Defence Ministry

Bulgaria Could Have New Combat Aircraft after 3-1/2 Years - Defence Minister

The Bulgarian Air Force could have its ageing Soviet-made combat aircraft replaced by new multi-role warplanes in the next three to three-and-a half years, Defence Minister Nikolay Nenchev said on Wednesday.

The government commission tasked with studying the available options is expected to submit a report by the end of March, Nenchev told bTV broadcaster.

Army Joins Flood Relief Effort in Albania

Flooding resulting from heavy rain has blocked roads and caused power outages in several parts of Albania. In the capital, Tirana, the river has overflowed its banks and flooded dozens of houses on the outskirts.

The Coordination Committee of Civil Emergencies said large areas were submerged also in Lezha, Durres, Elbasan and Kuksi, and many families had been evacuated.

Serbian Minister Accused of Turning Troops Into Waiters

Serbian opposition parties have slated the Defence Minister, Bratislav Gasic, for allowing a local authority to use soldiers to serve alcoholic drinks - rakija [fruit brandy] and boiled wine - at a pop concert in the minister's home town of Krusevac on December 31.

The event was a concert by the popular folk singer Svetlana "Ceca" Raznatovic.

Putin says Turkey's leaders back 'Islamisation' of Turkish society: Agencies

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Nov. 25 said Turkey's political leaders had been encouraging the Islamisation of Turkish society, something he said was a problem, Russian agencies quoted him as saying.

Speaking a day after Turkey shot down one of Moscow's jets, Putin said: 

"The problem is not the tragedy we witnessed yesterday," the TASS news agency quoted him as saying. 

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