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Private Ivanov Died after 408 h in Coma. The native village of private Danail Ivanov was grieving today. The soldier died yesterday at dawn in the Military Medical Academy after a 408-hour coma. His body was transported to the village of Poleto in a white coffin. He will be buried with military honors today. Danail's parents decided to start a law suit against the Ministry of Defense. The relatives of the grieving family are convinced that someone must bear responsibility for negligence and lack of discipline in the army.
SITUATION IN CRISIS REGIONS.
MIA
In Kumanovo - Lipkovo crisis region, the public peace and order have been interrupted Wednesday night by gunfire in six occasions.
Shuts came from the area of Glaznje accumulation in the period from 18:00 to 24:00 hours, Wednesday, as well as from the villages of Brest, Matejce and Rudnicka Kolonija, MIA's correspondent reported.
According to army sources, the situation in the border area is regular.
In the town of Tetovo and its surrounding, occasional shots are heard Thursday morning, MIA's correspondent reported.
The gunfire was more intensive during Wednesday night. There have been shootings from many kind of infantry weapons and from heavy artillery as well.
Heavy gunfire came from the central city area, from direction of JNA streat, restaurant Dora, post office, residential-business block Lovec, elementary school Brotherhood Migeni, Red Cross warehouse, unlicensed settlements by the railroad, from direction of the settlements Drenovec-2, Ciglana, Gorna Carsija, Kupenik, Sipad, Teke and the baracs Kuzman Josifovski Pitu, army and police sources announced.
Continuous gunfire occur from localities Tetovski Lozja and Rasadiste, as well as from Neprosteno, Tearce, Trebos, Celopek, Lisec and dozen other villages.
According to the police, there were no casualties or wounded. The monitoring missions of the European Union, OSCE, NATO and "Amber Fox" were notified about the intensified gunfire.
Gunshots from infantry weapons were heard in Tetovo and its surrounding Wednesday evening.
According to Tetovo Internal Department, individual gunshots came from the bigger building complexes, veterinary station, area around textile high school "Goce Stojcevski" and the Teke between 18,00h-21,30h. Gunshots were also registered from area Rasadiste near road Tetovo-Popova Sapka, as well as villages Mala Recica, Gajre and Lisec on two occasions.
Starting from Wednesday, ethnically mixed police teams, escorted by OSCE and NATO "Amber Fox" teams will start to patrol in the Skopje villages Brest and Malino, the Media Activity Center of the Governmental Crisis Management Body reported.
The de-mining activities in the village of Tanusevci are to be completed these days, which will enable launching of patrols in this village also.
Last night, several gunshots were fired against the police checkpoint Zicarnica in Tetovo. The bullets ended in the sand sacks and no policeman was wounded. The Macedonian police did not respond to this provocation.
Armed Attacks On Macedonians In Tetovo Continue.
MIA
Unknown persons opened fire from vehicles in motion Wednesday night, on Macedonian houses and properties on Ivo Lola Ribar Streat in Tetovo, MIA's correspondent reported.
Under attack were the supermarket Dojchin, property of Borce Dojchinovski and the coffee bar Isus, property of Boshko Simjanovski. The automatic gunfire damaged the window shops, the doors and interior of the objects.
The Interior Department in Tetovo has been notified about this senseless attack and their inspection teams are already on the premises looking for leads to find the suspects and evaluating the damage.
The monitoring missions of EU and OSCE have been notified as well, but according to the proprietors did not show up on the premises yet.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil.
Reality Macedonia
By Irina Gelevska
Skopje - Daut Haradinaj, whose name is on the Black List of the U.S. President George Bush, was arrested two days ago by the UNMIK Police for war crimes committed against Kosovo Albanians in June 1999.
Hxavid Hasani, another Albanian warlord from this Black List is in prison in US (KFOR) base Bondsteel in Kosovo. He was brought wounded to Bondsteel three months ago. Hasanis legal status is of a wanted criminal, with international warrant asking for his arrest and extradition to Macedonia for attempted murder of police officers and construction workers before the war of 2001.
Several local newspapers (including the popular daily Vest) informed the public that Ali Ahmeti, alleged ex-leader of disbanded NLA, is buying house in Skopje's settlement Chair. His name is also on the Black List.
Certain Mr. Katzka from the US Embassy in Skopje could not answer the simple question whether a person who has this information can claim the US $5,000,000 advertised as reward to anyone who can help the US government catch terrorists.
The Macedonian Government Spokesman Gjorgji Trendafilov said that extradition of Hxavid Hasani is possible, but that the Ministry of Interior have not issued such a demand to KFOR and UNMIK Police in Kosovo.
European Minerals Corporation:-Acquisition Of Gold Project In Macedonia.
European Minerals Corporation
Press Release
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--European Minerals Corporation ("EMC") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to earn a 65% interest in a major epithermal gold property in Macedonia.
The exploration licences cover approximately 210 square kilometres, located 110 kilometres East of Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, near the town of Kratovo, in an area well served by infrastructure.
Previous work, over many years, including a program conducted by Rio Tinto between 1997-1999, has identified a large high sulphidation epithermal system, hosting gold and silver mineralization. There are at least four targets within the license area which merit further exploration, the most advanced being the Plavica occurrence in the eastern portion of the licence area. Exploration at Plavica had identified a gold bearing epithermal system at least 2,000 metres x 500 metres in plan with a vertical extent of more than 500 metres. Silica ridges that top the hilly topography at Plavica were chip sampled during previous programmes (approximately 850 samples) with an average gold content of 0.7g/t and a maximum content of 8g/t gold. EPM believes that these silica bodies and the oxidized volcanic rocks, which they cap, have potential to host economic gold mineralization amenable to open pit mining.
Based on well-defined geochemical gold anomalies, 3 core holes, at approximately 1 kilometre spacing, were drilled as part of Rio Tinto's exploration programme. The holes, angled at 60 degrees, were drilled to between 250 and 300 metres. This drilling confirmed extensive gold mineralization at Plavica and the most encouraging intersection (made in hole No. 2) was 249 metres grading 0.52g/t gold with a section of 33 metres grading 1.85g/t. About 1 kilometre of strike length of the most prominent silica ridges remains untested by drilling.
TERMS.
EPM has signed Heads of Agreement with RIK Sileks AD Kratovo ("Sileks"), a Macedonian registered company, to form a joint venture (JV) for the exploration and development of mineral deposits on Silek's Plavica mineral exploration licences.
EPM will earn its interest in the JV by funding all exploration and completing a final feasibility study on a precious metal deposit. In addition, for each ounce of proven mineable recoverable gold in excess of 1,500,000 ounces, as determined by the final feasibility study, Sileks will receive a payment of US$10 per ounce from EPM. Upon completion of the final feasibility study, EPM will earn a 65% interest in the precious metals and a 50% interest in any non-precious metals. EPM will manage and operate the JV.
In connection with the acquisition, a finder's fee is payable by EPM to an arm's length third party. The fee comprises payment of US$6,000 on execution of the definitive joint venture agreement and, in the event the project achieves commercial production, a 1% Net Smelter Return royalty capped at US$500,000.
BACKGROUND.
The Plavica licences are located 5 kilometres from the town of Kratovo in an area of excellent infrastructure. There is a long history of mining in the area from which to draw the necessary support services for an exploration and mining program.
Geologically, Plavica lies on the inner "Carpathian Volcanic Arc" representing a convergent plate margin prospective for epithermal style mineralization. There are several examples of multi-million ounce epithermal gold deposits in countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania, which the arc on which Plavica lies traverses. Exploration interest at Plavica lies in a series of Tertiary volcanics with the breccias, stockworks, vuggy silica zones and alteration features typical of an epithermal system. The hydrothermally altered outcrop and the limited core drilling at Plavica outlines a mineralized system at least 2,000 metres x 500 metres with a vertical extent greater than 500 metres. Mineralization identified in the system through several exploration efforts is gold-pyrite-silver-lead-copper with arsenic associated with enargite. The mineralized section is generally oxidized to a depth of about 50 metres below surface with oxidation to a depth of 200 metres in one hole.
There is evidence of mine workings in Plavica dating back to Roman times. Modern exploration work for silver including drilling and aditing was undertaken in the 1930's, however the main elements of the Plavica database are derived from the work of the Yugoslav government in the 1980's during a copper prophyry exploration effort. In addition between 1997 and 1999, Rio Tinto's work included systematic geochemical sampling, air borne geophysics that was initially undertaken over an area of about 1,200 square kilometres. The results of Rio Tinto's work led to the focus on a specific target area of 210 square kilometres over which EPM has entered into the Heads of Agreement.
EPM has inherited these extensive databases. Other targets within the 210 square kilometres licence area have been identified by geochemistry and remote sensing work. Additional work will determine the area's further potential.
EPM believes the acquisition of the interests in the Plavica licence greatly enhances its new initiative in Central Europe and provides shareholders with exposure to a potentially major gold district.
Bert Kennedy MSc. FIMM, President and CEO, is EPM's designated Qualified Person and is responsible for the verification of the historical exploration data described in this press release.
EPM is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and its shares trade under the symbol EPM.U in US Dollars.
On behalf of the Board
Bert Kennedy, President & CEO Anthony J. Williams, Co-Chairman
No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
---------------------------------------------------
Contact:
European Minerals Corporation
Anthony J. Williams
Co-Chairman
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7529 7500
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7491 2244
or
European Minerals Corporation
Bert Kennedy
President and CEO
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7529 7500
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7491 2244
22 Grosvenor Square
London W1K 6LF England
Private Ivanov Died after 408 h in Coma.
Standartnews
Danail's parents start a law suit against Ministry of Defense.
Private Danail Ivanov, who was run over by a truck, died yesterday at dawn after 408 hours in coma, said doctors from the intensive care ward of the Military Medical Academy. For 17 days and nights the doctors have been fighting tooth and nail for the life of the young soldier. The Defense Ministry provided funds for the most expensive medicines. All efforts, however, have fallen short. At 6.03 p.m. an ambulance brought the body of Danail Ivanov to his home. Three officers unloaded a white coffin and put Danail dressed in uniform in it. The officers covered the coffin with a Bulgarian national flag. The funeral will be today. Soldiers will come to perform the ritual. Danail will be buried with military honors, said sources from the Ministry. The parents of the deceased decided to start a law suit against the Ministry of Defense. Someone must bear responsibility for negligence and lack of discipline in the army, the relatives explained. Immediately after the private's death minister of defense Nikolay Svinarov and Chief of the General Staff Nikola Kolev sent his condolences to the family. A representative of the General Staff read the telegram on their behalf. Another telegram came from Chairman of Parliament Ognyan Gerdzhikov.
POLAND-PRESIDENT PURVANOV.
BTA
President Purvanov Meets Polish PM Miller.
Warsaw, June 20 (BTA special correspondent Vanya Ivanova) - Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller and visiting Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov agreed that a meeting between the economic teams of the two countries' governments should be held soon. Purvanov's press secretary said the meeting will probably be held at the level of economy ministers who will seek ways to enhance bilateral economic relations.
Bulgaria's NATO bid and the Euro-integration processes afoot in either state were the other topics discussed by Purvanov and Miller.
The Polish prime minister reiterated his country's support for Bulgaria's NATO ambitions.
Purvanov arrived in Wroclaw at noon where he will deliver a lecture at the local university on "Bulgaria: stable and democratic state, fit for EU membership".
PARLIAMENT-ROAD TRAFFIC ACT.
BTA
Customs Authorities May Stop Transport Vehicles for Customs Control, According to Bill Amending Road Traffic Act.
Sofia, June 20 (BTA) - Special customs units will have the right to stop road transport vehicles for the purposes of customs supervision and control over goods imported, exported or transited across Bulgaria's customs territory. This is envisaged in a bill amending the Road Traffic Act Parliament approved at first reading by 106 in favour, 53 against, and 31 abstentions.
The Council of Ministers, which sponsors the bill, proposes that the terms and procedure for such customs control be established in an ordinance issued jointly by the Interior Minister and the Minister of Finance.
Under the amendments, special units of the National Customs Agency (NCA) -, mobile groups, will use motor vehicles enjoying special traffic regulations. It is suggested that the NCA Director determine the units enjoying special traffic regulations.
The proposed amendments will improve the efficiency of customs control, the collectibility of state receivables, and the conditions for negotiations with the European Union (EU), Finance Minister Milen Velchev said during the debates.
"The purpose of the amendments is not to vest new powers in the customs authorities but to create prerequisites for exercising the powers they already have," Velchev said. In his words, the changes concern the internal organization of customs bodies' work, that is why the NCA Director is granted the right to determine the units observing specific traffic regulations.
Checks on the roads will be carried out based on risk analysis and selectiveness, Velchev said.
In the EU, customs control within the community plays an increasing and decisive role, therefore Bulgaria is obliged to organize the powers of its customs authorities in a compatible way, Velchev said. The customs authorities of all EU member states except Portugal have the right to stop and check transport vehicles, he said.
The possibility of performing customs control at the border checkpoints is between 5 and 7 per cent; the tendency is to move this activity to the inland, NCA Director Assen Assenov said.
During the debates opposition MPs said the powers of the customs special units that would check road vehicles were not clearly defined. In their view, the amendments will increase the number of automobiles enjoying special traffic regulations.
Remzi Osman suggested that the Interior Minister determine the vehicles enjoying special traffic regulations by proposal of the Minister of Finance.
Osman is MP of the largely ethnic Turks' Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the coalition partner of the ruling Simeon II National Movement.
Blagoi Dimitrov, MP of the United Democratic Forces (UtdDF), the right-wing opposition force in Parliament dominated by the Union of Democratic Forces, said it was not clear what the powers of the mobile customs groups would be.
Peter Jotev , MP of the UtdDF, suggested that checks of automobiles on the road be conducted by police who may be accompanied by customs officers.
According to Ivan Ivanov, MP of UtdDF, the amendments to the Road Traffic Act will not help the fight against smuggling and will increase corruption on the roads.
Lyubomir Panteleev, MP of the left-wing opposition Coalition for Bulgaria, which is dominated by the Socialist Party,said that while broadening the powers of customs officers, no particular measures to control corruption were proposed.
Customs Agents Can Stop Contraband.
INTERVIEW Standartnews: Sasho Todorov
Belcho Tsanev
They are not interested in taking bribes, says Sasho Todorov, chairman of NOMA.
The National Organization of Customs Agents (NOMA) was set up on July 22, 1999 as a non-profit association. Its members are 16 juridical persons and one physical. Chairman of NOMA is Sasho Todorov (43). He studied international economic relations in the University for National and World Economy in Sofia. For eleven years he has been a CEO in "Militzer & Munch" Bulgaria.
- Mr. Todorov, soon you will celebrate the third anniversary of the National Organization of Customs Agencies (NOMA). What have you done in this period?
- We have become better known among our colleagues in the EU, but in Bulgaria NOMA is not so popular as yet. "Standart" is the first newspaper that showed interest to our organization.
- What are the principal objectives of NOMA?
- Our aim is to turn customs, which are a state institution, into an active partner of business. I hope that the new customs management will finally change for real the ways of application of laws and regulations. Because as such the law and regulations are not bad. They are in line with the European norms and standards. One of the first items on our agenda is to introduce alleviated customs procedures. This is crucial for business development.
- What pressing problems must be resolved in the nearest future?
- We are working in close cooperation with the Customs Agency trying to stop illegal import that is deadly for the Bulgarian economy and detrimental to the whole state. This can be done only with the help of customs officers and shipping agents, who have the necessary means. It would be silly to presume that a customs officer or a shipping agent who made heavy investments into long-term material assets and paid in bank warranties, will commit an economic crime or infringement if offered a 100-200-leva bribe. If the state really decides to take restrictive measures against illegal import, it will have to apply them in special terminal stations that only reliable customs and shipping agents may secure.
(Abr) Former CIA Spook Promotes Legitimating of Ethnic Cleansing in Favor of Some Balkans Peoples.
VOA
Voice of America informed that Steven Meyer, former-deputy chief of CIA's Balkans department, proclaimed that border changes in the Balkans should not be a taboo at his lecture on the Impact of U.S. Policy on the Balkans held on June 19 at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.
Meyer, who allegedly left CIA, has worked as a professor at the Department of Political Science, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University for the last two years. He stated that the errors of American foreign policy can be changed by redefinition of the borders. He called for a new congress of Berlin, akin to the one of 1878, but now, the people of the region should take part in the changes, alongside the Great Powers. According to VOA, Meyer favors new borders which go alongside the "ethnic reality."
Considering the source, this comes as no surprise, since the CIA has been quite involved in creating the new "ethnic reality" at the Balkans, through support of ethnic cleansing committed by its proxy armies: the refugee exodus of Serbs from Croatia in 1995, the cementing of the internal borders of divided Bosnia & Herzegovina, forged through covert influx of Iranian and U.S. arms, the ethnic cleansing of non-Albanians from Kosovo by CIA-created KLA, and the same "reality" in Western Macedonia, result of KLA's sister-organization NLA.
According to VOA, Meyer explained that "there's nothing wrong with multiethnic communities," but only for those who like that kind of association. For the others, comes his solution, which should take place in the "Serbian Republic (Republika Srpska Serbian part of Bosnia), Serbia, Macedonia, Herceg-Bosnia (Croatian part of Bosnia) and some other parts" of former Yugoslavia.
When VOA asked him whether his suggesting a division of Macedonia, he answered that the borders should be rearranged, and that Macedonia's survival should become an open question. Meyer advocates that the U.S.A. should remain in the Balkans to deter the threat of Islamic terrorism, citing the following examples: Bosnian passports given to Al-qaeda members [by U.S. supported Muslim government], Trebosh massacre of Macedonian policemen committed by [U.S. supported] NLA, Rashanski Lozja incident where the Macedonian police shot seven South Asians, and the Islamic influence over KLA [the main beneficiary of the NATO bombing campaign against F.R. Yugoslavia and the subsequent occupation of Kosovo].
The former spook overlord warned that the Balkans may become a transit route for terrorism, so the U.S.A. should deal only with it, and stop with actions aimed at democratization of the region. Also, some of the former actions' main purpose was to boost NATO's credibility.
Editorial comment:
This VOA report came over their Macedonian-language e-mail bulletin, and did not even appear in the Macedonian section of the VOA web site (the search of the English version also does not retrieve it). Unavailable to the U.S. public, seems more like this infomercial is someone's message, part of preparation of the terrain for upcoming activities. Of course, such activities are preventable. Those who desire the destruction of democracy would not put so much effort into persuading people in the inevitability of their favored outcome if it would have been so certain. |
