Disputes - international:
the future status of Kosovo remains an unresolved issue in South
Central Europe with Kosovo Albanians overwhelmingly supporting and
Serbian officials opposing Kosovo independence; the international
community has agreed to begin a process to determine final status
only after significant progress has been made in solidifying
multi-ethnic democracy in Kosovo as outlined in the policy of
"standards before status"; the Contact group (including the US, UK,
France, Germany, Italy, and Russia) will review progress on the
UNMIK standard around mid-2005; ethnic Albanians in Kosovo resist
demarcation of the F.Y.R.O.M. boundary in accordance with the 2000
delimitation treaty, which transfers on net a small amount of land
to F.Y.R.O.M.; Serbia and Montenegro have delimited about half of
the boundary with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but sections along the
Drina River remain in dispute
Refugees and internally displaced persons:
refugees (country of origin): 99,170 (Bosnia), 188,656 (Croatia)
IDPs: 225,000 (mostly ethnic Serbs and Roma who fled Kosovo in 1999)
(2004)
Illicit drugs:
transshipment point for Southwest Asian heroin moving to Western
Europe on the Balkan route; economy vulnerable to money laundering
This page was last updated on 10 February, 2005
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@Seychelles
Introduction Seychelles
Background:
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands
ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came
in 1976. Socialist rule was brought to a close with a new
constitution and free elections in 1993. The most recent
presidential elections were held 31 August-2 September 2001.
President RENE, who has served since 1977, was re-elected. On 14
April 2004 RENE stepped down and Vice President James MICHEL was
sworn in as president.
Geography Seychelles
Location:
Eastern Africa, group of islands in the Indian Ocean, northeast of
Madagascar