Eurasia

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu sent a Christmas card to Pope Benedict and urged Vatican to recognize Kosovo’s independence as soon as possible. “Citizens of Kosovo can hardly wait Vatican to recognize their country. Vatican is an example of peace, harmony and good ethnic relations and I hope next year Vatican …

Serbia’s EU membership by 2014 is less than probable because of the long procedure and the unfinished cooperation with Hague Tribunal, Serbian Deputy PM Bozidar Djelic said. However, he believes that Serbia can reach EU candidate status very soon. Djelic pointed out that Serbia won’t change its position regarding Kosovo …

Euro-enthusiasm, not euro-skepticism, prevails in Macedonia given the fact that 95.96 percent of population hails the European Union, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov said. “We met the Copenhagen criteria, the criteria that must be met by countries aspiring to join the bloc. However, we were not allowed to start the EU …

Although the name issue is unsolved, Greek borders will be officially opened for citizens of Macedonia on Saturday. Macedonian PM gave himself the credit for visa liberalization, adding that the only necessary document for Greece would be a piece of paper, which would get stamped at Greek customs. Greek Minister …

Russia and Bulgaria plan to start talks on replacing a natural-gas supply contract that expires next year, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said after meeting his Bulgarian counterpart Traicho Traikov in Moscow. 

Turkey’s foreign minister says peace between Ankara, Azerbaijan and Armenia is “close” after a meeting with his Azeri counterpart. Ahmet Davutoglu said: “I think an impetus was created recently, and all sides, not only Azerbaijan and Armenia but also the Minsk group have to do their best to

The people of Croatia are preparing to vote for a new head of state on Suday with no fewer than 12 candidates vying for the post. The winner will inherit a country hit hard by the global economic crisis – a country told to step up its fight against corruption …

Ukraine’s gas transit system will remain under government control and there is no other option, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said. 

The Hague Tribunal rejects the appeal filed by Radovan Karadzic concerning the decision appointing Richard Harvey as his Defence attorney. “The indictee has not persuaded the Chamber that the Registrar made a mistake or acted in an unreasonable manner when he decided to select Richard Harvey to prepare for this …

Bulgaria and Russia are starting negotiations for a new long-term gas supplies agreement at the beginning of 2010. This has become clear Thursday during the conversations between the Bulgarian Economy and Energy Minister, Traicho Traikov, and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shmatko.