UM Mustafaj og SRSG Rücker. Foto: UNMIK/DPI.


Minister Mustafaj meets the Chairman of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Mr. Ramush Haradinaj

Today, Minister Mustafaj did also meet the Chairman of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo( AAK) Mr. Ramush Haradinaj.

After briefing Mr. Haradinaj on the Albania’s role as a neighbour country, during this diplomatic year in the negotiation process, Mr. Mustafaj noticed with delight a further progress on the part of Kosovo institutions; the latter have succeeded in gaining the sympathy of the international factor. However, Mr. Mustafaj stressed that it remains important that this stability and progressive trend should not be shaken from different provocations, aimed at destabilization and image spoil. In addition, he pointed out that Kosovo society faces two challenges, the loss of confidence on the status and avoidance of possible provocations.

The AAK Chairman considered very important the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj, whom he extended the thankfulness for the role played by Albania and the Albanian diplomacy during this year.

He did also express his pleasure for the achievements of Albania towards Euro-Atlantic integration, highlighting the signature of SAA with EU and the steps towards NATO membership.

In addition, both interlocutors focused on other issues of mutual interest.

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Minister Mustafaj meets the Representative of Kosovo Serbs, Mr. Dragisha Kerstoviq

In the second day of his visit in Kosovo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj, had a special meeting with one of the representatives of the Serbian community in Kosovo, Mr. Dragisha Kerstoviq.

Minister Mustafaj said that he considered very important the direct contacts with the representative of the Serbian community in Kosovo, which represents one of the significant chains of Kosovo’s multi - ethnic society.

Afterwards, Mr. Mustafaj emphasized that today, multi - ethnicity is an indication of democracy and that Kosovo joins its neighbor countries, Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro in their common aspiration for European integration.

The Albanian Foreign Minister told Mr. Kerstoviq about the encouragement of the Albanian Government to Albanians in Prescevo, with regard to their participation at the general elections in Serbia, due to be held in January, pointing out that Kosovo Serbs should be similarly involved into Kosovo institutions.

After praising the message of Minister Mustafaj, Mr. Kerstoviq mentioned that Kosovo Serbs have realized the mistake of their non-participation at the latest parliamentary elections and that this is negatively reflected in their representation to the Kosovo Assembly.

The contribution of minorities for a democratic Kosovo was also at the focus of a meeting that Minister Mustafaj held today, with the representatives of other non - Serbian communities.

Minister Mustafaj pointed out that Kosovo belongs to all and he agreed with his interlocutors that all should contribute to its construction.

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Minister Mustafaj meets the Chairman of “Ora” Movement, Mr. Veton Surroi

While on his visit in Kosovo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj met with the Chairman of “ORA” Movement, Mr. Veton Surroi.

Minister Mustafaj hailed the contribution of Mr. Veton Surroi, as a member of the Unity Team and for chairing with professionalism the Minority Consultative Group, for the serious cooperation in the spirit of full partnership with the international community.

After commending the realistic Report submitted by the UNMIK Chief to the UN Security Council, which evaluates the progress in Kosovo and the standard accomplishment, both interlocutors expressed their support for President Ahtisaari, for the submission of his Status Report, by the end of January next year.

After outlining the developments in Kosovo and his meetings with international factors, Mr. Surroi expressed the satisfaction on the role played by Albania in terms of stability, democracy and conveying Kosovo’s image to the international factor.

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Minister Mustafaj meets the Speaker of the Assembly (Parliament) of Kosovo, Mr Kolë Berisha

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Besnik Mustafaj held talks with the Speaker of the Assembly (Parliament) of Kosovo, Mr. Kolë Berisha.

. Minister Mustafaj commended the contribution of Berisha at the helm of the Assembly in these significant moments for the status, and simultaneously, emphasized the role and contribution of the Assembly, in support of institutions, i.e. the Government of Kosovo, Unity Team, law enactment and the materialization of standards required by the international factor.

. Both interlocutors shared the same view that Kosovo Assembly will be at the head of the state consolidation processes, the adoption of Constitution and new statehood symbols, legislation related to standards implementation, regional and European integration processes.

They were also like-minded that, the Assembly and the deputies in particular, thanks to the contacts with the citizens of their constituencies are those that better than anyone else could have a substantial impact in averting possible provocations, which will not fail to occur in this crucial period for Kosovo.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj meets the UNMIK’s Chief, Mr. Joachim Rücker

In the second day of his visit in Kosovo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj met in Pristina the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, in Kosovo, Mr. Joachim Rücker.

During the talks, they commended the progress achieved to date in Kosovo, in terms of domestic stability, standard fulfillment, improvement of inter-ethnic relations, building a modern state of the rule of law, which safeguards the respect of individual’s rights and freedoms.

Minister Mustafaj praised the active contribution of Mr. Rücker, at the helm of UNMIK, for the realistic presentation submitted to the UN Security Council on the progress made in Kosovo in the field of standard implementation, its messages addressed during these defining moments of status definition to the negotiating team, the political class and all Kosovo citizens for unity, maturity and self–restraint. More important than the deadlines for both interlocutors remains the fact that the direction which Kosovo has taken remains unchanged.

Both interlocutors spoke on the fastest conclusion of the final status process, underscoring that any delay will not facilitate the process, but will add to the tensions and difficulties. Likewise, they emphasized the significance of the international presence after the status definition, the continuity of standard implementation, the functioning of the rule of law and the safeguard of the respect for the minority rights.

Minister Mustafaj and the UNMIK Chief praised the stance of President Ahtisaari that Kosovo represents a unique case and as such, it requires a unique solution, which respects the will of his own citizens, relying on the fundamental principles of non-return to the situation prior to 1999, non-partitioning and unification of Kosovo or part thereof with another country.

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The President of Kosovo, Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu, received the Minister of Foreign Mr. Besnik Mustafaj

Today, on the first day of the visit in Kosovo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj was received by the President of Kosovo, Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu.

In this meeting it was broadly talked over the further extension of the inter-regional cooperation and in this framework on finding new possibilities for the enhancement of the bilateral cooperation between Albania and Kosovo.

In addition, Minister Mustafaj and President Sejdiu exchanged ideas on the latest developments in Kosovo, with particular emphasise on the significance of the final status definition for the maintenance of stability in the country and for the unity of the Negotiation Group.

Both parties highlighted that in this period, both important and delicate for its history, Kosovo should not fall victim of any provocation. Minister Mustafaj and President Sejdiu welcomed the efforts of international community, underscoring that diplomacy is the only solution .

The interlocutors underlined that the political class in Kosovo has shown the necessary political maturity in taking the relevant responsibilities for the country’s destiny.

In the meeting it was also underscored, that the President of Kosovo is a symbol of unity of all its citizens of the country and he will be the embodiment of Kosovo’s sovereignty all over its territory.

Minister Mustafaj emphasized that just as to date the Albanian Diplomacy, even though not a direct actor will continue to be active in the irrevocable process of Kosovo’s status definition and will also support the successful accomplishment of President Ahtisari mission.

On his part, President Sejdiu extended his thankfulness for the important role, the Albanian Government and Diplomacy have played and play, backing up all the activities of Kosovo’s factors to the benefit of the fastest resolution of Kosovo’s final status.

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Minister Mustafaj meets the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Agim Ceku

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Besnik Mustafaj met the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Mr. Agim Ceku, whom he commended on his active role and the role of his Government for the progress made in the field of standard implementation; the latter is also reflected in the Report which the UNMIK Chief, Joachim Ruecker submitted to the UN Security Council.

According to both interlocutors, the rapid conclusion of the process of final status definition would put an end to ambiguities, that still exist among the citizens of Kosovo; at the same time, it would avert tensions likely to be produced by extremists.

Minister Mustafaj conveyed the message of the Albanian Government that unity, maturity and self – restraint are required during these defining moments in terms of the final status definition, as proofs of the standards already accomplished by the Kosovo society and institutions and as a testimony that they merit the independent state.

After thanking Minister Mustafaj for the contribution and support of the Albanian Government, Prime Minister, Mr. Ceku, highlighted his personal contribution and the contribution of Albanian diplomacy in the process of final settlement and the messages addressed to the citizens and the political factor in Kosovo and beyond; in addition, he briefed Mr. Mustafaj on the work of the Government and other institutions of Kosovo to date, in meeting the standards and in making the preparations for the post-war period.

Minister Mustafaj pointed out that Kosovo accounts for a major place in the Albanian foreign policy, as part of democratic and integration processes of the region and beyond. He added that official Tirana perceives Kosovo’s independence, as a guarantee for peace, stability and cooperation in the region of the Balkans.

Responding to the interest on the possibility of training of future diplomats in Tirana, Minister Mustafaj said that the establishment of the necessary infrastructure is under way, so that experts or students from Kosovo could go through training courses, benefiting the upcoming independent state of Kosovo.

FBI siges at undersøge om der i Albanien findes radioaktivt materiale der kunne bruges til terrorvirksomhed. Makfax skriver:

FBI searches in Albania for radioactive material intended for terrorism attacks

FBI agents in cooperation with Albanian authorities are investigating eventual smuggling of radioactive material deemed to have been planned for using in terrorist attacks across Europe.

Citing sources from the Prosecution Office, the Albanian media reported there are grounds for suspicions that 170 kilograms of radioactive material was brought in the country.

According to the same sources, the illegal shipment was planned to serve for the purposes of carrying out terrorist attacks in Western Europe.

FBI agents have taken in five suspects, including three Albanian police officers and two residents of Skadar. After questioning, they have been released

Militærsamarbejde. »President Moisiu pointed out that it has been three years since our countries, Albania, Croatia and Macedonia signed the A3 Agreement that was initiated from Prague Summit and had the US support. Since than our countries have been working together coordinately to meet the objective for the integration in NATO. The experience has shown that a certain decision was very important. Three A3 countries have shown a very clear sign of success, dialogue and regional cooperation. This example will serve to other regional countries united in the Paternity for Peace. Riga Summit, continued Mr. Moisiu, reconfirmed the policy of the open doors and encouraged our aspirates for receiving the membership invitation in the next Summit. Our country highly greets the decision of Riga and considers it as a historically important decision for the Albania and Albanians. Albania is committed to undertake any political, military and economical step that strengthens the relationship among the A3 countries, and between our countries and NATO.« Det Albanske FM skriver:

12 Dhjetor 2006

Defense Ministerial US- A3 has been concluded

The Defense Ministerial of US-A3 was held today at Sheraton Hotel.

In that important meeting were present :

Albanian Minister of Defense Fatmir Mediu, the Croatian Minister of Defense Breslau Ronçeviç, the Macedonian Minister of Defense Llazar Elenovski, Assistant of the American Secretary of Defense Daniel Fata, the special delegate of NATO General Secretary Georgio Katsirdakis, the Commander of NATO Headquarter, Admiral Harry Ulrich, Minster of Defense of Montenegro Boro Vuçiniç, Serbian deputy Minister of Defense Zvonko Obradoviç, and deputy Minister of Bosnia Herzegovina Enes Becirbasic.

President of the Albanian Republic Mr. Alfred Moisiu was invited as a special guest at the meeting. The meeting was opened by the Albanian Minister of Defense Fatmir Mediu, who after greeting the participants highlighted that this meeting of the Defense Ministers of A3 assets special values as it is held few days after the Riga Summit. This has given positive messages regarding the membership in NATO of A3 countries: Albania, Croatia and Macedonia and the involvement of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina in the Paternity for Peace.

Subsequently, Minister Mediu gave the floor to the President Alfred Moisiu. In his greeting speech President Moisiu pointed out that it has been three years since our countries, Albania, Croatia and Macedonia signed the A3 Agreement that was initiated from Prague Summit and had the US support. Since than our countries have been working together coordinately to meet the objective for the integration in NATO. The experience has shown that a certain decision was very important. Three A3 countries have shown a very clear sign of success, dialogue and regional cooperation. This example will serve to other regional countries united in the Paternity for Peace. Riga Summit, continued Mr. Moisiu, reconfirmed the policy of the open doors and encouraged our aspirates for receiving the membership invitation in the next Summit. Our country highly greets the decision of Riga and considers it as a historically important decision for the Albania and Albanians. Albania is committed to undertake any political, military and economical step that strengthens the relationship among the A3 countries, and between our countries and NATO.

NATO representative Mr. Georgio Katsirdakis and the commander of NATO Headquarter Nepal Mr. Harry Ulrich delivered their speeches in the first session of the Ministerial. They appreciated the pace of reforms in the military field in the A3 countries, the results achieved in meeting the required standards for NATO membership. They also encouraged the representative of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina for the invitation received in Riga Summit to be involved in the Paternity for Peace, which is an important step regarding the Euro Atlantic integration.

NATO Admiral especially dwelled on the strengthening of the stability and security in the Balkans, stressing that NATO and its forces will keep staying in that region. NATO headquarters in Sarajevo, Skopje, and Tirana cooperate closely with one another and soon a NATO office will be open in Belgrade.

During the sessions, the three ministers of Defense of A3 countries, delivered their speeches. Minister Mediu highlighting the importance of the Riga Summit message, pointed out that there is no much time to the next NATO Summit therefore during this period we have to make our active endeavor and be able to fulfill successfully the required reforms and standards for the integration in that Alliance.

Subsequently, he appreciated the continuous role and support of USA, NATO and other partners, considering that as a huge encouragement towards the Euro-Atlantic future.

Minister Mediu highlighted the support of the Albanian Government given to the AF for their transformation by increasing the their budget 80% more than it was in 2001 and that is supposed to reach 2% of GDP for 2008. Many trainings and initiative are taken in the framework of A3, demonstrating our commitment to become part of the Alliance. On their way to integration our countries should be committed to undertake other advanced steps, increase the cooperation by sharing respective experiences regarding the reforms we are carrying out. The common projects are useful and with a reasonable cost for us, therefore they should be regarded with priority in the future. Albania is ready to establish the Regional Defense College, which will be open for all our region and dealing with the military personnel training, sharing experience and information. We have discussed that also with the Italian part and with the Minister of Defense Parisi, who supports our idea to establish that training regional centre. Albanian AF are undertaking other steps more concrete for their further reforming and are intensifying the work to meet the major goal; NATO membership within 2008. At the end of his speech, Minister Mediu said that to meet the common objective we need to compile more common projects and work together to accomplish them.

Croatian Minister of Defense Ronçeviç and Macedonian Minister of Defense Elenovski, who delivered their speeches after the Albanian Minister of Defense, expressed their appreciation regarding many issues related to the AF reforms, cooperation and interaction with the military troops in the framework of A3 and NATO. Expressing the new optimism brought by Riga Summit message, they confirmed the commitment of their states and their armed forces to finalize the process of reformation, establishing a very cooperative peaceful environment in the region as well to meet all the standards required for the membership in the Euro Atlantic structures. They congratulated the invitation of Riga Summit for the involvement of Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina in the Paternity for Peace. In their speeches they expressed their willingness to increase further more the cooperative contacts not only in high levels but also in all levels of our armed forces.

Mr. Daniel Fata in his speech said that in order to continue confidently until the forthcoming Summit of NATO Expansion. USA, he said, during these 15 years has believed that your three countries will be integrated in the Euro-Atlantic Alliance and that you would establish a better democracy. USA supports you in every aspect and especially in the recent challenge of NATO membership. Furthermore, Mr. Fata highlighted that A3 is a very beneficial initiative, which has been a very important mechanism through which you have realized several common works. The Riga Summed has opened for you a new possibility, but you should continue the work for the reforms in the field of Defense, to strengthen the jurisdictional state and democracy, fight against corruption and organized crime. At the very end of his speech he pointed that USA supports A3 countries; Albania, Macedonia, Croatia to become NATO members.

The second session of Ministerial was focused on the cooperation and strengthening of the security in the region and beyond. Minister of Montenegro Vuçiniç and Deputy Minister of Bosnia Herzegovina, Becirbasiç, and Deputy Minister of Serbia Obradoviç delivered their speeches during that session. They appreciated the Riga Summit invitation to involve their countries in PfP as a great opportunity for the integration of their countries in NATO and considered as an encouragement the common achievements and endeavors of the A3 countries. The representatives of the three countries mentioned the good relationships that already exist in our region and the strengthening of our cooperation especially in the military field for the joint exercises, training of the military personnel and border security and etc. They shared information about the work they are doing in order to reform the armed forces, establish new military structures, reduce the troops and increase the defense budget, which are determined as the NATO required standards in order to become a NATO member.

During discussions conducted in the Ministerial adequate suggestions were made, suggestions that will contribute more to the accomplishment of the duties and objectives of the A3 countries, and of other countries of our region in the framework of the Euro-Atlantic integration. There were shared many thoughts and suggestions to increase the effectiveness of fight against illicit traffics, organized crime, narcotics and other negative phenomena, which unfortunately exist transit in our region. In order to increase the effectiveness of the fights against those phenomena it was proposed to establish common preventive capacities and systems especially to improve the controlling and observing systems.

At the end of the meeting, the chairmen of the delegations held a press conference, where they answered the journalists’ questions. At the end of the press conference Minister Mediu thanked the participants of the Ministerial stressing that this meeting was a reflection moment after the Riga Summit Declaration concerning the ways of cooperating towards the Euro-Atlantic integration. That Ministerial made a concrete step to meet furthermore the standards of our countries’ membership in NATO. Minister Mediu thanked once more United States’ Government, President Bush and other NATO Commanders for the continuous support they have given to the A3 countries and other countries in the Balkans region.

The chairmen of the participating delegations approved a Common Declaration of Defense Ministerial US-A3.

Det Albanske FM er ganske fornøjet over at Lega Zogu II er blevet bedste udenlandske Student i sin officersuddannelse i England:

15 Dhjetor 2006

Leka Zogu II, the best student of British Military University Minister of Defense Fatmir Mediu received in an official meeting Leka Zogu II.

The goal of the visit was to congratulate him for the maximal evaluation in finishing the Military Academy of the UK. In the end of his studies he was evaluated as “Best foreign student of the Academy”

British Defense Attaché in Tirana Mark Vickers participated in the meeting.

Minister of Defense congratulated Leka Zogu II for the achieved results stressing that this graduation testifies the great willingness of the Albanian students to be further qualified.

Subsequently, he thanked Great Britain for the valuable assistance given to the Albanian students and our Armed Forces, especially in the field of education and professional training.

On his side Leka Zogu thanked the Minister Mediu for the reception and he kindly presented the results of his studies at the Academy stressing that with these results he had represented with dignity the Albania and Albanian government.

Illegale Immigranter i Grækenland. »Kathimerini« skriver:

16-12-2006 Police arrested two Albanian nationals close to Ioannina in northern Greece yesterday attempting to smuggle into the country 20 of their fellow countrymen in the back of a truck. The illegal immigrants had each paid [Euro] 700 to reach Greece and been hidden under bales of hay on board the truck, police said. The immigrants had been picked up in Greece by the organizers after walking into the country along an unguarded point on the Greek-Albanian border.

Bombesprængning, storbrand. International Herald Tribune skriver 20.12.2006 at Chefdommer Jak Ndoka's bil er sprængt i luften i Lezha. Vinduer og døre i hans hus blev ødelagt.

Nogle dage tidligere hærgede en brand tre olietanke / benzintanke i Shengjin. Branden varede i 30 timer, flere brandfolk blev såret. Man prøver at finde ud af om branden var udløst vha et eksplosiv.

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SERBIEN


Det Amerikanske UM har offentliggjort en 'Background Note' om Serbien - Montenegro: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5388.htm • Det Engelske Udenrigsministeriums 'Country Advice' til rejsende kan findes på adressen: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386622 • En biografi over tidligere Forbundspræsident Kostunica kan læses på Serbiske Politikere.


Præsidentvalg i Serbien. Boris Tadic blev i Juni 2004 valgt som Præsident. Seneste Parlamentsvalg: 031228.


Kosovo / Kosóva: Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

UN Security Council members divided in opinion on Kosovo-Metohija status issue

Belgrade, Dec 16, 2006 – Coordinator in the Serbian state team for negotiations on the future status of Kosovo-Metohija Slobodan Samardzic said today that UN Security Council members, who are to bring a decision on a peaceful and compromise solution regarding the future status of Kosovo-Metohija, were widely divided in their positions at the last session of the Security Council.

In a statement to the news agency Tanjug, Samardzic said that this shows that there are differences not just within the Security Council but also in the Contact Group. He warned that it should be kept in mind that members of these two bodies are to bring the most important decisions regarding the continuation of the process of negotiations, as well as contribution to a peaceful and compromise solution for the future status of Kosovo-Metohija.

He stressed that in this context the role of UN Special Envoy Marti Ahtisaari and his proposal for determining the future status of Kosovo-Metohija, which he is supposed to present by the end of January or beginning of February, should also be examined.

The contents of this document are of less interest to us than what the Contact Group, and later the Security Council will say concerning it, stressed Samardzic, and added that Ahtisaari’s proposal should be based on the general policy of the Contact Group regarding Kosovo-Metohija.

Samardzic explained that that means this document should, above all, be examined by the Contact Group who should take a stand regarding it before Belgrade and Pristina consider it.

According to Samardzic, the Contact Group must beforehand establish minimum consensus regarding the document, because Ahtisaari, besides being obliged to behave in accordance with his mandate, should also conduct a policy and present a document in strict cooperation and coordination with the Contact Group.

He said that we should move in the direction of opening a new round of negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina on the basis of the proposal presented by Ahtisaari, which should be approved by the Contact Group, and serve as a framework for the further development of the negotiation process in a normal manner, to reach the Security Council at the end which will bring a decision on it.

Strategy for improvement of living conditions of Serbs in Kosovo presented. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Strategy for improvement of living conditions of Serbs in Kosovo presented

Belgrade, Dec 18, 2006 - Head of the Economic team for Kosovo-Metohija and southern Serbia Nenad Popovic said today that the Strategy for the long-term economic development of Serbian communities in Kosovo-Metohija aims to improve living conditions of the population and stop them from leaving the province.

Speaking at a press conference held after the plenary meeting of the Economic team at which the Strategy was presented, Popovic said that this Strategy is focused on the development of infrastructure, education, employment and measures for encouraging investments.

He said that the main strategic goals are intensive economic integration with the economy in other parts of Serbia and with neighbouring countries, improvement of living standards of the population and reduction of poverty of Serbian communities in Kosovo-Metohija, and stopping Serbs from leaving the province.

According to Popovic, a precondition for the functioning of the economy and decent life of people is securing electricity stability and the resolution of the acute problem of electricity shortages with the donation from the Serbian government, construction of new and reconstruction of the existing roads, as well as the recognition of Telekom Srbija's licence and return of confiscated property.

The head of the Economic team said that incentives worth €70 million will be set aside from the state budget and the National Investment Plan next year for the realisation of the Strategy in Kosovo-Metohija.

Popovic announced that as of January 2007 a wide range of activities will begin with the aim of presenting the Strategy to all interested groups, from local communities to international financial and other organisations.

He also pointed out that the economic team drafted an action plan for the implementation of the strategy and stressed that if economic activities are to begin it is necessary to have institutional support through a wide network of offices of the National Employment Service.

Popovic stressed that according to the Strategy, the Trepca mining and processing company should be one of those that are to carry out the economic development of Kosovo-Metohija.

The head of the economic team also recalled that the Strategy for the long-term economic development of Serbian communities in Kosovo is the first document on long-term development of this region in the past 15 years. He stated that renowned experts from Serbia and abroad were engaged in its drafting, as well as that the Irish and Swedish experiences were referred to.

He added that the strategy was harmonised with the Serbian National Development Strategy from 2006 to 2012 and the Strategy for Serbia's EU Accession.

Popovic said that the Strategy for the long-term economic development of Southern Serbia was also presented at the economic team's plenary meeting adding that it is aimed at stimulating a favourable business climate, improving administrative capacities of local self-governments and improving the efficiency of local resource valorisation aiming to attract foreign capital to this region.

Samarbejdsaftale mellem Serbien og Rusland - bl.a. om en pipeline. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Economic and political cooperation between Serbia and Russia at a very high level

Belgrade/Moscow, Dec 20, 2006 – Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica announced that a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of the gas pipeline through Serbia was signed today in Moscow between Russia's GazpromExport and the Serbian government, under which a 400 kilometre gas pipe line running through Serbia will be built.

In a press conference Kostunica said that this investment is worth $1 billion and pointed out that it will create new jobs and provide a reliable source of gas for Serbia.

The Prime Minister stated that the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Serbian Minister of Energy and Mining Radomir Naumov, General Director of Serbian gas company Srbijagas Milos Milankovic and General Director of Russia's GazpromExport Aleksander Medvedev.

Kostunica said that with the construction of this gas pipeline, Serbia will attain the position of a key state in the region when it comes to the transport of natural gas and will not be only a user and last user, but a country of transit, which significantly changes its position.

He also recalled the agreement on the clearing debt between Serbia and Russia adding that it will be signed in a few days.

He explained that the agreement regulates the issue of debt in a manner which allows new developmental investments, and stressed that the debt issue is in the past, and at the same time investments can be made in Djerdap and Vinca.

The Serbian Prime Minister said that in the first quarter of the upcoming year the Russian Duma will ratify the agreement on free trade between Russia and Serbia, and recalled that this agreement has remained at the implementation stage for years.

According to Kostunica, the ratification will increase the importance of that document and become an added incentive for all those who are interested in widening cooperation between Serbia and Russia.

Kostunica recalled that Serbia signed the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) yesterday, and pointed to the fact that Serbia is the only country which, besides the New Independent States, has a free trade agreement with Russia.

He stressed that besides economic cooperation, excellent political cooperation exists between Russia and Serbia in all areas, especially regarding the issue of Kosovo-Metohija.

When it comes to this issue, Russia and Serbia have expressed the same commitment to consistent respect of international law, above all the UN Charter, concerning territorial integrity and sovereignty of existing states, the Serbian Prime Minister affirmed.

He said that more and more countries are taking a similar stand on the matter, which is respect of international law, and this is an encouraging fact.

Kostunica expressed satisfaction with the fact that economic and political cooperation between Serbia and Russia are equally developed, and that equal progress is being made in both areas.

According to Kostunica, it is beyond doubt, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has said, that Kosovo-Metohija can not serve as a unique example because every country presents a unique case, but precisely due to that there are rules which must be consistently applied in all cases.

Russia has given support to the clear position that international law must be respected, that a compromise must be found, and that this will be easy if it is sought in the framework of international law and the UN Charter, stressed Kostunica and concluded that compromise can not be achieved if a solution is sought outside the boundaries of the fundamental principles of the Charter.

Russian Ambassador in Belgrade Alexander Alekseev expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Memorandum, due to improvement of cooperation between the two countries, and due to the fact that mutual relations between Serbia and Russia have entered a new and improved level.

Alekseev recalled that political dialogue on all questions of common interest is being developed between Russia and Serbia, and Russia’s stand is that the issue of the future status of Kosovo-Metohija should be resolved in the spirit of safeguarding stability and security in the region and entire Europe.

He recalled that Serbia is one of the most important trade partners of Russia, and added that it is expected that trade between the two countries in 2006 will be worth more than $2 billion.

Serbian Minister of Economy Predrag Bubalo said that signing the Memorandum on constructing a gas pipeline through Serbia will be of great advantage to Serbia, and added that the route of the pipeline will follow the route of the highway to the Bulgarian border.

Bubalo said that the construction of the gas pipeline through Serbia requires nearly two years. He added that the joint Serbian-Russian working group will prepare the details of the Memorandum, in which the next step will be concluding the agreement and drafting the project documentation.

He outlined that this project is the biggest Greenfield investment in the recent period and is a huge incentive for the National Strategy of Serbia’s economic development, keeping in mind the fact that the Serbian government planned that GDP growth should be 7%, and that this projection is based on a minimum of annual investments worth $2 billion.

According to Bubalo, the upcoming ratification of the agreement on free trade with Russia will increase the confidence of foreign investors, and have a positive effect on liberalisation of trade between Serbia and Russia.

Krav fra ICTY. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

National council responds to seven new requests from ICTY Prosecutor's Office

Belgrade, Dec 20, 2006 - The National Council for cooperation with the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) held its 38th session today and decided to submit extensive documentation upon seven requests made by the ICTY Prosecutor's Office and to free seven witnesses from the obligation of keeping official secrets in the trials before the Tribunal.

In 2006, the National Council has held 14 session, during which it responded to 110 requests of the Tribunal for submitting documentation that include several thousands of pages.

In addition, 73 witnesses have been freed from the obligation of keeping a state, official and military secrets at the request of the Prosecutor's Office, and requests continue to be submitted and resolved.

The National Council has positively responded to 170 requests from defence lawyers for submitting documentation, and several dozens of persons have been freed from the obligation of keeping a state, official and military secrets at the request of defence lawyers.

At the same time, the ICTY Prosecutor's Office was given access to archives of the Serbian state bodies in May this year and since then it has been developing without problems.

The National Council will continue to respond to requests from the ICTY Prosecutor's Office and the defence lawyers in a timely manner, with the aim of establishing full cooperation and fulfilling internationally assumed obligations to this court, the statement adds.

Mediation Centre i Nis. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Nis, Dec 21, 2006 – Serbian Minister of Justice Zoran Stojkovic and Regional Alternative Dispute Resolution Programme Manager within the International Financial Corporation (IFC) Wilma Van Benthem opened today a Mediation Centre in the Nis District Court.

Stojkovic stressed that mediation is one of the steps in the reform of the judiciary which helps resolve disputes more easily as parties do not feel that they either won or lost.

He added that the centre will provide new, efficient and cheaper ways to solve disputes, which will upgrade efficiency of the local judiciary.

He said that the Ministry of Justice pledges for decentralisation of judiciary and expressed hope that Nis also gets a council for organised crime.

The founders of the Centre are the Serbian Ministry of Justice and International Financial Corporation, a member of the World Bank, that provides technical assistance for the Centre's work.

The opening of the centre was also attended by Bulgarian Minister of Justice Georgi Petkanov.

Apart from the introduction of mediation, the Centre will be in charge of mediator training, licence issuing, organising seminars, expert meetings and similar.

There are 15 judges and five lawyers who finished training for mediation in Nis.

OSCE om grænsehandel:

OSCE seminar on cross border trade and transport in South-Eastern Europe identifies measures to improve customs and border proceedings

BELGRADE, 15 December 2006 - Border, customs, trade and transport officials as well as private sector representatives from South-Eastern Europe identified measures that would harmonize customs and border procedures during a two-day seminar that ended in Belgrade today.

The event focused on the implementation of the United Nations Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on the Harmonization of the Frontiers Controls of goods.

"Improving the flow of goods across borders requires modern procedures and standards in a legal framework," said Vesna Arsic, State Secretary of the Serbian Finance Ministry.

Participants tackled existing challenges related to cross border movement of goods and exchanged information on best practices. They agreed that harmonizing and reducing the number of and duration of border controls would enhance the regional trade potential. The event also addressed ways to combat corruption at border crossings.

"I believe that the large attendance by high level participants from all over South-Eastern Europe proves that we are on the right track, that indeed the OSCE has a role to play in promoting integrated border management, harmonized legislation and transport policies and in improving cross-border cooperation in its region," said Ambassador Frank Geerkens, Head of the Belgian Foreign Ministry's OSCE Chairmanship Unit.

He also noted that a decision adopted at the OSCE Ministerial Council, held last week in Brussels, said the Organization should continue to promote dialogue in the field of transport and confirmed its role in providing political support for the implementation of transport-related conventions.

Participants visited three border-crossing points on the border between Serbia and Croatia.

The Belgrade seminar was a follow-up to the 14th OSCE Economic Forum, held earlier this year in Vienna and Prague. The forum's theme was secure transport networks. The seminar also was part of a joint OSCE/UNECE pilot project on promoting UNECE key legal instruments related to trade and transport. A similar event, targeting the Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asian region took place in October in Moscow.

Roma-kvinder og politisk deltagelse. OSCE skriver:

OSCE Mission, Roma Women's Network organize visit of young Roma people to Serbian Parliament

BELGRADE, 16 December 2006 - A group of 80 young people from Roma settlements in western Serbia visited the National Assembly today.

The visit was part of the OSCE Mission's to Serbia project "Empowerment of Roma Women for Decision-Making" and was organized in co-operation with the NGO Roma Women's Network.

"The visit symbolically presented the Assembly as a open door institution whose work is transparent to all citizens," said Hannelore Valier, Head of the OSCE Mission's Democratization Department. "We wanted to let the young Roma know that they are also welcome here and that one day they might be elected as national representatives to the Assembly."

The Roma visitors asked legislators to support those who had interrupted their primary school education and are thinking of completing it at a later stage in life.

Assistance to Roma is a priority area for the OSCE Mission and is in line with its mandate and the Decade of Roma Inclusion, an initiative of nine Central and South-Eastern European countries to improve the socio-economic status and social inclusion of the Roma minority across the region.

Last month, the Mission also helped organize a visit by Serbian Assembly members and representatives of several Ministries to Roma settlements near Valjevo and Sabac.

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MONTENEGRO


Præsidentvalg 030611: Filip Vujanovic blev valgt. Forrige Parlamentsvalg 021020, seneste 060910.

Folkeafstemning 21.05.2006 om Montenegro's forhold til statsforbundet Serbien-Montenegro. Der var et mindre flertal for at udtræde af forbundet (55,4% mod 44,6%), hvilket er blevet anerkendt af EU m.fl. Serbien har accepteret den nye tingenes tilstand, skønt der var nogen murren efter at resultatet blev kendt.

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MAKEDONIEN

Det Engelske Udenrigsministeriums 'Country Advice' til rejsende kan findes på adressen: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386163 • Det Amerikanske UM har offentliggjort en 'Background Note' om Makedonien: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26759.htm

Der er omkring 25 % etniske Albanere i Makedonien. Folketælling afholdtes 021101-021105.

Folkeafstemningen 041107 om decentralisering (= imødekommelse af Makedonien-Albanske interesser): Folkeafstemningen "faldt". Stemmedeltagelsen var kun omkring 26 %. Hvis afstemningen skulle have kunnet udvirke en ændring af decentraliseringslovgivningen, skulle deltagelsen have været mindst 50%, og desuden skulle der have været flertal mod lovgivningen. Det var ventet at stemmedeltagelsen ville have været noget større, selv om både Regeringspartierne og den Albanske minoritet anbefalede at man blev hjemme. Man kan nu gå videre i overensstemmelse med Ohrid-aftalerne.

Præsidentvalg i Maj 2004: Branko Crvenkovski - hidtidig PM - blev valgt (efter Boris Trajkovski som omkom ved en flyulykke). Parlamentsvalg fandt sted 020915. Der kan henvises til flg. OSCE/ODIHR-oversigtsside: http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/field_activities/skopje2002/. Seneste Parlamentsvalg fandt sted i Juli 2006: Den hidtidige Regering led nederlag. Der kan henvises til: http://www.osce.org/item/19800.html og http://www.osce.org/documents/odihr/2006/07/19801_en.pdf

Makedonien forhandler med EU om optagelse. Aktuel status, se: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/fyrom/key_documents.htm. Se også den generelle side: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/index_en.html


Præsident Crvenkovski: 'Første halvdel af 2007 er umådeligt vigtig for Makedonien i forhold til EU'. Makfax skriver:

Crvenkovski says 2007 crucial for Macedonia's EU integration

The first half of 2007 is crucial for Macedonia's ambitions to join the EU, President Branko Crvenkovski said while making his annual address to the nation.

The year 2007 holds a key to Macedonia's road to the EU, i.e. whether the country will catch up with Croatia or it will remain in the group of other Western Balkan countries, President Crvenkovski said.

Neither MPs of the ruling coalition VMRO-DPMNE/DPA nor government officials attended the address by the head of state at parliament's chamber.

"The first six months of the next year are key period. The pace of country's integration into the EU will greatly depend on what will be accomplished in the forthcoming months," he added.

According to President Crvenkovski, Macedonia could either catch up with Croatia or next to Croatia, or it will remain in the group of other countries in the Western Balkan region with great uncertainty over the next chance.

He stressed that Macedonia should do its outmost to ensure that it receives the start-date for EU accession talks by the end of 2007.

Det Amerikanske Fredskorps. US Ambassaden i Skopje skriver:

Eleventh Group Of Peace Corps Volunteers Begin Service In Macedonia

Forty-Nine New Volunteers Take Oath at Ceremony in Veles

December 15, 2006

U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic swear-in 49 new Peace Corps Volunteers in Macedonia Veles,

VELES, Macedonia -- The eleventh group of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers in Macedonia has completed its pre-service training.

On December 15, forty-nine new Volunteers marked the conclusion of twelve weeks of pre-service training in Veles, Chaska, Negotino, Kavadarci, Sveti Nikole and Kumanovo. After being sworn in by U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic in a ceremony attended by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski, and other Government of Macedonia officials, municipal authorities and representatives of cooperating organizations, the Volunteers will begin their two-year service assignments in thirty-two communities throughout the Republic of Macedonia.

There has been steady growth in the Peace Corps program in Macedonia. The 49 new Peace Corps Volunteers brings the total number of Volunteers serving in Macedonia to 82.

Peace Corps Macedonia Director Lucianne Phillips said, "Mayor Ace Kocevski, the people of Veles, and the training center have been very helpful and gracious. The communities of Veles, Chaska, Kumanovo, Negotino, Kavadarci and Sveti Nikole, which hosted the Volunteers during training, have been wonderfully hospitable in welcoming and working with the Peace Corps Volunteers."

The new Volunteers received intensive Macedonian language training, and for those who will work in western parts of the country, instruction was provided in both the Albanian and Macedonian languages. The Volunteers also received information about the Macedonian educational system, economic and business issues, governmental and non-governmental organizations and programs, and organizations involved with environmental issues.

Volunteers also received practical hands-on training by teaching at local schools, working in municipal and non-governmental organizations, and implementing small community development projects in the Veles area. Each U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer lived with a host family to gain better understanding of the community and culture in Macedonia, and to facilitate the development of their language skills.

The Volunteers will move to their assignments throughout Macedonia within the next few days. Twenty-five will work in English language education, while twenty-four will help non-governmental and local government organizations throughout the country.

Volunteers will work in the communities of Skopje, Centar Zupa, Pehcevo, Bitola, Tetovo, Sveti Nikole, Stip, Vratnica, Vinica, Murtino, Veles, Negotino, Kocani, Resen, Ohrid, Kumanovo, Gevgelija, Gradsko, Strumica, Ropotovo, Injevo, Krusevo, Prilep, Probistip, Kratovo, Gostivar, Kavadarci, Struga, Makedonski Brod, Demir Hisar, Novo Selo and Kicevo.

The Peace Corps was founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy. To this day, the three original goals articulated by the Peace Corps when it was founded remain the same: 1) to assist countries requesting skilled individuals to provide technical assistance; 2) to help promote a better understanding of the American people through the individual

Volunteers; and 3) to share with American communities and families information about the communities and countries where Volunteers live and work. Through these efforts, Peace Corps Volunteers work to foster peace in the international community and better understanding among peoples of different cultures and heritages.

While maintaining its original goals, the Peace Corps also has grown over the years and extended its services in many ways. For example, the Peace Corps has been active in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and has assisted in disaster recovery efforts in several countries.

For more information about the Peace Corps program, please contact the office at Ulica Oslo 6, 1000 Skopje, or telephone 02/3090-012.

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GRÆKENLAND

Seneste Parlamentsvalg 040307.


Illegale Immigranter i Grækenland. »Kathimerini« skriver:

16-12-2006 Police arrested two Albanian nationals close to Ioannina in northern Greece yesterday attempting to smuggle into the country 20 of their fellow countrymen in the back of a truck. The illegal immigrants had each paid [Euro] 700 to reach Greece and been hidden under bales of hay on board the truck, police said. The immigrants had been picked up in Greece by the organizers after walking into the country along an unguarded point on the Greek-Albanian border.

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TYRKIET


UMs rejsevejledning: http://www.um.dk/da/menu/Borgerservice/FoerRejsen/Rejsevejledninger/RejsevejledningTyrkiet.htm.


Seneste Parlamentsvalg blev holdt 021103. Det blev i December 2004 aftalt (med EUs Regeringschefer)at der i Oktober 2005 skal indledes forhandlinger om optagelse af Tyrkiet i EU.

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LANDE UDEN FOR BALKAN OG ØSTLIGE MIDDELHAV. NATO-LANDE


ITALIEN


Mother Teresa. I anledning af saligkåringen ('beatificeringen') 031019 har Vatikantet etableret en internetside: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20031019_index_madre-teresa_en.html

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USA




FBI siges at undersøge om der i Albanien findes radioaktivt materiale der kunne bruges til terrorvirksomhed. Makfax skriver:

FBI searches in Albania for radioactive material intended for terrorism attacks

FBI agents in cooperation with Albanian authorities are investigating eventual smuggling of radioactive material deemed to have been planned for using in terrorist attacks across Europe.

Citing sources from the Prosecution Office, the Albanian media reported there are grounds for suspicions that 170 kilograms of radioactive material was brought in the country.

According to the same sources, the illegal shipment was planned to serve for the purposes of carrying out terrorist attacks in Western Europe.

FBI agents have taken in five suspects, including three Albanian police officers and two residents of Skadar. After questioning, they have been released

Præsident Bush har holdt indsværgningsceremoni for FM Robert Gates. Det Hvide Hus skriver:

Vice President Dick Cheney swears in Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon Monday, Dec. 18, 2006. Mr. Gate's wife Becky is pictured holding the bible during the ceremony. White House photo by Eric Draper


Office of the Press Secretary, December 18, 2006

President Bush Attends Swearing-In Ceremony for Secretary of Defense Robert Gates

1:22 P.M. EST



THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. I'm pleased to join you here at the Pentagon. We're here to congratulate Bob Gates on becoming our nation's 22nd Secretary of the Defense.

Bob Gates entered public service 40 years ago. He is an experienced and thoughtful leader. He has got a track record of steering large organizations through change and transformation. I know Bob Gates will be an outstanding Secretary of the Defense.

I want to thank Bob's wife, Becky, and their family, and their many friends who are with us here today. I appreciate the fact that the Vice President is here to administer the oath. I want to thank the members of my Cabinet who have joined us in welcoming a new member to the Cabinet. I appreciate so very much Senator John Warner and Senator Carl Levin for joining us. I thank the other members of the United States Congress who are with us today, not the least of whom is my Congressman, Chet Edwards, from Central Texas. I suspect he's here because of the Texas A&M connection. (Laughter.)

I want to thank Deputy Secretary England for joining us. I thank Dr. Harvey and Dr. Winter and Michael Wynne, Secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force, for joining us here today. I appreciate so very much General Pete Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and his wife, Lynne, as well as the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I thank our distinguished guests.

Most importantly, I thank those who wear our uniform. This has got to be an exciting time for Bob Gates. I can't tell you what an honor it is to be the Commander-in-Chief of unbelievably fine people. And I suspect he will share that same sense of enthusiasm as the Secretary of the Defense.

The job of Secretary of Defense is one of the most important positions in our government. The Secretary must understand the challenges of the present, and see the threats of the future, and find the best ways to prepare our Armed Forces to meet them.

We are a nation at war. And I rely on our Secretary of Defense to provide me with the best possible advice, and to help direct our nation's Armed Forces as they engage the enemies of freedom around the world. Bob Gates is the right man to take on these challenges. He'll be an outstanding leader for our men and women in uniform, and he's going to make our nation proud.




Robert Gates listens to President George W. Bush speak during his swearing-in ceremony as Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon Monday, Dec. 18, 2006. White House photo by Eric Draper


Bob is a man of vision, integrity, and extensive experience. In 1966, Bob began his rise from an entry-level position at the Central Intelligence Agency to become its director. During his years of public service, Bob Gates has worked under six Presidents, from both parties. He spent nearly nine years at the White House working on the National Security Council staff. He's amassed nearly 30 years of experience in national security matters. Bob Gates' lifetime of preparation will serve him well as the Secretary of Defense.

Bob follows a superb leader at the Department of Defense. For nearly six years, Don Rumsfeld has served with exceptional strength and energy at a time of challenge and change, and he produced impressive results. During his tenure, he developed a new defense strategy, established a new command structure of our Armed Forces, helped transform the NATO Alliance, took ballistic missile defense from theory to reality, and undertook the most sweeping transformation of America's global defense posture since the start of the Cold War. He led our Armed Forces with determination and distinction. And on Friday at the Pentagon, the men and women he led showed their admiration and devotion to him.

I want to thank Don Rumsfeld for his service, and I wish him and his family all the very best.

As Bob Gates raises his hand and takes the oath of office, he does so at a time of great consequence for our nation. He knows the stakes in the war on terror. He recognizes this is a long struggle against an enemy unlike any our nation has fought before. He understands that defeating the terrorists and the radicals and the extremists in Iraq and the Middle East is essential to leading toward peace.

As Secretary of Defense, he will help our country forge a new way forward in Iraq so that we can help the Iraqis achieve our shared goal of a unified democratic Iraq that can govern itself, sustain itself, and defend itself, and be an ally in our struggle against extremists and radicals.

Bob Gates is a talented and innovative leader who brings a fresh perspective to the Department of Defense. I'm pleased that he's answered the call to serve our nation again. He has my trust and my confidence. And he has the gratitude and the prayers of the American people.

And so I look forward to working with Bob Gates. I congratulate you, sir. I appreciate you taking on this job. And now, I'm going to ask the Vice President to administer the oath of office for our nation's 22nd Secretary of Defense. (Applause.)

(The oath is administered.) (Applause.)

MR. GATES: Thank you. Mr. President, I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me. You have asked for my candor and my honest counsel at this critical moment in our nation's history, and you will get both.

Mr. Vice President, thank you for administering the oath of office. I first worked closely with the Vice President when he was a very successful Secretary of Defense, and I hope some of that may rub off.

My sincere thanks to the members of the United States Congress who are here today. I appreciate the prompt and fair hearing that I received in the Senate and the confidence that senators have placed in me.

Chairman Pace, thank you. I look forward to working with you and the Joint staff.

To the service chiefs and the service staffs, to all the uniform military here today, I value your professionalism and your experience, and I will rely on your clear-eyed advice in the weeks and months ahead.

Finally, I want to thank Becky, my wife of 40 years, and my children, Eleanor and Brad, for their infinite patience. I want to thank other family and friends who are here, but single out one especially, my 93-year-old mother. She told me that if she could make it from Kansas to Texas A&M football games every fall, she certainly could be in Washington for this ceremony. (Laughter and applause.)

I, too, want to say a few words about my predecessor. Donald Rumsfeld has devoted decades of his life to public service. He cares deeply about our men and women in uniform, and the future of our country. I thank him for his long and distinguished service, and wish him and Joyce and their family all the best.

It is an honor to have the opportunity to work with the people in this Department, dedicated professionals whose overriding priority is the defense of our nation. Long ago, I learned something about leading large institutions: Leaders come and go, but the professionals endure long after the appointees are gone. The key to successful leadership in my view is to involve in the decision-making process early and often those who ultimately must carry out the decisions. I will do my best to do just that.

This Department, as always, is carrying on many different activities all at the same time. All are valuable, all are important. However, as I said in my confirmation hearings, Iraq is at the top of the list. In the days since the Senate confirmed me, I have participated in most of the National Security Council meetings on Iraq, I have received a number of briefings here at the Department of Defense, and I have discussed the situation and way forward in Iraq in depth with the President.

I intend to travel quite soon to Iraq and meet with our military leaders and other personnel there. I look forward to hearing their honest assessments of the situation on the ground and to having the benefit of their advice -- unvarnished and straight from the shoulder -- on how to proceed in the weeks and months ahead.

Another pressing concern is Afghanistan. The progress made by the Afghan people over the past five years is at risk. The United States and its NATO allies have made a commitment to the Afghan people, and we intend to keep it. Afghanistan cannot be allowed to become a sanctuary for extremists again. How we face these and other challenges in the region over the next two years will determine whether Iraq, Afghanistan, and other nations at a crossroads will pursue paths of gradual progress towards sustainable governments, which are allies in the global war on terrorism, or whether the forces of extremism and chaos will become ascendant.

All of us want to find a way to bring America's sons and daughters home again. But, as the President has made clear, we simply cannot afford to fail in the Middle East. Failure in Iraq at this juncture would be a calamity that would haunt our nation, impair our credibility, and endanger Americans for decades to come.

Finally, there is the matter of what is referred to as defense transformation. As I mentioned in my Senate testimony, I was impressed by how deployable our military has become since I last served in government. Before he came to office, the President said that one of his top priorities was to help our military become more agile, more lethal, and more expeditionary. Much has been accomplished in this; much remains to be done. This remains a necessity and a priority.

I return to public service in the hope that I can make a difference at a time when our nation is facing daunting challenges and difficult choices. Mr. President, I thank you again for the opportunity to do that, and thank all of you for being here. (Applause.)

END 1:34 P.M. EST

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ENGLAND

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TYSKLAND

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FRANKRIG

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DANMARK (NORGE, SVERIGE)

Ugerapport fra Dansk KFOR. Hærens Operative Kommando - se under: Kosova.

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LANDE UDEN FOR BALKAN OG ØSTLIGE MIDDELHAV. IKKE NATO-LANDE


RUSLAND

UMs Rejsevejledning: http://www.um.dk/da/menu/Borgerservice/FoerRejsen/Rejsevejledninger/RejsevejledningRusland.htm Samarbejdsaftale mellem Serbien og Rusland - bl.a. om en pipeline. Den Serbiske Regering skriver:

Economic and political cooperation between Serbia and Russia at a very high level

Belgrade/Moscow, Dec 20, 2006 – Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica announced that a Memorandum of Understanding on the construction of the gas pipeline through Serbia was signed today in Moscow between Russia's GazpromExport and the Serbian government, under which a 400 kilometre gas pipe line running through Serbia will be built.

In a press conference Kostunica said that this investment is worth $1 billion and pointed out that it will create new jobs and provide a reliable source of gas for Serbia.

The Prime Minister stated that the Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Serbian Minister of Energy and Mining Radomir Naumov, General Director of Serbian gas company Srbijagas Milos Milankovic and General Director of Russia's GazpromExport Aleksander Medvedev.

Kostunica said that with the construction of this gas pipeline, Serbia will attain the position of a key state in the region when it comes to the transport of natural gas and will not be only a user and last user, but a country of transit, which significantly changes its position.

He also recalled the agreement on the clearing debt between Serbia and Russia adding that it will be signed in a few days.

He explained that the agreement regulates the issue of debt in a manner which allows new developmental investments, and stressed that the debt issue is in the past, and at the same time investments can be made in Djerdap and Vinca.

The Serbian Prime Minister said that in the first quarter of the upcoming year the Russian Duma will ratify the agreement on free trade between Russia and Serbia, and recalled that this agreement has remained at the implementation stage for years.

According to Kostunica, the ratification will increase the importance of that document and become an added incentive for all those who are interested in widening cooperation between Serbia and Russia.

Kostunica recalled that Serbia signed the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) yesterday, and pointed to the fact that Serbia is the only country which, besides the New Independent States, has a free trade agreement with Russia.

He stressed that besides economic cooperation, excellent political cooperation exists between Russia and Serbia in all areas, especially regarding the issue of Kosovo-Metohija.

When it comes to this issue, Russia and Serbia have expressed the same commitment to consistent respect of international law, above all the UN Charter, concerning territorial integrity and sovereignty of existing states, the Serbian Prime Minister affirmed.

He said that more and more countries are taking a similar stand on the matter, which is respect of international law, and this is an encouraging fact.

Kostunica expressed satisfaction with the fact that economic and political cooperation between Serbia and Russia are equally developed, and that equal progress is being made in both areas.

According to Kostunica, it is beyond doubt, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has said, that Kosovo-Metohija can not serve as a unique example because every country presents a unique case, but precisely due to that there are rules which must be consistently applied in all cases.

Russia has given support to the clear position that international law must be respected, that a compromise must be found, and that this will be easy if it is sought in the framework of international law and the UN Charter, stressed Kostunica and concluded that compromise can not be achieved if a solution is sought outside the boundaries of the fundamental principles of the Charter.

Russian Ambassador in Belgrade Alexander Alekseev expressed satisfaction at the signing of the Memorandum, due to improvement of cooperation between the two countries, and due to the fact that mutual relations between Serbia and Russia have entered a new and improved level.

Alekseev recalled that political dialogue on all questions of common interest is being developed between Russia and Serbia, and Russia’s stand is that the issue of the future status of Kosovo-Metohija should be resolved in the spirit of safeguarding stability and security in the region and entire Europe.

He recalled that Serbia is one of the most important trade partners of Russia, and added that it is expected that trade between the two countries in 2006 will be worth more than $2 billion.

Serbian Minister of Economy Predrag Bubalo said that signing the Memorandum on constructing a gas pipeline through Serbia will be of great advantage to Serbia, and added that the route of the pipeline will follow the route of the highway to the Bulgarian border.

Bubalo said that the construction of the gas pipeline through Serbia requires nearly two years. He added that the joint Serbian-Russian working group will prepare the details of the Memorandum, in which the next step will be concluding the agreement and drafting the project documentation.

He outlined that this project is the biggest Greenfield investment in the recent period and is a huge incentive for the National Strategy of Serbia’s economic development, keeping in mind the fact that the Serbian government planned that GDP growth should be 7%, and that this projection is based on a minimum of annual investments worth $2 billion.

According to Bubalo, the upcoming ratification of the agreement on free trade with Russia will increase the confidence of foreign investors, and have a positive effect on liberalisation of trade between Serbia and Russia.

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KINA

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Information om »Sidste Nyt« »Sidste Nyt om Albanien, Kosóva og Makedonien« hører til et web-site om de Balkan-lande hvor der lever mange Albanere: http://bjoerna.dk/albanerne.htm. Her kan du også finde »gamle nyheder«, anmeldelser, links og en Balkan Brevkasse. »Sidste Nyt« sættes på nettet senest hver fredag morgen, hvor der sendes besked til dem der ønsker det. Bestilling / afbestilling sker ved at sende en e-mail med teksten »Nyheder udbedes« / »Nyheder afmeldes«. The framework of The Latest News from Albania, Kosóva and Macedonia is in Danish - nevertheless, the news are mostly in English. You may send information, comments and questions to: »The Latest News« [please click]. Nyheder, materiale, kommentarer og spørgsmål modtages meget gerne, både om småting og større ting. Send en e-mail. Tilsvarende hvis du opdager en fejl. Fejl vil blive rettet hurtigst muligt. »Sidste Nyt« og http://bjoerna.dk/albanerne.htm drives non-profit og uden finansiering »udefra«. Hvis du vil være med til at fiansiere udgivelsen kan du lettest gøre det ved at købe én eller flere af mine bøger. Send gerne en mail hvis der er - små eller store - tekniske problemer. Bemærkninger om EDB-sikkerhed. Du må citere hvis du angiver hovedsidens adresse: bjoerna.dk Siderne om Albanerne finder du på: bjoerna.dk/albanerne.htm

»To skridt frem? Albanien i en brydningstid« Baggrundsmateriale kan findes via: http://bjoerna.net/to-skridt-frem/#Linksamling »Albansk Almanak 2004« Almanak'en for 2004 er udkommet i december 2005. Her finder du nyhedsbrevene fra 2004 og nogle kommentarer. Bogen udgives i et sæt bestående af et hæfte (de første 77 sider) og en CD (alle 1264 sider). På CD'en også supplerende materiale - ikke mindst »1912 - Med den serbiske Armé i Makedonien« - Fritz Magnussen's beretninger v/ Palle Rossen. Se indholdsoversigt på: http://bjoerna.dk/albansk-historie/almanak-2004.htm. Se pris på: Bestillingsliste. »Albansk Almanak 2005« Almanak'en for 2005 er udkommet i april 2006. Her finder du nyhedsbrevene fra 2005 og forskelligt supplerende materiale. Bogen udgives i et sæt bestående af et hæfte (ugeoversigterne) og en CD (med ugebrevene og det supplerende materiale - i alt omkring 2.150 sider). Se pris på: Bestillingsliste.

»Albanske Studier« bd. 1-2 Kommentarer til Bjøl, Huntington, Machiavelli, Sørlander, DUPI (Humanitær Intervention), Clausewitz, Mao Zedong, Lars R. Møller, Malcolm og flere andre. Englændere på rejse i Albanien: Edward Lear, Edith Durham og Robert Carver. Bøger om slægtsfejder og blodhævn. Diskussion af Anne Knudsen's disputats om blodhævn på Korsika og af Ismail Kadare's roman »Ufuldendt april«. Baggrundsmateriale om den Sønderjyske general Christian von Holstein, der deltog i Habsburgernes felttog ind i Kosóva i 1689-90. Sidst i bogen et forsøg på en sammenfatning i form af nogle 'grundlæggende synspunkter'. Desuden en kommentar til Hans Hækkerup's »På skansen«. På CD'en supplerende materiale om traditionelle Albanske klædedragter og om Holstein. Hans bog om Kosovo er omtalt i »Albansk Almanak 2004«. Du kan downloade indholdsfortegnelsen og kommentaren til »På skansen« fra: http://bjoerna.dk/albansk-historie/studier-2002.htm Bogen findes i trykt form og på CD (som pdf-fil). Papirudgave 368 A4-sider i 2 bind. Bogen sælges som papirudgave m/ CD og som CD alene. Se pris på: Bestillingsliste. Til dig der kigger på et ældre nummer af »Sidste Nyt«. Seneste udgave af denne »annonce« kan ses på: »Sidste Nyt« (klik)