Ankara includes German companies on list of suspected terror supporters

The Turkish government has handed Germany a list of companies and individuals in Germany who are suspected of having ties to Fethullah Gulen, Die Zeit newspaper reported on Wednesday. The list names industrial giants such as car manufacturer Daimler and chemical company BASF. The list sent to Germany several weeks ago contains 68 names of companies and individuals suspected in connections with US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen who was blamed by Turkey for the failed military coup on July 15 last year.

Turkey’s Premier Binali Yildirim announced cabinet reshuffle after he met with President Recep Erdogan. Fifteen ministers kept their positions. The cabinet reshuffle saw the appointment of six new ministers. Four of the country’s deputy Prime Ministers lost their posts, with two being appointed at ministerial positions, while the other two are no longer members of Turkey’s government. According to political observers, the cabinet reshuffles were not surprising. In September 2016 another reshuffle of Turkey’s cabinet was made and after the constitutional referendum in April this year some assumptions for new cabinet reshuffles emerged.

Western diplomats support good neighbor agreement between Macedonia and Bulgaria

The Ambassadors of Germany and France to Skopje voiced their support towards the expected signature of the good neighbor agreement between Macedonia and Bulgaria on August 2. The agreement on good neighborly relations will make the Balkan region even more stable, the Ambassador of France to Macedonia Christian Thimonier. The German Ambassador to Skopje Mrs Christine Althauser noted that the new cabinet headed by Premier Zoran Zaev has made very brave steps in a short period of time, including a change in relations with Bulgaria.

Matthew Nimitz: There is new impulse in efforts aimed at finding solution to Macedonia’s name problem

There is a new impulse in the efforts aimed at finding a solution to Macedonia’s name problem, the United Nations Special Representative for the naming dispute between Athens and Skopje Matthew Nimitz said. That issue is on the agenda of Macedonia’s new cabinet, Matthew Nimitz pointed out. The mediator also said that in the following months he would be in contact with both sides and that a plan will be developed how to more talks forward.

Serbia recognizes Macedonia under its constitutional name

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic told journalists that Serbia continues to recognize Macedonia under its constitutional name, although Macedonia recognized the independence of Kosovo. The statement of President Vucic came after the meeting between Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic and his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias where Dacic said that Serbia’s recognition of Macedonia under its constitutional name was a mistake. President Vucic discussed in Washington with US Vice President Mike Pence Balkan issues, including Macedonia’s naming dispute, the statute of Kosovo and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vucic and Pence agreed that all issues must be resolved in a peaceful manner and dialogue.

Kosovo expects to join Interpol by September

Kosovo’s Minister of Interior Skender Hyseni said that his country is expected to receive by September this year the necessary support to become a member of the International Police Organization Interpol. Minister Hyseni pointed out, however, that the accession to Interpol was a big challenge, because China, Russia and some African countries may veto his country’s membership to Interpol. Each applicant for Interpol membership must be supported by two-thirds of the members of the organization.

Written by: Stoimen Pavlov

English version: Kostadin Atanasov