March, 2013

• 8 March

  Egypt vows to cancel Egypt-Greek Cyprus EEZ deal

  The Shura Council, Egypt’s upper house of parliament, approved a draft law submitted on Wednesday canceling the maritime borders of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) agreement between Egypt and Greek Cyprus, according to a report published by the Middle East News Agency (MENA).

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• 8 March

  Greece in favour of Kosovo joining the EU

  Greece on Friday said it was in favour of Kosovo joining the EU and boosted its economic collaboration with Pristina, despite not yet having recognised the Balkan country’s independence. “There are varying opinions regarding the status of

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• 8 March

  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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• 8 March

  Bucharest: Romania may give up joining Schengen

  Romania and Bulgaria’s Schengen entry has been postponed indefinitely again. Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlăţean has said Bucharest may give up joining the Schengen Agreement. We have been living without Schengen up to now

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• 8 March

  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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• 7 March

  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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• 7 March

  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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• 7 March

  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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• 7 March

  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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• 7 March

  Turkey close to EU membership, says Swedish ambassador

  Swedish Ambassador in Ankara Hakan Akesson has said, “Turkey is very close to become a member of EU as it is both financially and economically important for EU.” Akesson told AA that Turkey had made significant reforms in last decade and was still making new reforms. They

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