http://www.novinite.com/ Real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news - economic, political and cultural, foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and world news. en 2001-2009 Novinite Ltd. http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110238 110238 Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:41:37 +0200 Five Bulgarian men were left in jail Friday on charges they were part of an organized crime group which stole credit card data from citizens of Poland and Austria. The Plovdiv District Court ruled that the five men must remain behind bars. They are accused of being a part of the group which operated in Poland and Austria between August and November 2009.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110236 110236 Domestic Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:30:32 +0200 Bulgaria's Union of Democratic Forces, which is part of the rightist Blue Coalition, is going to give Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, a list with 100 names of top civil servants related who in its view must be fired. This was announced Friday by the UDF leader, Martin Dimitrov, who explained the 100 names on the list belong to people related to the former government of the three way coalition of the Socialist Party, the ethnic Turkish party DPS and the NMSP of ex-Tsar Saxe-Coburg. "We cannot have people with controversial reputation who were part of murky deals and of the failed three-way coalition government to continue to occupy such high-ranking positions," Dimitrov stated. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110235 110235 Environment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:55:08 +0200 Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, and the Sofia Municipality have send a letter to the EC in response to its announcement it was starting a trial against the country over garbage disposal in Sofia. The Bulgarian institutions have expressed their disagreement with the Commission's conclusion that the system for processing waste in the capital Sofia does not meet the requirements of EU legislation. The Sofia Municipality states that the decision of the EC must be based on "the objective facts and circumstances.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110234 110234 World Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:05:37 +0200 Romanians will go to the polls to elect a new President on Sunday November 22, with a choice of three main contenders, and against a backdrop of prolonged political inaction. The centrist incumbent, Traian Basescu, currently holds a slim lead (33% support), according to Romanian opinion polls, over his main rival, left-wing Mircea Geona (30%). The third candidate, Crin Antonescu, is trailing well behind, with 18% support. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110233 110233 Society Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:49:14 +0200 Bulgaria's largest English-language media Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency) is inviting you, its readers, to select Bulgaria's Personalities and Events of the Year 2009! Novinite.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110232 110232 Diplomacy Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:28:41 +0200 Bulgaria President Georgi Parvanov has stated that Bulgaria's support for Macedonia joining the EU is not unconditional after speaking to Macedonia's President, Gjorge Ivanov, Parvanov held a telephone conversation with Ivanov on Friday, at the initiative of the Macedonian side, the President's press office reported. Ivanov stated that he was grateful for Bulgaria's consistent position in support of Macedonia's EU membership and has asked Bulgaria to support Macedonia's request to the European Council in December for fixing a date to start negotiations on Macedonia's accession to the EU. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110231 110231 World Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:09:17 +0200 The UN Security Council has met with Iranian officials in Brussels to discuss the offer that would allow Iran to continue to develop a nuclear reactor. The head of IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, Mohammed El Baradei, had urged Iran to accept the offer by the end of 2009. Iran did not respond positively, rejecting a key part of the deal. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110230 110230 Business Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:03:58 +0200 China and its markets present huge potential opportunities that the Bulgarian rose oil industry should take advantage of. This was stated Friday by Bulgaria's Deputy Agriculture Minister, Tsvetan Dimitrov, after he met with representatives of the Political Consulting Council of Shanghai. Dimitrov announced that currently only 1% of Bulgaria's rose oil export went to China. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110229 110229 Sports Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:36:23 +0200 About 200 European football matches are under investigation in a match-fixing inquiry, German prosecutors have said. At least three of the games were in the Champions League and another 12 were in the Uefa Europa League, officials said. Uefa representative Peter Limacher called it the biggest match-fixing scandal ever to hit Europe. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110228 110228 Sports Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:24:19 +0200 The newly elected President of the International automobile federation (FIA), Jean Todt, has stated that FIA has not received a formal request from Bulgaria to hold a round of the F1 championships. Todt was was categorical in his answer on Friday when he arrived in Bulgaria and did not comment further on the subject. In September, the Bulgarian Motorcycle Federation (BMF) said that it had received the preliminary contract for hosting a Formula One Grand Prix in 2011 or 2012. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110227 110227 World Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:17:20 +0200 Briton Richard Harvey, QC, has been appointed Friday to represent Radovan Karadzic if he continues to boycott his trial at the Hague. The Hague Tribunal has ordered the trial to resume on March 1, 2010. If the Bosnian-Serb leader continues to refuse to attend his trail, Harvey will now be expected to represent Karadzic. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110225 110225 Bulgaria in EU Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:32:20 +0200 The European Commission has sent a warming letter to Bulgaria over concerns about the environmental impact assessments made in the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria prior to the development of ski resorts there. In a separate development the Commission has decided to take Spain to Court for its ongoing failure to provide 174 Natura 2000 sites in the Canary Islands with an adequate level of legal protection. Spain had until December 2007 to adopt the required conservation measures, but almost two years after the deadline the situation is still not resolved ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110226 110226 Domestic Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:31:58 +0200 The Budget Commission of the Bulgarian National Assembly has rejected the motion of the conservative party RZS and the Blue Coalition to raise the tax on gambling to 15%. The conservative party "Law, Order, Justice" (RZS) and the members of the Blue Coalition had proposed that the gambling tax be raised from its current 10% to 15%, arguing that this should be calculated on a profit basis. The Council of Ministers has confirmed on Friday that it has accepted only the proposal to increase the tax to 12%, on the basis of turnover. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110224 110224 Business Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:45:20 +0200 Mutual funds have purchased 23,1% of the capital of Slantse Stara Zagora Tabac, the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE) reported Friday, cited by pari.bg The four collective investment schemes acquired 272 140 shares in the tobacco processing and cigarette making factory in the southern city of Stara Zagora. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110223 110223 World Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:28:43 +0200 A masked gunman burst into a Russian Orthodox church in Moscow late on Thursday night, and shot the priest Daniil Sysoyev in the head. The gunman approached Sysoyev and asked him to confirm his name, before opening fire. He also severely injured the choirmaster. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110222 110222 Elections 2009 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:04:51 +0200 Bulgaria's ruling Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party spent 4 times less on their Sofia Mayor election campaign compared to the main opponent - Coalition for Bulgaria. The data of the "Media Democracy" Foundation, released Friday, shows that the left wing spent BGN 820 000 on the campaign of socialist candidate, Georgi Kadiev, compared to BGN 190 000 for the GERB candidate and election winner, Iordanka Fandakova. Data further reveals than one vote cost GERB BGN 0,37 while one Coalition for Bulgaria vote had the cost of BGN 1,07.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110221 110221 Environment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:38:26 +0200 The European Commission will pursue court action against Bulgaria for failing to properly implement EU waste law, the Commission said Friday two years after it launched an infringement procedure on the issue. The case concerns inadequate waste disposal in the capital Sofia, which should have had an adequate network of waste disposal installations in place by the time of its accession on 1 January 2007 but a solution remains some years away, the Commission said. This is the first trial launched by the European Commission against the EU newcomer. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110220 110220 Finance Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:22:28 +0200 Bulgaria's Agriculture Minister, Miroslav Naydenov, insists on a broader discussion regarding the 2010 increase of the alcohol tax. Naydenov said Friday that there is a need of both a public debate and a plenary hall one. The Minister expressed his opinion that the increased excise on alcohol would have a negative effect on Bulgaria's farmers and alcohol industry over the abundant grape harvest this fall.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110219 110219 Society Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:09:42 +0200 Bulgarian Doctors and Nurses from across the country held a 15 minute voluntary silent protest at 12:00 Friday against the violence they are subjected to by patients and their relatives. The Chairman of the Plovdiv medical society, Totko Naydenov, called on the Bulgaria Parliament to address the issue by changing the Penal Code to provide more severe punishment for perpetrators of attacks on medical staff. Naydenov reported that he himself had been threatened, beaten up and even attacked with an axe while performing his duties as a practicing physician. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110218 110218 Elections 2009 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:40:06 +0200 The Political Council of the Bulgarian conservative RZS party had notified the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of Cassations about violations during the Sunday Mayor elections in Sofia. The violations alleged by the "Order, Law and Justice" (RZS) party include vote manipulation and abuse of power of members of the Central Electoral Commission (CEK) and the Regional Electoral Commission (OEK). RZS had further filed a complaint with the Sofia Administrative Court demanding a second count of the ballots and a court expertise of all 1 423 poll sections' protocols and voting lists, the party's press center informed Friday. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110216 110216 Sports Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:35:37 +0200 Bulgaria's national football team will be among the third seeds when the draw for Euro 2012 qualifying is made in February. The Bulgarians failed to make it to the second pot after a dismal showing in the race to reach next year's World Cup and are now rated the 21st best side in Europe. UEFA have announced the seedings for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, with the draw for the qualifying stage set to take place on February 7 next year. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110217 110217 Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:33:56 +0200 The ex-Minister of Finance, present municipal councilor and Sofia mayoral contest runner-up Georgi Kadiev, has testified before the Bulgarian National Investigation Services. He has explained on Friday that he was questioned about a tax crimes case, but he refused to say against whom the investigation was being directed. According to sources inside Bulgaria's Prosecutor's Office, Kadiev had testified in the case being brought against Maria Murgina, ex-Director of the National Revenue Agency (NRA). ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110215 110215 Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:30 +0200 Bulgarian customs officers have prevented the smuggling of a number of fake Bulgarian identity documents at the Bulgaria-Serbia border. A bus traveling on a regular route from Bulgaria-Spain was searched by the customs officers early Friday at the Kalotina border crossing. The documents that were being transported as 'unaccompanied baggage' were discovered. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110214 110214 Bulgaria in EU Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:10:08 +0200 The European Commission has signed a USD 1 B development pact with Nigeria, aimed at tackling corruption and promoting peace. A substantial amount of the funding will be spent on resolving conflict in the oil-rich and crime-plagued Niger Delta, the EU's development chief said. The money will also target human rights and electoral reform.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110213 110213 Crime Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:04:51 +0200 A fast food restaurant in the "Druzhba" district of the Bulgarian capital Sofia was blown up Friday night. The incident happened around 1:30 am and the explosion has been accompanied by loud noise. Several windows of nearby residential apartment buildings have been broken from the blast.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110212 110212 Business Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:43:51 +0200 Bulgaria is set to develop a terminal for imported palm oil at one of its Black Sea ports according to reports in the Indonesian press. After Thursday's reports of the Bulgarian government investing USD 30 M in the Indonesian fertilizer industry and looking to buy coal from East and South Kalimantan. Bulgaria is now reported to be planning to want to develop a Indonesian palm oil terminal at one of its Black Sea ports. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110210 110210 Sports Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:21:03 +0200 Bulgaria number 1 goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov has hung up his gloves after 62 international caps including at the Euro 2004 championships in Portugal. The 34-year old Ivankov, who plays for Turkish club Bursaspor made the decision to step down from international football after Bulgaria defeated Malta 4-1 in a friendly on Wednesday. Ivankov began his career with Bulgarian club Levski Sofia where he won three Bulgarian titles and five cups before moving to Turkey where he joined Kayserispor and then Bursaspor. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110211 110211 Domestic Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:13:39 +0200 The Deputy Chair of the ethnic Turkish party Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), Kassim Dal, declared the notorious "Krasio from Pleven" a good friend of his. Dal spoke in an interview Friday for the Bulgarian TV channel bTV, saying it is true he had over 100 phone calls with Krasio. Krasimir Georgiev aka "Krasio from Pleven" is an individual who, allegedly, offered magistrates to secure their appointment to high ranking positions through the vote of the VSS in exchange for EUR 200 000 in cash. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110209 110209 Education Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:09:48 +0200 Education Minister Sergey Ignatov gave his opinions on the state of Bulgarian higher education on the Friday edition of "Hello, Bulgaria", Nova TV's morning program. "Bulgaria holds the last place for competitiveness," he declared. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110208 110208 Bulgaria in EU Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:56:25 +0200 British Baroness Ashton has hit back at claims she does not have enough experience for the post of EU high representative for Foreign Affairs and security. The Labour peer was the surprise choice of Europe's leaders for the role - dubbed the first EU foreign minister. Lady Ashton told the BBC that EU leaders were "comfortable" with her appointment - and that she will show she is "the best person for the job". ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110207 110207 Society Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:42:26 +0200 Bulgaria's Health Ministry officially rescinded Friday the national swine flu epidemic. The Ministry cites as the reason for the move the fact that the number of infected with the A(H1N1) virus is now under 190 people from every 10 000 Bulgarians. In regions where the infection rate is still higher, the local pandemic committees have the authority to order additional measures, according to the situation at hand. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110206 110206 World Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:14:21 +0200 Russia has agreed to ease the terms under which it supplies gas to Ukraine, in a deal which Moscow says should prevent disruption in coming months. The deal was announced after talks between Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Yulia Tymoshenko. It means Ukraine will not be fined if, for using less gas than in its current contract because of the downturn. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110205 110205 Domestic Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:10:52 +0200 Bulgaria's Prosecutor's Office has officially charged former Defense Minister, Nikolay Tsonev, with signing deals that were unfavorable for the Ministry. One of those contracts is the purchase of an US assembly line for the building of hangars, warehouses, dormitories and others for the cost of BGN 13 M. Tsonev is probed for deals concluded as early as the 1999-2000 period, when he has been the Head of the "Supply Management" Directorate at the Defense Ministry. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110204 110204 Views on BG Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:54:25 +0200 By Andrew Grice, John Lichfield and Vanessa Mock The Independent Britain last night secured the job of the EU's first "foreign minister" for Baroness Ashton of Upholland after Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy was crowned as the first "President of Europe". ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110203 110203 Sports Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:45:26 +0200 CSKA Sofia coach Luboslav Penev, who surprisingly submitted his resignation earlier in the month only to retract it later, is reportedly planning to continue his career in Spain. Penev plans to go to Spain, where he will either return to his struggling Celta or head the prestigious Valladolid, local media reported, citing insiders. The reports surface a week after Luboslav Penev said he will stay at the helm of the CSKA Sofia club after reaching an agreement with its owners. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110202 110202 Finance Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:41:51 +0200 The deplorable financial state of the country is the biggest lie of the new cabinet, former Finance Minister, Plamen Oresharski, declared Friday. Oresharski spoke in an interview for the morning block of the Bulgarian TV channel bTV. The ex-Minister and current Member of the Parliament from the opposition said the former cabinet left the State with a BGN 8 B of fiscal reserve and the lowest government dept in many years, adding he felt uncomfortable listening to lies being said in the parliamentary hall. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110201 110201 Views on BG Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:12:57 +0200 The Guardian Editorial Who do you call when you want to call Europe? After five years of wrangling designed to deal with the Henry Kissinger question, the EU last night failed to provide a satisfactory answer.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110200 110200 Society Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:05:36 +0200 The Sofia Municipality was convicted by two courts over a case where stray dogs attacked a woman in downtown Sofia. The incident happened in the summer of 2008 when 28-year-old Ognyana Madzharova was bitten by a dog from a homeless pack while walking home in the evening. The woman was taken to the emergency "Pirogov" hospital in Sofia and had stitches on two deep wounds on her leg. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110199 110199 World Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:53:37 +0200 Online auction giant EBay announced it has completed the sale of its Skype Internet phone unit in a USD 2 B deal. The buyer group, which will control a stake of about 70%, was led Silver Lake and includes Joltid Ltd., the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Andreessen Horowitz. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110198 110198 Society Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:40:12 +0200 A club of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) in the capital Sofia went ablaze in the wee hours Friday. The BSP offices in the building and the restaurant underneath burned out while the police is investigating possible arson and its motives. The club, located in the Sofia "Izgrev" (Sunrise) district, burst into flames around 3:00 am and quickly engulfed the entire house.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110197 110197 Business Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:32:53 +0200 Global private equity fund Advent International said it has acquired a 79% stake in Bulgaria's leading water bottling company Devin. Advent bought the stake at a price of BGN 3.06 a share, valuing the company at a total enterprise value of EUR 40 M. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110196 110196 World Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:04:36 +0200 Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential and highly paid women on television, will announce on Friday she is ending her popular daytime talk show in 2011. Winfrey's production company, Harpo Inc, said on Thursday she would make the official announcement on Friday's live program from Chicago and talk about the reasons behind the decision to end it after 25 years on the air. She is expected to move to cable network OWN, or Oprah Winfrey Network, a Los Angeles-based joint venture she formed with Discovery Communications Inc, when her current syndication deal for "The Oprah Winfrey Show" runs out in 2011.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110195 110195 Environment Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:49:35 +0200 Bulgaria is likely to be taken to the European Court of Justice over the inadequate waste management infrastructure in the capital Sofia two years after the European Commission launched an infringement procedure on the issue. A decision to this effect is expected to be taken in Brussels on Friday. Sofia's failure to improve its waste management infrastructure was one of the six issues on which the European Commission launched infringement procedures against Bulgaria at the end of October 2007. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110194 110194 Bulgaria in EU Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:17:12 +0200 As questions, criticism and dismay swiftly followed the announcements of the first permanent EU president and foreign representative, European leaders have dismissed these concerns, praising the qualifications of the appointees. "We got a candidate who brings consensus and whose political competence have long been tested and tried throughout his political career," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel of Van Rompuy. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said it had been "a very wise decision" to choose a candidate from "an important country but not one of the most important countries, so that no-one will feel excluded" from EU debate. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110193 110193 Bulgaria in EU Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:46 +0200 The United States has welcomed the appointment of the first permanent EU president and foreign representative. Belgian PM Herman van Rompuy was named President of the European Council, while Briton Baroness Catherine Ashton was made EU foreign affairs supremo. The US said the appointments would strengthen the EU and Europe's relationship with Washington. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110191 110191 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:52:14 +0200 The first EU President, Herman Van Rompuy, has stated immediately after his election Thursday night that Europe must play an important role in the world. Van Rompuy, who was selected by the EU leaders as the first President of the Union under the Lisbon Treaty, spoke in favor of the organization's continued enlargement, as long as the potential new members meet the required criteria, as quoted by BGNES. "Europe is a union of values, and has the responsibility to play and important role in the world," President Van Rompuy declared in his first news conference. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110190 110190 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:51:16 +0200 Bulgaria might become the first EU state outside of Belgium to be formally visited by the newly-elected first EU President, Herman Van Rompuy. This was announced by Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Boyko BOrisov, shortly after the 27 EU leaders pick Van Rompuy as the first President of the Union under the Lisbon Treaty, the Bulgarian National Radio reported. Before becoming EU President, Van Rompuy had planned a formal visit to Bulgaria on December 14, 2009, in his capacity as Belgian Prime Minister. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110189 110189 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:50:18 +0200 The current Prime Minister of Belgium, Herman Van Rompuy, has been appointed the first EU President, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, confirmed Thursday evening. UK's own Catherine Ashton, currently serving as the European Trade Commissioner, is to become the EU's Foreign Minister, Brown said, cited by CNN. The leaders of the 27 EU Member States made the decision behind closed doors in Brussels Thursday. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110188 110188 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:13:32 +0200 Catherine Ashton was elected the first EU High Representative on Foreign Policy under the Lisbon Treaty by EU leaders Thursday night when Belgian PM Van Rompuy was elected EU President. Catherine Margaret Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland (born 20 March 1956) is a British Labour politician who is currently serving as the European Trade Commissioner; formerly, she served both as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. On 19th November 2009, Baroness Ashton was appointed the first High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110187 110187 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:36:28 +0200 EU Commissioner for trade, UK's Catherine Ashton was selected by the EU leaders Thursday night as the first High Representative for Foreign Policy of the European Union under the Lisbon Treaty when Belgian PM Van Rompuy was elected EU President. Ashton was elected at the special summit of the 27 EU heads of state, the BBC has reported citing diplomatic sources. Belgian PM Van Rompuy was elected EU President. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110186 110186 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:34:34 +0200 Herman Van Rompuy has been elected the first President of the EU under the Lisbon Treaty at the special summit of the leaders of the 27 EU member states Thursday night, November 19, 2009. UK EU Commissioner Catherine Ashton has been selected as EU's first "Foreign Minister" or High Foreign Policy Commissioner. Van Rompuy was born October 31, 1947 in Etterbeek.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110185 110185 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:32:35 +0200 Belgian Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy has been selected by EU leaders Thursday night as the first President of the European Union under the Lisbon Treaty. Rompuy's election to the new top EU job occurred at the special summit of the 27 EU heads of state, the BBC has reported citing diplomatic sources. Van Rompuy is seen as a low key consensual politician with a reputation of a coalition builder.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110184 110184 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:12:10 +0200 The Swedish EU Presidency has formally proposed Belgium's Prime Minister, Herman Van Rompuy, for the position of EU President. This has been announced by a Spokesperson of Rompuy while the special EU summit to elect the first President of the EU is still going on, BGNES reported. A Spokesperson of the Czech government has confirmed the news about Rompuy's nomination by the Swedish Presidency. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110183 110183 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:10:00 +0200 Two people were buried Thursday in Sofia when a building in the so-called "Sugar Factory" complex collapsed. The incident happened after two Roma men entered the building to look for scrap, according to a Darik radio report. The Civil Defense informs that rescue teams, including experts from the Bulgarian Red Cross and a canine unit, have been immediately dispatched to the location upon receiving the signal.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110182 110182 Obituaries Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:34:23 +0200 Jeanne-Claude, artist and wife of Bulgarian-born Christo, has died at 74, Bloomberg reports Thursday. Jeanne-Claude died Wednesday night at a New York hospital from complications of a brain aneurysm. Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebon was born on June 13, 1935, in Casablanca, Morocco, to a French military family, according to a biography on the couple's Web site.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110181 110181 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:15:00 +0200 Former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has dropped out of the race to become the first European Council President, BBC reported Thursday evening. EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to select their first ever full-time President and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs - new posts created by the Lisbon Treaty, which will become effective on 1 December. BBC cites a UK government spokesman as informing about the dramatic twist in the British position.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110180 110180 Domestic Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:50:47 +0200 Associate Professor, Todorka Kostadinova, was appointed Thursday as Bulgaria's new Deputy Health Minister. The appointment of Kostadinova, who has a PhD in Economics, was made by Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, to replace Lyubomir Gaydov, who resigned in October. Kostadinova was born in 1960 in the northeastern city of Dobrich.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110179 110179 Domestic Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:42:17 +0200 Bulgarian PM Boris Borisov has undertaken to renew the investigation into property managed by the ethnic Turkish party (DPS), or rather its leader Ahmed Dogan. This has been announced on Thursday in the Bulgarian parliament by Ivan Kostov, leader of the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria party (DSB), following a meeting with the Prime Minister to warn him about the properties. The investigation will probe some five properties: the famous "Boyana Saray" in the Boyana district of Sofia; the Casa Domini hotel in Ribaritsa; the Orpheus spa complex in Devin; Rosenets park, close to Burgas; and the Palace of the Children, in Drandar - Dogan's native village. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110178 110178 Finance Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:36:58 +0200 The Members of the Bulgarian Parliament offered Thursday the latest surprise regarding the alcohol and cigarettes tax increase. The new excise duties were changed and increased on second read during the Budget Committee meeting from their values approved on first read. The move makes the Parliamentary Hall voting crucial for the final decision. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110177 110177 Industry Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:06:54 +0200 Bulgaria's former largest steel mill "Kremikovtzi" had withdrawn the application for a complex permit for its environmentally clean productions. The move has happened a month ago, the Minister of Environment, Nona Karadzhova, announced Thursday, adding the permit would not be issued. The deadline for the mill to obtain the permit expired more than a year ago - in October, 2008.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110176 110176 World Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:45:25 +0200 The American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that a computer system malfunction has affected flight plans, causing delays and cancelations nationwide. The system processes flight plans, but as it is not functioning properly, flight controllers are having to enter their plans manually. Delays are expected to continue until the problem is solved, but the safety of planes in the air is not an issue, the FAA stated. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110175 110175 Diplomacy Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:42:34 +0200 Deepining cooperation on international security, and assisting in Bulgaria's military modernization are the top priorities of the new US Ambassador to Sofia, James Warlick. Warlick spoke Wednesday during the official hearing before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The Committee is to approve Warlick's official nomination by President Obama to become Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110174 110174 Diplomacy Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:30:10 +0200 Senate Foreign Relations Committee November 18, 2009 Madam Chair and Members of the Committee, ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110173 110173 Business Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:22:20 +0200 South Korean centers for training and qualification of workers will be opened in Bulgaria in 2010, according to Labor Minister, Totyu Mladenov. In Mladenov's words, the training centers will be located at the plants owned by South Korean investors. The Labor Minister announced in Sevlievo Thursday that "serious" South Korean investments were expected in Bulgaria starting 2010, and that the Bulgarian state would do its best to provide Korean businesses with a sufficiently qualified labor force. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110172 110172 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:19:53 +0200 Bulgarian officials claim to have succeeded in calming the inhabitants of Samokov, following the stabbing on Wednesday of a Roma teenager. The Bulgarian Interior Ministry has announced that security has been maintained, and that any tensions between the Bulgarian and Roma communities have been defused. After meeting with Roma leaders in Samokov on Thursday, Kalin Georgiev, Secretary-General of the Interior Ministry (MVR), said: "I see no reasons for adding fuel to the fire.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110171 110171 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:36:10 +0200 The Sofia Administrative Court ruled on Thursday that Sofia Municipality should pay BGN 2 161 in compensation to a citizen attacked by stray dogs. 28-y-old Ogniana Madzharova had sued the municipality on two counts for dog bites suffered to her knees and calves. The incident had occurred last summer in Sofia city center.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110170 110170 Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:34:05 +0200 In a surprising move the Sofia City Court postponed Thursday the case against energy tycoon Hristo Kovachki. The Judge, Alexandra Iordanova, based her decision on the fact that the two legal advisors of the National Revenue Agency (NRA) failed to present a valid power of attorney. The NRA has filed a civil suit against Kovachki for compensation in the amount of BGN 16,7 M. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110169 110169 Business Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:23:08 +0200 Bulgaria is an abnormal situation in which the unemployment is rising while the business sector is creating jobs but cannot find the skilled workers needed. This was stated Thursday in the town of Sevlievo by Bulgaria's Labor Minister, Totyu Mladenov. "It is not normal to have an unemployment rate of over 8%, i.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110168 110168 Sports Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:02:16 +0200 Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov has expressed his happiness after becoming the top scorer of all time for the Bulgarian National Football Team. After scoring twice against Malta in Wednesday's football friendly, Berbatov has 47 goals in 76 matches surpassing the previous record of Hristo Bonev with 46 goals and former Bulgarian star Hristo Stoichkov who has 37 goals for the national team. Upon returning to Sofia Thursday, Berbatov admitted that breaking the top scorer record of the Bulgarian National Football Team had been one of his goals. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110167 110167 World Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:58:24 +0200 Tens of thousands of people have lined the streets of Belgrade, capital of Serbia, to pay their last respects to the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Pavle. The Patriarch, who led the Church from 1990, had died on Sunday, aged 95. He had been admitted to hospital two years ago, suffering from heart and lung conditions. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110165 110165 Domestic Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:39:11 +0200 The Bulgarian Parliament officially declared August 23 a Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Crimes Committed by Communist and other Totalitarian Regimes. The Thursday discussion to support the European decrees to condemn the crimes of Communist regimes, however, triggered heated debates among the parliamentary left and right wing. Maya Manolova, from the opposition Bulgarian Socialist Party, said that some Members of the Parliament had yet to realize that very recently Europe celebrated the 20th anniversary from the fall of the Berlin Wall and they reminded her of the Japanese soldier found alive in the 70s, in the Philippines jungle, not knowing World War II was over. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110166 110166 Views on BG Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:37:52 +0200 From The National Post, Canada Sofia Bulgaria can pass the Czech Republic as Eastern Europe's most lucrative solar energy market if the government removes legal pitfalls blocking investment in the country's strong sun potential, experts say. Investors are looking for new opportunities in central and southeastern Europe after Spain and Germany, the global industry leaders in photovoltaics (PV) that turn sunlight into energy, have cut or plan to curtail incentives. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110164 110164 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:06:15 +0200 The Bulgarian Finance Ministry has published online on Thursday another declassified document dealing with a risk assessment of the Trakia Highway project. The 118-page report, by PriceWaterhouseCoopers - Bulgaria, is entitled "Concession of Trakia Highway". It contains an analysis of "possible risks in the realization of the project on behalf of the government and possible recommendations for optimization". ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110163 110163 Domestic Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:59:59 +0200 For the first time in Bulgaria's history a former Member of the Parliament has been convicted for insulting a colleague. The information was reported by the press center of the Sofia District Court Thursday. The unprecedented guilty verdict is for the former MP from the National Movement of Stability and Prosperity (NMSP) party, Olimpi Katev, who used rude qualifications in addressing the Member of the European Parliament from Bulgaria's far-right, nationalist "Ataka" party, Dimitar Stoyanov. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110162 110162 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:24:12 +0200 Bulgaria PM Boyko Borisov officially received on Thursday the team from the Military Medical Academy (VMA) that had earlier returned from Ukraine. He expressed his great admiration for the work they had done in their mission to assist fellow Bulgarians living in Ukraine's Odessa region in the fight against the flu epidemic, the government press center has announced. At Minister Bozhidar Dimitrov's initiative, five medics from VMA, led by Colonel Asen Petkov, visited four cities and the same number of villages in the Odessa region, where almost 300 000 Bulgarians live. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110161 110161 Domestic Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:20:36 +0200 Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, issued an order Thursday to put a halt on all Council of Ministers budget expenses for Christmas cards and gifts. The order comes on the heels of an earlier decision of the PM banning expenses for flowers and coffee for State guests. The latest ban includes cards, promotional materials, calendars, gifts, and parties, among others. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110160 110160 Business Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:18:47 +0200 The Chinese state-owned company China Luoyang Float Glass Group is still interested in investing in the former glass factory in Bulgaria's northeast city of Razgrad. After a visit in April 2008, representatives of the Chinese holding visited Bulgaria for the second time, and met Thursday with Finance Minister Simeon Djankov, and Todor Dimitrov who is a MP from the Razgrad District. They are to visit Razgrad on Friday. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110159 110159 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:06:09 +0200 A 27-year-old pregnant woman infected with the swine flu A(H1N1) virus has died Thursday in the Black Sea city of Burgas, the hospital press center informs. The baby has been delivered and is doing fine. Another woman, whose baby has also been delivered, is in critical condition in the same hospital and is been monitored round the clock while a third pregnant woman, who is suspected to have been infected with the virus, has been admitted to the Emergency Room, but has left later on her own will. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110158 110158 Business Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:01:37 +0200 According to reports in the Indonesian press the Bulgarian government has made a USD 30 M investment in the fertilizer industry in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. In a surprise report the Bulgarian government is also said to be interested in the coal potential in East and South Kalimantan, vivanews.com stated. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110157 110157 Domestic Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:09 +0200 Bulgaria's Supreme Judicial Council (VSS) announced Thursday the last 13 names of magistrates who have been tangled in the so-called scandal with Krasio from Pleven. Krasimir Georgiev aka "Krasio from Pleven" is an individual who, allegedly, offered magistrates to secure their appointment to high ranking positions through the vote of the VSS in exchange for EUR 200 000 in cash. VSS also announced that legal proceedings have been initiated against 18 of the judges and prosecutors who are proven to have been in contact with Georgiev. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110156 110156 World Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:45:31 +0200 The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) says growth and recovery are expected in 2010 in just about all world regions. For its 30 member countries, rich nations including the US and UK, it has more than doubled its growth forecast to 1,9% for next year, from 0,7%. But the OECD warns developed nations not to expect a smooth ride, the BBC reported. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110155 110155 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:30:08 +0200 Ashraf El Hagog was at the center of the Libyan Aids scandal, in which he and five Bulgarian nurses were accused of deliberately infecting 426 babies with HIV. Now he is divorced from his Bulgarian wife, unemployed, and living with his parents in the Dutch town of Woerden. When he and the five Bulgarian nurses were finally released by Libya, and flown to Sofia on July 24, 2007, they were accompanied by presidents, ambassadors and other important people. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110154 110154 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:25:24 +0200 Bulgaria Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev has proposed that the Bulgarian constitution should be changed to "abolish the legal untouchability of the Chief Prosecutor." Velchev stated that there is no room for the currently used legal saying 'Only god is above the Chief Prosecutor', in a democratic society.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110153 110153 Crime Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:12:51 +0200 Two of the four Bulgarian Members of Parliament who were exposed to have been in contact with notorious 'businessmen' Krasimir Georgiev, has denied knowing him. "I state with full responsibility that I have no recollection of establishing contacts with the person Krasimir Georgiev," declares Lyutvi Mestan, Deputy Chair of the ethnic Turkish party Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) in a letter to Chief Prosecutor Boris Velchev, in which he demands that he be presented all available data about his alleged connections with Krasio. Mestan and two other DPS MPs - Kasim Dal and Erdoan Ahmedov - were revealed Wednesday by Yane Yanev, Chair of the Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Committee, to have been had phone conversations and exchanged SMS Text messages with Georgiev, aka 'Krasio the Black', in 2008 and 2009.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110152 110152 Business Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:38:49 +0200 Bulgaria's unemployment rate increased by 0,2% in October 2009 reaching 8,23%, according to data of the Employment Agency released Thursday. In October 2009, Bulgaria's unemployment has grown by 2,38% compared to the same month of 2008. The number of people registered as unemployed in the Agency bureaus around the country grew by 7 400 reaching 304 915.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110151 110151 Environment Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:12:02 +0200 Yordan Lechkov, the Mayor of Sliven, has on Thursday demanded the resignation of the Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water, Nona Karadzhova. The mayor announced that he will present his formal statement and supporting documents on Monday. He will also approach Prime Minister Boyko Borisov concerning his demand, as well as the National Fund at the Finance Ministry and the European Commission. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110149 110149 World Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:32:53 +0200 Hamid Karzai has been sworn in for a second elected term as Afghan president following an election mired in fraud. In his inauguration speech, Karzai addressed the key question of corruption, saying his ministers had be "competent and just". Karzai said that within five years he hoped Afghan security forces would take the lead and the role for foreign troops would be reduced. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110148 110148 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:42:34 +0200 The Director of the Interior Ministry 'Enforcement of Sentences' department, Petar Vasilev, has stated that out of the 9000 people currently in Bulgarian prisons, 2000 are drug addicts. Vasilev, speaking in an interview for bTV, said that Bulgaria's prisons are a fertile ground for HIV and hepatitis with 1 syringe being used by up to 100 prisoners." He added "it is not correct to solve the problems of society behind prison bars...... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110147 110147 Domestic Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:22:33 +0200 Sergey Ignatov has been approved by the Bulgaria Parliament to become Bulgaria's new Education, Youth and Science Minister. Finance Minister Simeon Djankov presented Ignatov's credentials to Parliament and he was sworn in soon after. The new appointment comes after Education Minister Yordanka Fandakova was elected new mayor of the capital Sofia in a landslide on Sunday, replacing the former mayor and current head of government Boyko Borisov. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110146 110146 Society Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:51:42 +0200 Bulgaria's Chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Angel Kunchev, has stated that the Health Ministry will call off the national swine flu epidemic at the end of this week due to a fall in cases of infection. Kunchev stated that there has been a significant drop in cases of people infected with the A(H1N1) virus and said he expected that the epidemic is over.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110145 110145 Sports Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:32:22 +0200 After Wednesday's final World Cup play-offs it has now been decided which 32 nations will join the 2010 football party in South Africa next June. On Wednesday, Greece and Algeria both secured places in the Finals next summer with wins over Ukraine and Egypt respectively, with three further teams from the Europe Zone of qualification also decided. Portugal beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on aggregate to book a place in the Finals, while Russia were beaten by Slovenia 2-2 on aggregate, with Slovenia winning on away goals to gain a place, while the Republic of Ireland lost 2-1 to France on aggregate for Les Bleus to seal a place in the World Cup Finals. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110144 110144 World Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:13:59 +0200 A bomb blast outside the main gate of a court building in the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar has killed 16 people, and injured 26 others. The court is located on the busy Khyber Road and the area is generally crowded during the morning, the BBC reported. Last week a car bomb targeted Pakistani intelligence offices on the same road, just a couple of kilometres west. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110143 110143 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:03:40 +0200 Sweden's prime minister has expressed disquiet about Russia's human rights situation after an EU-Russia summit in Stockholm. Fredrik Reinfeldt, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency, said: "We exchanged views on human rights, the rule of law in Russia and democracy. "This is an increasing cause for concern," he added. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110142 110142 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:48:22 +0200 The European Union has confirmed that in the bloc's 2010 budget EUR 75 M will be allotted to Bulgaria for the closure of Soviet-designed reactors 1 to 4 at Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear power plant. The decision was confirmed after after an all-day meeting of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union regarding the EU 2010 Budget and more specifically the extra EUR 767 M to be given to the EU dairy sector for Bulgaria's Kozloduy NPP decommissioning. Bulgarian Socialist Party MEP and Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister reported the news after being part of the Bulgarian team at the negotiations.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110141 110141 Bulgaria in EU Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:28:58 +0200 European Union leaders will gather in Brussels later to select their first full-time president and foreign affairs high representative. The heads of the 27 EU member nations are divided over which candidates to choose, and after-dinner negotiations are expected to last into the night. Former UK prime minister Tony Blair had been an early favourite for president, the BBC reported. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110140 110140 Sports Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:05:57 +0200 Manchester United and Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov has become the top scorer of the Bulgarian National Football Team. Berbatov scored twice in Bulgaria's friendly with Malta Wednesday night which brought his total number of national team goals to 48, one more than the previous record of legendary Bulgarian footballer from the 1960s and 1970s, Hristo Bonev. (Bonev played for the Bulgarian national team in 1967-1979; he played 98 matches.... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110139 110139 Business Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:51:07 +0200 Buglaria's largest private television station bTV will not be sold before January 2010. This has been announced by Bulgarian media expert Krassimir Guergov, who is bTV's consultant, in an interview for the Trud Daily. Guergov says he would bet EUR 1 M that the largest Bulgarian private station bTV, which is owned by the Australian media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, would not be sold before New Year's. ... http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=110138 110138 Sports Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:41:03 +0200 Bulgaria's National Football Team beat Malta in before 1 500 spectators in La Valetta Wednesday night. The goals for Bulgaria were scored by Parma's forward, Valeri Bojinov, in the 5th minute, Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov in the 75th and 82nd minute, and half Blagoy Georgiev in the 80th minute. Malta scored their goal in the 47th minute....