Eurasia Press & News

The Netherlands has prevented the EU from agreeing to extend new trade benefits to Serbia.The block comes despite a positive report from the chief UN war crimes prosecutor on Belgrade’s co-operation.

Outgoing General David Petraeus has handed over control of US military operations in Iraq at a ceremony in Baghdad. Petraeus is widely credited for security gains in Iraq after implementing a surge strategy backed by 30,000 extra US troops.

Five former US Secretaries of State say the next American administration should hold direct and unconditional talks with Tehran.

Israeli President Shimon Peres has suggested targeting Iran’s main source of income as a means of lowering the country’s defensive force.

Iran says it wants to forge a strong security alliance with the participation of its neighbors, the Persian Gulf littoral states.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mottaki says that Tehran aims to draw strategies to help establish stability and security in the Caucasus.

Iran has rejected reports that its vessel hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden was carrying a ‘dangerous consignment’.

The Islamic Republic Air Force and the IRGC have initiated a joint military exercise with the aim of coordinating their aerial defenses.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Ehud Olmert appealed on Monday for a partial peace deal with the Palestinians before he steps down as Israeli prime minister, but President Mahmoud Abbas rejected the idea on the eve of talks between the leaders.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Firing by Pakistani troops forced two U.S. military helicopters to turn back to Afghanistan after they crossed into Pakistani territory early on Monday, Pakistani security officials said.