Czech PM denounces bombing attacks in Moscow metro
Special Report: Twin blasts rock Moscow subway
Backgrounder: Major metro blasts in Russia since 1998
A fire-fighter and Interior Ministry officers work near the entrance of the Lubyanka metro station in Moscow March 29, 2010. An explosion ripped through Lubyanka station in central Moscow at rush hour on Monday, killing at least 20 people and wounding 11 more, the Emergencies Ministry said. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
PRAGUE, March 29 (Xinhua) — Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer denounced on Monday terrorist attacks in Moscow metro stations in the morning rush hour, which left at least 38 people killed and dozens injured.
\”The government of the Czech Republic, its citizens and I personally condemn any sign of violence and terrorism as unacceptable and reprehensible,\” Fischer said in a letter of condolences to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
\”I would like to voice my sympathies to the families and relatives of all the victims and I wish the injured to recover as soon as possible,\” Fischer said.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Kohout also sent condolences to the relatives of the victims and the whole Russian nation. \”The shocking barbarous act has deprived of life of tens of innocent civilians,\” Kohout said.
Prague City Hall offered aid to Moscow soon after the twin blasts. \”Prague will offer any help the Russian capital will ask for,\” the office of Prague mayor said.
Related:
37 died, 102 injured in Moscow twin blasts: minister
MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) — Russian Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu said 37 people were killed and another 102 injured in the twin explosions that rocked central Moscow\’s subway stations early Monday.
The blasts were confirmed as having been set off by two female suicide bombers who probably were linked to terrorist groups in the North Caucasus.?Full story
Medvedev says to fight terrorism without hesitation
MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) — Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday that his country will fight terrorism without hesitation and to the end, local media reported.
Medvedev, who has ordered to beef up security on transport all over the country, said Russia will continue to fight terrorism.?Full story
Russia to track down terrorists: Putin
MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) — The organizers of the Moscow metro terror blast will be tracked down and punished, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin vowed Monday.
\”It is well known that today a terrible crime against civilians in its effects and disgusting in its character was carried out,\” Putin said. \”Dozens of people died in the subway.\”?Full story
BELGRADE, March 29 (Xinhua) — Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ilir Meta suggested the establishment of a regular airline route between the two Balkan capitals of Tirana and Zagreb during a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor in Zagreb on Monday.
Ilir said that a regular air route would help develop stronger economic ties between the two countries. He further stated that a joint economic commission should be organized to promote economic cooperation. Tourism and construction were mentioned as spheres of mutual economic interest.
Kosor said that Croatia and Albania, as two future NATO member states, had \”good political and friendly relations,\” according to a Croatian government press release. Kosor also indicated the possibility of a visit to Tirana in the near future.
Earlier in the day, Ilir met with Croatian President Ivo Josipovic. The focus of their discussion was, reportedly, regional cooperation and stability. Ilir said that Croatia\’s experience in negotiating with the European Union could be of particular benefit to Albania, and anticipated even closer cooperation in this area.
Related:
Balkan leaders agree to adopt \”culture of dialogue\”
BRDO PRI KRANJU, Slovenia, March 20 (Xinhua) — Western Balkans nations have ended a conference here with an agreement to adopt a \”culture of dialogue\” in an effort to build greater regional trust, the respective prime ministers of Slovenia and Croatia, Borut Pahor and Jadranka Kosor, announced Saturday.
Seven prime ministers from the Western Balkans signed a joint declaration that reaffirmed their commitment to joining the EU, their respect for European standards and their commitment to pursue the necessary reforms. The declaration also called on the EU to \”maintain the enlargement process high on its agenda\”.? Full story
http://www.pq365.com
BELGRADE, March 29 (Xinhua) — After 19 years on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Canadian Armed Forces mission officially ended in this Balkan country on Monday. A farewell ceremony held at NATO base Butmir, near Sarajevo, marked the departure of the last five Canadian officers and non-commissioned officers.
\”Our soldiers are now needed in places like Afghanistan,\” said Canadian Ambassador to Bosnia, Pierre Guimond, according to Croatian news agency HINA.
The first Canadian troops arrived in 1991, as part of the United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNPROFOR). Since that time, an estimated 40,000 Canadian soldiers have served, with 23 dying in Bosnia.
Related:
Bosnia would be welcomed into NATO: Rasmussen
BELGRADE, March 23 (Xinhua) — NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen confirmed on Tuesday that the military alliance would welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina into its ranks, but added that the process came with conditions.
Rasmussen, along with the ambassadors of NATO member states in Bosnia, met in Sarajevo with the collective presidency of Bosnia to discuss NATO\’s Membership Action Plan (MAP).? Full story
http://www.znnw.com
Special Report: Twin blasts rock Moscow subway
Backgrounder: Major metro blasts in Russia since 1998
A fire-fighter and Interior Ministry officers work near the entrance of the Lubyanka metro station in Moscow March 29, 2010. An explosion ripped through Lubyanka station in central Moscow at rush hour on Monday, killing at least 20 people and wounding 11 more, the Emergencies Ministry said. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
BUDAPEST, March 29 (Xinhua) — Hungarian Prime Minister Gordon Bajnai extended in a telegram to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday his sympathy with the victims of the subway bombings in Moscow, condemning the act of terrorism in Hungary\’s name.
Bajnai said that Hungary was committed to international cooperation to combat terrorism. He also asked the Russian prime minister to relay the condolences of the Hungarian government to the people injured and the families of the people killed.
Two explosions in Moscow subway stations earlier on Monday have claimed 38 lives as of Monday afternoon, and required the hospitalization of 64 people. Russian authorities have called it a terrorist attack.
Related:
37 died, 102 injured in Moscow twin blasts: minister
MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) — Russian Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu said 37 people were killed and another 102 injured in the twin explosions that rocked central Moscow\’s subway stations early Monday.
The blasts were confirmed as having been set off by two female suicide bombers who probably were linked to terrorist groups in the North Caucasus.?Full story
Medvedev says to fight terrorism without hesitation
MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) — Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday that his country will fight terrorism without hesitation and to the end, local media reported.
Medvedev, who has ordered to beef up security on transport all over the country, said Russia will continue to fight terrorism.?Full story
Russia to track down terrorists: Putin
MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) — The organizers of the Moscow metro terror blast will be tracked down and punished, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin vowed Monday.
\”It is well known that today a terrible crime against civilians in its effects and disgusting in its character was carried out,\” Putin said. \”Dozens of people died in the subway.\”?Full story
Plastic explosives set off Moscow metro blasts: official
MOSCOW, March 29 (Xinhua) — The twin blasts that rocked central Moscow\’s subway stations during the rush hour early Monday were triggered by plastic-based explosives, said a spokesman for the Investigative Committee of Russian Prosecutor General\’s Office.
TIRANA, March 19 (Xinhua) — A senior European Union official on Friday urged Albanian political parties to resolve their political impasse which might endanger the country\’s prospect of joining the EU.
\”If the current political stalemate were to persist and remain unresolved, the integration process could slow down,\” Stefan Fuele, the EU Enlargement Commissioner, said after he met with Albanian President Bamir Topi.
Albania\’s ruling Democratic party led by Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the opposition Socialists led by Edi Rama are still locked in a vicious quarrel over last year\’s general elections.
The opposition accused the Democrats of manipulating ballot counting and threatened to stage more street protests if its demand for a partial ballot recount is not met. Berisha denied the allegations and ruled out ballots recounting.
Before Fuele set foot in Albania on Friday, the EU\’s delegation had issued a declaration, in which Fuele called on Albanian political leaders to work together so that Albania can fully embark on the reforms necessary for the EU.
\”In the interest of their country and European integration perspective, Albanian political leaders should now deal with this challenge in a constructive manner and under the European Union spirit,\” Fuele said in the statement.
http://www.minamik.com
TIRANA, March 19 (Xinhua) — A senior European Union official on Friday urged Albanian political parties to resolve their political impasse which might endanger the country\’s prospect of joining the EU.
\”If the current political stalemate were to persist and remain unresolved, the integration process could slow down,\” Stefan Fuele, the EU Enlargement Commissioner, said after he met with Albanian President Bamir Topi.
Albania\’s ruling Democratic party led by Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the opposition Socialists led by Edi Rama are still locked in a vicious quarrel over last year\’s general elections.
The opposition accused the Democrats of manipulating ballot counting and threatened to stage more street protests if its demand for a partial ballot recount is not met. Berisha denied the allegations and ruled out ballots recounting.
Before Fuele set foot in Albania on Friday, the EU\’s delegation had issued a declaration, in which Fuele called on Albanian political leaders to work together so that Albania can fully embark on the reforms necessary for the EU.
\”In the interest of their country and European integration perspective, Albanian political leaders should now deal with this challenge in a constructive manner and under the European Union spirit,\” Fuele said in the statement.
http://www.minamik.com
