28, Nov-2002.

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28, Nov-2002.

Thursday.

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We may introduce exit visas if it turns out that this is the only way to stop the illegal immigrants to Europe, said IM Chief Secretary Boiko Borissov on his return from Brussels yesterday. He was met at Sofia Airport by the Director of National Police Service Directorate (NPSD) Gen. Vassil Vassilev. Photo Nikolay Donchev

International Monetary Fund Resident Representative to Bulgaria Piritta Sorsa paid a working visit to Razgrad. She conferred with Razgrad Mayor Venelin Ouzounov. Pressphoto - BTA picture: Mehmed Aziz

RAILWAY WORKERS STRIKE CONTINUES.

MIA

The railway traffic in Macedonia is still disrupted because of the railway workers' strike over pay and benefits.

Only two trains carrying Army supplies were allowed to pass, while the Corridor 10 and the railway border crossings towards Greece and Yugoslavia are still blocked.

Minister of Transport and Communications Miljaim Ajdini's statement, saying that nothing can be done because there are no funds in the budget for the railway traffic, has angered the strike board.

The Board announced that they would request a meeting with Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski, in order to present their proposal: the government to provide funds for the salaries and the company to compensate the benefits and the maintenance once the traffic is back to normal.

The leadership of the Macedonian Railways and the representatives of the trade unions concluded at their meeting on Thursday that the company's financial state was poor and it could not pay the workers.

The management team pointed out that it was necessary to resolve all disputed issues including the company's transformation and the implementation of the Law on Macedonian Railways.

The strike would continue during the negotiations with company's management.

On Wednesday, the leadership has offered half of the September's salary to be paid to the workers, but they still request payment of two salaries. Despite the warnings of enormous consequences and the fact that the strike board did not comply with the Agreement on Maintaining Minimal Traffic, the strike continued.

The members of the Trade Union of Machine Personnel and Traction of Trains Branch began the strike 43 days ago. In the beginning the traffic was minimally reduced, and it is fully blocked since yesterday.

ROBERTSON'S VISIT - A CONFIRMATION OF NATO "OPEN DOORS" POLICY.

MIA

According to the Cabinet of Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, Friday's visit of NATO Secretary General George Robertson to Macedonia is a clear and strong political signal, a confirmation of NATO's policy "open doors" for Macedonia, as well as support for intensification of the reform process, which is necessary for Macedonia's membership in the Alliance.

"We once again expect declaration of support to President Trajkovski on the trilateral cooperation among the candidate countries for NATO membership from the region- Croatia, Albania and Macedonia", President's spokesman Borjan Jovanovski said Thursday at a press conference.

Continuation of the NATO mandate in Macedonia after December 15 will be one of the main topics at the discussions. "We consider that the mandate has been designed according to Trajkovski's request, which was officially submitted at the NATO Summit in Prague, when he pledged for the mandate to contain two important components- continuation of the stabilization process in the country, and support of the reforms in defence and security system", Jovanovski stated.

The strategy for Macedonia's accession in NATO required not only reforms in the defence and security system, because, "they are not the only ones to be carried out for NATO membership, but just a component of a larger process".

Jovanovski emphasized that there should be no dilemmas on freedom of media in the future, independent judicial system, as well as principles of market economy and human rights, which required coordinated action. This resulted in the initiative for preparation of a national security strategy.

Jovanovski informed that President Trajkovski would visit Brussels in the course of the following week, on invitation of the foundation "Conrad Adenauer", where he would deliver a speech on the topic "Macedonia's Perspectives in the European Integration".

The Macedonian President will meet with the Belgian King and EU High Representative on Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana. At the meetings, Trajkovski would require a stronger signal on Macedonia's perspectives at the upcoming EU Summit in Copenhagen for its integration in the Union.

Referring to the first session of the new Security Council, Jovanovski said that it should be held by the next weekend. President Trajkovski is expected to announce the names of three persons tomorrow, who will be appointed for the Council's members.

November 28 in History.

Standartnews

In 1877 the Ottoman army under Osman Pasha that was besieged in Pleven, surrendered.

In 1989 Bulgaria reestablished her membership in Interpol. Bulgaria was among its founders in 1923 but resigned its membership in 1961.

Only 4 Million Bulgarians Remain in 50 years.

Standartnews
Stefan Kyuchukov

The Gipsy population has increased 4-fold in the last 100 years.

4,5 mil. will be the population of Bulgaria in 2050, show the prognoses of the UN, published by the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) yesterday. By 2020 the Bulgarians will total 6,125 mil. By the end of this year the population will reduce by 60-65 000 and will number 7,845 mil. About 46 000 people die, and some 20 000 immigrate every year, show the statistics. The Turkish population in this country runs at 746 664 or 9,4% of the whole population, show the NIS data. It has grown with 215 400 for the last 100 years or 1,4 times. The rate of the growth is the highest among Gipsies, they have increased 4,1 times in the last 100 years.

BG with a 'Golden Share' in the Oil Pipeline.

Standartnews

Nevena Mircheva

Two more companies aspire to participate in Bulgarian consortium set up for Bourgas-Alexandroupolis.

The state will own one 'golden share' in BG consortium, which will take part in the construction of Bourgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, agreed Hassan Hassan - acting minister of Regional Development and Public Works, and reps of the 9 companies that will constitute the venture - Gazstroymontazh PLC, Glavbolgarstroy PLC, Interneftigazmontazhi Ltd., LUCOil Ltd., Magnum 007 Ltd., Minstroyholding PLC, Monolit 3 Ltd., Chimremontstroy PLC and Holikon PLC. Two more companies have shown interest in the project - "Controller-Welding Appliances' (KZU) PLC and 'Transstroy-Bourgas' PLC.

NATO-RALSTON-VISIT.

BTA

General Joseph Ralston Arrives on Two-day Official Visit to Bulgaria.

Sofia, November 28 (BTA) - NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Joseph W. Ralston arrives on a two-day official visit to Bulgaria Friday, the Defence Ministry press office said.

General Ralston will get familiarized with the progress of the
reform in the Bulgarian army and the implementation of the main activities related to Bulgaria's accession to NATO.

The guest will be decorated with the Stara Planina order, class I with swards, by Bulgarian President and Supreme Commander of the Bulgarian Armed Forces Georgi Purvanov.

General Ralston is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Defence Minister Nikolai Svinarov, Foreign Minister Simeon Passy and Chief of the General Staff of the Bulgarian Army General Nikola Kolev.

GOVERNMENT-NO CONFIDENCE VOTE.

BTA

Bulgarian Parliament Debates Two No-Confidence Motions Moved by Left-wing and Right-wing Opposition.

Sofia, November 28 (BTA) - The Bulgarian National Assembly started debates on two no-confidence motions moved by the right-wing opposition United Democratic Forces (UtdDF) and the left-wing Coalition for Bulgaria (CfB).

At the opening of the session UtdDF leader Nadezhda Mihailova and Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) deputy leader Georgi Bozhinov set forth the reasoning behind the two motions.

Mihailova said that by not entering parliament's decision that the closure of Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy N-plant should take into account the socioeconomic situation in this country and that it should not precede this country's full membership in the EU in Bulgaria's stand in its negotiations of the Energy chapter of the acquis, the Government had deliberately not implemented a National Assembly decision and thus violated the Constitution.

According to the reasoning of the left-wing, set forth by Bozhinov, the undertaken commitment to close down the economically efficient Units 1 and 2 and the setting of a date for the closure of Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy N-plant creates serious problems for Bulgarian power engineering and threatens nuclear power engineering in Bulgaria. The closure of the reactors will have grave socioeconomic consequences, Bozhinov said. According to him, it will push up electricity prices and necessitate the import of electricity, provided this country has the necessary funds for this.

In response Plamen Panayotov, Floor Leader of the ruling Simeon II National Movement (SNM), said that in holding the negotiations the Government observed the criteria laid down in Parliament's decision on the Kozloduy N-plant. The Government is conducting the negotiations in a way that would make it possible to implement Parliament decision, Panayotov said.

The no-confidence motions moved by the UDF and CB are an attempt by the opposition at public rehabilitation, Panayotov said. These motions may help the opposition to consolidate but will hardly help improve the life of Bulgarians, Panayotov said. "Today we are witnessing a rallying of the opposition against this country's accession to the EU," Panayotov also said. The debate is attended by Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Deputy Prime Ministers Nikolay Vassilev and Lidia Shouleva and cabinet ministers. The session is aired live on Bulgarian National Radio and Bulgarian National Television.

In the parliamentary lobby Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha told reporters that he is concerned by the impact the no-confidence votes will have on Bulgaria's image. In response to a question, he said he has never violated the basic law of Bulgaria.

Parliament has rejected all no-confidence motions in the government moved since the beginning of democratic changes in Bulgaria in 1989.

NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE-DEBATES.

BTA

Energy Minister Milko Kovachev: It Is Not True That Bulgaria Will Have to Import Electricity After Closing Down Units 3 and 4 of Kozloduy N-Plant.

Sofia, November 28 (BTA) - Energy Minister Milko Kovachev said in Parliament Thursday that allegations about Bulgaria having to import expensive electricity after closing down Units 3 and 4 of its N-plant do not correspond to the truth. He described statements about a hike in electricity prices after the closure of reactors as speculations.

Kovachev said this during the debates in Parliament on the no-confidence vote motions moved by the left-wing and right-wing opposition in connection with the fate of Units 3 and 4 of the
Kozloduy plant.

There can be no discussions on whether the decision of the National Assembly has been fulfilled or not in the absence of a fixed date for Bulgaria's accession to the EU, a peer review of the safety of the reactors and concrete agreements with the European Commission on the social, economic, technological and environmental consequences of the early closure of some of the reactors of the N-plant, Kovachev said. At present all this is subject to future discussions in the course of negotiations with the EU, Kovachev said.

The Government is happy that Bulgaria is the only country to succeed in arranging a peer review of the safety of the reactors because only such a review can serve as a basis for an objective assessment, Kovachev said. "We see this as the only possible road left us by the National Assembly to an objective stand of the EU-member states on the Kozloduy N-plant issue," he added.

Kovachev said that until 1995 Kozloduy only "gave" the state without receiving anything and no funds were set aside for ending the technological processes in the reactors. Only half a million of the 82 million leva owed to the two funds - for closing down and for maintaining the safety of nuclear facilities, were set aside in 1999. The respective figures for 2000 were 25 and 64 million leva, for 2001 60 and 90 million leva and for 2002 108 and 105 million leva, the Energy Minister said.

PARLIAMENT-NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE.

BTA

Parliament to Vote Motion on No-confidence in Cabinet Friday.

Sofia, November 28 (BTA) - The Bulgarian National Assembly will vote on the motion on no-confidence in the Cabinet at 13:58 hrs on Friday. Parliament Chairman Ognyan Gerdjikov said this following the end of the debate on the two no-confidence motions submitted by the rightist and leftist opposition forces - the United Democratic Forces and Coalition for Bulgaria, respectively.

According to Parliament's Rules of Procedure, the vote is to be held 24 hours after the end of the debates.

Old Man Found $11,000 and Returned It.

Standartnews

A pensioner found a bag with 11,000 dollars in it and gave the money back to the owner without wanting anything in return. In his joy the confused businessman forgot to ask about the old man's name and he is still anonymous. The curious event took place on Tuesday in Plovdiv, sources from the Regional Police Department announced yesterday.

Bonuses for Our Weight-Lifters.

Standartnews
Vladislava Lazarova

Our medal-holders from the World Weight-Lifting Championship in Warsaw will get extra money. 10,000 levs will get the gold medallists, 5,000 levs, for silver, and 3,000 levs for bronze medal, as had been promised by the Bulgarian Weight Lifting Federation. The same sun of money will be allocated by the Ministry of Sports. The federation expects that the weight-lifters get extra money for the medals in different branches. The Bulgarians took the 2nd position in the final team placing with 482 points.

My Nerves Are Really on Edge.

INTERVIEW Standartnews: Dimiter Kaltchev

Nikolay Varadinov

Bulgaria has suffered 1-billion-lev losses due to inefficient privatization, 200 deals are submitted to the prosecutor's office. IMF will accept the stand of Veltchev, there's no other way, says minister of public service Dimiter Kaltchev.

- Mr. Kaltchev, recently Kostadin Paskalev told that your nerves were really on edge and admitted that you may lose control and hand in resignation.

- Problems with budget'2003 made everyone rather edgy. I myself feel rather tense.

- And what about friction between the government and the IMF? Is there any way out?

- Yes, there is. Minister Veltchev took a very radical stand. One shouldn't yield so easily neither before IMF nor before any other international institution. After reasonable negotiations the IMF will agree to accept our budget for the next year. There's simply no other option.

- What could you say about the work of the anti-corruption commission?

- The post-privatization control agency shows very good performance. The established missed benefits and unrealized profits are running at 1 billion levs.

- Will any of the deals be broken?

- Yes, 200 cases have been submitted to the prosecutor's office.

- Will the guilty parties be named?

- Yes, certainly.

- Will they be indicted?

- Yes, the prosecutors do work very efficiently.

(Abr)

Russia demands Georgia extradite detained Chechens.

Jang Group

MOSCOW: The Russian foreign ministry on Wednesday urged Georgia to go ahead with the extradition of eight Chechen rebels after the European Court of Human Rights withdrew its objections.

"This decision deprives Tbilisi of legal foundations to refuse to extradite the terrorists to Russian courts in line with European standards and obligations to international law," foreign ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said in a statement.

Georgia has been holding the suspected rebels since their arrest in August in the lawless Pankisi gorge bordering Russia's separatist republic of Chechnya. Seven of the eight suspects had appealed to the European court, saying they would face harsh treatment in Russia.

But the Strasbourg-based court dropped its objections on Tuesday, leading Georgian officials to say that they would soon decide whether to extradite six of the eight suspected rebels. Two suspected rebels were discovered to be Georgian citizens and their cases were handed over to a Tbilisi court.

"Moscow insists on the quickest possible implementation of the agreement between the Russian and Georgian presidents on the extradition of these rebels and international terrorists to Russia and bringing them to justice," Yakovenko said.

The case has strained an already tense relationship between Georgia and Russia, with Moscow accusing Tbilisi of failing to crack down on suspected rebel activity in Pankisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin threatening military strikes if Georgia fails to act.

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