Small lead for Erdogan supporters before Turkish referendum

Despite vigorous campaign by the authorities in Turkey in favour of the proposed radical changes in the Constitution of the country, just days before Sunday's referendum supporters of Erdogan’s reforms have a small lead. According to a survey by pollster ANAR, 51.2 percent of Turkish citizens would vote "yes." Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, leader of the main opposition force in Turkey - the Republican People's Party, said he hoped the “No” vote would prevail and the package of constitutional amendments would be rejected.

IMF wants easing of the Greek debt to become its rules

IMF head Christine Lagarde has said that the details of easing the Greek debt must be addressed now and in accordance with the rules of the International Monetary Fund. Lagarde noted that the level of debt relief for Greece will be decided in 2018, but work should start now.

Berlin perceives Serbia as a factor of stability

At a joint press conference in Belgrade with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that despite the tensions in neighbouring countries, Serbia is a factor of stability in the region. The guest said that in order to enter the EU, Serbia must develop its economy, attract investment, conduct reforms and intensify dialogue with Kosovo. "Deadlines for entry into the EU depend on the progress of reforms and negotiations with Kosovo," the diplomat said.

Trump gives green light to Montenegro's membership in NATO

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Montenegro's accession to NATO, signing the ratification of the accession protocol. Late last month the US Senate almost unanimously supported the Balkan country's membership in NATO, which is according to US interests. Montenegro will become the first new member of NATO since 2009, when the Alliance was joined by Albania and Croatia.

Tirana denies involvement in development of "Albanian Platform" in Macedonia

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said in a TV show that the so called "Albanian Platform" in Macedonia was actually “a platform of the Albanians in Macedonia” and Tirana was not part of its creation. "We had separate meetings with the leaders of the Albanian parties in Macedonia and took into account what they said", Rama said. On Wednesday in Skopje yet another protest against the platform was held. One of the leaders of the United Macedonia Association said that 1.2 million Macedonians took part in the elections on December 11 and none of them voted for the "Albanian Platform."

Suspect for biggest robbery in Macedonia arrested

The authorities in Skopje have reported that 40-year-old clerk at the NLB bank was arrested on suspicion of having committed the biggest bank robbery in the history of Macedonia stealing nearly 3 million euros. The robber did not take all the money at once but during numerous occasions in the period April 6 - 10. The Ministry of Interior did not say whether the money was discovered. The bank said it had insurance and continues to serve its customers.

Compiled by: Stoimen Pavlov

English: Alexander Markov