Athens wants state of Macedonia to add “Vardar” to its name, Skopje – “New”

According to sources close to Alexis Tsipras’negotiations with Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and with Archbishop Ieronymos, Athens is inclined to agree to the name “Vardar Macedonia”. At a rally in Thessaloniki almost 30,000 people from nationalist formations, including from the Neo-Nazi Golden Dawnр protested against Macedonia’s right to use “Macedonia” in the country’s future name. PM Tsipras is upholding the view that the name should include the word “Macedonia”. Kathimerini newspaper writes that the Macedonian authorities support the name “Republic of New Macedonia”. International mediator in the naming dispute Matthew Nimetzsuggested choosing one of five names: Upper Macedonia, North Macedonia, Vardar Macedonia, New Macedonia and the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje).

Big demonstration in Bucharest demands an end to corruption

30-60,000 people came out in the streets of the Romanian capital to lead one of the biggest demonstrations in recent years with demands for an end to corruption. The protest was organized in the social media under the motto “All roads lead to Bucharest – the revolution of our generation.” The protestors, some of whom came from the provinces, carried national flags and shouted “Thieves”. Protests were organized in other towns across the country like Timisoara, Brasov and Cluj-Napoca.

Aleksandar Vucic calls on Serbs not to leave Kosovo

The President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic called on Serbs in Kosovo not to leave the land they have inhabited for centuries, adding that, in future, the state of Serbia would continue to render more and more assistance in this respect.

The president pointed out that the government of Serbia supports 170 projects in 42 churches and monasteries in Kosovo. The recent assassination of Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic in KosovskaMitrovicahad a powerful effect on the president’s own visit to Kosovo. Kosovo declared its independence in February 2008, and has been recognized by most EU member countries and by USA. One of the chief conditions for Serbia’s accession to the EU is that it recognize the independence of Kosovo from Belgrade and settle controversial issues.

Turkish forces enter Syria in operation against Kurds

The Turkish General Staff has launched operation Olive Branch against the Kurdish militia units and the Democratic Union Party, which Ankara regards as a terrorist organization connected with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in Turkey.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim confirmed that this was the start of a ground offensive by the Turkish armed forces in the region of Afrin. President Recep Erdogan said he expected the offensive launched by Ankara to end soon. Meanwhile, PM Yildirim made an indirect threat to USA, warning that if anyone helps the Kurds in the Syrian enclave of Afrin, they would become a target for the Turkish armed forces.

Ankara ready to support restoration of Iraq’s unity

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu declared that his country was in favour of the preservation of the unity of Iraq and was ready to assist its restoration. During a visit to Baghdad, he confirmed the participation of Turkish companies in rebuild projects in Iraq. An official communique from the visit announces that during talks with the Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives (parliament)Salim al-Jabouri, Minister Cavusoglu discussed issues pertaining to security in the region, as well as “methods for preventing the return of terrorist groupings on Iraqi territory”.

Compiled by: Stoimen Pavlov

English version: Milena Daynova