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Moldovan gov’t quits after losing vote

Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat’s pro-Europe government resigned on Friday after being defeated in a confidence vote, raising the prospect of early elections unless a new government is approved within six weeks. Filat’s government effectively collapsed on March 5 when it lost a confidence vote in which it was deserted …

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Catherine Ashton to meet Serb, Kosovo leaders

EU foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton will meet Serbian and Kosovo leaders next week for further talks on normalising relations between the two sides. Ashton will first meet Serb President Tomislav Nikolic, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic and the deputy premier in Brussels on Monday, a statement said Friday.

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Macedonian Defence Minister Has Criminal Record

Before his controversial appointment as defence minister, Talat Xhaferi received a suspended jail sentence for obstructing a policeman in his duties, Balkan Insight can reveal.Balkan Insight has discovered that Macedonia’s controversial new defence chief received a six-month suspended jail term in 2008. A court in Tetovo found him guilty of …

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Serbian President Posthumously Awards Hugo Chavez

Tomislav Nikolic has handed a posthumous award to the late Hugo Chavez for his contribution to strengthening relations between Serbia and Venezuela.Tomislav Nikolic on March 6 awarded Venezuela’s late President, Hugo Chavez, with the Order of the Republic of Serbia. Nikolic honoured Chavez for “developing and strengthening peaceful cooperation and …

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Report Says Albania Cannabis Growth Mounting

The 2013 US State Department Narcotics Control Report highlights startling growth in marijuana seizures in Albania over the past year, which hints at increased production.“The drastic increase in marijuana seizures, a 175 per cent increase over 2011, signifies an increase in local production after trending downward over the prior two …

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Romania Aims to Draw Line Under Restitution Row

Prime Minister Ponta says a new law should finally resolve the prolonged dispute about property seized by the Communists after the Second World War.The centre-right government of Victor Ponta said it will seek parliament’s approval for a law compensating former owners of properties confiscated by the Communist regime after the …

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