Emergency situation along Macedonian borders stays

The Macedonian authorities have decided to expand the term of the emergency situation, introduced along the southern and northern borders of the country in August 2015 till the end of 2016. Over 750,000 migrants crossed the country’s territory last year and additional 90,000 entered it from the beginning of the current year till the March closure of the so-called Balkan Route. Macedonian President George Ivanov has warned several times on the danger of an even larger migrant wave this summer, coming from Egypt and Sudan.

Turkish authorities tighten security measures

The Turkish authorities have decided to tighten the security measures in Istanbul. The ministry of transport, the police force and the municipal authorities have all developed a plan for new measures which is entering into force these days. A strict regime for bus tickets issuing is being implemented and passengers will be able to buy those only upon ID presentation. The number of uniform officers and private security guards at bus stations will be boosted.

Tsipras admits ordering research for stepping out of Eurozone

PM of Greece and leader of the governing Syriza party Alexis Tsipras confessed that he had ordered to his ex-Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis to prepare a Plan B, researching the consequences of the country’s stepping out of the Eurozone, Greek media report. In an interview for local TV channel Tsipras explained that he had ordered the research, in order to do everything necessary to prevent Greece’s exit of the Eurozone. The research had been purely theoretical and could not be implemented, the pm further claimed.

Statement of Montenegrin premier condemned by Moscow

Commenting a statement of Montenegrin PM Milo Đukanović on the fact that Russian propaganda is dangerous, spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zaharova commented that with his talks against Russia the pm was once again bowing down to NATO’s headquarters. The answer of the Montenegrin government read that “the non-diplomatic expression of the Russian diplomacy’s representative confirms best the words of PM Milo Đukanović”. Any accusations of ruining of the friendly relations with Russia have no reasons at all, the government claims, reminding its decisions for the expanding of the non-visa stay of Russian citizens in Montenegro from 30 to 90 days.

Romanian village kidnaps young men in slavery

The Romanian authorities announced that the people from the village of Berevoesht in South Romania had kidnapped for years vulnerable young men, in order to use them as slaves. The victims were chained, insulted, bullied and humiliated. 5 people were released from capture during a police raid at the village, situated 170 km to the north of Bucharest. Those had been chained, beaten and fed with scrap food only. Some 40 people have been kidnapped at public spots in Romania since 2008.

Compiled by: Stoimen Pavlov

English version: Zhivko Stanchev