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Levski whitewashed CSKA by 2-0 after a total superiority in the super-derby of the Bulgarian football at 'Georgi Asparouhov' stadium yesterday. Serb midfielder Sasa Simonovic made a goal debut in blue jersey. Levski's star Georgi Ivanov - Gonzo, finished off the 'reds' scoring a goal in the dying minutes. Photo Ivan Yotchev
Anniversary of Vejce Massacre.
Reality Macedonia - MIA
Skopje, April 25 (MIA) - Marking the first anniversary since the massacre over the members of Macedonian security forces at the Tetovo village of Vejce on 28 April 2001, Association of families of the killed and wounded soldiers - victims of the Albanian terrorism informed on the ongoing procedure of criminal charges brought against persons directly or indirectly responsible for the slaughter at Wednesday press - conference.
Reminding that the Macedonian Public Prosecutor, Stavre Dzhikov refused their criminal charges, the families' attorney Ignat Panchevski informed that the families of the killed and wounded soldiers, as secondary prosecutors, submitted a request to the Elementary Court Skopje 1 for conducting the investigation.
Panchevski pointed out that if the Elementary Court drops the request, the families would address to the International Criminal Court that should start functioning within next year.
He also reminded that during January 2002, criminal charges were brought against ten persons, including President Trajkovski, the leader of the former "NLA," Ali Ahmeti, as well as against leaders of the political parties of DPA and PDP, Arben Xhaferi and Imer Imeri. Panchevski announced that the criminal charges would be pressed against other 20 persons, most of them Macedonians.
Panchevski claims that "the price for committing this crime act" amounted to DM 600,000. "As the money disappeared, we are still investigating the case who took the money in return for 'selling' the police patrol," Panchevski pointed out, adding that there were "enough facts to continue the investigation."
He also stated that when additional evidence would be found, pointing out to other "mass traitors", the list should be extended.
According to him, the person that was suspected of involvement in the massacre was promoted after few months.
As to the request submitted to the legislative committee for authentic interpretation of the Amnesty Law, Panchevski stated that after the first refusal of the request, under the explanation that Macedonian Assembly's protocol allows only certain physical and legal entities to submit this kind of request, the legislative committee responded that "the Law on amnesty would be additionally reviewed."
The attorney of the Association of the killed soldiers' families informed that the Constitutional Court is expected to reveal its position regarding the initiative for evaluation of validity of the amnesty Law.
It was stressed at the conference that there were no donations granted so far to the families of killed and wounded persons, and there was also no information regarding the amount and the origin of the donation, i.e. foreign or native.
Panchevski informed that there were no realized contacts with the Hague Tribunal in regard to the Vejce massacre so far. "The Hague Tribunal's Office in the country did not show any interest regarding the families of the killed soldiers, or myself as their legal representative, to find out the facts on the massacre that were at our disposal", Panchevski explained, stating that "the Hague Tribunal would never proceed this case." SITUATION IN CRISIS REGIONS.
MIA
It is calm Thursday morning in Tetovo crisis region There are no violations of the public order and peace, unlike the night when series of rifle and sporadic shots were registered, reported MIA's correspondent.
According to the Interior Department in Tetovo, around 3:00 a.m. series of shots came from the village of Lisec, followed by three flare missiles.
A fire was opened overnight from the direction of the villages of Gajre, Neraste, Odri, Dobroste, Trebos, the Vratnicko Ezero county, the Tetovo Teke, as well as from the settlements of Vonvardarska, Kupenik, Drenovec 2, Sipad and the surrounding area of the SEE university.
The provocations had no determinate targets.
The public order and peace was violated in several occasions overnight in Gostivar crisis region.
As reported by the Media Activity Center at the governmental Coordinate Body for Crisis Management, the night in Kumanovo region went by relatively calm and the cease-fire accord was violated in only one occasion.
NEW SERIES OF EARTHQUAKES.
MIA
Seismological Observatory of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics of the University "SS Cyril and Methodius" has registered new series of earthquakes.
Seismological Observatory reports a series of earthquakes have been felt since 13:18 hours Wednesday until 05:43 hours Thursday whereat the strongest shakes are felt in Kumanovo and Skopje region.
On Wednesday, three earthquakes with intensity of 4 to 5 degrees according to the European Macroseismic Scale have been felt from 13:18 hours until 13:33 hours, and one earthquake with intensity of 4 degrees has been registered at 18:04 hours.
During Wednesday night two more earthquakes have been recorded the first at 01:38 hours with intensity of 5 degrees according to European Macroseismic Scale and the second at 05:43 with intensity of 4 to 5 degrees.
The earthquake has been recorded Wednesday at 12:52 hours in Macedonia, whose epicentre was 45-km northeast from Skopje near the Republic of Serbia. The intensity of the focus was 5 degrees on the Richter Scale.
PRIME MINISTER LJUBCHO GEORGIEVSKI: THE STRUGGLE AGAINST CORRUPTION IS PERMANENT.
MIA
"Corruption exists in all states but it is measurable", said Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubcho Georgievski noting that he is ready to discuss that topic at any time and to show the figures of the corruption in Macedonia in comparison with the other countries and regions in the world, adding that "the struggle against corruption is permanent".
Georgievski said that the problems resulting from the crisis would be soon surpassed, pointing out the writings in "Financial Times" according to which " just prior to the crisis Macedonia was holding the second position in Southeastern Europe, right after Slovenia."
"The corruption is not something that can be commonly discussed, but we should review the figures and analyze them," he said. According to him the most criticized segment for possible corruption is the customs services.
"We are in a situation to resolve the problem with the bankrupted savings banks TAT, Alfa S and Lavci," Georgievski said, adding that there would be results in that respect soon. He also reminded that the Government has returned $ 550 million of foreign debts, without increasing it.
Asked which election unit he would lead on the forthcoming parliamentary elections, Georgievski said that "there would be either one leader for all election units or one leader for each of the units." "If there are six leaders than we shall think about it," he said.
Regarding the differences on the security concept with Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, Georgievski said: "the problem with the security concept does not lie in the differences between me and the president, but in the Macedonian public. There are different concepts for security, but that is not a problem of two persons but an overall Macedonian problem."
According to Georgievski, "the campaign against the special police forces 'Lions' is ran by the Macedonian politicians and media, and not by the Albanian, and the foreign media reports 80 percent of what they hear from the Macedonian politicians and media."
"The campaign against the 'Lions' also reflects in the European Union," Georgievski said, adding that "EU said that the 'Lions' should be disbanded, but the security situation does not allow the disbanding." He expressed assurance that "the policy of the international organizations would change once the campaign on 'Lions' is changed."
Regarding the developments in the Albanian political block and establishing permanent coalition with DPA, Georgievski said that "there is a policy in the Albanian block that will use all necessary measures to break the coalition between VMRO-DPMNE and DPA. "Those who are surprised from DPA's wish to be a partner of VMRO-DPMNE, will use all measures including the weapons," he said.
Considering VMRO-DPMNE's position for not creating coalitions during the elections, Georgievski said that this position was not official, as that is only a position of some of the deputies.
Macedonian Air Force Strengthened With Paratroop Detachment.
Reality Macedonia
By Igor Bozhinovski
The Macedonian Army new elite 501. parachute diversion detachment (501. Padobransko Diverzantski Odred - 501 PDO) called Sokoli (Falcons) is fully operational within the Macedonian Air Force since April 2002. The 501. parachute diversion detachment is established under the plans for reorganization of the Macedonian Armed Forces (Armija na Republika Makedonija) in accordance with the NATO standards. According to Macedonian newspaper Dnevnik, the Sokoli will be under command of Colonel Miroslav Stojanovski, the first commander of the Macedonain Army elite special task unit Volci (Wolfs) and officer that all his live spend serving the special task units. The soldiers that are serving 501. parachute diversion detachment are trained for different types of operations on any terrain configuration and in any weather conditions, among other for air dessants, special combat operations behind the enemy lines and leading Macedonian Air Force aircraft on enemy positions (FOC - Forward Air Controllers). The Falkons will soon be trained for humanitarian missions as well.
The creation of 501. parachute diversion detachment was announced on November 1 when former Macedonian Minister of Defence, Vlado Buckovski, informs that Macedonian Army is building and equipping a new professional elite unit that will be part of the Macedonian Air Force. He also announced that for that reason Macedonian Air Force would soon acquire new An-74 Coaler transport aircraft. Macedonian media reported that Macedonian Government, on its session held on April 2, decide to refuse the initiative of the Cabinet of the Macedonian President, Boris Trajkovski, for buying one An-74 transport aircraft from Ukraine for a price of approximately 6 million USD. Shortly after this information was published, Cabinet of the Macedonian President demanded that Macedonian President, Boris Trajkovski, send official request to the Macedonian Government for buying one An-74 transport aircraft from Ukraine. Because the Macedonian acquisition of An-74 from Ukraine is highly uncertain [due to NATO-imposed embargo on import of weapons], there is some unconfirmed information that Macedonian Air Force has started negotiations for acquiring one An-2 transport aircraft from Macedonian aviation club "Kumanovo" located in the town with the same name. The plan is to use the An-2 for parachute training of the Macedonian Air Force elite 501. parachute diversion detachment until new An-74 or other transport aircraft become part of the Macedonian Air Force. Currently, paratroopers of detachment 501 use Macedonian Air Force Mi-24V, Mi-8MT and sometimes UH-1H helicopters.
Robot Made in Macedonia Successful at World Fair in Paris.
Reality Macedonia - MIA
Macedonians' choice: Make progress, not war!
Prilep, April 25 (MIA) - The producer of the first Macedonian industrial robot, company "Mikrosam" from Prilep, participated at the world fair for composite materials, which was held between April 9-11 in Paris.
The only company from Macedonia presented its latest technological achievement in filament-widing technology.
"The machine with 6 axes is presented before the world for the first time. It included 'Mikrosam' in the three leading companies in the field of composite materials", director of "Mikrosam" Blagoja Samakoski emphasised.
At today's press conference, Samakoski said that the participation at the fair and the interest for the Macedonian company resulted in delivery agreements of 3 of these machines in China, Norway and France.
"Mikrosam" began its cooperation with the renowned company for production of snickers "Nike", thus solving the future technological problems of the company.
In the meantime, the Prilep producer of top class technology signed a cooperation agreement with the Institute for cosmic materials at the Moscow University of Cosmonautics.
The agreement envisages promotion of technologies of "Mikrosam" in Russia, a joint performance with the Institute at a third market, as well as use of scientific resources of the Moscow Institute for the needs of "Mikrosam" in future technological development.
The agreement has also been confirmed by the Macedonian Ministry of Education and Science, thus promoting the Prilep company as carrier of the scientific cooperation between Macedonia and Russia.
NATO Awards Medals For Service In Macedonia.
Reality Macedonia - MIA
Brussels, April 25 (MIA) - NATO Secretary General George Robertson awarded Thursday medals to 16 NATO personnel who took part in last year NATO operations in Macedonia.
The group, mostly civilian as well as military personnel normally working at NATO headquarters in Brussels, had played valuable role in an "historic" operation that successfully prevented a civil conflict, Robertson said.
"I believe firmly that historians and political science students will look back at this operation as one of the most successful examples ever of preventive diplomacy," Robertson said.
In a personal letter sent from Skopje, Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski thanked all of those from NATO who had helped the country. Extending his best wishes to those receiving the medal, Trajkovski says, "It is my great pleasure to share with you my personal appreciation, and that of the Macedonian people, for the NATO missions in Macedonia."
The NATO medal has been awarded previously for services related to SFOR and KFOR operations in Bosnia and Kosovo. 26 Tremours Scared Bulgaria.
Standartnews
A chimney fell down, a worker was injured, the cellular lines broke down
Series of quakes were registered after the first one at 1.52 p.m.
* At 2.18 p.m. a second tremour was felt measuring around 4.3 on the Richter scale;
* At 2.24 a third one was felt measuring around 4.4 on the Richter scale;
* At 2.34 p.m. a fourth one - 4.5 on Richter.
Scores of Bulgarians from Sofia, Blagoevgrad, Pernik, Pazardzhik, Kyustendil, Kardzhali rushed into the streets. This country was panic-stricken when a sever quake shook Bulgaria at 13.52 p.m. It was epicentred some 130 km south-west of Sofia, nearby the Serb town of Presevo. 25 more minor tremours were felt in Bulgaria after that.
A worker at a construction was injured by falling pipes. Kindergartens, schools and administrations were rapidly evacuated all over the country.
The cellular lines - the MobilTel and Globul networks - in the regions of Sofia and the Pirin Mountain were switched off for 20 minutes.
No victims or damages were reported.
Team of "Standart"
5.5 on Richter Scale Quakes Serbia.
Standartnews
Bulgaria in panic, kindergartens and schools evacuated, police and fire brigades on alert.
Bulgarians, Serbs and Macedonians are in shock after another severe earthquake in the Balkans. The quake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale hit Serbia close to the town of Presevo. It was about as strong as the earthquake in Strazhitsa several years ago. One man died in the town of Gnjilane in Kosovo. The tremor was the strongest in Skopje, in Bulgaria the most affected region is around Blagoevgrad. The Macedonians, who still remember the horrible earthquake that devastated the city in 1963, dashed to the streets in panic. At 1.52 p.m. the whole of Bulgaria quaked. In the Pirin Mountain region, Pernik, Pazardzhik, Kjustendil, Haskovo, Kardzhali and Sofia people were scared to death. All children were evacuated from kindergartens and schools, police and fire brigades were on alert. The tremor was weaker in Vidin, Pleven and Veliko Tarnovo, said chief of the Civil Protection Agency, General Nikola Nikolov. The epicenter is in the Sar Mountains on the territory of Yugoslavia, said Emil Botev, senior research worker from the Seismology Institute to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Colonel Slobodan Milikovic of the Belgrade fire service reported that the center of the earthquake was close to the town of Kopelnik, 50 km to the south of Nis. Three hours after he strongest quake, 25 other, hundreds times weaker tremors followed.
Gerdzhikov: Don't Look at Chandeliers, Vote!
Standartnews
"There's a quake, keep quiet!", appealed to the MPs Chairman of Parliament Ognyan Gerdzhikov. Most of them haven't felt the quake. After the warning all directed their eyes to the huge chandeliers. "Don't look up, think about the texts", Gerdzhikov raised his voice. However, seeing that his colleagues are visibly uneasy, he announced a break. All drivers dashed to their cars to be prepared to take the deputies to safe places in case of emergency. At the same time the administration of the "Radisson" hotel complex warned their customers to be prepared for evacuation if there is another quake. Eventually, advisor to Margaret Thatcher, Harvey Thomas, managed to gather several MPs for his lecture in one of the hotel's halls. Nine UtdDF members, headed by Yordan Sokolov, showed enviable zeal for learning.
Ministers Were not Scared.
Standartnews
No one in the Council of Ministers was scared by the quake, employees from the administration said. Government officials felt the tremour and got into the corridors. No one rushed into the street, eyewitnesses confirmed. The tremours must have been strong if such a sound building swayed, officials elaborated. The cabinet members, however, refused to elaborate on what the top administration should do in case of emergency, when the government of the country is at risk. There was action plans and people in charge of these issues, they were flat.
USA-PM-END OF VISIT.
BTA
PM Saxe-Coburg-Gotha: "Our Efforts Are Appreciated"
Washington, April 25 (BTA special correspondent Roumyana Kinkina) - Speaking to Bulgarian journalists, Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha made a positive assessment of the results of his visit to the US. According to him, these results are yet to be felt.
The visit to the US was very important not only for Bulgaria's image but also for its development in the next few months, the Bulgarian Prime Minister said on the last day of his working visit to the US at the invitation of US President George Bush.
The support expressed by the US President in his statements and the assessments made by him and US Secretary of State Colin Powell, show that our efforts are being appreciated, the Prime Minister said when asked whether he feels more confident about Bulgaria's bid to join NATO.
Saxe-Coburg-Gotha said his meeting with Bush exceeded his expectations because instead of being a protocol one it developed into a lively dialogue in which the US President asked him many questions. Bush showed interest in ethnic issues, Bulgaria's economic and political development, the reform in its armed forces and relations with the neighbours.
The Prime Minister, who presented the US President with an icon of St George, said that he had received a crystal eagle as a gift from the President.
The Prime Minister commented on his words, quoted in "The Washington Times". If Bulgaria is not invited to NATO, disappointment may lead to a withdrawal and spark a certain primitive nationalism. According to Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, no conclusions can be drawn from the fact that he is visiting Washington before Moscow. The invitation to visit the US came before the invitation from Russia.
The corruption issue was raised at the discussion at the Brookings Institute attended by the Bulgarian Prime Minister. Justice Minister Anton Stankov was included in the official delegation as a clear signal to the US public of the importance the Bulgarian Government attaches to the issue, the Prime Minister said. The discussion "Bulgaria: America's New Ally in Southeastern Europe", which was closed to the press, was attended by diplomats and representatives of the top US administration and NGOs.
"The interest shown in Bulgaria was great and I believe we will receive additional support from these circles," the Prime Minister said.
USA-BULGARIA-FIGHTING CORRUPTION.
BTA
US Will Grant Bulgaria Technical and Material Assistance in Fighting Corruption.
Washington, April 25 (BTA corr. Roumyana Kinkina) - Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Andrew Natsios, Administrator at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) signed an agreement on cooperation in a new anti-corruption initiative for enhancing the efficiency of the Bulgarian authorities in fighting corruption and support for NGOs working in this field.
The three-year programme is worth 6.8 million US dollars and provides for Bulgaria to receive technical assistance, training and limited material assistance. The anti-corruption programme will help set up internal audit structures at Bulgarian ministries.
The main purpose of the initiative is to increase transparency and restrict corruption opportunities in the public administration.
REPUBLIC OF KOREA - DEPUTY PM - VISIT.
BTA
Bulgaria, South Korea Sign Agreement on Mutual Protection, Promotion of Investments.
Sofia, April 25 (BTA) -Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Nikolai Vassilev, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Korea, met on Thursday with Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy Nyom Chin and Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Sin Kuk-hwan, the press office of the Economy Ministry said.
The participants in the talks noted the mutual wish to activate bilateral trade and economic relations.
The sides signed an agreement on mutual protection and promotion of investment.
Vassilev said that expanding of contacts with Asian countries, especially with South Korea, China and Japan is one of the priorities of the policies pursued by the incumbent Bulgarian government. "The present visit should be considered in the context of these priorities," Vassilev said.
The Bulgarian minister invited his hosts to pay a visit to Bulgaria accompanied by a business delegation. Vassilev said he hopes that the agenda of the future visit to Bulgaria of Minister Sin Kuk-hwan include detailed discussions on issues in the field of energy, trade and industry as well as the possibility for signing a bilateral accord in these fields.
The Korean hosts expressed their government's political will for encouraging Korean businesses to invest in Bulgaria, particularly so in high technologies and communications.
Vassilev also conferred with the presidents of leading Korean companies, including top managers of LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor Company.
The President of LG Electronics said that this is the first time when the company's HQ have been visited by a Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister. LG Electronics, one of the leading firms in electronics and communications, expressed an interest towards the Bulgarian Telecommunications Company.
Vassilev invited LG Electronics to bid for the privatization of the Bulgarian state telecom.
Hyundai Motor Company too was interested in the Bulgarian market and investments in communications, it emerged after a working lunch attended by Vassilev and the President of the Hyundai Motor Company.
Bulgaria is interested in the participation of South Korean capital in the countrys economy, especially in building, modernization and technological renovation of the transport infrastructure, including railway and air transport.
The members of the Bulgarian delegation and their Korean hosts noted the importance Bulgaria attaches to attracting Korean investment in infrastructure and electronics.
South Korea is the biggest Asian investor in Bulgaria and ranks 15th in the list of Bulgarias foreign trade partners.
Bulgarian Transport and Communications Minister Plamen Petrov, who is on the delegation, met with Korea's Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
Petrov is also scheduled to confer with Korea's First Deputy Minister of Information and Communications.
ORTHODOX CHURCH-MIDDLE EAST- APPEAL.
BTA
Holy Synod Calls on Believers to Pray for Peace in the Holy Lands.
Sofia, April 25 (BTA) - The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church called on the believers to say a joint prayer for the restoration of peace in the Holy Lands, reads a statement of the Holy Synod signed by Secretary General Archimandrite Boris which was faxed to BTA.
"The Holy Synod follows with concern and apprehension the events taking place in the Holy Lands, in particular in Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Saviour Lord Jesus Christ, where God's precious gift - human life - is being taken away forcibly and world spiritual and cultural heritage is being destroyed," reads the statement.
At a special meeting April 24 the members of the Holy Synod discussed these events "connected with the spread of armed conflict in the Holy Lands in the State of Israel and the Palestinian Autonomy".
The Holy Synod calls on "all responsible people, acting within their competence and according to their conscience, to do what is necessary to put an end to bloody conflicts in that region, prevent the violation of the unique status of the Holy Lands by transient moods and respect the rights of reach religious faith to have its holy places of worship."
The statement is in connection with the Israeli occupation of Bethlehem in the Palestinian Autonomy since the beginning of the month and the siege of the Church of the Nativity.
Trains Stop Running on Holidays.
Standartnews
We'll pay off before May 1, pledged the chief of the Bulgarian State Railways.
Railway workers may well spoil our Easter holidays. The strike would block the railway transport on May 1, warned yesterday leader of the Railway Workers' Trade Union, Vladimir Bogdanov. The unpaid wages are the reason for the protests. According to the CITUB sources, BSR owes to workers over 25 million levs. Before May 1 all arrears will be paid off, said chief of the railways administration Vladimir Dountchev. However, the Ministry of Transport informed that payments are delayed because of the huge debts of the "Kremikovtsi" smelter to the BSR.
Insurances to Depend on Occupation.
Standartnews
Each Bulgarian with registration number in NII from early-2003.
Each employed Bulgarian will have a mandatory registration number from January 1, 2003, Social Minister Lidia Shouleva said yesterday. Everyone should be registered in the National Insurance Institute (NII) the day before starting a new job and sealing a labour contract. The fresh regulations will be introduced under the amendments to the Labour Code. Thus, the black employment market will be limited. Currently, between 25 and 40 percent of the Bulgarians work without a contract. Out of 350,000 farmers, the major part are not registered, while only 3,600 pay monthly insurance contributions, Shouleva informed. Of 700,000 one-man businesses, however, only 200,000 are insured. Insurance brackets will be introduced, depending on branches and professions, thus the double-dealing will be terminated. By May 10, the National Statistics Institute (NSI) will submit information about the average salaries in nine groups of occupations, covering 31 branches. The minimum insurance brackets will be specified in them, while the monthly insurance contributions will be assessed on this basis. These steps will increase the NII revenues and 30 percent of them will cover the current deficit. One-third of the additional incomes will cover the pensions' raise, while the other 20 percent will help to reduce the monthly insurance contributions for employers and employees. The upper bracket of the monthly insurance will up from 850 to 900 levs from early-2003 on, Shouleva specified.
Varna - With Its Own Riviera.
Standartnews
Irena Tsekova
6 million euros to be invested in the coastline lane's renovation.
We would like to turn Varna into a small Rivera, said the chairmen of the First Alley' consortium, including the six Varna beach concessionaires The coastline zone of our Black-Sea capital city to be completely renovated, propose the new owners. The project envisages repair of the water-supply network, electrification and installation of a street lighting. New sports facilities will be set up and the mud-baths will be reconstructed. The initiators pledge free access to the swimming pools and showers. Parking lots for more than 500 vehicles equally distributed throughout the zone are planned. Investments will be made into additional reinforcement against landslides. Some 6 million euros will be invested in the project at the first stage only. 5,000 part-time jobs will be created temporarily. After the project's realization over 3,500 will be employed. The construction works may start after the summer season's end. The concessionaires' plans are concerted with the municipality and the regional authorities in Varna.
'Ruhrgas' To Bid for BG Gasification.
Standartnews
Victoria Seraphimova
"Ruhrgas" concern has shown interest in the privatization of gas sector in this country, as well as in developing household gasification and transit networks, it transpired during the meeting of company's representatives and Energy Minister Milko Kovachev in Germany. Team of 'Ruhrgas' experts will soon come to Sofia for more detailed negotiations. Energy concern 'E.ON' has also shown readiness for strategic partnership in modernizing the Sofia power supply system.
Levski Smashed CSKA by 2-0 in the Derby.
Standartnews
Simonovic debuted with a goal, Gonzo registered 'regular' score versus the 'reds'
Levski routed out CSKA with 2-0 in the derby at 'Georgi Asparouhov' st. As early as the beginning, the 'blues' posed territorial supremacy and till the end-match they didn't yield the initiative. CSKA were left on the field with 10 players from the 52nd min. Svetoslav Petrov was yellow-carded for the second time for intentional foul against Pantelic. The defender was cautioned firstly for a foul (34 min.) against Serb Sasa Simonovic who made his debut in the starting line-up of Levski. Former player of Yugoslavian Obilic opened the score, when he shocked Ibrahim Gai with a feint and kicked the ball under goalie Lukic- plunged forward, to the near corner of the goal. The goal-maker were substituted in the 60th min. by Hungarian Peter Kabat, who were at the core of the second score. Georgi Ivanov took the ball after Lukic deflected a hit of Kabat and shot his 'usual' score in the goal of the 'reds' - 2-0 for Levski in the 81th min. 'After the break there was only one team on the field - that was Levski, which deservedly will be the 'new' reigning champion,' CSKA legend - Spas Djevizov, said on BNT immediately after the match.
Mitko Iliev Will Drive in 'Bulgaria Rally.
Standartnews
Dimitar Iliev - Bulgaria's only participant in the World Championship, will start in 'Bulgaria' rally, it transpired yesterday So far, the team managers consider Mitko's racing car , but certainly he will be in group 'A'. The only news voiced yesterday at the meeting with the media was that the most prestigious Bulgarian rally retained the top coefficient - 20, inherited from the well-known 'Albena' racing competition. Currently, referees and policemen to safe-guard the rally undergo a training course. It resulted out of the changed itinerary, which won't be centered in the Sliven Balkan, but rather a compilation of the 'Hebros' rout with supplements of new sections around Samokov.
Gorna Arda Is Beyond Bulgaria's Means.
INTERVIEW Standartnews: Vassil Atanassov
The cost of the construction should be reduced to the minimum, maintains Vassil Atanassov, Director of the National Electric Company (NEC)
- Mr. Atanassov, apart from new energy sources what are the other benefits Bulgaria will reap from the Gorna Arda project?
- These are new water-supply and irrigation systems, and, last but not least, social benefits, i.e. new jobs will be created for the construction and maintenance of this hydro-energy complex. It will also contribute to the development of trade and services. However, all costs of this project are included in the future energy prices. If Bulgaria builds the Gorna Arda complex independently, the price of electricity it will produce will be about 13 cents per kW, which is apparently too high. It means $ 2000 per installed kilowatt of a hydro-power station, while normally the investments into this type of power stations vary between $ 1000-1300 per kilowatt.
- Who will cover the losses if the project is carried out according to the current blueprint?
- The state will. In Bulgaria the electricity price is regulated. It is the market that will determine whether this power will be marketable or not.
- At the last general meeting of the Gorna Arda Hydro-Power Complex it has become clear that the decision was taken to step up all procedures. What does it mean?
- Before June 15, the Turkish company Ceylan will have to report the price of shares it has in the joint venture, to enable another construction firm or strategic investor to buy them out.
- Under what conditions should the Gorna Arda project be carried out, to save losses to the National Electric Company?
- NEC is a state-run company which means that it comes to the defense of Bulgaria's national interests. I think that during the construction all extras connected with the infrastructure should be reduced to minimum in order to increase the cost-effectiveness of the project and decrease the price of the electric power it will produce.
- When at the earliest will the hydro-power cascade be built?
- The construction will take from 6 to 8 years.
Pavlina Zhivkova |
