August 4, 2007: Bosnian Moslem leaders are demanding that the
United Nations "dissolve" the Republika Srpska. The Bosniaks assert that the
Bosnian Serb state-let is the "result of the genocide." In February 2007 the
international court charged with investigating war crimes in the former
Yugoslavia ruled that the Sbrenrebica massacre in 1995 was "an act of
genocide." The Bosniaks want the Serb region permanently incorporated into
Bosnia-Herzegovina. Not surprisingly, this is unpopular among Bosnian Serbs. A
recent poll indicated over 70 percent of Bosnian Serbs prefer keeping the
Republika Srpska.
August 2, 2007: Kosovo
police seized over 500 pistols, a few rifles and over 2,000 rounds of ammo,
from smugglers bringing the weapons across the border from Macedonia. Smuggling
has been a major source of jobs in the area for centuries. Of late, however,
people (illegal migrants), weapons and drugs are the most common items being
moved.
July 31, 2007: Following
a recent visit by Greece's prime minister to the island, the Greek government
is once again focusing on Cyprus. The Greek officials statement said that
resolving the situation on Cyprus was essential if Greek-Turk relations are to
reach "a new level." That kind of language could imply Greek support for
Turkey's entrance into the EU.
July 27, 2007: A bomb
detonated by a road wounded 10 Kosovar Albanians who were traveling on a bus.
The bomb appears to have been a hand grenade rigged as a booby trap.
July 26, 2007: The UN's
senior representative in Kosovo said that Kosovo should conduct municipal and
parliamentary elections in November 2007. He made the recommendation despite
the UN's failure to resolve Kosovo's "final status." Most Serbs will interpret
this decision as another indication that the UN remains intent on creating an
independent Kosovo.
July 18, 2007: Turkey is
buying 40 trainer aircraft, from South Korea, for its air force.
