|
Enter content here
Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov meets with the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Stojan Andov. Pressphoto - BTA Photo: Bistra Boshnakova
Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg looks at Josef Stalin's tomb at the Kremlin wall during his walk on Red Square. © EPA
Ali Ahmeti, the former leader of the disbanded National Liberation Army, speaks to the ethnic Albanians attending the launch of a new ethnic Albanian party, Democratic Union for Integration, in Tetovo, 40 kms (25 miles) west of Macedonia's capital Skopje, Wednesday, June 5, 2002. Ahmeti launched Wednesday the Democratic Union for Integration, challenging the other ethnic Albanian rivals on the forthcoming Parliamentary elections scheduled in Macedonia for Sept. 15 this year. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)
Ethnic Albanians attend the launch of a new ethnic Albanian party, Democratic Union for Integration, in Tetovo, 40 kms (25 miles) west of Macedonia's capital Skopje, on Wednesday, June 5, 2002. Ali Ahmeti, the former leader of the disbanded National Liberation Army, launched Wednesday the Democratic Union for Integration, challenging the other ethnic Albanian rivals on the forthcoming Parliamentary elections scheduled in Macedonia for Sept. 15 this year. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski)
SITUATION IN CRISIS REGIONS.
MIA
No shootings are heard Wednesday morning in Tetovo crisis region, which was not the case during Tuesday night when shots were heard from many directions, MIA's correspondent reports.
Police sources say shootings have been registered around 04:00 hours from textile high school "Goce Stojcevski," and previously from "SS. Cyril and Methodius" elementary school, apartment blocks Sipad and 82, Vonvardarska settlement, Tetovo Teke and the reformatory.
Burst of fire and sporadic shootouts have been heard since last night until early this morning from the areas of Rasadiste locality, and the villages of Mala Recica, Gajre, Lisec, Dzepciste, Prsovce, Tearce, Odri, Dobroste and Strimnica.
Shootouts have been directed at unknown targets.
Shootings have violated the public order and peace seven times during Tuesday night in Kumanovo - Lipkovo region.
MIA's correspondent reports that sporadic shootouts have been registered Tuesday from the villages of Matejce, Vistica and Nikustak and during the night from the village of Runica.
Patrolling of ethnically mixed police patrols continues without problems.
MACEDONIAN ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN IN A VISIT TO BULGARIA.
MIA
Macedonian Assembly Chairman Stojan Andov paid a visit to Bulgaria on Wednesday, where he met with Bulgarian President Gjorgji Prvanov and with the Chairman of the Bulgarian National Assembly, Ognen Gerdzikov.
The good relations between Macedonia and Bulgaria both on bilateral field as well as in the framework of the regional cooperation were reaffirmed at the Andov-Prvanov meeting.
In that context, the Bulgarian President outlined that Bulgaria fully supported Macedonia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, adding that his country condemns the recent denial of the Macedonian-Yugoslav border by the Kosovo Assembly.
Andov informed the Bulgarian President on the process of implementation of the amendments to the Macedonian Constitution, adding that soon the Macedonian Parliament would adopt the package of 15 new laws.
Referring to the security aspect, Andov pointed out that the ethnically mixed police patrols have already re-entered in most of the villages in the crisis-affected areas, which, as he said, was an indicator that the situation in the country was returning to normal, which would enable regular parliamentary elections this fall.
The economic and trade cooperation between the two countries was positively assessed. Andov and Prvanov put the emphasis on the Corridor 8 project, concluding that all existing dilemmas should be resolved in order the implementation of the project to continue.
Andov stated that the bilateral relations between the two countries should be crowned with an Agreement for cooperation, good neighborly relations and friendship. In that context, Andov promoted an idea for signing a Convention between the two countries regarding their future integration in the EU and NATO.
During his stay in Sofia, Andov also met with his Bulgarian counterpart Gerdzikov.
Reporting on the procedure in the Macedonian Assembly for implementation of the remaining laws from the Framework Agreement, Andov said that it was in accordance with the dynamics scheduled by the four parties - signatories of the Framework Agreement.
Regarding the Corridor 8 project, both Andov and Gerdzikov agreed that it would bring the entire region closer to the Euro-Atlantic structures.
Andov used the meeting to again reaffirm the idea for signing of a Convention between the two countries for cooperation in the process of EU and NATO integration.
On Thursday, Andov will depart from Sofia to Romania, where he will participate at the Parliamentary Conference for Security in Southeast Europe.
PM GEORGIEVSKI: I REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE AT OHRID CONFERENCE.
MIA
"I was not able to accept to participate at a conference among myself, the Albanian and Kosovo Prime Minister, and your information on who has cancelled the conference is absolutely wrong," Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski said Wednesday about the cancellation of a regional meeting that was to be held in Ohrid on July16-17.
Referring to negotiations between the Macedonian and Serbian Orthodox Churches, Georgievski said that the Macedonian Church Synod should discuss and find a solution for the problem. He would support every decision of the Macedonian Church, made by all members of the Holy Synod.
To a journalist question whether the latest budget expenditures will affect on the country's economic stability, Georgievski said that putting of additional quantity of banknotes into circulation could impose financial instability of the country.
"By the current and future measures, the Macedonian Government has no intention to do so. We are talking about real money, part of the Macedonia's budget, which is projected in a manner that eliminates any misbalance. Even if short-term problems occur, I wish to warn you that will be a subject of speculations of some minor dealers, but not real misbalance. I do not know those experts, who claim that there is no real money. With all respect to the experts, but those funds are present and what shall we do with them was discussed with the International Monetary Fund. The same thing happened in 2000, when we had a surplus of DM 400 million. The same experts, who are afraid from inflation, were rather critical saying that we should not keep the money in the National Bank but spend it for economic or other development," Georgievski said.
In regard to a possible meeting on disputable laws, which derive from the Framework Agreement, Georgievski said that remarks of the SDSM political party "refer to one of the 100% of the party demands."
"The election law meets SDSM demands for 99%, so this one percent does not have to be according to its wish. We speak about a law that was adopted by this party in 1997/98. If now SDSM does not agree with some provisions of the law, then how we felt when we ran for elections in 1998," Georgievski said.
Ex-rebel launches political party in Macedonia.
By ERMIRA MEHMETI, Associated Press Writer
TETOVO, Macedonia - The leader of the ethnic Albanian rebels who fought government troops last year launched a new political party Wednesday, promising to work for peace while representing the rights of his sizable minority community.
Ali Ahmeti told hundreds of supporters that his party, the Democratic Union for Integration, was committed to peace and open to all ethnic groups. He also expressed hopes the party would do well in parliamentary elections scheduled for September.
"This is going to be a transparent party, open to all who want to contribute, regardless of their religion and ethnic background," Ahmeti said at the party's founding convention in Tetovo, a northern city primarily populated by ethnic Albanians.
Ethnic Albanians make up a third of Macedonia's 2 million people.
Standing beneath a large black and red Albanian flag, Ahmeti, 42, was cheered on by a crowd made up primarily of former rebels who fought against government forces. The rebels were pardoned under an amnesty law passed as part of a Western-brokered peace deal that ended the conflict last August.
Some 5,000 supporters who could not squeeze into the hall watched on a video screen outside, as the anthem of neighboring Albania played.
Dozens of rebel fighters killed in last year's clashes were remembered in a minute of silence.
Last year, ethnic Albanian militants seized control of much of northwestern Macedonia, demanding broader rights and autonomy for their community.
Faced with a loss of territory, the government agreed to fulfill many of their demands for broader rights, including use of their language.
Ahmeti's party appeared intent on winning the support of those who had supported two already existing ethnic Albanian parties in Macedonia.
Those two parties have tried to win the support of the disarmed rebels. Most of the former guerrillas, however, have remained committed to Ahmeti.
MACEDONIA TO EXPORT UNLIMITED QUANTITIES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS TO SLOVENIA.
MIA
Macedonian and Slovenian Economy Ministers Besnik Fetai and Tea Petrin signed Wednesday in Skopje the Protocol on changes and supplements to the Free Trade Agreement signed between the two countries.
The changes and the supplements were agreed at Wednesday's eighth session of the Commission on economic cooperation between Macedonia and Slovenia.
According to Fetai, "these changes and supplements alleviate the trade deficit that Macedonia has towards Slovenia, which amounted to $ 97 million in the period January - February." He pointed out that with these amendments Macedonia can gain back the old markets and it was agreed that unlimited quantities of agricultural products would be exported, with the exception of the tomatoes and peppers in the period June 1 - October 1.
Macedonia will export to Slovenia grapes, melons and watermelons in unlimited quantities, while the export of cucumbers is limited to 600 tons because Macedonia, as Fetai said, "cannot produce more."
The export of Macedonian wine to Slovenia will continue and Fetai emphasized that the quantities have not been reduced.
He said that they have agreed the system "First come, first service," which should be enforced from January 1, 2003. "This system was agreed in order to avoid the administration obstacles between the two countries."
It was agreed Slovenia to increase the export of chicken meat to Macedonia from 2,500 to 4,000 tons, of butter from 350 to 450 tons and Macedonia will also import 50 tons of Slovenian tins.
Slovenian Minister Petrin expressed satisfaction from the signing of the protocol and emphasized the good Macedonian - Slovenian economic cooperation.
Macedonian - Slovenian working group also had meeting in the past days focused on the issues from several areas: trade, agriculture and food products, services, investments, finances, environment protection and cooperation within the Stability Pact.
The working group has agreed Slovenia to assist to Macedonia in establishing an Agency on Investments and Promotion.
Macedonian Vice Premier Zoran Krstevski had a meeting Tuesday with Slovenian Economy Minister Tea Petrin, focused on current and future cooperation between the two countries.
It was noted at the meeting that the quality and the volume of the mutual goods exchange did not match the potentials of the two countries and the high trade deficit of the Macedonian part was mentioned as one of the negative factors.
According to Krstevski, the options for surpassing this problem is to increase the inflow of direct Slovenian investments in the Macedonian economy, with special emphasis on the energy and agricultural sector.
Confirming the readiness and the willingness of the Slovenian part to participate actively in finding out solutions for the trade deficit problem as well as for initiating other types of cooperation between the two countries, Minister Petrin emphasized the support that Slovenia was ready to offer to Macedonia for its integration in the World Trade Organization.
REGULAR SESSION OF THE MACEDONIAN GOVERNMENT.
MIA
"The Macedonian Government reaffirmed its decision to pay financial reimbursement in amount of 12 monthly salaries to the employees in the bankrupt companies, regardless if their company was restarted or sold in the meantime. These funds will be paid to the workers," Trendafilov said.
Regarding the introduction of the fiscal cash registers and the complaints from the businessmen, Trendafilov said that at the end of the year the money spent for provision of the fiscal cash registers would be completely reimbursed to the businessmen.
Positively evaluating the adopted Draft-Law for military service, Trendafilov said that with this law Macedonia fulfills one of the obligations from the National plan for NATO membership.
"An additional stimulus was that part of the trade unions put this law on the list of their demands during the strike of the public administration," Trendafilov stated.
At the session, the government adopted a decision for establishment of a Department for food-control. This department will take over the duties from the ministry of economy, the ministry of agriculture and the ministry of health for quality of food produced or imported in the country.
The government also decided to give money awards to Toni Naskovski and Toni Jakimovski for their achieved sports results.
Replying to a question from a reporter, Trendafilov said that the talks between the Macedonian and the Canadian Posts were focused on the possibility the Macedonian Posts to become regional postal center, due to the geographical location and the good infrastructure of the company.
"After the completion of the preliminary negotiations, the Ministry of transport and urbanism would come out with more serious analysis," he said.
The governmental spokesman said that the demarcation of the border with FR Yugoslavia would start by the end of this month, and would be led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior.
At Tuesday's session, presided by Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski, the Macedonian Government reviewed and adopted the draft law for advocacy, which regulates the matters of legal assistance and the public authorizations provided and carried out by the advocacy.
The passing of this law would create a full and accorded normative advocacy and regular functioning in its legally determined sphere of activity, in relation to other organisations and institutions that perform public authorisations.
At today's session, the Government adopted the draft law on trade associations. The changes are performed in order for it to be more clear and easier to implement into practice. Thus, in the key parts of the law, there is a precise defining of the basic definitions that are used, for better interpretation of each of its parts. The basic goals of this act is voluntary organisation of associations, free agreement during their establishment, equality of the subjects, freedom and independence during decision making, freedom and independence in regulation of issues of their interest, as well as legality of activities of trade associations.
The Government also reviewed and adopted the draft law on collectives, which determines their establishment, activities and closing, ask a specific form of associating, done according to the European experiences. According to the proposal, the collective is an association of several legal and physical entities for the purpose of enhancement and protection of strictly defined economic interests of its members.
Furthermore, the Government adopted the information of the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning in relation to the activities for marking of June 5-World Environment Day. According to the information, this day is significant because the Stockholm Declaration was adopted 30 years ago, which set the foundations for protection of the environment in general framework, while the first summit on environment was held in Rio 10 years ago. This year's motto of World Ecology Day is "Let's Give Planet Earth a Chance", which should reflect the need for communication among people in all areas of life. This connection can be expressed through numerous ways-through the most contemporary technologic tools, up to a simple shaking of one's hand.
STATEMENT BY FINANCE MINISTER NIKOLA GRUEVSKI.
MIA
Regarding the changes of regulations for provision of fiscal cash registers, Macedonian Finance Minister Nikola Gruevski said, "the amount paid for fiscal cash register will be excluded from the tax to everyone who buys it."
This refers to those who buy between one to ten cash registers.
"This is a great compromise, and now the businessmen ought to simply lease the cash registers and they can do it on credit of 12 monthly rates," he said.
Reporting that the Ministry of Finance has calculations about the profit that the Macedonian tradesmen made in 2001, Gruevski says that one of the main reasons for introduction of the fiscal cash registers is that the current system does not provide real picture about the gained profit.
"A great part of the profit is hidden because the tradesmen do not report the entire turnover," he said.
Asked what would happen if the protests against the implementation of the fiscal cash registers continue, Gruevski said that "the government is fair toward the tradesmen because it liberates them from the obligation to purchase the entire fiscal equipment, so they should give up from their demands."
Regarding the comments that "the reforms are done in a very bad timing," Gruevski said that Macedonia should have carried out these reforms long time ago, however it did not have the capacity to complete all reforms simultaneously.
MINISTER CASULE PAYS A VISIT TO WASHINGTON.
MIA
During the official visit to Washington, Macedonian Foreign Minister Slobodan Casule delivered a speech on "Republic of Macedonia and NATO: Partnership for stability on the Balkan" in the National Press Club, in the presence of media and diplomatic representatives.
According to the press release from the Foreign Ministry, Casule spoke of the partnership between Macedonia and the Alliance, demonstrated through the cooperation during Kosovo crisis and the crisis in Macedonia, when the country faced the spillover effect.
Assessing that in the key moments Macedonia behaved and was treated as NATO member-country, he pointed out that it should not be allowed some of the consequences of that partnership to be used as arguments against Macedonia's nomination for fully-fledged membership.
In the context of the global security threats, Casule emphasized that NATO enlargement should not and cannot keep out the Balkan countries. In that respect, he said that Macedonia should get an invitation for membership at the forthcoming NATO Summit in Prague i.e. should get clearly expressed perspectives for full integration in the Euro Atlantic structures.
Macedonian Foreign Minister Slobodan Casule met Tuesday in Washington with Director for South East Europe in the National Security Council within the White House Greg Schulte, US Special Envoy for South East Europe Ambassador James Holmes, Chairman of the Committee for Appropriations within the House of Representatives Bill Young and with Janet Bogue, in charge with SEE region within the State Department.
According to the press release from the Macedonian Foreign Ministry, Minister Casule within his regular political consultations with USA also had meetings in the Committee on Foreign Policy within the Senate.
Briefing on the current political-security situation in Macedonia, Casule spoke of the necessity for demarcation of the norther border that will have great impact on the overall process for stabilization of the region and also the practical problems of the population on both sides of the border will be resolved.
He actualized Macedonia's aspirations for membership into NATO in the context of the global threats of terrorism and organized crime, emphasizing that the achieving the Alliance's standards is of primary, national interest for Macedonia.
Thanking for the US support demonstrated on the donor conference in Brussels, Casule requested support for Macedonia's integration in the World Trade Organization and pointed out the significance of the regular economic cooperation including the facilitation of the export of Macedonian steel on US market.
The interlocutors reaffirmed the political, economic and defense support of US towards Macedonia's efforts for stabilization of the entire region and its integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures.
It was emphasized that USA is strongly committed for the policy of open doors to NATO, making efforts to extend the process of Alliance's enlargement even beyond the Summit in Prague.
Regarding the recent restrictive measures of US President George Bush on steel import, the Administration officials said that legal grounds are sought for facilitation of the import of Macedonian steel and emphasized that USA fully supports Macedonia's integration in the World Trade Organization.
Welcoming the progress in the police redeployment process in the crisis regions, the interlocutors pointed out the necessity of application of rule of law on the entire Macedonian territory, so the primary goal in the forthcoming period will be to enhance the confidence in the institutions of the Macedonian democracy, reads the press release from the Foreign Ministry.
ADDRESS BY MINISTER GRUEVSKI AT THE SWEDISH TRADE DAY IN MACEDONIA.
MIA
"In the last quarter in 2001, we have achieved significant progress in reform realization, thus compensating for the lost time from the military crisis period," Macedonian Finance Minister Nikola Gruevski said in his address at the promotion of the Swedish trade in the country.
The promotion, entitled: "Swedish Trade Day in Macedonia" was organized by the Swedish Trade Council and hosted by the Swedish Ambassador to Macedonia, Michael Sahlin.
Speaking about the more significant achievements in 2001, Gruevski underlined that several reform processes were launched, including the reforms in the payment system, which made it compatible with the systems of the developed countries. This, as Gruevski said, enables the foreign investors to invest in Macedonia, and the country to come closer to the EU.
"We have also modernized the payment operations and the banking operations, we have enhanced the supervision of the banking system, we have launched a Head office for prevention of money laundering, we have liberalized the foreign transactions and we will soon complete the institutional framework for the future development of the capital market, Gruevski said, also reporting on the introduction of the Central Depositary and the connecting of the Macedonian and the Athens stock exchange.
He said that the implementation of the Association and Stabilization Agreement would enable Macedonia to create favorable climate for foreign investments.
Gruevski also outlined the cheap labor force as one of Macedonia's advantages for foreign investments.
Gruevski underlined the cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and with the World Bank. In that context, he pointed out the good cooperation based on free trade agreements between Macedonia and Turkey, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria the EFTA member countries, Ukraine, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Asked to comment the statement given by the Head of the World Bank mission in Macedonia, Mrs. Hellen Marie Bricknell that the Government ought to enhance the struggle against corruption, Gruevski said that the Government was already working in that direction: "the Government has already adopted the Law for prevention of money laundering and is also undertaking serious steps in regard to obligatory proving of the money origin."
"The things have stabilized this year so we expect higher influx of foreign investments," Gruevski said.
BULGARIA-MACEDONIA.
BTA
Sofia, June 5 (BTA) - Bulgaria and Macedonia have made the necessary preparation and are ready to sigh an interstate protocol on the construction of pan-European Corridor VIII. This is something on which Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov and Macedonian Parliament leader Stojan Andov agreed about at their meeting on Wednesday and made public after their talks.
Andov voiced hope that after the signing of the protocol the project will be put on the programmes of the international financial institutions so that funding is available as soon as this fall.
He believes that "a mini-regional meeting" on Corridor VIII should be held the soonest possible with the participation of Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia.
The Bulgarian state leader and the Macedonian parliament leader also talked about the need to step up the signing of an accord on friendship, cooperation and good-neighbourliness. "Most neighbouring countries have such accords.
Bulgaria needs it to step up the processes of economic integration and Macedonia to achieve stability and association [with the EU]," Andov said.
The situation in Macedonia, the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement and the Bulgarian-Macedonian projects in economy were also on the agenda of talks.
At a meeting with the Macedonian guest earlier on Wednesday, Bulgarian National Assembly Chairman Ognyan Gerdjikov said there is what to wish for in the bilateral business relations. According to Gerdjikov, who was quoted by parliamentary spokeswoman Silvia Simova, a boom in this field can be expected only when the infrastructure linking the two countries is ready.
Gerdjikov also praised the great progress in the Bulgarian-Macedonian political relations and the intensive political dialogue.
Stojan Andov is in Sofia en route to Bucharest where he will attend a parliamentary conference on security in Southeast Europe June 6-7. A Bulgarian delegation is also going there, led by Tosho Peikov MP of the parliamentary majority.
Russia Imposed New Conditions for Her Debts.
Standartnews
Silvia Petrova
Russia will not start paying off her debts to Bulgaria if her claims for the assets of Bulgartabac are not ssatisafied, Theodora Vassileva, reporter of Darik radio, said from Moscow. To unconfirmed information, Moscow set this condition hours before signing the agreement on the bilateral liabilities. PMs Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Mikhail Kassianov are expected to sign it today. A special annex is also expected to be signed on Russia's claims. Russia's Patriarch Alexis II and PM Simeon kissed each other three times after the Russian fashion at their meeting yesterday.
RUSSIA - BULGARIA -ACCORDS SIGNED.
BTA
Annex to Agreement on Settlement of Mutual Obligations, Signed in Moscow, Clears Problem of Russian Debt to Bulgaria.
Moscow, June 5 (BTA special correspondent Ekaterina Kazassova) - Three documents, regulating Bulgarian-Russian relations, were signed here Wednesday after the end of official talks between Prime Ministers Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha of Bulgaria and Mikhail Kasyanov of Russia.
The documents are a Declaration on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Bulgaria and Russia, which was signed by the two heads of government, an Annex to the 1995 bilateral Agreement on Settlement of Mutual Financial Obligations, signed by the Bulgarian Ambassador in Moscow Iliyan Vassilev and Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Kolotukhin, and an Agreement on Cooperation between the two countries' ministries of culture, signed by Ambassador Vassilev and Russian Culture Minister Mikhail Shvydkoy.
"The signing of these documents sorts out the problems existing in bilateral relations," Kasyanov told journalists. Asked by Bulgarian correspondents about the progress on the remaining problems in Bulgarian relations: the immovable properties of the former Soviet Union in Bulgaria, the reparation claims to Bulgartabac, the defence manufacturers' licences and the large deficit in two-way trade, Kasyanov said they remain open and experts are busy working on the. The Russian Prime Minister expressed the hope that some of these problems will be solved in future.
Kasyanov said that Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and he discussed these problems and "boosted each other towards their solution." As an example, the host noted that the sides outlined a mechanism for an increase of trade exchanges. He recalled the preferential tariff treatment introduced by Russia for imports from Bulgaria, which attract a 25 per cent lower customs duty and goods originating from other countries.
Saxe-Coburg-Gotha described his talks with Kasyanov as "constructive, objective and pragmatic.
For his part, the Russian PM described the visit of his Bulgarian counterpart to Moscow as a "watershed in bilateral relations" and the agreements signed as a "stepping stone for further advancement of bilateral cooperation."
Asked why Bulgarian-Russian relations are normalizing, Kasyanov said that, in his opinion, the reason is in the realization by the two countries' governments of the need to pursue cooperation.
Ambassador Iliyan Vassilev was slightly hesitant when signing the Annex to the Agreement on Settlement of Mutual Obligation. Later on, it emerged that the Protocol had mistakenly provided just one copy of the document. The second copy was signed during the press conference, Vassilev said, quoted by Bulgarian Embassy Spokesman Vassil Vulkov.
Under the Annex, whose text was finalized in Sofia back in February, Russia agreed to repay Bulgaria a debt of 88.5 million US dollars: 15 million dollars in cash by mid-2002, 49.5 million dollars' worth of nuclear fuel (35 million in 2002 and 14.5 million in 2003), and special-purpose output valued at 24 million dollars not later than 2004.
NEC Cuts Power in Half of Bulgaria.
Standartnews
Evgeni Petrov
Firms and public institutions owe to the National Electric Company nearly 200 million.
As soon as NATO officials bid "good-buy" to Bulgaria, the power distribution agency in Plovdiv again reached for a circuit-breaker and cut power in the municipality. According to some media, the power in Plovdiv region has been on only to avoid appearing as a laughing stock before those whom we want to join. Moreover that we expect it to happen already after the first trimester of the year. If someone calls it a "balanced budget" it would be a grave mistake. Municipal administrations are formed to serve the people, i.e. taxpayers who pour money in this very budget. A question suggests itself - what's going on in this country, if the municipal authorities run out of money for electricity, heating, phone bills and computers already in May? True that Plovdiv is a unique case. One by one, sports school, shops, then (just imagine!) central hospital, then administrative units of the mayor's offices, all will have their power supply cut off. To cut power for a hospital in a country where health care is paid is nothing but scandalous. NEC could well make compromise with schools, hospitals, town halls and other consumers of social importance, provided the electric company itself is not actually driven into the corner. On the one hand, the company has to settle the accounts with power producers - hydro- and thermal power stations and, of course with the nuclear power plant, which needs money for fresh fuel rods. On the other hand, though, despite constant assurances that the economy is on the upswing, the debts to NEC are increasing. Inter-company indebtedness is not growing but snowballing. Today, it seems, the only solution are foreign delegations - the more often they come, the more seldom shall we have power-cuts. Maybe we even manage to convince them that we are prepared to join NATO.
ENERGY MINISTER-NUCLEAR POWER PLANT-INTERVIEW.
BTA
Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, Rapporteur for Bulgaria, Calls on European Commission for More Flexible, Dialogical Approach to Sofia, Energy Minister Kovachev Says.
Sofia, June 5 (BTA) - Speaking at a June 3-4 session of the EU-Bulgaria Joint Parliamentary Committee in Brussels, Geoffrey Van Orden, rapporteur for Bulgaria at the European Parliament, called on the European Commission to work out a more flexible, dialogical approach to Bulgaria, Energy and Energy Resources Minister Milko Kovachev, who was on the Bulgarian delegation, said in an interview with BTA. On Tuesday, he unveiled the new energy strategy and made a presentation on the development of the energy sector and Bulgaria's position on the Kozloduy nuclear power plant.
During the discussion in Brussels, Kovachev stressed that all applicant countries which must decommission nuclear reactors by set deadlines, also have a time frame for accession to the EU. Bulgaria is the only country that has set about shutting down reactors without a clear accession roadmap, Kovachev said.
This is the first time in 12 years that matters concerning the Bulgarian energy sector and the Kozloduy nuclear power plant have been addressed so openly, clearly and directly at an international forum, according to Kovachev. The Bulgarian delegation said reactors analogous to Units One and Two of the Kozloduy nuclear power plant in EU applicant countries are treated differently by the European institutions.
There are many misconceptions, incorrectly or selectively chosen facts on Bulgaria's development in the European public domain, Kovachev said. The public is told that the Bulgarian nuclear reactors are of the Chernobyl type, "which could not be furthest from the truth". "No matter how often we repeat this piece of information, it is assimilated with difficulty or people do not want to assimilate it," Kovachev said.
In Brussels, emphasis was laid on the findings of a review of the national report on the Vienna Convention on Nuclear Safety and Bulgaria's preparedness for an International Atomic Energy Agency mission, which will assess Units Three and Four from June 24. The development of the Bulgarian energy sector and its role in the regional energy market were presented in Brussels.
Bulgaria's progress in closing 17 chapters in its accession negotiations and the prospect of bringing their number to 20 by mid-year was noted in Brussels.
The European Commission and the European Parliament found Sofia's progress remarkable, and the presentation in Brussels was said to "improve understanding between Bulgaria and the EU countries".
The Bulgarian delegation to Brussels included representatives of all parliamentary forces, who held a unanimous position on the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, Kovachev said.
The European Parliament will vote the report on Bulgaria on June 10-11.
Kovachev said it consisted of two texts, one of which is about the Kozloduy plant.
The fact of Bulgaria's energy inefficiency is abused, according to Kovachev, who nevertheless underlined the need for an active energy efficiency policy.
"People in Bulgaria are not any different from the Europeans in general, and we must learn to communicate and set forth our standpoints and to defend them," Kovachev said.
COE-LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
BTA
Swiss Government Releases EUR 100,000 for Support to Local Self-Government in SEEurope.
Strasbourg, June 5 (BTA spec. corr. Lili Todorova) - The Swiss government has already made available 100,000 euros to a network of local government associations in Southeastern Europe. More funding will come later as the network starts to work towards decentralization in the region in the spirit of the European Charter of Local Self-Government.
This emerged Wednesday during the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe held in Strasbourg.
A proposal by Sofia Mayor Stefan Sofiyanski to hold a donors' meeting to discuss environmental problems in the region, pollution and waste management, was supported by all national representatives and by the Congress Secretariat.
The major problem identified by the participants from Southeast Europe was their countries' "poor" or "nonexistent" position on local self-government.
The representatives of Macedonia and Serbia hailed the proposal of Razgrad Mayor Venelin Ouzounov for a special meeting on the powers of local governments and the need for financial decentralization. The participants asked for the support of the Council of Europe and praised the progress of the Bulgarian Association of Municipalities which seems to be the only one which to some extent has managed to institutionalize its relations with the central government by signing an agreement six months ago.
The deputy executive director of the Bulgarian Association of Municipalities, Monika Romenska, and Belgrade Mayor Radmila Hrustanovic were elected to represent the network in a project linking up the women mayors under the Stability Pact.
The participants also supported in principle a Bulgarian proposal for rules of procedure of the network, whereby the functions of secretariat will be performed by the national local government associations on a rotational principle.
Two projects of the Congress agenda were also presented to the representatives of Southeast Europe. One is for studying the migratory flows in the region in order to acquire a base for the better integration of immigrants on the one hand and the smooth return of refugees to their homes on the other.
The second project aims to improve the employment opportunities for disadvantaged people, including those with handicaps, women, refugees, ethnic minorities and people with poor education background.
Draganova Targeted Because of Illicit Gas Stations.
Standartnews
Eli Dimova
The supervisor is threatened with death because of affected interests.
Head of the Construction Control Office in Bourgas architect Vesselina Draganova was threatened with death on the phone. The threat was in line with the illegal construction of gas stations and hotels at the southern Black Sea coast. Large amounts and investments of groups and structures, which I couldn't name, are involved, Draganova said for 'Standart'. She has already approached the regional prosecution in Nessebar and the Regional Police Department - Slunchev Briag (Sunny Beach). Colleagues of hers have also been threatened. Not long ago experts of the construction control directorate were threatened during checkups of trade facilities in Slunchev Briag. All the inspections in the region are made together with policemen. The attacks against the head of the construction control directorate are resumed periodically, after each checkup of illicit buildings at the sea shore. The lady incurred hatred of many people because of her actions for destroying numerous illegal restaurants and hotels in Slunchev Briag and Bourgas.
(PY)
Doctored Sunflower Oil Floods the Market.
Standartnews
Tanya Krassimirova
Only 5 brands meet the standards.
Poor quality cooking oil stinking of fish or coming in uderweight packages floods the market. Of the offered brands only 5 meet the standards, Pavel Karlev, chief secretary of the Consumers' Federation, said. The brands which meet the requirements are: 'Kaliakra', 'Papas', Rossa', 'Vidona' and 'Iva'.
US Dollar Dropped Down to 2.07 Levs.
Standartnews
Yesterday the dollar fell again by some 0.03 levs and the BNB fixing was 2.07295 levs per dollar.
We Want to Stop Racket for Stolen Cars.
INTERVIEW Standartnews: Roumiana Georgieva
Neika Krasteva
We don't cater to private interests, says NMS MP Roumiana Georgieva.
In 1999 marking all motor vehicles with a VIN code (vehicle identity number) becomes mandatory and the requirement is stipulated in the Road Traffic Act. Bogomil Bonev - then Minister of Interior - and his team prepare the ordinance. In violation of law the next interior minister Emmanuil Yordanov canceled it. Last year, two NMS deputies, Roumiana Georgieva and Ilcho Duganov, put forward a proposal to regulate this procedure in an amendment to the Road Traffic Act. The parliamentary committee on transport and telecommunications rejected the idea. Whereas Georgieva and Duganov were accused of lobbying for private economic interests.
- Mrs. Georgieva, you were accused of lobbying for private interests while the parliament was debating your proposal to include the requirement for engraved VIN code on cars into the Road Traffic Act. Will you respond to these allegations?
- Private interests have nothing to do with our idea. All we want is to stop racket and to restore order. I couldn't grasp the counter-arguments of the Interior Ministry officials who claim that the fee for engraving the VIN-code will become a financial burden for drivers. Isn't it a financial burden to have your car stolen? According to the information given by Chief Secretary of Interior, Gen. Boiko Borissov, the victims of car thefts are racketeered for sums from 2000 levs on, and police officers are somehow implicated in it. People are forced to pay large sums of money to have their cars tracked down. Now one and the same firm marks all cars, even those belonging to the Council of Ministers. Wouldn't you call it a monopoly? No one knows under what conditions they do the marking or whether this firm works hand in hand with the Interior Ministry. Our aim is to provide the information directly to the Road Police and to curb the car thefts. I really don't understand why Road Police put up such strong resistance to our idea about VIN-code. If we keep a register, their work will become much easier. Besides, the proposed requirements have bearing on fighting terrorism. It's common knowledge that many of the terrorist groups draw finances from car thefts, trafficking of people and drugs. Many of these criminal flows pass through Bulgaria, that's why to stop them is extremely important to us. Thus we shall also help our partners in other countries. For criminal groups there are no frontiers. Only clear-cut rules would become a barrier for them.
(Abridged) |
