-
Serbia initially issued a rejection of Kosovo's split from Serbia, but after members of the UN upheld the decision, Serbia rephrased their statement. Instead, they called for talks with Kosovo to secure various political matters. This is very important, as these will be the first talks since Kosovo's separation.
-
Kiki Lesdendric, who played in the popular Serbian band the Pilots will play at the Belgrade Arena on October 2nd. This seems like it might be a significant event for Belgrade.
-
The president of Kosovo, which formerly was a part of Serbia, resigned from his post. While the role of the president is somewhat ceremonial, it could regardless have an impact on upcoming talks with Serbia.
-
Hilary Clinton is heading to the Balkans next month in response to the recent developments in talks between Serbia and Kosovo. She hopes to achieve some reconcilliation between the two nations. I think it's interesting how the US is becoming involved in this matter!
-
Followup to a previous post: Recently, Hilary Clinton visited Kosovo and Serbia in hopes of causing negotiation between the two nations. For Serbia, she discussed helping the nation acquire EU admission, and "she praised the more moderate course" taken by Serbian leaders in recent times.
-
The Serbian secretary of immigration is expected to arrive at Serbia's borders in light of recent events. A large number of people are emmigrating from Serbia for political asylum in European nations. This is largely due to high unemployment in rural, more backward areas.
-
Soon, the International Monetary Fund will review a bailout package of $4 Billion which was given in April 2009. This is both as a "check up", but also a response to the high inflation, which has risen quite a bit above projected goals.
-
The organization Transparency Serbia recently made a statement about the Corruptness of Serbia. TS president Vladimir Goati said that " the main reason that the fight against corruption has stagnated is a political system in which parties dominate over Parliament". Serbia is ranked as 83rd most corrupt out of 180 counties. Some feel that this is hindering its chances to enter the EU.
-
Recently, Serbia urged the 100,000 Serbians living in Kosovo to not vote in the upcoming election to determine Kosovo's government. This ties into the tension between Serbia and Kosovo, in which the former has refused to formally recognize the latter. I'm curious to see how this unfolds.
-
Recently, a law was passed in Serbia which bans smoking indoors and in certain locations such as concerts. This to the dismay of many, as 1 of every 3 Serbians are cigarette smokers, and smoking is a deeply rooted routine. However, it is positive in the respect that it moves Serbia closer to EU membership.
-
It was reported that the "Bad loans" in Serbia's economy have increased during its 3rd quarter. These loans are considered non-performing - essentially defaulting loans. The government stated that it's not worried out of the notion that "for the first time in two years investment loans outpaced liquidity loans in terms of their quarterly rise. Such an increase in investment loans may be seen as a harbinger of an investment upturn.""
-
Serbia announced that it would reduce its budget to 4.1% of the GDP. Previously, it was at 4.8%. Despite this, the authorities think this will not hurt the recovery that began with the IMF loan which began some months ago.
-
Recently, "Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić said [...] that Serbia has been ready for dialogue with Priština "for weeks"." It'll be interesting to see what comes of this.
-
For the anticipated talks with Kosovo, Serbia wants to uncover the alleged practices of organ trafficking. "Kidney’s as well as other organs were allegedly taken from Serbs and other opponents of rebel Kosovar forces during Kosovo’s war of succession in 1999. "
-
In light of the deficit issues with Serbia, some are considering a further "precautionary loan" to aid with lowering the deficit.
-
Recently, in a huge operation, Serbia disposed of 13kg of highly enriched uranium. This places the nation at less of a risk from nuclear terrorists seeking to make a "dirty bomb."
-
"Cvetkovic, a 57-year-old economist and a senior Democrat, will lead a coalition of the liberal Democratic Party and the Socialist Party. He said practical priorities would include building up infrastructure, modernizing the health sector and continuing education and economic reforms." This is intended to hasten the process of Serbia's entry into the European Union.
-
After two checkpoints were burned down by Serbians angry at Kosovo's independence, the UN made this decision. I wonder if this will actually decrease tensions...
-
An official from the IMF said that Serbia has done well to overcome some short term issues, such as those regarding currency and deficit. Perhaps this improvement is lasting.
-
New measures intend to tighten bank control, especially regarding non-performing loans. This might help to improve the economic difficulties facing Serbia.
-
Recently, protests have broken out by opposition groups out of discontent for high unemployment (26%) and low incomes. Amazingly, there were around 55,000 to 100,000 at the opposition rally. I wonder how this will change future events?
-
Given that the current IMF deal expires in April, Serbia wants further aid following the april deadline.
-
Talk will occur with the Prime Minister's office to hopefully address issues regarding the financial status of Serbia. Specifically, public sector jobs are demanding higher wages, etc.
-
This is related to the post made earlier regarding the allegations of organ trafficking from the 1990's. I'm curious to see if the UN finds anything conclusive regarding this controversy.
