Archive for the month of May 2009

Macedonia snubs Kosovo

Macedonia accidentally downgraded a planned visit from Kosovo president Fatmir Sejdiu from "official" to "working," without state ceremony. Sejdiu promptly canceled the planned visit.

Karadzic seeks trial dismissal

Radovan Karadzic filed a 140-page motion arguing that charges against him should be dropped because he was promised immunity by a top US envoy Richard Holbrooke. The motion stated: "If the Trial Chamber finds that the Holbrooke agreement is binding on the Tribunal, it should order that the indictment be dismissed." Holbrooke has repeatedly denied such a deal existed.

Karadzic insists Holbooke deal existed, asked UN for documents

Radovan Karadzic has asked the UN for correspondence or statements by UN members that could support his long-standing claim that US peace envoy Richard Holbrooke was acting with the UN's authority in 1996 when he allegedly promised Karadzic immunity from prosecution if he would give up his power.

Holbrooke has always strongly denied such a deal was ever made.

Boris Tadic's security compromised

In Belgrade, a disgruntled bankrupt businessman armed with two hand grenades had threatened to blow himself up near the entrance of the office of Serbia's president Boris Tadic.

He was arrested and is awaiting charges.

Joe Biden completes Balkans tour

US vice president Joe Biden completed his visit to the Balkans in Kosovo. He said: "We urge you to consolidate your country in transparency, reinforce the rule of law, continue to strengthen the judiciary. Conditions should be met for the return of the refugees." He called Kosovo's independence irreversible.

Biden received warm welcome in Kosovo

US vice president Joe Biden arrived in Kosovo and received a warm welcome. In a brief ceremony, Kosovo president Fatmir Sejdiu awarded Biden with "The Golden Medal of Freedom," the highest decoration in the Balkan territory.

Biden called Kosovo's independence "irreversible".

Kosovo Serbs in Mitrovica staged a protest.

In Serbia, Biden said that the US does not expect Serbia to recognize Kosovo.

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