Berlin

BELGRADE - Economies in the region need to set up stronger ties in order to achieve economic growth, Serbian Minister of Economy Zeljko Sertic underscored in the talks with AmCham representatives from the Western Balkans on Wednesday.

According to the index published by the Berlin-based watchdog on Wednesday, Albania and Kosovo are ranked joint 110th out of 174 countries around the world that were assessed in the report.

Greece scored 43 out of 100 points on the perception of corruption scale published by Berlin-based NGO Transparency International on Wednesday, but showing that it has made some progress from last year when it scored 40 points.

Corruption is feared to be worsening in Turkey, China and other fast-growing economies, an anti-graft watchdog warned on Dec. 3, also urging the world's banking centers to help combat sleaze and money-laundering.

Germany to back chapter opening "when conditions are met"

BERLIN -- The German government welcomed the progress Serbia made, country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement given to Tanjug over the weekend.

It noted at the same time that Berlin "will back the opening of negotiating chapters as soon as the conditions set by the EU are fulfilled."

Berlin to back chapter opening upon fulfilment of conditions
BERLIN - The German government welcomed the progress Serbia made and noted that Berlin will back the opening of negotiating chapters as soon as the conditions set by the EU are fulfilled, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin stated in a release submitted to Tanjug.

BELGRADE - Officials of the Serbian Chamber of Public Notaries on a visit to Berlin received significant support from their German colleagues for the setting up of a modern and efficient public notary system.

A Turkish referee who was dropped by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) after coming out as gay has received the Respect Award, given Nov. 24 annually by the Berlin-based LGBT rights nongovernmental organization Alliance Against Homophobia.

The capital of South Korea is hosting an exhibition by Turkey’s legendary photography virtuoso Ara Güler.

"No danger of Moscow's influence in Balkans"

BERLIN -- Brussels-based analyst Dušan Reljić says there is "no danger of Moscow applying political or military pressure on former Yugoslav republics or Albania."...