Balkans

Novi Pazar – The Assembly of the Islamic Community of Serbia has once again elected incumbent reis Adem Zilkic as its supreme leader.

Brussels – Talks between the UN officials in Kosovo and Serbia on the deployment of the EU’s new law-and-order mission to Kosovo, EULEX, is progress but the mission’s future can’t rest on them, the bloc’s foreign policy chief says.

Skopje – The Greek Foreign Minister has reiterated that Athens will not allow Macedonia to join NATO and the EU until a settlement on the “name row” is found.

Tirana – The Association of Prosecutors, judges, lawyers and public notaries has condemned a series of bills proposed by the Albanian government as part of reforming the justice system.

Brussels – The EU has warned politicians in Bosnia they are jeopardising the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration with the heated nationalist rhetoric.

Belgrade – The global crisis will hit Serbia in 2009 and the impact will result in a significant drop to the gross domestic product, Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic claims.

Skopje – The Macedonian Association of Former Political Prisoners from the ex-Yugoslav era, have extended their demand for full rehabilitation and compensation from the state.

Sarajevo – Tensions within the ruling Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) coalition hit a new low as leaders exchanged accusations in a bid to hold on to key sectors and future investment.

Belgrade – By the end of the year, Serbia’s government will invite bids to complete the development of key thermoelectric plants, the country’s Mining and Energy Minister Petar Skundric says.

Sarajevo – Milorad Dodik, the Premier of Bosnia’s Serb-dominated entity has received rare praise from Sarajevo media, after signing a cooperation deal with US giant, General Electric.