Briefly

ICELAND

Map showing country under US flag slammed

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir and Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir on Tuesday condemned a social media post by US President Donald Trump showing Iceland and several neighboring countries covered by the US flag, saying the post should be taken seriously. Frostadottir told a government news conference on Tuesday morning that the message conveyed by the image was "absurd" and described it as an insult to Icelanders, Canadians and Greenlanders. Gunnarsdottir said Iceland had sent a clear message to the United States that the post was "completely unacceptable". She said Iceland is a sovereign and independent state responsible for its own destiny, adding that no other country could determine how Iceland handles its independence or sovereignty.

SERBIA

President dissolves parliament, calls polls

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday signed a decree dissolving parliament and called snap parliamentary elections for Oct 25. Vucic made the announcement in a televised address at noon, saying the decision was aimed at easing prolonged political tensions and giving voters a clear say on the country's future. "We need election results that will clearly determine and demonstrate the will of the citizens, where, in what direction, and on what path Serbia is heading," he said. As president, Vucic said, he had always been guided by "the vital state interests of the Republic of Serbia and the interests of the citizens of Serbia". He said the timing of the election would allow Serbia to prepare for Expo 2027, which will open in Belgrade in May next year, as well as for the country's future development.

XINHUA