Majority of people in Turkey are afraid of Covid-19 vaccines

51% of the population in Turkey does not trust the Covid-19 vaccines, indicates a sociological survey by ANDY-AR. 14% of the respondents say that they do not need vaccination. Another 14% say they are afraid and, for that reason, are not going to get a vaccine. Experts say that in order to contain the spread of the epidemic in Turkey, which has, in past weeks been threatening to overwhelm the healthcare system in the country, no less than 60% of the population must be vaccinated. Turkey’s Health Minister Fahrettin Koca stated that vaccinations are to begin in Turkey on 11 December. According to the same survey, 43% of people in Turkey state that the Turkish vaccine will be the most reliable, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports.

On 6 December Romanians vote for parliament

The parliamentary elections in Romania are scheduled for 6 December. So that Romanians living abroad may be able to cast their vote, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing 748 polling stations outside the country, 331 more than in 2016 when there were 417 polling stations abroad, Agerpres reports. Just like the polling stations inside the country, they meet all anti-epidemic requirements. The highest number of Romanian polling stations is in Spain – 140, and in Italy - 137. For the convenience of voters, the polling stations abroad will be open over two days – on 5 and 6 December.

According to sociologists, the ruling right-wing National Liberal Party will win over 28% of the votes, the opposition social democrats – around 24%. Third comes the reformist Save Romania Union-PLUS with 18%, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports.

Serbia stands no chance of opening new chapter in negotiations with EU by end-2020

Serbia will not be opening a single new chapter in its negotiations for membership of the EU by the end of the year because many of the countries of the community believe that the authorities in Belgrade, despite their promises, have failed to put through the necessary reforms in crucial spheres. The EU is not happy with the lack of progress in rule of law, independence of the judiciary and freedom of expression, Beta News Agency reports. European Commission and EU Council of Ministers sources explained for the news agency that the latest discussions before the meeting of EU leaders show that there is no likelihood of a single new chapter being opened, as was previously believed.

North Macedonia does not want “roadmap” with Bulgaria to be part of negotiating framework with EU

The government in North Macedonia states that the “roadmap” for the implementation of the Good Neighbour Agreement with Bulgaria, which Bulgaria is demanding, must remain outside the negotiating framework with the EU, stated government spokesperson Dusko Arsovski, as quoted by MIA. Arsovski stated, that at the moment, at the insistence of Bulgaria, negotiations are underway on Corridor No. 8, accelerating the work of the joint historical committee, putting an end to hate speech etc. “All this is in the direction of building trust in the process. The agreement is a serious document and does not need a new agreement or an annex. All that needs to be done is to add explanations and details in some kind of accompanying document. The roadmap is such a document,” Arsovski adds.

Montenegro and Serbia in dispute over post-1918 history

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Podgorica declared Serbia’s ambassador Vladimir Bojovic persona non grata over a statement he made that the Great National Assembly of 1918, known also as the Podgorica Assembly (skupština) expressed the free will of the Montenegrin people to be united with Serbia. According to the current government of Montenegro the event of 102 years ago illegally deprived Montenegro of its sovereignty. Montenegro is the only country, winner in World War I to have disappeared after the conflict was over. The scandal flared up days after the new Montenegrin parliament formed the coalition government of Zdravko Krivokapić which declared its willingness to improve relations with Serbia.

US welcomes Greece’s interest in acquiring F-35 combat aircraft

“The United States, at the highest levels, has welcomed Greece’s interest in acquiring the F-35 for the Hellenic Air Force,” stated US ambassador to Greece Geoffrey R. Pyatt. “We have signaled our support for procurement and are working closely together on a future acquisition program, which would enhance Greece’s defense capabilities, ensure interoperability with US armed forces and improve regional stability.”

“The path to acquisition of the F-35 is a multi-year process that would naturally build upon the successes realized in Greece’s F-16 Viper upgrade program,” the US diplomat stated. 

Compiled by Ivo Ivanov