrade-based daily Blic, Gasic said this was opposed by those members of the military alliance that have not recognized Kosovo, "and that also prevents the so-called Kosovo from developing partnership relations with NATO."
"At this point institutions of NATO have an advisory role and provide assistance in developing capabilities in the current mandate of the so-called Kosovo Security Forces (KSF), who are limited to demining and assistance in emergency situations," said the defense minister.

According to him, there are written guarantees that the "KSF" will not be deployed in the area of ​​northern Kosovo.

"I received these assurances from all the senior NATO officials with whom I have had conversations, as well as during bilateral meetings with officials of the countries that have not recognized the unilaterally proclaimed independence of Kosovo," said Gasic.

The minister added that Hashim Thaci's statement about "Kosovo having NATO's approval to establish the Kosovo Army" can be interpreted as being made solely for daily political purposes, "in order to push to the background the problems that Pristina has in presenting to the public the recently signed the agreement in Brussels, that will, among other things, form the Community of Serb Municipalities, as well as the disastrous economic situation and high unemployment rate."

Russian Airstrikes Destroy ISIL HQ in Syria

© Sputnik/ Vitaly Ankov

Middle East

The Russian Air Force overnight destroyed a terrorist headquarters and arms depot in Syria’s northwestern Idlib region during airstrikes aimed at Islamic State militants, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

“A headquarters of terrorist groups and an arms depot were destroyed in the region of Ildib, as well as a militant three-level fortified command point in the region of Hama [in west-central Syria],” the press service said.

Russian aircraft carried out airstrikes on four Islamic State targets in Syria overnight. During the airstrikes factory where terrorists loaded cars with explosives was destroyed.

"During the night, Russian aviation bombed four Islamic State targets on Syrian territory. Eight sorties on Su-24M and Su-25 were conducted," the press service said in a statement.

More than 50 Russian Air Force airplanes and helicopters are involved in airstrikes against Islamic State positions in Syria, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“The aviation group was deployed very quickly. We were able to do this since the main supplies of material and arms were stored in the material-technical support point in Tartus [Syria]. All that was left to do was to deploy aviation and bring some equipment in,” the press service said.

Russia is only carrying out airstrikes outside of populated areas in Syria, and bases its moves on confirmed intelligence data.

"To avoid civilian damage, Russian airstrikes are set to hit sites located strictly outside of settlements, based on confirmed intelligence data from various sources," the press service said.

All airstrikes being conducted by the Russian Air Force are being agreed with the leaders of the Syrian Army, which has set up a Syrian Defense operative group at the Hmaimim Airbase, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry said.

“All airstrikes by Russian aviation are agreed with the leaders of the Syrian Army, which has established a Syrian Defense Ministry operative group at the Hmaimim Airbase,” the press service said.

© Photo: Russian Defense Ministry

Russia’s Anti-ISIL Airstrikes in Syria in 'Line With Int'l Law'

Russia launched an aerial campaign on Wednesday, at the request of Syrian President Bashar Assad, targeting eight IS military hardware, arms and fuel depots. To that end, Moscow recently established a joint Baghdad Information Center with Iran, Iraq and Syria to coordinate efforts in combating the terrorist group. The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that it has already carried out some 20 combat missions in Syria since the campaign started, striking at least eight ISIL targets.

Russia launches airstrikes in northern Syria, senior military official says

By Jennifer Griffin and Lucas Tomlinson

Published September 30, 2015

FoxNews.com

Russian warplanes began bombarding Syrian opposition targets in the war-torn nation's north Wednesday, following a terse meeting at which a Russian general asked Pentagon officials to clear out of Syrian air space and was rebuffed, Fox News has learned.
A U.S. official said Russian airstrikes targeted fighters in the vicinity of Homs, located roughly 60 miles east of a Russian naval facility in Tartus, and were carried out by a "couple" of Russian bombers. The strikes hit targets in Homs and Hama, but there is no presence of ISIS in those areas, a senior U.S. defense official said. These planes are hitting areas where Free Syrian Army and other anti-Assad groups are located, the official said.
Activists and a rebel commander on the ground said the Russian airstrikes have mostly hit moderate rebel positions and civilians. In a video released by the U.S.-backed rebel group Tajamu Alezzah, jets are seen hitting a building claimed to be a location of the group in the town of Latamna in the central Hama province.
The group commander Jameel al-Saleh told a local Syrian news website that the group's location was hit by Russian jets but didn't specify the damage.
A group of local activists in the town of Talbiseh in Homs province recorded at least 16 civilians killed, including two children.
According to a U.S. senior official, Presidents Obama and Putin agreed on a process to "deconflict" military operations. The Russians on Wednesday "bypassed that process," the official said.

"That's not how responsible nations do business," the official said.
The development came after Pentagon officials, in a development first reported by Fox News, brushed aside an official request, or "demarche," from Russia to clear air space over northern Syria, where Moscow said it intended to conduct airstrikes against ISIS on behalf of Assad, according to sources who spoke to Fox News. The request was made in a heated discussion between a Russian three-star general and U.S. officials at the American Embassy in Baghdad, sources said.
"If you have forces in the area we request they leave," said the general, who used the word "please" in the contentious encounter.
A senior Pentagon official said the U.S., which also has been conducting airstrikes against ISIS, but does not support Assad, said the request was not honored.
"We still conducted our normal strike operations in Syria today," the official said. "We did not and have not changed our operations."
"We still conducted our normal strike operations in Syria today"

Russia Approves Use of Armed Forces in Syria

© Sputnik/ Alexander Vilf

Russia

10:14 30.09.2015(updated 14:37 30.09.2015) Get short URL

Topic:

Russia Versus ISIL in Syria (9)

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Russia’s Federation Council unanimously approved the use of the country’s armed forces abroad.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia’s upper house of parliament on Wednesday approved the country’s armed forces to be used abroad.
The decision includes only the use of the Air Force and does not foresee any ground troops operations, Kremlin Administration Aide Sergei Ivanov said Wednesday.

“We’re talking exclusively about operations of Russia’s Air Force, as our president has already said, the use of armed forces on the ground theater of military operations is excluded. The military goal of the operations is exclusively air support of the Syrian government forces in their fight against the Islamic State,” Ivanov said.

Syrian President Bashar Assad has turned to Russia with a request for military assistance, according to Ivanov.

“I would like to inform you that the president of the Syrian Arab Republic turned to the leadership of our country with a request to provide military assistance, so we may say that terrorism needs to be fought, efforts need to be combined, but it is still necessary to observe the norms of international law,” Ivanov told journalists.

Kremlin will inform foreign partners of the decision made by the parliament of using Russian armed forces abroad during the day through foreign ministry channels, and the military will do the same through their channels.
According to Ivanov, the decision was made to help Syria and protect Russian interests.

"First and, probably, the most important, we are talking about Syria alone, and we are not talking about reaching some foreign policy goals, satisfying some ambitions which our western partners accuse us of, we are talking about Russia's national interests alone," Ivanov told journalists.

Ivanov said that the Air Force operations would be temporary, but was unable to say exactly how long they would be in play.
“In regard to the timeline, the Russian Air Force operation, of course, cannot last forever and has a definite time period, but what the time period is, for example, in regard to the number of days as well as telling you how many aircraft will be used and which armament will be used by our Air Force, I cannot say right now for obvious reasons,” Ivanov said.
Commenting on the airstrikes carried out by Western powers, Ivanov said they were not in line with international law.

"As you all know very well, the United States… is launching airstrikes on the territory of Syria and Iraq, and maybe other Middle Eastern States. Recently France has joined the same analogous actions, Australia and a number of other coutnries are talking about the same thing.. I would like to note one principal moment — these actions are being carried out in circumvention of international law," Ivanov told the press.

© Sputnik/ Igor Mikhalev

Russia, Syria, Iraq, Iran Create Anti-ISIL Fight Coordination Data Center - Source

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has earlier on Wednesday requested permission from the Federation Council to use Russian Armed Forces abroad. According to the US Embassy in Moscow, the leaders of the United States and Russia have common interests in the fight against ISIL in Syria and have agreed to create a channel between the countries’ military branches to avoid any misunderstandings during operations in the area.

“I would simply reiterate that when President [Barack] Obama met with President [Vladimir] Putin, they agreed that the United States and Russia have a common interest in fighting ISIL in Syria", US Embassy spokesman Will Stevens said.

"However, our position is clear that President Assad is not a suitable partner for the fight against terror and extremism in Syria.  There is no sustainable path to stability within Syria that involves President Assad staying in power,” he added.
According to Fox News quoting a high-ranking US official, Russia has demanded that US airplanes immediately leave Syria.

BREAKING: Senior US official tells @JenGriffinFNC Russian officials demand US warplanes exit Syria immediately

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 30, 2015

However, US military sources told Fox News that U.S. planes would not comply with the Russian demand. "There is nothing to indicate that we are changing operations over Syria," a senior defense official said, as quoted by the Fox News website.

MORE: Tension rises as US will refuse Russia request to pull warplanes from Syrian http://t.co/4XNNDqhpgM

— Fox News (@FoxNews) 30 сентября 2015

Russia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria have recently created an information center in Baghdad in order to coordinate the fight against the Islamic State. The information center’s main goals are to provide reconnaissance on the number of IS militants, their weapons, and their movements.
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the new center would begin operations in October or November and be headed by Russian, Syrian, Iraqi and Iranian officers on a three-month rotational basis.

Russia launches airstrikes in northern Syria, senior military official says

Published September 30, 2015

FoxNews.com

 

EXCLUSIVE: Russian warplanes have begun bombarding Syrian opposition targets in the war torn nation's north, working on behalf of dictator Bashar al Assad, according to a senior military official.

The official said airstrikes targeted fighters in the vicinity of Homs, located roughly 60 miles east of a Russian naval facility in Tartus, and were carried out by a "couple" of Russian bombers. It was not clear if the strikes targeted ISIS, Al Qaeda or other forces opposed to Assad, who Moscow is aiding.  According to a Twitter handle belonging to the Syrian government, the Russian strikes were initiated at the request of Assad.
The development came after Pentagon officials brushed aside an official request from Russia to clear air space over northern Syria, where Moscow intends to conduct airstrikes against ISIS on behalf of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, according to sources who spoke to Fox News.
The request was made by a Russian three-star general who spoke with U.S. officials at the American embassy in Baghdad, sources said. The general, who was not identified, used the word "please" when delivering the verbal request, known as a "demarche," according to the written transcript of the exchange.
"If you have forces in the area we request they leave," the general said.
A senior Pentagon official said the U.S., which has also been conducting air strikes against ISIS, but does not support Assad, said the request was not honored.

More on this...

• Can Putin succeed where White House has not in ISIS fight?

• Warm-water port key to Putin's interest in Syria?

• President Obama attempts to save face on Syrian conflict

"We still conducted our normal strike operations in Syria today," the official said. "We did not and have not changed our operations."

"We still conducted our normal strike operations in Syria today"
- Senior Pentagon official

The move by Moscow marks a major escalation in ongoing tensions between the two countries over military action in the war-torn country and comes moments after Russian lawmakers formally approved a request from the country's president, Vladimir Putin, to authorize the use of troops in Syria.
The Russian demand also mirrors one made by Turkey this past July, when Ankara asked U.S. planes to fly only in airspace south of Mosul, Iraq. In that case, 24 Turkish jets bombed Kurdish positions, catching the U.S. off guard.
The Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, discussed Putin's request for the authorization behind the closed doors. Sergei Ivanov, chief of Putin's administration, said in televised remarks that the parliament voted unanimously to approve the request.
Ivanov said the authorization is necessary "not in order to achieve some foreign policy goals" but "in order to defend Russia's national interests."
Putin is obligated to request parliamentary approval for any use of Russian troops abroad, according to the Russian constitution. The last time he did so was before Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in March 2014.
Putin's request comes after his bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, where the two were discussing Russia's recent military buildup in Syria.
A U.S. official told Fox News Monday the two leaders agreed to discuss political transition in Syria but were at odds over the role that Assad should play in resolving the civil conflict. The official said Obama reiterated to Putin that he does not believe there is a path to stability in Syria with Assad in power. Putin has said the world needs to support Assad because his military has the best chance to defeat ISIS militants.
Putin said the meeting, which lasted a little over 90 minutes, was “very constructive, business-like and frank".
“We are thinking about it, and we don’t exclude anything.” Putin told reporters at the time
The Kremlin reported that Putin hosted a meeting of the Russian security council at his residence Tuesday night outside of Moscow, saying that they were discussing terrorism and extremism.
On Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius called on Russia to make a real contribution to the fight against ISIS, telling reporters at the United Nations that Moscow "is against the terrorists, it's not abnormal to launch strikes against them."
"The international community has hit (ISIS). France has hit (ISIS), Bashar al-Assad very little, and the Russians not at all. So one has to look at who does what," Fabius added.
Russia has been a staunch supporter of Assad during Syria's bloody civil war, and multiple reports have previously indicated that Russian troops are aiding Assad's forces. Israel's defense minister also said earlier this month that Russian troops are in Syria to help Assad fight the ISIS terror group.
On Wednesday, Reuters reported that Russia's Foreign Ministry told the news agency Interfax that a recently established operations center in Baghdad would help coordinate air strikes and ground troops in Syria. Fox News first reported last week that the center had been set up by Russian, Syrian and Iranian military commanders with the goal of working with Iranian-backed Shia militias fighting ISIS.
Over the weekend, the Iraqi government announced that it would begin sharing "security and intelligence" information with Russia, Syria and Iran to help combat ISIS.
Meanwhile, intelligence sources told Fox News Friday that Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani met with Russian military commanders in Baghdad September 22. Fox News reported earlier this month that Soleimani met Putin in Moscow over the summer to discuss a joint military plan in Syria.
"The Russians are no longer advising, but co-leading the war in Syria," one intelligence official said at the time.
Fox News' Jennifer Griffin and Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH KIRILL SENDS MESSAGE TO ARCHBISHOP ANASTASIOS OF TIRANA AND ALL ALBANIA REGARDING THE DESTRUCTION OF ORTHODOX CHURCH IN DHËRMI VILLAGE

 

September 26, 2015



His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent a letter to the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, concerning the destruction of the Church of St Athanasius in the village of Dhërmi and the attack on Rev. Christos Pappas, a cleric of the Church of St Charalambos in Sarandë.

Archbishop Anastasios

His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania

Your Beatitude, Beloved in the Lord Brother and Concelebrant,

It was with deep concern that I learned about the barbarous destruction of the Church of St. Athanasius in the village of Dhërmi and the brutal attack on Rev. Christos Pappas, a cleric of the Church of St. Charalambos in Sarandë.

These evil deeds committed by extremists pursue the evident goal of undermining interreligious peace in Albania. Experiencing similar sorrowful feelings because of the outrageous acts committed in Ukraine by radical nationalist groups and schismatics, I express my fraternal sympathy with the Albanian Orthodox Church and full support for your work, aimed at preaching the Gospel and strengthening peace in the Albanian society.

I wish Your Beatitude good health and God’s blessed help.

With brotherly love in Christ,

+KIRILL

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA

Tsipras to Edi Rama: The Greek Minority has the right to self determination

SManalysis

Athens, Tirana and Pristina. are called in New York city and talk diplomatically and intense in the same building, ONU. 

No wonder the media warning that Greece will review its national policies, the recognition of Kosovo, but in exchange between Albania and Greece, will open in the old Protocols of the International Agreements.

However, Greece is also makes a step, in which during talks with Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mustafa, Greek Foreign Minister  Kotsias, promises initially first step, entry in UNESCO and Interpol of Kosovo,.....

On the other hand, Edi Rama PM of Albania, has come under pressure from Tsipras, who has requested the opening of the breasts international issues concerning the Agreements between the two countries and particularly the full rights to the Greek Community and the Orthodox church. .

Based only on these two practice elements of New York, there is no doubt that for the official recognition of Kosovo, Albania should implement international agreements for Southern Albania, where lives a considerable Greek population.

Ethnos Newspaper

Meeting with Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama, had Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Greek Prime Minister stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues between the two countries on the basis of international law and in a spirit of mutual respect.

At the same time it highlighted the need to respect the full rights of the Greek National Minority and respect for religious rights, highlighting in this context the important role of Albania Archbishop Anastasios.

Mr. Tsipras stressed that Greece is on the side of the neighboring country on its way to Europe, expecting while Albania to demonstrate firm commitment to integrating the acquis communautaire.

They also discussed the prospects of bilateral cooperation, with emphasis on economic and commercial spheres, and Edi Rama called on Alexis Tsipras to visit Albania.



"Greece to help Kosovo join international organizations"

Greek Foreign Minister Nikolaos Kotzias has said that his country "will support Kosovo's membership in international bodies and security organizations."



SOURCE: BETA, TANJUG WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2015 | 10:08

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In addition, Kotzias "expressed his conviction that these processes will serve stability in the region," it was announced in Pristina by the cabinet of Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa.

According to the announcement, Mustafa with and the Greek minister spoke about "relations between the two countries" and the possibilities of deepening cooperation.

The statement said that Mustafa thanked Kotzias "for the support that Greece has given in the process of Kosovo's membership in international organizations and integration processes in the EU."

Mustafa was further quoted as saying that "the conditions are ripe for further promotion of relations between Greece and Kosovo."

After meeting with his Kosovo counterpart in Pristina, the Greek foreign minister said that that this "does not mean that Greece could recognize Kosovo, but represents an effort to establish better relations between Athens and Pristina."

Greece is one of five EU member-countries that have not recognized the ethnic Albanians' unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo made in early 2008 - but reports said it was "the only one among the five that recognizes documents issued by Kosovo."

"I invited (Hashim) Thaci to come to Athens. We are waiting for him. We have decided to open an office of Kosovo. Our proposal is that the office can be located wherever you want, in Thessaloniki or in Athens. But I think that Thaci prefers Athens," said Kotzias.

In addition, he promised that within the existing framework of cooperation Greece will support "Kosovo's membership in the EU and NATO, as well as membership in other international organizations such as Interpol and UNESCO."

Asked by reporters "whether Greece will recognize Kosovo" he, according to the Pristina media, "remained vague" - saying that Greece will help Kosovo to join some international organizations and announcing that Greece will open a cooperation office in Kosovo.

In its statement, Kosovo's Minsitry of Foreign Affairs stressed this was "the first visit of a Greek chief of diplomacy to Kosovo."

According to the RTK2 broadcaster, Thaci said that the meeting covered many topics - including the establishment of a special court - that should deal with KLA crimes.

"This issue should not be delayed, but it will not be put up for a vote (in the assembly) before it's determined that there is a sufficient number of votes of MPs," said Thaci.

Thaci "thanked his Greek counterpart for his contribution to his country provides in maintaining peace and stability in the region, as well as the support that Kosovo receives from Greece in the Euro-Atlantic path."

"We expect investors from Greece to come to Kosovo, invest and feel good here. I take this opportunity to once again invite others to invest in Kosovo. We live in the same region and have the same values,"said Thaci.

Kotzias did not wish to comment on the economic crisis in Greece, saying that "MPs will decide on that."