TEHRAN (FNA) – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stressed Iran’s firm nuclear stance and continued move towards progress during his address to millions of ralliers who congregated at Tehran’s Azadi Square to stage strong support for the Islamic Republic and commemorate 1979 Islamic Revolution.

BRUSSELS – The European Union is set to complete authorization of a big supervisory mission in Kosovo this week, just before the territory is expected to declare independence from Serbia, diplomats and EU officials said.

WASHINGTON – Finnish Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva said on Monday he was optimistic Europe’s main election watchdog will be able to stay in Kosovo, perhaps with a narrower mandate, if the region declares independence.