BULGARIA Parvanov Happy with the Agreements in Moscow

BULGARIA Parvanov happy with the agreements in Moscow

Updated on: 29.04.2009, 13:34

Published on: 29.04.2009, 13:31

Author: international.news.bg

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The national interest is protected. Thus president Georgi Parvanov defined the results from the reached agreements in Moscow during the visit of the Bulgarian prime minister Sergei Stanishev there.

According to Parvanov ultimately the agreements in the signing of the first package energy agreements, which allow Bulgaria to be a serious factor in the transit and supply of natural gas and in the field of energy, are kept.

The new contract with “Gazprom” should be inseparable part of the agreement package, which will probably be signed mid-May, believes the president.

He stressed again that Bulgaria should defend its position for the dropping out of any mediators.

“Bulgaria should just state the facts – to put the question how much have the mediators earned at the expense of the Bulgarian consumer in all these years and at the end with this arguments, we can achieve our goal”, added Parvanov.

To the question about the wanted credit for NPP “Belene” the president said that possibilities for funding should continue to be sought, the Russian side shouldn’t be excluded at the availability of such readiness together with the partners for the construction of the nuclear power plant.

Parvanov claimed he didn’t accept the idea of some political forces NPP “Belene” to be frozen unknown till when and forecast that until then the Bulgarian neighbors would have constructed their own plants and Bulgaria would remain at the end of the queue of countries pretending for serious nuclear and energy factor. http://bulgarian.ibox.bg/news/id_2043282520

Kazakhstan ready to supply Bulgaria with gas directly

Updated on: 29.04.2009, 15:12 Published on: 29.04.2009, 15:07

Author: Olga Yoncheva

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The export of oil and gas constitutes 80% of the exchange between Kazakhstan and Bulgaria. Only for last year the exchange was around 220 million US dollars, announced in Plovdiv the ambassador of Kazakhstan in Bulgaria Serjan Abdukarimov.

He noted that the possibilities for oil and gas supplies from Kazakhstan via Russia and Ukraine for Bulgaria were discussed during the energy forum in Sofia in the end of last week.

To a question the construction of which of the two oil pipelines “South stream” or “Nabucco” his country supports, the diplomat answered “For Kazakhstan – the more pipelines, the better”.

Ambassador Abdukarimov marked, however, that Kazakhstan had an agreement with the European Union for energy security and that was the reason for not working with the full capacity in this direction. The oil and gas reserves of Kazakhstan are for the 100 years ahead, claimed the ambassador, cited by Radio Plovdiv.

Plovdiv is the most important and the biggest economic and industry center of Bulgaria claimed the Kazakhstani ambassador as a motive for the led by him delegation to present exactly there the state program of Kazakhstan “Road to Europe 2009-2011”. According to the Kazakhstani government, Bulgaria can turn into the connecting point between Europe and Asia for its geo-strategic position in the transit-transport energy plan.

Serjan Abdukarikmov noted also that the cooperation between the Bulgarian, and more specifically the Plovdiv businessmen in the sectors of energy, transport, trade, agriculture and tourism would be intensified. http://bulgarian.ibox.bg/news/id_1173184469

CYPRUS Cyprus takes precautionary measures over swine flu

FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE 29.APR.09 The Cyprus government has produced an "action plan" to help prevent swine flu reaching the island and to cope with the threat of a possible flu epidemic.

An official announcement, issued after a meeting of officials in Nicosia yesterday said it had been decided to issue a daily bulletin at 2pm each day, which will provide an update on the flu situation.

A website will also be set up over the next few days with instructions on precautionary measures.

Health Minister Christos Patsalides told reporters that a special committee has been set up to coordinate preventive action, while an ambulance has been specially converted for flu patients, who would be treated in a secluded section of the Nicosia General Hospital.

Mr Patsalides said that in the case of a pandemic and a shortage of beds in this secluded hospital section, hotels will be used.

The minister added that there is a stock of flu medicine to treat 60,000 cases and the government is trying to purchase another 20 to 25,000 treatment doses.

He said measures discreet will be taken at airports, ports and the crossing points leading to the occupied part of Cyprus. http://famagusta-gazette.com/default.asp?smenu=69&sdetail=8527

GREECE Karamanlis-Putin Contact on Energy

Πηγή: EΡΤ 29/04/09-12:09

The enhancement of the already close ties between the two nations and the developments in energy affairs topped the telephone conversation held between Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The Greek head of government termed Putin a "good friend and strategical partner," while Putin highlighted how important the Greek-Russian ties are to Russia. During their 20-minute conversation, the two leaders agreed that the ties have been further boosted under the Greek OECD Presidency, during which Russia's support and constructive stance on several pending issues is crucial.

With regard to energy matters, Karamanlis voiced the Greek side's will to have the Greek-Russian energy cooperation further boosted. He also expressed his satisfaction about the course of the negotiations between DESFA and GAZPROM on the Southstream pipeline. Karamanlis rest Putin assured that Greece would take all necessary measures towards a positive outcome.

As for the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline, the Greek Prime Minister underlined the importance of the revised study on the matter, while both men expressed their certainty that the timeline set for the implementation of the project would not be broken. http://www.express.gr/news/news-in-english/161784oz_20090429161784.php3

Scandals rock Greece's conservative government

Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:42am EDT

April 29 (Reuters) - Greek lawmakers on Wednesday issued an inconclusive finding in a bribe scandal that could force Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to call an early election as Greece struggles to cope with the global financial crisis. [ID:nLT959469].

During its five years in power, the government has been shaken by scandals ranging from controversial land swaps between the state and a wealthy monastery to suspect government bond sales to state-run pension funds.

Here are the main scandals that have rocked the government:

* FERRY CONTRACTS - April 2009:

Greek lawmakers decided to launch an investigation into a former minister's involvement in a shipping scandal after prosecutors passed the case to parliament. Ruling party deputy Aristotle Pavlides denies any wrongdoing in the case, brought to light by a shipowner who testified that the minister's aide demanded bribes to grant a contract to run subsidised Aegean island ferry routes.

* VATOPEDI SCANDAL - September 2008:

Merchant marine minister George Voulgarakis resigned amid mounting criticism from within his New Democracy party over property transactions, including a land swap between the state and the wealthy Vatopedi monastery where his wife acted as agent. He insisted no laws were broken but the finance ministry annulled the deal and a judicial investigation showed deputy ministers were involved in the land swap which media said cost taxpayers over 100 million euros ($131.9 million).

Parliament set up an investigating committee in October. The same day, one of the prime minister's closest aides, Minister of State Theodore Roussopoulos, resigned over his suspected role in the land deals. In December, the parliamentary investigation failed to reach an agreement on who was responsible for the scandal and took no further steps.

* SEX, LIES AND DVDs - February 2008:

Former Culture Ministry General Secretary Christos Zahopoulos resigned and jumped from his fifth-floor balcony after a DVD showing him having sex with his female assistant was taken to the office of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. What media dubbed the "sex, lies and DVDs" scandal shook Greek society and cut the government majority to one deputy after the temporary resignation of an MP. Zahopoulos survived the fall.

* SIEMENS - May 2008:

Greece is investigating whether German engineering group Siemens (SIEGn.DE) bribed companies and officials to win deals including the security contract for the 2004 Olympics. A prosecutor has filed charges and an investigating judge has launched an inquiry. A German court convicted former Siemens executive Reinhard Siekaczek in July for his role in setting up slush funds used to win contracts. Siemens itself gave a tally of at least 1.3 billion euros in suspect payments booked as fees [ID:nL8682844].

*INDIAN WORKERS - December 2007:

Labour Minister Vassilis Magginas resigned after the Greek press said he employed an uninsured Indian family at his country home. The scandal came at a time of unpopular pension reforms fiercely opposed by labour unions. He denied any wrongdoing, saying the Indians were his guests.

* BONDS - March 2007:

A 280-million euro, 12-year structured government bond with a 6.25 percent coupon, issued in February 2007 by the Finance Ministry and underwritten by JP Morgan (JPM.N), passed through several brokers before ending up with state pension funds at inflated prices. Labour Minister Savvas Tsitourides was sacked and the deal reversed. Prosecutors have announced hundreds of charges from fraud to money laundering, but have not named any individuals. The investigation goes on.

* WIRE-TAPPING - February 2006:

In March 2006, the government revealed that more than 100 people, including Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, had their mobile phones tapped around the time of the Athens 2004 Olympics. A two-year judicial investigation into the so-called "Greek Watergate" was dropped in January when prosecutors said they were unable to find evidence leading to the culprits. http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSLT86754720090429 ?sp=true

ROMANIA 10,000 national railroad workers to protest in Bucharest on Wednesday de A.C. HotNews.ro

Miercuri, 29 aprilie 2009, 11:13 English | Top News

10, 000 national railroad workers are expected to attend a protest in Bucharest started in Bucharest, at the Transports ministry headquarters, followed by a march to the Government's premises. The protest is legal, approved by the local City Hall. Currently, protesters are gathering on the Bucharest North Station premises and will march to Victoria Square starting 12:30 pm.

From the Transports ministry, protesters will march towards the Government's premises, in Victoria Square through Calea Grivitei - Polizu - Buzesti - Government. However, they do not have authorization to stand in front of the government.

Protesters plan to occupy the Bucharest North train station after 3 pm when their protest authorization expires. Union representative Ion Molea declared that he announced that the protest will not be legal after 3 pm but he declared that the people will do whatever they wish. Moreover, he added that their plan is to occupy the train station and wait for the Prime Minister.

Both the government and the Transports ministry received a petition containing the main requirements of the protesters: they urge authorities to stop firing up people in the three companies of CFR, the national railroad company, for those who are not about the retire. Moreover, the Romanian state should stop the technical decline of the railroads in Romania.

Some solutions need to be found to cancel CFR Infrastructure debts and acquirement electrical energy straight from suppliers, the petition reads. Last but not least, the railroads need to be modernized.

Romania's Transports ministry announced unions on March 20 that they will lay off some 12,139 people in the railroad system.

UPDATE: The 10,000 railroad workers refuse to follow the authorized march and are currently blocking Victoria Square, protesting in front of the government. Meanwhile, union representatives are meeting government representatives to present a petition with their requests. Police forces are trying to convince the crowd to stick with the authorized schedule. http://english.hotnews.ro/stiri-top_news-5646701-update-10-000-national-railroad-workers- protest-bucharest-wednesday.htm

Romania Freezes Public Sector Wages

| 29 April 2009 |

Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc

Romania's centre-left cabinet said on Tuesday it will freeze public sector wages, scrapping earlier plans to increase wages for government employees, as part of an attempt to cut spending.

The government led by Prime minister Emil Boc plans to cut spending to roughly 1 per cent of GDP in order to meet demands laid out in the 20 billion euro International Monetary Fund aid package agreed upon a month ago.

While Boc said his government still plans to increase small wages, he cautioned that this will only be possible if the public finances allow it.

“We will discuss any potential wage hikes in the public sector only if economic condition allow, following further saving from restructuring government-run agencies,” said Boc.

Romania, which became EU member in early 2007, is the third member of the bloc to be bailed out by the IMF and is facing economic turmoil due to an increase in foreign currency debt and a growing budget deficit. http://balkaninsight.com/en/main/news/18510/

SLOVENIA/CROATIA Pahor Quiet, Slovenians Cry For Justice Principle

Published: April 29, 2009 14:05h

Due to many of Slovenia’s parliamentary parties being restrained at a meeting with premier Borut Pahor, concerning the latest proposal by Olli Rehn, the Slovenian Cabinet will not decide on accepting the initiative on Thursday, claims the Maribor daily “Vecer”. He specially stresses criticism by the opposition Slovenian People’s Party (SLS), and Jelincic’s Slovenian National Party (SNS), that Rehn’s proposal is a diversion from previous solutions, and that the Slovenian parliament declaration about the border, which Rehn accepted before the final ratification of Croatia’s accession protocol into NATO, is not being accepted now.

The proposal does not clearly state the “principle of justice” in determining the sea border.

Proposal is ambiguous

Rehn’s proposal leaves the possibility of being interpreted in various ways, in which Slovenian experts will concentrate on the way that the land and sea borders can be treated differently by an arbitration tribunal. They will also concentrate on the fact that the “principle of justice” is not explicitly stated, even though it can be interpreted that it could be implemented, writes Ljubljana’s Delo. http://www.javno.com/en-world/pahor-quiet-slovenians-cry-for-justice-principle_254527