Commissioner Johannes Hahn believes that European Union’s goal for Serbia and Kosovo is to reach agreement to normalize relations by mid-2019

European Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn did not rule out the possibility for Belgrade and Pristina to agree on border exchange or border demarcation in a bid to normalize relations. In an interview for MIA agency Commissioner Hahn noted that the decision should contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region and that the two countries must comply with their international obligations. Johannes Hahn said that Serbia and Kosovo (which declared independence in 2008) may resolve their dispute by mid-2019. Meanwhile Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic told Reuters that his country would seek a guarantee that it will join the EU by 2025 if it reaches an agreement with Kosovo.

New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Talks between Greece and Macedonia will resume if Greek Parliament rejects Macedonia’s name deal

The leader of the biggest opposition party in Greece New Democracy Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that his party will vote against Macedonia’s name deal. The negotiations between Greece and Macedonia will be renewed if the Greek parliament rejects the deal. The leader of the opposition accused the government of signing the deal without asking the National Assembly and the Greek people. According to government representatives, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is criticizing the agreement in a bid to win supporters, although in private conversations with European politicians he had promised that the New Democracy will perform the agreement, if passed by the National Assembly.

Thousands march in Skopje to promote referendum on Macedonia’s new name

Thousands of Macedonians voiced their support for the coalition Together FOR European Macedonia at a meeting in front of the EU Delegation building in Skopje. Representatives of over 30 parties and civic associations called on the Macedonian people to vote for Macedonia’s new name on the forthcoming referendum on September 30 and support the NATO and EU membership talks. September 30 is a day to write history, for European Macedonia, Macedonia’s Premier Zoran Zaev said.

Hundreds detained in Istanbul in protests against poor labor conditions

Thousands of construction workers protested against poor labor conditions at Istanbul’s new airport. The Police used tear gas against the protesters. Over 400 people were detained. The protests broke out on Friday after a shuttle bus accident injured 17 people. According to official information, 27 people died at the airport since the start of the construction works in 2015. A photographer of AFP news agency and four other journalists were detained during the protests. Later, the journalists were released.

Kosovo will have its own army within few months: Commander of Kosovo Security Forces Rahman Rama

Kosovo will have its own army within few months, the Commander of the Kosovo Security Forces KSF Rahman Rama said. Rahmna Rama commented the government’s initiative to transform the security forces into armed forces. The bills for transformation of KSF into an army have been already introduced to the Parliament. The future Kosovo army will contribute to the peace and stability in the region, Rahman Rama contends. 

Compiled by: Miglena Ivanova

English version: Kostadin Atanasov