Foreign investments in B&H plunge

Sarajevo, 14 September 2014 (MIA) - The volume of 2014 foreign investments in Bosnia&Herzegovina has dropped by over 67 percent, which comes as a result of the political instability and administrative obstacles, reads daily "Dnevni Avaz".

Foreign Investors Council president Branimir Muidza says Bosnian laws for investment protection are not implemented in practice or violate the legislation of EU and neighboring countries.

"For example, getting a building permit requires 180 days", Muidza told the paper, adding Bosnia needs a more stable political and legal system, lower taxes, efficient administration and qualified workforce.

Statistical data shows foreign investments in the first half of 2014 amount to EUR 27,2 million, which is a 67.1 percent drop compared to the same period in 2013. ik/13:30

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Serbia: Followers urge creation of Islamic Community party

Belgrade, 14 September 2014 (MIA) - Reis ul Ulema of the Islamic Community of Serbia Adem Zilkic has said this community has received requests from its followers over the establishment of a political party.

"Followers believe certain political factors in Sandzak have lately bargained with the Serbian government and therefore think there should be a political option they would not suffer damages from", said Zilkic.

However, he told Tanjug that he would not enter politics and is "against any interweaving of religion and politics".

"We are a community of Muslims in the whole of Serbia and it would be inappropriate to put ourselves on the side of any option", added Zilkic.

Besides the Islamic Community of Serbia, there is also the Islamic Community in Serbia, which recognizes Bosnian Reil ul Ulema Husein Kavazovic. ik/11:49

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Pentagon: Turkey will contribute in action against ISIL

Washington, 13 September 2014 (MIA) - Turkey will make contributions to military efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants in Syria and Iraq, as it is a NATO member and has geographical advantages for such an action, U.S. Pentagon Spokesperson John Kirby has said.

“Our expectation is that Turkey, a NATO ally, just by virtue of her geography is going to be a partner in this effort, and they indicated that they would be and that they want to be,” Kirby said while responding to a question on Turkey’s not signing the Jeddah communique, which pledges military action on the ISIL, during a press briefing on Friday.

“But it's up to Turkish leaders and the Turkish people to determine how and when that is manifested.  We're not going to dictate to that,” he said.

Turkey has highlighted that it would lend non-combatant support to a possible struggle against ISIL, as its 49 diplomats are still kept hostage by the Jihadists.

Asked about what would happen “if Turkey doesn't contribute anything to the military,” Kirby said: “I don't think it's going to be an issue. I think Turkey will contribute. They've indicated that. But they're going to do it in their own way and in accordance with their own mandates from the Turkish people.”

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry held talks in Ankara to shape the strategy in the fight against jihadists in Iraq and Syria, as Turkey reiterated its readiness for “merely humanitarian assistance” in the region, instead of getting involved in combat operations.

“We are important partners, but not just in NATO,” Kerry said. ik/16:27

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State of emergency in parts of Croatia and B&H due to rainfalls

Zagreb, 13 September 2014 (MIA) - Water levels in rivers is rising in Croatia, Bosnia&Herzegovina and Slovenia due to the torrential rainfalls, whereas state of emergency has been declared in certain regions.

Several communities by river Korana and the Kupa Valley have been evacuated in Croatia's Karlovac on Saturday, as well as Cazin in B&H due to the rising levels of rivers Una and Sana.

The water levels of rivers in Slovenia began to rise in the country's central and eastern regions after the 30-80l/m2 of overnight rainfalls.