North-eastern Dobrogea could become UNESCO Global Geopark

The authorities in Tulcea County are taking steps for the north-eastern Dobrogea to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, a territory of sustainable development whose values and achievements are recognized by the international organization, reported Agerpres. The secretary general of the National Commission of Romania for UNESCO, Madlen Serban, said that the basis for obtaining the status of a UNESCO Global Geopark is the area's geological uniqueness. ''These mountains are older than the Carpathian Mountains, they are unique geological vestiges on this planet’’, said Madlen Serban. She emphasized that this status would not impose any restrictions on residents of the area. Romania currently has two UNESCO Global Geoparks—Țara Hațegului (Hațeg Country) and Ținutul Buzăului (the Buzău Land). The latter is in the process of being reconfirmed.

The leader of the Albanian opposition has been charged with passive corruption

Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) charged former President and Prime Minister Sali Berisha with passive corruption related to the privatization of the Partizani sports complex, shqiptarja.com reported. The leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania is accused of having favored his son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, while he was Prime Minister. Malltezi was one of the former owners of the land on which 19 high-rise buildings were later constructed in Tirana."This is a continuation of a political revenge", Berisha told supporters gathered around the SPAK building, and in turn accused the magistrates of being "mercenaries" of the current socialist prime minister, Edi Rama. The US and the UK have already banned Berisha and close family members from entering their countries due to alleged involvement in corruption.

The Thessaloniki Metro will open to the public at the end of November

''I wouldn't be exaggerating when I say that the Thessaloniki Metro will be a point of attraction for tourists in the city", said Carsten Rasmussen, head of the Greece-Cyprus department of the Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission, after touring the new metro stations. "This is unique and fantastic for the world", Rasmussen said regarding the "Venizelou" station, where final work on the placement of antiquities is being carried out. Mr. Rasmussen expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the work, reported ANA-MPA. "I can confirm that the Thessaloniki metro project is nearing completion", Carsten Rasmussen  noted, explaining that only a few things remain to be completed before November 30. The Thessaloniki Metro will start with 18 trains operating on a 9.6 km route. Six months after the launch, an extension to Kalamaria, covering 4.78 km with an additional 5 stations, will also open. The metro is expected to carry 315,000 passengers daily.

Organization of Turkic States adopts common Turkic alphabet consisting of 34 letters

The Turkic Academy announced that the Turkic World Common Alphabet Commission, established by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), has reached an agreement on adopting a common Turkic alphabet consisting of 34 letters, reports CNN TURK Haber. The third meeting of the Turkic World Common Alphabet Commission took place in Baku from September 9 to 11 in collaboration with the Turkic Academy. On the basis of the Latin-based Common Turkic Alphabet Project proposed by scholars in 1991, a consensus was reached that each letter should represent different phonemes found in Turkic languages, according to the academy. Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are members of the Organization of Turkic States, while Hungary, Turkmenistan and Northern Cyprus are OTS observer members.

Russians establish vibrant community in Serbia

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Russians fleeing the conflict have established a vibrant community in Serbia, reports BTA. While the actual number of Russians in Serbia is smaller than those who have fled to countries such as Germany, their presence is acutely felt in Belgrade. Russian clubs, kindergartens and medical offices have appeared in the Serbian capital. Russians buy food in Russian shops. Russian bands, singers and comedians are performing in Russian clubs, and Russian artists showcase their work in Russian-owned galleries. Between February 2022 and mid-2023, over 30,000 Russians registered for temporary residence in Serbia, the latest data from the Ministry of Interior show. During this influx, Russians established 11,081 businesses across various sectors, from internet-based services to hospitality and sports schools, according to Serbia's business registry.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov