WE DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE PROMISES. OUR ACHIVMENTS ARE APPARENT
Kladovo, a city on the Danube, situated on the opposite bank of the Romanian town Turnu Severin, is today one of the most beautiful and best kept in country. In a few years when the greenery of newly laid large park rises, it will be an attractive tourist destination. According to current plans of the representatives of municipal government it is only the beginning. Exceptional project of the reconstruction of the Fetislam Fortress will position Kladovo as unavoidable tourist destination. About this, about the upcoming elections on 6th May, and little bit about everything else, we talked with the Municipal President and the President of the Municipal Committee of the Democratic Party in Kladovo, mr.Dejan Nikolic. President NikoliÄ, who was always willing to talk with journalists, this time said that we only have 30 minutes available. After 32 minutes we were pleased to close our notebooks because the most concise information on the current developments in the Kladovo Municipality has been given to us. The developments which are the result of eight years of diligent work, a great enthusiasm, and a great love for the city and surrounding villages.
It is difficult to enumerate in a short time the most important results of the Democratic Party officials of the local government in last four years. This was a very difficult period, we all know that. The financial crisis has engulfed the whole world. It goes without a saying that also our country was affected by it. The crisis has left its mark both on the decline in the standard of living, as well on the budgets of local governments which have seen the constant shrinking of transferred funds since the year of 2008. Still, we found ways to provide the additional incomes to the budget and provide a normal functioning of the public services, and even to fund the investments in various forms of infrastructure. This has been made possible primarily through good cooperation with the Äerdap business organization
In addition, we applied by the various ministries for the funds in order to improve the environmental protection and help our construction industry by restoring and building on our nursery and kindergarten. We need to increase its capacity because there are more than 100 children of employed parents waiting for a place.
We were among the first in this area to introduce an ecological tax, although we do not have big polluters. Thanks to the funds collected by environmental taxes on hydropower plants Äerdap we have set a large and beautiful park. We worked in partnership with the Äerdap which has set aside much of the money for this purpose. We succeeded because we had a thought through plan to fix the city centre, an important part of the city for residents and visitors alike. Thus, we have given impetus to the development Kladovo. In terms of tourism, a nice and clean city is a vital prerequisite for the development of this industry. King Peter I Square, the entrance of the Kladovo, got a brand new look. The square is completely reconstructed and by setting up the underground installations we made āāa roundabout with a fountain. I feel free to say, it is widely recognised by the citizens of Kladovo and all those who come to our city, that entrance to the city, along with King Alexander Street, access to the Danube Promenade together with the park created a new image of the city. Much nicer and more inviting than it once was.
Normally, we have not been working only in the city, and despite the fact that ten thousand people live in the city area, we have also improved the infrastructure in the rural areas. As much as we could have paved roads in many areas. In Tekija, Sipa, KladuÅ”nica, and Kostol, Ā to mention just some of them. This was possible thanks to good cooperation with the Äerdap power plant, the money from the budget, but also by taking a loan of the amount sufficient to enhance the activity. People have their needs and that municipalities, unfortunately, can not solve the problems with only current revenues.
Taking loans is legitimate. The law clearly and strictly regulates the limits of how much a municipality can borrow. It is a way to speed up a solution of some major infrastructure problems. There have been cases that people for 30 years have not had a road or a paved street. We have done everything we could to solve a major part of the problems, but there are a lot of them as in any municipality.
We have done the asphalt work, we managed to finish part of the sewerage network in the city so nowadays we can say that Kladovo is for 80 percent covered by sewage system. Of course, all this was not done only by us in the last four years, but with what we have done, we have now a satisfactory situation.
We reconstructed ten public car parks in front of apartment buildings. In Kladovo nearly half of the population live in residential buildings. Some of them had disastrous parking areas or did not it have at al. These reconstruction works created not only better living conditions, but also made these parts of the city more beautiful.
As for the ecology, we provided disposal containers for six villages and two more will follow in the near future. Also, we bought two trucks for the public utilities company, and Kladovo will be one of the few municipalities where nearly 80 percent of villages are covered by organized collection of garbage.
We have not neglected cross-border cooperation. We have plan, we have a vision of a further development of Kladovo. We began by the reconstruction of the reconstruction of the Fetislam Fortress since Kladovo have a significant cultural and historical heritage, expressed through the cultural and historical monuments from different times, the remains of Trajan's bridge, Fetislam Fortress, Diana ...
The Fetislam Fortress is situated in the town itself, and we think that it will play an important role in the development of Kladovo. We did a good project documentation expecting the funds of the European Union. When we as a country get an access to the candidate pre-accession funds, those local governments that with quality projects will benefit the most.
Together with one Romanian municipality we applied and we got ā¬ 400,000 so we have finished the project documentation for Fetislam. We also applied together with a Bulgarian municipality for the amount of ā¬ 600,000 for the reconstruction of a part of the Fortress and summer stage. Estimated cost of the full reconstruction of Fetislam Fortress ā¬ 8,000,000.
We also had some other minor projects related to the beekeepers and the Association of vegetable producers, through RARISA in reference to the cooperation with Bulgaria.
Still, The Fetislam is a priority and we will try to bring it into the state anticipated by the project documentation. The project is exceptional, requires a large amount of money, but if we succeed to complete it in the next few years, I am sure, it will be a new impulse to the tourism. We have finished a major part of the project documentation for the infrastructure around the new industrial zone. Now, it is on the Electro Timok to complete the documentation for the power supply since it is a bit complicated power system. New industrial zone will be of interest for potential investors to invest their money into a new plant, or in a factory.
On the other hand we are also help the the farmers. For instance, the cattle holders we help by free insemination.
When it comes to the economy, the municipality suggested to the local businessmen to apply for funds with their private projects at Investment Forum held in Vienna. Their merit is that they managed to finish their good projects on time. We can not emphasize often enough that having completed projects means having a huge advantage when applying, because the chances often arise very quickly and than Ā there is no time to make a good project in such a short time.
The Äerdap tourist and the Delta Company with their projects were very interesting and I am proud to say that of 15 projects in Serbia, two were from Kladovo. As a local government we will strive to bring it to an end. Important dimension of these projects is a public-private partnership. The forum in Vienna was held so the number and quality of the finished projects could be brought to light..
Again, I re-emphasize a good mode of cooperation with the Hydropower Äerdap with respect to their obligations in the river bank areas. With joint efforts we have fixed the public beach with all the accompanying wet facilities and parking lots,
making it much nicer and more functional than it was.
On the other hand, our cooperation extends on future projects important for the future of the Municipality, We have done three projects for sewage for three large settlements and currently we are seeking funding for their implementation. It is about places and Rtkovo and Korbovo, for which with half of the funds will be provided by Äerdap and the Municipality will provide another half.
Besides investments in the Fetislam Fortress, we we will precede with the construction of sewage networks in the local communities and the construction of local roads, as well as with the project of reconstruction of the city green market. It is a huge investment, but the market is the basic need not only to residents of Kladovo but to entire Municipality given that most inhabitants need it as sellers or customers. This project will certainly be among the highest priorities in the next four years.
We see a great potential in tourism. Particularly in hunting, sport, health, and walking tourism. Over here we have an attractive hunting game and there are reports that hunters abroad are interested in it. The possibilities of congress and sports tourism as well as fishing also so-called walking tourism are already well known. Therefore we need a development of the private accommodation and extension of existing hotel accommodation, perhaps even to build a new hotel in the city. The more we have accommodation facilities, the more tourism will develop. As a local government, we can not build, but it is on us to provide conditions for it. To provide an adequate planning documents in attractive locations so the private investors could find their interest to build.
Industrial zone is not fully equipped with infrastructure, but the project documentation is done. The problem is that we need a lot of money to realize all the projects. The costs excess the amount of ā¬ 1,000,000. The Municipality budget ā¬ 6,000,000 and we are not able to invest more than a million. For such projects, we must find ways to finance it from the external sources. We can not promise what is not realistic. Each local government faces this problem. Kladovo must to seek sources of funding from European funds or funds from the state ministries that are available for such a projects in order to realize them as soon as possible. In such a way we would create the conditions for potential investors to get a building land. There is government regulation that determines conditions under which one can get the land without compensation. The main condition is hiring new workers. The new regulation further enhances the possibility for the potential investors because it is less rigid on this issue. We have the same attitude towards the foreign and domestic investors.
In the field of education the goal for the coming period is to renew the facades and replace doors and windows athe the Vuk Karadžic School, the largest school in Kladovo. We also help other schools. We have two middle schools and five elementary schools.
Since the elections of 2004 we have the largest number of councillors and the Democratic Party is the holder of power. Much has been done, significant progress has been made in many areas, much work is underway and there is yet much to be done. The most important is to create new jobs and adequate incomes for our citizens. The Municipality can not create them, but we are here to enable the investors to come. The problem of employment is a state matter. Our job is to give all the benefits to the potential investors.
The municipal administration is doing its best to quickly obtain all necessary documents. An example is the construction of more than 300 residential units in Kladovo and investors were in the shortest possible time provided by a building permit and an amendment of planning documents. An example of the efficient operation of local government is the first building permit for a solar power plant with a capacity of 1 megawatt. It took less than 4 months to complete it. The document was passed twice through a parliamentary procedure and it is realistic that this investment worth millions of euro could start at fall of this year.
We are in power for eight years. As a reference we offer the results we achieved. With available financial resources we were not to solve all infrastructure problems and problems in other areas. I hope that people will positively assess our work and will give us confidence for the future, because the results of our work are visible. We have plans and energy to do that. We do not need to promise, it is enough that the citizens of evaluate what we did. And we did a lot, considering the conditions under which we worked. So, I expect the 6th May a large number of voters at polling stations to cast their votes to those to those who have shown their ability to work good in harsh conditions.
We thanked the president Dejan NikoliÄ for all his kindness and answers are published integrally, just as it has been given to us.
THE INTERVIEW WITH MILAN URUKOVIÄ, THE PRESIDENT OF THE MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY OF NEGOTIN
The two important events were the reason for the interview with Milan UrukoviÄ, the President of The Municipal Assembly of Negotin. The first one was the opening of the border crossings through the hydroelectric power plant Iron Gate 2, and the other one was announcement of the elections in Serbia.
Apart of being a president of the assembly, Milan UrukoviÄ is also successful in other elective positions, as a president of the Municipal Organization of the Socialist Party of Serbia and the Bor District Party Committee.
The conversation took place in the days when Negotinska Krajina and other parts of Serbia were severely affected by the snow fall. We talked during the break of the Emergency Staff meeting, which was in a permanent session as snow gave a lot of problems.
"Since 28 December when the border crossing Iron Gate 2 to neighboring Romania was officially opened, 4.5000 Ā Romanian citizens passed through Serbia, or more precisely through Negotin, or an average one hundred and fifty people a day. It has been estimated that they have left at least ā¬300.000 in Negotin stores and catering establishments. However, the real shopping season, but also economic and cultural cooperation with Romania is still pending. We have already conducted talks with representatives of the municipalities from the other side of Danube on the possibilities of cooperation in all areas. There are two border crossing points directly to the EU. Mokranje to Bulgaria and now Iron Gate 2 to Romania. Previous management had repeatedly "officially" opened a new border crossing, but the actual one really did it.
Although there were doubts that the new border crossing to Romania over the hydroelectric power plant Iron Gate 2 would make any improvement to the citizens of Negotin, now is quite certain that border opening was to the satisfaction of both parties. Romanian cars and a small group of our neighbors who are visiting local supermarkets, restaurants and cafes have become a daily occurrence and their number trebles on Saturdays when according to our estimate, several hundred of them visit our city.
So I shall repeat the words of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ivica DaÄiÄ, āTthis is not the only the border crossing, but another bridge of friendship with our neighbors and our full cooperation is yet to come.''
The municipal government consists of the Coalition DS - SPS, PUPS, United Serbia, and SDPS. The Coalition makes an impression of stability.
'' Yes. First, I will say that we have, as well as at the beginning of term two years ago, four committee members clubs, except that now instead of the caucus SNS, new URS-VDS is active. At that time, the coalition in power had 26 members and today we have 31 members. Otherwise, cooperation with The Mayor Vlajko DjorÄeviÄ and his deputy Branko MarkoviÄ is remarkable, not only in political action, but also in the terms of the everyday human cooperation.
Since the constitution of the local government we held 17 meetings of the Municipality Assembly of Negotin. Besides some, I would say, regular decisions, there were other decisions that significantly improved the prosperity of the citizens of the Municipality.
Surely, one of these is the Decision on the Spatial Plan. We made āāthat decision last year in July, and I have to mention that we were one of the few municipalities in Serbia, which had no Spatial Plan. This is a legal requirement. Without it no object could be legalized, nor any building permits issued.
Presently, we are in the process of getting the approval for the Detailed Regulation Plan by the Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning of Serbia.
Furthermore, we made three Assembly Decisions on support for participation of the financing of works on repairing and rehabilitation of the local roads in the Municipality. Then, the number of decisions relating to the continuation of construction of sewerage in the city, and the reconstruction of rain channels. The decision was made on a free public transport for certain categories of citizens.
Also, we entered a programme of sustainable development strategy of Negotin for the period 2011 - 2012. Negotin municipality was selected to the programme EXCHANGE 3. As a part of the program, it will get an expert support for the development of local strategies for sustainable development from the Center for Planning and Projects of the SCTM. The programme EXCHANGE 3 is funded by the European Union, chaired by the EU Delegation in Serbia, and realized by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities.
The Municipal Assembly made on October 7th 2011 a decision concerning the preparation of Local Sustainable Development Strategy of the Negotin Municipality for the period 2012 - 2021, whereby the process of strategic planning has started. The Mayor has formed a strategic team composed of representatives of local governments to begin the process. The strategic planning process should be completed by the end of May 2012th by the adoption of the Strategy of Local Sustainable Development of the Municipal Assembly.
The process of strategic planning of sustainable development will be based on a participatory approach by involving local partners relevant to the development of the municipality. In this regard, it is envisaged the formation of the Forum partners as informal body composed of representatives of local government and local partners. In the framework of the Forum will be formed three working groups: Economic Development, Social Development and Environment and Infrastructure.
By the participation in working groups, local partners will take part in making the Sustainable Development Strategy of the Municipality Negotin and so influence the future development of the local community.''
You recently received by the Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Public Administration and Local Government a request marked "urgent."
''Yes, from this ministry we have received a document with the request to āurgentlyā submit the answer about the datum of the first constitutive session of the new Assembly, which I did.
I do not know why the Minister Milan MarkoviÄ requested that information, but I think that the Ministry in question contemplates applying Art. 31 of the Local Self-Government Law regarding to elections, considering that the municipal councilors are elected for four years which is the duration of their mandate.
According to the Municipal Rules of Procedure and the Law on Local Self-Government and the Local Elections Act, the Municipal Assembly is deemed to be constituted by the verification of the mandates of the assembly members, election of the president and the appointment of the Secretary of the Assembly.''
At the end of December, the Municipality has adopted the budget, but also earlier some very important decisions for the citizens of Negotin have been made
āWe adopted the budget for 2012 at the end of December of 2011. In my opinion this budget is stimulates the development, given that increased funding for the agricultural budget, then the funds for social welfare, funds intended for investment in local communities and increased funding of local action plan for employment in the municipality of Negotin in the previous year.
Since the formation of this coalition, by the Government and some ministries were obtained around RSD 370 million for the investments and net assets were about RSD 500 million. This is more than in the previous five years.''
The privatization in the Municipality of Negotin was not conducted at a satisfactory level. Many companies are in bankruptcy.
''Given that the two largest units of the Prahovo Chemical Industry filed for bankruptcy proceedings, the current management has addressed by institutions in Serbia and the Agency for privatization in order to review the privatization process in the PCI. After that, the agency canceled the privatization contract, and we are expecting a visit of an Interim Representative of capital for the Negotin Municipality for consultation with the municipal leaders. You know how important the PCI was for Negotin. 2,500 families were depend on it, and for the purposes of agriculture it produced a millions tons of fertilizer and other products. The strategic position of the Prahovo CI is outstanding, particularly considering proximity to the port. It is a real treasure.''
Many citizens of Negotin were particularly happy with the news of the re-entrustment of heating plant of the Public Utilities Company Badnjevo.
''Everything we do, we do for the best interests of citizens. The most important thing is that the users of the Bor Heating Plant are again entrusted to the Public Utilities Company Badnjevo and that the results are obvious. Citizens have better heating because the municipality is the founder of this company, and earnings are for the municipal enterprise. Assignment of another company was a big mistake. For last two years there were āāso many problems that today the Badnjevois struggling to solve them, but one way or another, it manages to work them out.''
This leadership has gained a great popularity in the Diaspora and our local communities.
''When it comes to the local communities, I want to say that they are not neglected in comparison to the city of Negotin, nor indeed a privileged compared to others. Those more active, with multiple activities and projects can obtain more money, which is quite normal, because the funds are allocated to projects.
We have an excellent cooperation with the clubs of our people in the Diaspora. The Municipality of Negotin will sponsor the Second Children's Folklore Serbian Diaspora festivities and it is only an example of our efforts to help the clubs. This time it is a Folklore Society "Stevan Mokranjac" from Vienna, who is the organizer of the Fair.''
The most actual at this moment is the emergency situation caused by heavy snowfall.
''The Emergency Staff is n a permanent session. It's amazing how much work you have to do, because the Municipality of Negotin quite jagged. It is important that the citizens organize themselves because this is really an extraordinary situation. We made āāa decision to form professional and operational teams for protection and recovering from floods and accidents on the water and under water. Just in case, if there is a rapid melting of snow.''
We thanked Milan UrukoviÄ, the President of the Municipality Assembly of Negotin for time he made for the journalist of "ZaviÄaj" to inform us of the most important tasks carried out by municipal authorities, particularly appreciating him doing so even in these extraordinary circumstances.
āThe citizens can judge our work by the number of the initiated activities, the financial resources we spent and by the fact that we did not take any loan. On the contrary, we managed to pay back a lot of debt that our predecessors have left behind.
I would like to remind the readers about some basic facts of our municipality.
The Negotin Municipality covers an area of 1089 square kilometers. There are 39 settlements with 16,597 households. Thereof, 38 villages and the town of Negotin, where, according to the last month population census, live near the half the municipality inhabitants. Population density is about 45 inhabitants per square kilometer. All that ranks our community among the rural areas.Ā Being located on the border of Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, the Negotin Municipality has a very favorable geographical position in this region of Europe. This position provides exceptional opportunities for economic communication with neighboring countries. It also provides opportunities for land and water transport as well as for tourism development. The Danube River makes the northeastern border of our municipality in the length of 45 kilometers. The Danube as a European corridor 7 has a very great potential that has not been used enough. We expect that in the ten-year period the usage of it will be maximalized
Negotin Municipality has very rich natural resources: The approximately 70,000 acres of farmland, nearly 60,000 hectares of the arable land. This is one of the basic resources that provide the possibility of development of the municipality, sadly it is underutilized, even though we are rich with natural resources and we are among the five largest municipalities Serbia.
Emphasizing the importance of rural tourism, we intensively work on its promotion and development
The preserved countryside, unpolluted nature, hunting grounds, the famous ancient sites like Å arkamen springs, RajaÄke and RogljevaÄke pivnice, Vratna stone gates, Stevanske meadows, banks of the Danube, are only part of what contributes to the development of rural tourism in the municipality of Negotin. In 2011 we funded the agricultural development with 20 million Dinars. Considering agriculture one of the priorities is the development of farming. For the purpose of genetic improvement of livestock, the municipality bears the costs of the artificial insemination of cattle and pigs. The grant program provides an incentive of up to RSD 120,000 per agricultural household which has met the requirements of the competition. The funds are also used for the restoration of agricultural machinery and farming equipment, vegetable growing, fruit growing, viticulture, winemaking, beekeeping and cattle breeding. Every registered farm that meet the requirements of the competition and that is willing to develop its core business by investing RSD 300,000, receives 40% Ā of the that sum - 120,000, from the budget as a grant.
You have paid much attention to the development of the local communities in rural areas. It is true. In addition to the funds being made available from the municipal budget we have been working on projects which have provided significant financial resources. In the past two years we began construction of sewerage systems networks in the villages of Negotin and their access to the city sewer. In the MiloÅ”evo village of RSD 5,000,000.00 needed, 20 percent or ā¬ 100,000.00 was provided by our Diaspora from Vienna.
The construction of sewers in Prahovo is in progress, as well as water supply for the village of Radujevac. The primary line from IHP to Radujevac has been built. Worth of this project is RSD 14,000,000.00. The replacement of boilers for central heating in primary schools of KobiÅ”nica and Rajac is worth about RSD 5,000,000.00. We implemented the project of reconstruction and repair and maintenance of local roads in the amount of RSD 57,000,000.00. The municipality allocates funds for regular cleaning of the village dumps. These funds amounted to over RSD 4,500,000.00 in the past two years. In the village of Aleksandrovac we completed the building of the Culture Centre, and in Mokranje and DuÅ”anovc the Culture Centers have been renovated. The Municipality regularly maintains medical clinics in the villages as a regular duty. In 2009 we established service of help to elderly people in the house, including a gerontology nurse, in seven villages of Negotin. The implementation of the project "Joy of Living" is in progress. The worth of the project is RSD 7,000,000.00. Another project named āUnited in diversitiesā is going on. This project is meant to improve help to children with disabilities in the villages of Negotin. The value of the project is RSD 6,000,000.00. In the process of the adoption is a municipal decision on free local transport for the elderly and pensioners over 65 years whose earnings are below the minimum pension in the Republic, and for disabled and vulnerable people. The project "Educational infrastructure" within the Neighborhood Program Bulgaria - Serbia. Negotin the municipality for the project funds appropriated in the amount of ā¬ 79,943. This project concerns the reconstruction of schools in the village KobiÅ”nica. With these projects the Negotin municipality wants to improve the quality of life for people in rural areas. We want to overcome all socio-economic and infrastructure problems and provide an equal opportunities for work and education to all residents of our community. We want rural communities to be actively involved and participate in all relevant decision-making structures in the municipality so we can have the cultural identity preserved; the environment protected, and reduced poverty in our villages. Simply put, we need to do everything, to invest major efforts and resources to equalize living conditions in villages and towns.
You emphasize the fact that since the new management took over the function, the municipality did not take any loan and that a lot of funds were provided in the previous period.
The review of the budget execution for the period January - June 2011 was an opportunity to inform the Municipality Assembly members about actual donations and investments since the constitution of the new Assembly, to say, from 1st of May 2010 till 30th of June 2011. So, this is also an opportunity to make public how economically we managed the funds in this period. I say economically, because we made a huge influx of funds, while at the same time we did not take a penny of the loan. On the contrary, we even managed to pay back some debts left by our predecessors.
By the National Investments Plan we were funded in 2010 with RSD 37,477,048.00. For 2011 we got approved RSD 22,086,540 for the implementation of the project of water supply network in Radujevac and RSD 20,000,000 for the construction of gym in the elementary school "Branko RadiÄeviÄ". In this period we received the following donations: For the education of farmers we received the amount of RSD 2,126,695. This donation was implemented through the Association āTimijan plusā. In collaboration with the Institute "Josif PanÄiÄ" Association "Timijan plus" has provided a lease of a fruit and vegetables dehydrator for 10 years. The German Embassy provided the distiller worth ā¬ 17,000. The entire equipment shall be installed in the Agricultural School "Rajko BosniÄ" in Bukovo. Furthermore, the preservation of ethnic heritage from Eastern Serbia is funded with ā¬ 31,500. The project "Fruit of the Danube" is funded with ā¬ 21,460. The project "The joy of livingā is funded with RSD 5,960,000. The project āTomorrow we will be olderā with the amount of RSD 1,996,400. This project is completed. The project āI live healthyā is funded with the amount of RSD 681,600. For improvement the living conditions of refugees and displaced persons we have realized an amount of RSD 4,868,000. In the field of culture we generated funds in the amount of RSD 3,436,841.36 for the implementation of various projects.
The Ministry of Culture approved several projects of Museum of Krajina and the library "Dositej NovakoviÄ." Within the frame of the action āClean Up Serbiaā to the Negotin Municipality are transferred the funds in the amount of RSD 4,000,000 for the cleaning of illegal dumps and purchase of garbage containers.
The Ministry of the Environment granted funds in the amount of RSD 6,029,600 for the development Spatial Plan of Negotin. For the repairing of the flood damage in 2010 we received RSD 7,500,000, and for the construction and equipment of the recycling center we were provided funds of RSD 35,000,000. For the studies and technical documentation for the project of the purification of wastewater we were provided by an amount of RSD 6,619,028. The Development Fund of the Republic of Serbia provided RSD 57,500,000 for the implementation of three projects aimed to help revival the construction industry.
For the reparation of the local roads the municipality received RSD 28,567,926. The proceeding of the works on sewage networks in Negotin was received RSD 19,576,000 and for the rain channel RSD 9,356,074. Total funds provided for these projects amounted to RSD 232,277,752.48.
But that was not all?Ā Were there some direct investments, too?
In the last year in the municipality Negotin we realized direct investment valued at RSD 137,500,000. For the construction of the roundabout near the hospital and the paving the streets in the city, and MiloÅ”evo and Dupljane villages, it has been spent RSD 50,000,000. For the construction of three electric substations in local communities was invested RSD 10,000,000. Investments in education amounted a total of RSD 4,500,000. The replacement of heaters in the Agricultural School "Rajko BŠ¾sniÄā in Negotin was worth RSD 2,200,000 and for the renovation of schools in Jabukovac we spent RSD 2,300,000.
The cleaning of the melioration channels in the municipality we provided RSD 63,000,000. Following the intervention of management of Negotin, two kilometers of regional roads were coated in sections Jasenica ā Majdanpek and KobiÅ”nica - Border Crossing Mokranje. The total value of these was RSD 10,000,000.
All in all, in the last year for implementation of various projects as well as direct investment by the municipality Negotin was provided RSD 369,777,752.
Would you like to mention at least some projects that have been implemented with funds from the budget of Negotin?
In the last year The Municipality realized investment projects included in the Agenda of Public Enterprise for Building Ground. For the reconstruction of the streets in Negotin we spent RSD 31,801,461. The reconstruction of water supply network was worth RSD 4,000,000 and continuation of sewerage works in the city, we funded with RSD 7,500,000. Construction of the sidewalks in Negotin had a value of RSD 19,906,442. The reparation of the local road coasted RSD 35,000,000 and for the reparation of the roads in the city we spent RSD 10,000,000. The bridge in Å arkamen was reconstructed for RSD 3,673,266. The reconstruction of the Central Zone was continued. The coasts were RSD 6,000,000. The Construction works on the fountain as well as arranging the Forest Park "Flower Garden" are coming to an end. For these projects the coasts were RSD 7,882,765 in total. The aggregate value of realized investments by the Public Enterprise for Building Ground is RSD 118,763,934. During the last year in local communities have been invested RSD 29,323,000 and for the agricultural development we allocated an amount of RSD 18,878,000. In total, from de municipality budget RSD 180,872,481 was allocated for the development of Negotin. Throughout this period a normal functioning and financing of all budget users has been possible. On October 7th 2011 the Municipal Assembly passed the Decision on preparation of Local Sustainable Development Strategy of Negotin for the period 2012-2021. The Negotin Municipality was selected for the program EXCHANGE 3. As part of the program, the Municipality will receive the expert support for the development of local sustainable development strategies by the Center for Planning and projects SCTM.Ā EXCHANGE 3 is Program funded by the European Union, managed by the EU Delegation in Serbia and implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities.
The aim of the Strategy is to define the vision of sustainable development of Negotin; determination of the potential advantages and development trends; maintaining a stable and sustainable economic growth and employment, ensuring social progress and poverty alleviation, effective environmental protection and improvement of overall quality of life. The role of local government in Serbia today is changing and, among other responsibilities, the management of the processes of development through strategic planning is required Ā Through the process of preparing of an integrated strategy to a participatory approach of planning the local sustainable development, inter-sector cooperation and information exchange, integration and coordination of public, private and civil sector in decision-making process and taking ownership of the process and partnerships between institutions, will be promoted. Sustainable development is defined as target-oriented, long-term, continuous, comprehensive and synergetic process that affects all aspects of life (economic, social, environmental and institutional) at all levels. Long-term concept of sustainable development implies continuous economic growth thru economic efficiency, technological progress, more cleaner technologies, innovation within the society and corporate social responsibility provides a reduction in poverty, a better long-term use of resources, improvement of health conditions and quality of life, and reduce pollution to levels that can withstand environmental factors, prevention of new pollution and the preservation of biodiversity of living organisms (biodiversity). One of the most important goals of sustainable development is the creation of new jobs and reducing unemployment, and reducing gender and social inequalities of marginalized groups, and encouraging the employment of young persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The Holidays are upon us. We have already pointed out your great optimism. What is your message to the citizens of Negotin? I wish to all the citizens of Negotin and the whole of Serbia, wherever on earth they might be, all the best in 2012, primarily good health and personal and family happiness. My message is that we must turn to ourselves as a nation, that everybody has to give a personal contribution, no matter how big of small for the development of their region and we all will be better. Many have hoped that only one decision could solve all our problems. We must and we can solve the problems ourselves. I am convinced that Europe has a lot to learn from us. Well, that Europe was also built by hundreds of thousands of people from our region. They were working all kinds of work, the physically tough and intellectually complex. I am not advocating xenophobia, on the contrary, I want to point out that we have a lot of human and natural resources, and we are able faster than others to swim to the shore, stand on our feet and move forward. Good luck!
BIG AND STRONG HEART OF NOBLE AND CAREFUL PRINCESS
Being lucky to meet Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina KaraÄorÄeviÄ is an honor but also a sort of a cognitive experience. If the sayings :Ā ''Beauty in the eye of the beholderā and ''Eyes are the mirror of the soulā are true, then the experience of the world is in the heart and ways to help the world are in the mind. When the trinity of the soul, heart and mind functions the number of opportunities to help the world grows rapidly. Our princess is a real fighter, a friend and accomplice in all the good deeds e does. Her being is like a lucky star to a many and a shining Sun to those who have lost the hope. She is hurt by broken promises, selfishness and oblivion to those who need help. She is saddened by the lost hopes, dreams and beliefs of a better and more beautiful tomorrow of children. Therefore, she dedicated her life to humanitarian work.
ZAVICAJ: The first question will be about your huge humanitarian work. We see you often on TV, you are visiting children's hospitals, you are helping students when they finish high school. You are a very active woman. HRH Princess Katarina: Yes, we are here to give, not to take. Also, the philanthropy is not very well known in our country. I am hoping to be an example for my countrymen, so people will know that everything is possible. Sometimes, people are asking themselves what one person can do. Well, One person was mother Theresa. The ocean is made of many drops. To make the difference for the better in our country, everybody must give a contribution. Just to smile and hug somebody is already a contribution. To visit a friend in a hospital, to be good to the people is a contribution. You do not have money, but you have other things, you have a kindness, a smile, you have love. I am happy to help people in my country, to make a difference, because they need support. They are proud, the Serbian people, they don't want to ask for help. They are too proud to ask, and they are too tolerant. Too much pride and too much tolerance are not good. It creates problems later in life. There is no need for that. It is ok to ask for help. The Bible says: āAsk and you shell receive.ā Sometimes people hope to receive without asking. It does not work like that. You have to ask if you want to receive.
Once I said to a hospital manager:ā You have to ask for equipment.ā He answered: āI don't want to ask because people would think that I am not a good manager.ā On the contrary, Ā that means that you care for your people. Asking for help means caring. When we ask for help, we do not think of ourselves, we think of people we are asking for. So people who are humanitarian do not think of themselves, they think of others. They are doing that for others.
ZAVICAJ: What are the humanitarians actions you are the most satisfied about? HRH Princess Katarina: The best thing happened to me were my parents. Because they taught me the joy of giving when I was very young. When I asked my mother: āWhat is the happiness?ā, she answered: āThe happiness is giving of yourself.ā My father was a big philanthropist. At age of 94 he was awarded by the Greek government as one of the biggest philanthropists Greece ever had. So, for me giving is like an oxygen, I am happier whenĀ I give because I grew up with it and learned it when I was very young. I hope there are other parents who read this will realize importance of teaching their children to give and be nice to people who need help, so it becomes natural for them. When it becomes natural it does not take much of an effort, but it is lot of work. On the other hand, when you are happy to give, you do not feel it as a hard work because you are satisfied with the results. I have to have results, and I have to finish what Iā ve started, because people are waiting. They have had many promises from abroad but some promises were broken and people are tired of broken promises. I keep my promises because we do not want to give people an idea that is not realistic, so we always try to do what we are saying and most of the time we do it without saying.
ZAVICAJ:Ā You donāt give up? HRH Princess Katarina: Never, never. We can not give up because live is short and we have a very little time to make a difference. This country suffered too much and people in Serbia are deserving better future, regardless of religion and ethnic origin. They are all our people. We all live together here and we are all Godās children, and we all have to respect one another. We must stop being jealous, we must stop negative competition, we must stop looking what is negative in people. We must look at good side of people. Everybody has a good side. We all have to be very positive and we have to change the existing attitude of what is good for me. We have to stop that. We have to think of others first. It is a great gift from God to be able to give, it is a great gift and the sooner people find out it, the happier are they going to be. People are unhappy because they do nothing except taking care of themselves. It is a very selfish way of life and I do not approve it.
ZAVICAJ:Ā In September of this year, your foundation for the second time has Ā organized The Conference of Serbian medical Diaspora. Are you satisfied with the results of this meeting? HRH Princess Katarina: I am never hundred percent satisfied. It is not good to be a hundred percent satisfied, one should always try to do better. I want next time to start earlier so the doctors will have more time to plan to be away of their businesses and hospitals and come to the conference. I would like Serbian doctors to bring their important colleagues with them. That would be beneficial for the medical science in Serbia.
I am glad we organized it and I am looking forward for the third conference next year. I am sure it will be very successful. This year we have made some mistakes, but we have learned from it. Each mistake is a stepping stone to a better future. My husband and I are working on uniting people. He unites politicians, I unite medical doctors. We are like two pieces of a puzzle, we fit perfect together. Each one respects oneās own place, and we both have love for this country. My husband tells me at night, āGo to sleep now, it is too late, you can not help anybody unless you wake him upā. I said, āThey are awake in Californiaā. You always find way to talk to somebody about help. Like this, traditionally on January 4th we have children coming to visit and give a Christmas performance. Every year we are getting toys for these children from Greece, but this year Greece has a problem and they can not send us the toys. So, I phoned to America calling the Mattel toys and they promised to give mi twelve hundred toys. I have an idea who to call for more. Today I wait for a call from America, their working day will start in couple of hours. I have a donor for tennis shoes and an another one for some other beautiful things.
ZAVICAJNowadays many children have a difficult life. You are helping them not only with presents, but you are trying also to give them a hope back with wise words, sincere support and love. HRH Princess Katarina Absolutely, hope does not cost anything. But hope has to be specific. Children need to learn to be strong and specific in everything they do because they are worth it. You must not give them a false hope. Children need to be loved so one day they would be able to love. To be able to give, they must receive first. When the parents teach their children to develop self-confidence, the children learn to take care of their self. Give them what they can not lose. That is the way to change the world. We are constantly creating the new world and the work is constantly in progress. Many people think that putting money in the bank would solve all the problems, but money could be lost.
Every year for Christmas and Easter twelve hundred children from childrenā s homes visit us in the White Palace. They have no time to lose, they have already lost a lot! They must be loved and happy now! Seeing children holding each other by the hand, it is a fantastic sight. Then you wonder where we lost each other. They must know that we think of them, the key to survival lies in the fact that someone thinks of them, to you, to all of us. When people forget you begin to think that you are no longer important. Everybody is important. People are equal. The man from the orphanage told me that the night before the visit children are getting awake in middle of the night and ask: "Is it the time to go to the Palace?" They can not wait to come. They are so happy with Santa Claus and the Easter egg hunt and the gifts they receive. Initially, ten years ago, when they got their presents they wanted to return them to me. One child said that he must now return the gift, because they now have to go back and he will not be able to come to me again and bring the gift back. As I said, "You do not have to give it back'' Children could not believe, and a small child asked:" Is it ours for life? ". Our children are so good and they deserve a better future. Their childhood is stopped. We are trying to change that.Ā Do you know the story of a boy with chocolate? I went on a tour of one of the orphanage and spend time with the children. A little boy invited me to his room and brought me to his bed, pushed the pillow and showed me the chocolate he held under it. I asked him: ''But I think that You got this chocolate from me a few months ago?'' and he said: ''Yes, but it was my the best day of my life when you come to see me and that's why I kept it. ''If it gives the strength to hem, then it gives me the strength to get up early in the morning and fight for his safe childhood. I pray to God to give me the strength to change the lives of these children for the better.
ZAVIÄAJ Ā You are of Greek origin. How different are Greeks and Serbs? HRH Princess Katarina Not much. We are very similar, we always want to offer more, we are both cheerful and hospitable, loving. Over here everybody is very kind to me, always. Sometimes I wake up at night, my husband says then ''Sleep, dear, sleep. Everybody sleeps, you can not help them now. I reply: āThey do not sleep in America ... I' ll call them!''
I just came from America where I succeed to provide a big help and many gifts for our orphanages. Wherever my husband and I have been going, we did our best to provide everything for their needs. To build new bathrooms for these children, to buy carpets, to fix what can be repaired.
ZAVICAJ You are setting a good example for many of wealthy people who worry about those who are richer than them and have never been truly happy. HRH Princess Katarina Yes, because happiness is in giving and being a part of the community rather than in competition. I always try to bring to attention of wealthy people how important is their help and means to do it. I believe that in the Diaspora there are many people who could help or for example, build orphanages and kindergartens for parentless children. It makes me most happy that I am able to give and help and make the others to do the same. I have many friends who have their own airplanes, houses, millions, billions, and I know that sharing, not posession, makes one happy.
When we die we can not take anything with us but a peaceful heart. If people can not take yachts, factories, all that wealth with them when they die, why they do not you share it during the life and do not give to others? When you look at the cemetery you see that everybody lies at the same place and you do not see who was rich, and that is how it should be. Such is the world. So we have new faces, just born in hospitals and they should have an equal chances whether they were born rich or not. Babiesā faces look all the same to us and we are equally caring and gentle to all of them and it should be like that also later in their lives, always. Some will have less, some more and that's life. When wealthy are generous and compassionate then being well makes sense. People usually think that others should be kind and generous towards them and they not wonder if they need to do something first. My mother used to say: ''We can not take if we were not given.''
ZAVIÄAJ Children depend on their parents and on whom depend orphans? On all of us. You set a great example, you have opened your soul to these children, you always have time for them. HRH Princess Katarina My soul is open and I am an open person. My children are grown. Nothing on this world is loved as much as children. I am deeply hurt by the knowledge that some children have never felt such a love and can not believe they can keep the gift they got. We have to think about world around us. Nowadays people ask āHow do you doā and go away. Nobody listens, nobody waits for other one and everybody is unsatisfied. Be compassionate, be positive. Everyone shouldĀ try to be a good example for the others. We want good people, the goodness will lead to success. Honest people succeed really, mean people succeed on short term and we do not need them in this country.
ZAVICAJ Christmas is in front of us and hollydays will bring a better mood. HRH Princess Katarina Let it bring a good luck. In Serbia I love the people the most. Let us all be brothers, let us be good neighbors, let us be united with all our differences. On behalf of myself and my family, I wish your readers in Serbia and all around the world, Marry Christmas and Happy New Year, luck, happiness, love, peace, strength and joy!
During the interview Princes Katarina made me cry. I could watch directly into her big heart and hear the voice of her very being, the being that does not walk alone, but with all those she can help. Leaving The White Palace, I felt energy and strength which could bring me everywhere I wanted. HRH Princes Katarina KaraÄorÄeviÄ reminded me that everything is possible and that you are not alone because the love is wise and generous. She wears the crown in her heart than can not be taken away. Her broad smile and warm eyes I shall keep in my soul.
Ā Interviewer Kristina RaduloviÄ VuÄkoviÄ
Photos āā ZAVICAJ narodne novineāā and Beli Dvor www.pkfond.rsĀ www.royal.rs
RADOVAN AREŽINA, MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT OF KLADOVO MUNICIPALITY
THE WELFARE CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH HARD WORK
It is always the pleasure to talk with Mr. Radovan Arežina. He can discuss competently and clearly about a large number of subjects. His opinions are backed by proven facts, his personal education and acquired information.
His political career spans twenty five years. He started as the Secretary of Youth Organization of the Kladovo Municipality. Nowadays he is a member of the Executive Committee of the Main Board of SPS, a senior official of the party.
Despite his tight schedule, he found a time to answer our questions.
The first question was about the governing coalition of the Kladovo Municipality
The coalition is formed by DS and SPS. It was one of the first coalitions of these two parties on the local level. Our coalition, as well as one made on state level shows the results in a rational manner, which may not be very visible at the first sight, but the essence is that Serbia has become an essential political factor in Europe. We prevented the interests and aspirations of those who were against us, of those who would damage our nation. The interest of the people is always at the first place. Our parties had some misunderstandings in the past, but responsible leaders should not dwell on old divisions but build the bridges for the future.
As for the functioning of parliament Kladovo, considering the efficiency, we are in the Top 10 since 2 of June 2008. when it is constituted. My personal wish is that we have constant access to all the problems, both majority as well as the opposition. Before each session we have a meeting with the presidents of all the councilors' group. The way they will vote later is a matter of their party interests. We do not have to love each other, but we must have mutual respect. This is a principle for me and my associates. Peace comes through understanding, not through agreements.
The local politics id something else, although it follows the general, state politics. The problems on the local level are specific and the politics is based on the needs of local people, local community, city, and its social policy and the economy. There should not be arguing, politicking and partisanship, because goals and problems are not imaginary, but it is a common interest of all citizens, where again, the core of all political activities is a better life for every individual.
Our priority, as it was in the past years, is to preserve and maintain what our people have built in the last 40 - 50 years working here or abroad.
The cooperation within the coalition is excellent, thanks primarily to the first man of the municipality Dejan NikoliÄ. Our relationship is very correct and set on the basis of mutual respect and constructive cooperation. Sometimes is mutual indulgence required in order to satisfy all the coalition partners, so we all can work together in the interests of our citizens. I think that our coalition did its best to achieve the goals we set in regard of municipality development.
Our cooperation is very similar to the functioning of the coalitions in the modern European democracies, as the basis for the further development is the cooperation rather than the argument. By dwelling in the past one can loose its present and its future.
I hope, in 2012 we will improve our unity and our mutual respect so we can tackle the problems, particularly those imposed by others and better living and more self respect.
What do you expect from the coming elections?
There is a big difference between those who have worked for four years and improved municipality, from those were only promising and not showing to some concrete results. There is a huge difference when you are in a position to just criticize one's work, hunt or invent mistakes, of those who were doing their best and pulling the whole community forward. The responsibility is on them, because they get the confidence of citizens who are not easily tricked. The voters are not gamblers who are going to gamble with their votes, invest and may win, and maybe not. The citizens are expecting the fulfilling of election promises. Requirements vary from family to family, from street to street, from village to village, from school to school, from institution to institution. All this problems must be resolved, because the not solved problems are piling on and it does not help when elections come. I am convinced that people will recognize that we have passed together another successful trip and that we should continue to work together and they will therefore vote rationally and responsibly, for those who can and will make difference.
I am convinced that in the times of economic crisis was more done to develop Kladovo in all areas of social policy and infrastructure by the coalition of the DS and SPS than in the previous forty years.
Diaspora is an unavoidable question for an official of a local self-management. Recently, you visited our people in Denmark in Romania.
When it comes to our Diaspora, I want to point out that we have invested a lot of effort to help our people who live and work away from the homeland. The proof is that we are among the first to open the office of the Diaspora. Our idea is to make some sort of network so they can communicate and connect with each other. Maybe there is a fellow countryman who lives only about ten kilometers and they are not aware of it. For example, occurs regularly that those who live and work along the border with Switzerland, often jump to an event organized by Serbian clubs in the border areas of Austria, France or Germany. Also those who live in Denmark are visited by our people from Sweden, because sometimes it takes only thirty minutes by car or train.
There are an increasing number of our people visiting this region. Now, they can proudly show their home land. Especially the people of young generations often come with their foreign friends. This is a unique marketing of our human virtues and natural beauty. Our people are extremely hospitable and sincere. We are trying to repay our Diaspora for many years of sending a humanitarian aid of the great value, and I have to point out, when it was most needed. They are still active, because when a man leaves his native sun, who is going to lighten his way back?
More and more young and educated people go abroad.
That is why our goal is to create conditions, not only to keep them at home, but also to bring back those who are abroad. To give them a valid reasons to return to their homeland. There is no doubt that Serbia is the largest exporter of highly educated young people. I still say that they are our best ambassadors, and so are the ones who will always remain what they are while respecting the land to which they came. Remember the big Tesla, addressing the Students of Belgradeās High School on 2 June 1892nd. He said: "I am proud I am coming from the chivalrouss, rural, people, who for centuries fought for their ideals and ideals of the European culture earning honor and respect all over the world, especially of the great America.ā
Our hydro and thermal power plants were built by our workers, descendents of Tesla and Pupin. Civil engineers were living the country, but still, roads and bridges were built. It is inherent to our people to constantly produce a big minds from ever healthy roots.
That is why we have Novak, Ana, TipsareviÄ, Jelena and ZimonjiÄ, European volleyball champions, Olympic medal winners, but also winners of numerous artistic and scientific competitions.
What about development of the municipalities situated away from the highway?
We defined the space for the industrial zone and potential investors will get the best conditions in order to employ this hard working people. The Danube is our European corridor 7 and we have to make the most of it, because it flows between two corridors, Corridor 4, which goes through Romania and Corridor 10, which goes through our country.Ā Our country must concentrate on economic development. We also want to open the duty free zone again, because it is evident that Europe will have to return its factory from the East, and bring them closer to their environment. The very concept of neo-liberal capitalism shows to be unsustainable. Simply, it is obvious that in most developed countries more and more people lost their jobs because factories moved away from the domicile seats. Europe will have to turn to the construction of the welfare state, as Willy Brandt did at the time when Germany experienced the economic boom.
One of the realistic goals is to return to a time when the current eight municipalities of ZajeÄar and Bor region accounted for one region. This region was then economically Ā the most developed in Serbia. Development of the economyĀ is logically followed by social development, progress in culture and education. We should be a very interesting tourist destination, because we have beautiesĀ āāthat belong to the world cultural heritage, but to make it available for the visitors we have to have al least modern roads, if not the airport, in the region.
Some time ago our factories were fully employed. Today, they do not work anymore. I think that every municipality should take care of its economic subjects. We simply have to understand, because it is more difficult to make changes in people's minds then in practice, that if our small businessmen employs 100 workers, he feeds 100 families. We think that municipalities should have the funds which could dispose to local self-government. With these funds we could help the entrepreneurs who employ 20 or more workers and pay taxes regularly, to overcome the problems they have in this time crisis.
Today, if the public services are not able to pay the salaries of the employees, the municipality helps but that money is not returned, so we also must help those who fill the budget, specially because it is the often a short term loan needed to the pay the wages to the workers.
The welfare is not going to be given to us. We can achieve it only by hard work. I am sure about that. Otherwise I would not be in the politics. So is my view on EU decision to postpone a candidate status for Serbia. As far as I can se, the Earth has not stop spinning. Macedonia is stuck with a candidate status for six years because of the name issue. We have to give much more in. All in all, we must turn to ourselves, to try to find solutions for a better tomorrow. Europe itselfĀ is in trouble. We have resources, we just have to use them. This is the route to the European prospects of Serbia.
Your New Year's message to the citizens of Kladovo.
IĀ wish to all citizens of Kladovo, wherever they are, personal and family happiness and good health. I hope that next year we will unite and respect each other even more. I wish to all of us to overcome all the problems. They are not small, but our grandfathers faced even bigger ones. On that way we will create better life conditions and respect for us and our deeds. Doing everything for the prosperity of the community and Serbia, we have to keep in mind that the spirit of freedom is a life guardian.
At the end, since this is a season of a family patrons celebrations, the time when our families reunite and gather with their friends, I would like to congratulate coming holidays with these verses of mine.
The old cross, the Christmas bread and the red chaplet.
They are my heritage, weapon, joy.
The old canon, even older fiddle and copper kettle that boils the plums.
Patinized pictures, the wooden frame.
The ancestors smile from the sooted wall .
My heart jumps as a young stallion and the tear slowly rolls over my face.
The lamp illuminates the holly icon of Saint Nicolas, our patron.
Oh, God, relieve me of my sins,
Bless all the dear people and whole Serbian folk.
INTERVIEW: MIROLJUB STOJÄIÄ, THE MAYOR OF VRANJE
CITY WHERE YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF
Whether one is coming to Vranje or one is leaving it, there is a reason for rejoice. Strange but true. Going there always brings the joy of meetings with the friends who live in this city, and who are looking forward to see you. When you leave, you cherish even more the idea of future reunion with them.
It's amazing how good and honest people, with a pure hearts live in this pleasant, big-hearted town under the mountains PljaÄkovica and Bora's Hill, near the South Morava.
That is why we felt the tide of joy and good mood when we arrived in Vranje. A small town, but still, great in many ways. A city in motion, a city where always something is happening. Mostly, changes that carry the benefit for its residents. Many of town citizens left and dispersed around the world. Those who remained, courageously, without waiting for others to offer them a solution, safely lead the town to the prosperity. Prosperity based on their image of the modern city.
Those who accepted to lead the city towards prosperity and create better living conditions for its citizens but also for those who are far abroad, are the people of modern, quick thinking and good moves. These people are competent, hardworking and filled with love for their city.Ā That is why our crew was looking forward to the appointed interview with the Mayor of Vranje, Mr. Miroljub StojÄiÄ.
Mr. Mayor, you are the first man you Vranje for over eleven years. First four years as the President of the Municipal Assembly, then four years as the Municipality Mayor, and since Vranje was granted city status, almost four years ago, as the City Mayor. By this, you are certainly one of the exceptions of the political scene of Serbia. Why you deserve such a trust?
The citizens are certainly more entitled to answer this question. I can only believe that trust is the result of mutual respect and my efforts to do my work responsibly and honestly, hoping the results will justify that confidence.
It is not easy to maintain political stability in our multiparty system with the constant change of the coalitions and ever changing conditions to form them, especially in such a sensitive area like the south of Serbia. Political stability is a primary condition of economic development and creation of all other conditions for life and work of citizens. It is even more difficult in these times of great economic crisis that has not spared anyone, our community included.
As for the economic development, Vranje used to be recognizable primarily by its large economic collectives, such as "Simpo", "Jumkoā, āŠlfŠ°ā, āKŠ¾Å”tŠ°nŠ°ā, āZŠ°vŠ°rivŠ°Äā, and many others. What is the situation today?
Yes, these companies you mentioned were built in the time of rapid development of Vranje in the early sixties. Then it was a small town with only about ten thousand inhabitants, almost without any significant industrial capacity. And then these collectives, and also some others, arose one by one, to become the carriers of not only economic, but also the general development in the past few decades. Some of them were known on the European level. Unfortunately, events of the past two decades, especially the transition and privatization, also occurred here. Some well known collectives such as āKŠ¾Å”tŠ°nŠ°ā, āPŠ¾lŃŠ¾prŠ¾duktā, āNŠµmŠµtŠ°liā, Š¢IV VrŠ°njskŠ° BŠ°njŠ°, āŠumkŠ¾ā, āZŠ°vŠ°rivŠ°Äā have disappeared, "Jumko", "ZvavarivaÄā and some others, survived with much toil and trouble. This has created many problems and negative consequences, especially when it comes to increasing unemployment and falling living standards. So I can say that in the current climate the economic development is based on companies like "Simpo" and "Alfa Plam", as well as on many smaller private companies in various industries.
So in these difficult times we manage to find ways and opportunities to survive. Thanks to our skill and creativity and, above all, diligence by which the people of this region are identified.
What about theinfrastructure?
The rapid development in recent decades has not always been followed by an adequate development of infrastructure. We try to compensate it, but in the current economic crisis and general lack of money it is quite a difficult task. We were lucky we finalized two objects or major importance for quality of life in this area. These are the Water System Prvonek, and one of the most modern sanitary landfills in Serbia, Meteris. We have built many other important objects of the city infrastructure, so our citizens could live according to standards of our time. Of course, we know that there is so much more to be done, but I hope that citizens will understand that difficult economic situation prevents us from being more efficient. We all want to have a lot more of everything we need for a better life; we want our city to be beautiful, our villages too. We hope that the time ahead will be better and we will continue with the realization of our development strategy.
Besides the economy, in which Vranje has a wealth of experience and a good position for further development, are there other possibilities for the faster development?
It is the agriculture at the first place. A gentle Dale of Vranje, being surrounded by mountains and hill slopes, provides very good conditions for development of primarily vegetable and fruit production in the lower parts and cattle production in mountainous regions. This has been understood by the inhabitants of our villages long time ago. This area is well known for its vegetable and fruit production. Passers-by may see many greenhouses, gardens and fruit plantations. Green markets of Vranje are among the richest in the country. In the current climate, when many lost their jobs and standard of living is quite low, it is very important that our agriculture supersedes what we lost on the other side. Mountain areas provide excellent conditions for cattle breeding, growing and harvesting medicinal plants. Unfortunately, we are facing the same problem as almost the entire country, there are less and less people country living on the country side, especially young people of working age.
What are your strengths?
A geographical location, certainly. Our city is situated on an extremely important corridor of roads and railways that connect not only north and south of our country, but also the north and south of Europe. After completion of the initiated highway on Corridor 10 it will become even more our advantage, especially proximity of the borders of Macedonia and Bulgaria. This opens up more opportunities not only for economic but also the overall development of this area. We have excellent conditions for tourism in Spa of Vranje and on the Besna Kobila Mountain. There are opportunities in energy development, construction of small hydro power plants and those that use solar energy as well as for the usage of hot springs with water temperature of 94 to 96 degrees from Spa of Vranje. Is the best recommendation for investors to say to investors: āCome to Vranje and you will find an opportunity there? Certainly. To all who are willing to invest, we are offering many benefits and advantages like the sites for construction of facilities, release of many financial obligations and providing necessary infrastructure. Vranje is one of the few cities in possession of a certificate of a city with a favorable business environment. Of course, there is a wealth of experience and traditional knowledge our people have in performing many tasks. Our message to them is: Ā āCome for a good deal, we will find common interests and ways to achieve themā.
How do you see your city in the future? As a modern, developed, and the place where people will want to live, especially those who were born in it, but also everyone else will be welcomed. We who live in this city and this region still have something that others do not have. We have, as we say it, the soul. It is something that remained from Bora StankoviÄās time. It has been said that the trumpet sounds nowhere like it sounds here and that melody of Vranje has captured the hearts of many and tied them to this city forever. We, who live in it, are inviting you: āCome and you will fall in love with itā.
INTERVIEW WITH DEJAN NIKOLIÄ, THE MAYOR OF KLADOVO MUNICIPALITY
GROWTH AS SUSTENANCE FOR TIMES TO COME
Flowing through the various lands, the Danube River touches numerous cities and towns, big and small, and after almost two thousand kilometers at its most beautiful, reaches Kladovo. It absorbs thousands of beautiful landscapes, cleanses and enriches them in the Iron Gate, and spreads them around this city of turbulent history. Whether to some it was just a step in their conquests or just an ideal place to rest to others, but many stopped here for few days and the mighty river relieved and ennobled their souls.
It is certain, that this noble river, continuing its course to its eternal refuge, run quieter and more peacefully. This peace and satisfaction the Danube derives from the residents of the Kladovo municipality who have the privilege to live on its banks, not only in city of Kladovo, but also in 15 out of 22 villages of this municipality along its course of nearly 100 kilometers.
According to tradition, the first people emerged from this fertile ground, was a meeting point of the Argonauts in their quest to find the Golden Fleece - the embodiment of supernatural power, The Iron Gate area with Kladovo as its frontier, gives its visitors an unusual sense of aesthetic experience and noble-mindedness. The long ago swept civilizationofLepenski Virleft its clear signs in its stones. The Celtic cavalry ruled the Danube banks before Roman builders gave rise to the wonderful bridges and medieval Serbs enlightened it with the Orthodox fate. āKladovo is an open city, cradled by wind and large water is its bedding. It is growing to sustain the upcoming time.ā Our first question to the first man Kladovo, the Mayor Dejan Nikolic, referred to this slogan.
The Web site posts: āā¦ an open city, cradled by wind and large water is its bedding. It is growing to sustain the upcoming time.ā Is it a nice slogan or the determination of people of your municipality?
Everything in this city exudes welcome and all the residents of the municipality Kladovo are doing their best so our guests go home with nice impressions for not only to come back, but also to tell others about us. We like being praised for our effort.
Mr. President, you are almost a decade at the head positions in Kladovo. It is safe to say that these were the most difficult years for the local self-government, not only in your city but in the whole of Serbia.
This is the eighth year that Demokraska Party plays a leading role in local government in Kladovo. Complex economic and political situation in our country over the past twenty years have been reflected to the local level, so the Kladovo shared the fate of all that was happening in the country in economic and political sense.
The most important projects in this year?
Notwithstanding the difficult years behind us, last eight years in Kladovo a lot of positive things happened. I think first of all, the reconstruction of Kralja Aleksandra Street and its conversion into a pedestrian zone, and reconstruction and widening of Ribarska Street which relieved downtown area of transit transport. Construction of the hotel "Aqua Star Danube" and the successful privatization of the hotel "Äerdap" have contributed to a significant improvement of image of Kladovo as a tourist destination. Today is Kladovo one of the most visited places in southeastern Serbia.
The city slowly enters the normal track. A big cleaning is in progress. Thanks to its center, called by many ālittle Skadarlijaā, pier, beach and park, Kladovo has become a recognizable tourist destination. Last year and this year we have completely reconstructed Kralja Petra Square, which together with Kralja Aleksandra Street, āour Skadarlijaā, as we call it, makes a very attractive and pleasant area for the residents and for an increasing number of visitors who come to Kladovo. We are finalizing the reconstruction of a large city park, situated at the entrance of the city, beside the artificial lake and sport center āJezeroā which will surely become an oasis for recreation and rest. We also equipped the public beach and built a parking with plumbing makes that town beach in Kladovo is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the Danube.
Also, this year the reconstruction and expansion of the old kindergarten building has been completed which makes it possible to receive a hundred more children. The worth of investment is 25 million dinars. Part of the funds was provided from the project for help to the construction industry of Serbia and the facility is on September the 12th Ā Ā visited by the Minister Oliver DuliÄ.
This year we invest in asphalt works 70 million dinars. We have paved some streets in Tekija, Kladovo, Novi Sip, Kostol, Mala Vrbica, and Velika Vrbica. By the end of construction season we will pave certain streets in the Brza Palanka and 1km length of the local road to the PodvrŔka village. The reconstruction of thermal networks worth 20 million dinars in Kladovo and Brza Palanka is in progress
Exceptionally good cooperation with the leadership of the hydroelectric power station āIron Gate" has resulted in many agreements based on obligations the power plant has to the settlements near the river banks. I would single out the construction of sewerage network in settlements Grabovica, KladuÅ”nica and Davidovac which has been finalized this year.
This summer there was no rest for the municipal leadership. Would you like to make a reference to the work of local government this year? What can you say us about the coalition functioning?
For everything that was done in Kladovo, a stable political situation at the local level and well-functioning coalition with the SPS was necessary. I personally believe that Kladovo boasts a correct political climate that prevails among all parties at the local level.
Many senior diplomats were often guests of your city...
In the last 3 years in Kladovo was visited by the ambassadors of the most important European countries. Recently, the U.S. Ambassador was the guest of our city on the occasion of the completion of the building for refugees and displaced persons and vulnerable in Kladovo, funded by the U.S. government with $ 400,000.
Besides the economy, in which Kladovo has a wealth of experience and a good position for further development, are there other possibilities for the faster development of the municipality?
We are realizing a cross-border project together with the Romanian Municipality of Požažen. It is related to the preparation of complete project documentation for reconstruction of the revitalization of the Fetislam Fortress. The project value is EUR 400,000.
The Economy of Kladovo has demonstrated considerable vitality in this time of the financial crisis.
Recently, the Minister Oliver Dulic has opened a modern facility for the recycling of waste oil in "Delta", the company "Äerdap-services" is in expansion hiring significant number of new workers. Trade and tourist industry have a positive trend of development in recent years. The "Tekijanka" is leader in this area, not only in Kladovo but in the region. However, despite these positive development, Kladovo needs more investment and new jobs as the unemployment register counts 2000 people, therefore the most important goal is attracting new investments in the future.
When it comes to economic development Kladovo was primarily recognizable for its successful economic collectives. It is often mentioned today that only municipalities which are along the highway can develop. Is the Danube your highway? What is the situation today?
The Danube is, without doubt, the most important development resource of Kladovo. Especially in the terms of the tourist development. Implementation of the projects in the future such as the construction of passenger pontoon pier is one of the ways to use the benefits of a big river that flows through the municipality in the length of 92 km.
Cooperation with the Diaspora is certainly a priority, as nearly a third of working-age population lives abroad. About 8000 people from Kladovo work in countries of Western Europe. This is an important resource that should be used primarily by creating conditions for our people from the Diaspora to invest their capital in projects that enable the creation of new jobs.
There is no doubt that cultural events in Kladovo are frequent and at a high artistic level.
I should mention the May Days of Books, traditional art contest of Kladovo amateurs, local festivals of folk handicrafts in the villages of Kladovo, The Evening of Wine and Delight, The Meeting of the Diaspora in LjubiÄevac, The Ethno Festival of Eastern Serbia in Kladovo, The Golden BuÄka of Äerdap in Tekija.
Events are held continuously throughout the year, and numerous activities in the field of literature, publishing, exhibition and exhibition concepts, theater, concerts, literary discussions, amateurism are represented. Each of these programs is promoting cultural values ??of the area, and the whole of the municipality is covered. We have great facilities and we promote our city and municipality. What are the most important projects whose implementation is expected in the future? The priorities for the next period are, at the first place, infrastructure equipment of the new industrial zone in Kladovo. At the moment, we are busy with planning and preparation of the project documentation. The second priority is to build a passenger terminal in Kladovo. The project documentation for passenger port is also under development. Further priorities are the reconstruction of Kladovo marina and further development of roads and utilities infrastructure.
Serbia is on the brink of new elections. What do you expect of it?
I expect that citizens will recognize the positive side of all these completed projects at the forthcoming elections, and support us in the future to continue to work on projects that will improve life of our community.
The Danube is struggling for millennia to come down into the Black Sea. It won that battle carving the most beautiful gorge in Europe. The Small Kazan and The Big Kazan are the work of nature of breath-taking beauty. They are beautiful in the winter whiteness or in the spring greenery but they are most beautiful nature when the big artist, the nature, colors the sides of the great river in a thousand colors of autumn.
For centuries, people were taming the big river near Kladovo, by raising the bridges or by building hydroelectric power plants.
Playful colors reflect on a quiet surface, and fishermen boats rip the peaceful autumn waters. All this is offered by a great painter, the nature, as a ready-made tourist attraction for all guests, to perpetuate the gifts of nature in their souls.
Many questions remained for some upcoming meeting with the Mayor Dejan NikoliÄ, who took the time for journalists, although other, more important tasks had been waiting for him. We left with a deep conviction that this young and energetic Mayor leads a team capable of taking the Municipality of Kladovo into better tomorrow.
āPart of Youā, a clip launched this spring at the YouTube Channel drew a lot of attention. It appeared to belongs to a gifted lady from our country, SlaÄana JankoviÄ from Belgrade, who currently lives in Canada, Victoria, British Columbia in one of the nicest places on Earth to live. Exclusively for āāZaviÄaj- narodne novineāā SlaÄana- Ianna gave her first interview for this medium read in Serbia and diaspora as well. We shall remember working on this interview by her splendid open- heartedness, spontaneity, charm and strength.
Ianna is a natural talent with a uniquely distinctive voice. She started singing and performing
at a very young age singing for school festivals and demonstrating her natural love of the
stage. Later as a teenager she experimented with writing and recording music with her
guitarist brother. Her interest led her from rock and pop to jazz, then, eventually, to world beat
sounds. As an exciting entertainer, she worked at various TV stations and hosted a popular
live music video show. In the early 90ās, she left the worsening situation in Serbia. She first travelled to Greece and there after moved to Italy, settling in Milan for four years. She felt very much at home in the Italian culture and learned to speak the language fluently. She was also exposed to the African and Brazilian music scenes. This brought her to take a more percussive approach in her music, blending well with her already expressive voice.
While on vacation in southern Portugal, she met Doug Galbraith who was working there as
a commissioned artist. Doug is a Juno-nominated musician and painter. His music has been
played widely on radio and also featured in TV and movies. Their attraction to eachother was
obvious and they immediately began making music together with his classical guitar on the
glorious beaches of southern Portugal. They were in love at once and Doug followed Ianna
back to Milan where he proposed marriage after a matter of days. They were married in
Belgrade with her parents and family and friends with a winter blue sky and gypsy musicians
around them. After only 4 days of being married, Doug had to return to Canada in order to sponsor Ianna to
immigrate. During the next 4 months apart, the Kosovo conflict erupted resulting in the
45-day NATO bombardment of Belgrade. Ianna was fortunate enough to escape on the last
bus out of the country and Doug immediately flew to meet her in Budapest, Hungary. The
situation was not easy for the newlyweds. They had to plead with the Canadian embassy for
an entry permit for Ianna. After a month of train voyages to Vienna, Doug finally secured for
her a Ministerās permit to enter. They flew to Canada on the very next available flight.
Now they live with their two handsome boys, Illiya and Oliver in Victoria, BC, arguably one of
the nicest places on Earth to live. Together theyāve performed at many different venues and
festivals, concerts, clubs. Ianna's live performance is a memorable occasion for audiences due not only to her exotic
voice but also her charm and charisma. Her creative input in the music is focused primarily on
lyrics and melody. Her soon-to-released record, Part of Me, is where Ianna has collaborated
with Doug to put all of her experience into original music.
ZAVIÄAJ What kind of dreams of the future did you dream in your childhood? How much are the events in our lives affected by our childhoodās dreams? IANNA As a little girl, I spent most of my time singing and dreaming of becoming a popular singer. I would dream of being famous and giving interviews. I used to visit neighbours and friends and family where I would climb up on a chair, take out a hairbrush (microphone) and perform my latest act. My favourite was an imitation of the then-popular singer, Olivera Katarina, with the song, Alaj mi je veceras po volji. This was extremely entertaining to all. To this day my friends and family remind me of how they enjoyed those performances. It seems as though many of my childhood dreams have been realized. If one continues to hold onto the dreams of one's youth, believing in oneself and persevering with passion, then everything is possible. ZAVIÄAJ Considering the fact that since early age you live in diaspora, is Serbia for you a fatherland and Canada homeland? IANNA In a few years, I'll be able to say that I will have spent half my life abroad. Although I have dual citizenship, Serbian and Canadian, I am unsure where I truly belong and where my real home is. Before coming to Canada, I lived for some years in Italy and before that in Greece. Although I always felt welcomed and appreciated in these places, I still would like to experience new places, cultures and live somewhere else. This is part of my character, I guess - a global type with a desire to learn and travel and be amongst different people. Now that we have small children, we feel that Canada, and our island in particular, is a safe, healthy place to raise a family. With the rainforests, beaches, mountains, wildlife and Pacific Ocean around us, Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. We'll surely stick around here for a few more years. ZAVIÄAJ How much have your parents and yor your grandmas and grandpas influnced development of your broad interests? What are yours the most cherishing memories from the childhood? IANNA I grew up as a happy child, much-loved from all sides of the family. Of course, my mom and dad had a huge influence on me but my fondest memories of childhood are from summer holidays spent at my grandmother's house in the beautiful little town of Raska, Serbia. My parents worked each summer so they would send my brother and me to the grandparents'. My brother, Boban, would go to my father's farm where he enjoyed himself with a cousin having boy fun. I, on the other hand, was sent to the home of my mother's mother where I had lots of girlfriends. My granny was an old generation renaissance woman - there was nothing that she couldn't do or make from sewing, knitting and crochet to building and chopping firewood. She lost her husband at a very young age and chose to stay single the rest of her life. She didn't need a man around the house since she was so capable. She was an incredible creator always having new plans and ideas. I loved spending time with her and was influenced by her strong will and creativity. She taught me a lot and I adored her. ZAVIÄAJ Do your children speak Serbian? How often do you visit Serbia? IANNA It is difficult here bringing up my kids to be fluent in Serbian as I am the only one around them speaking the language. They do understand a fair amount but they don't speak it freely. When we visit Serbia, they gain confidence after a few weeks and start to speak Serbian with people. Illiya goes to French school just like his cousins in Belgrade, Milan and Maya. My brother and his French wife, Isabelle, both work in the French embassy so their kids get the advantage of going to French school. Canada is a bilingual country with French and English. We decided to send our oldest boy, Illiya to French school so now he has the opportunity to communicate with the French side of the family. ZAVIÄAJ How important is the collaboration for marriage and parenthip? What does your music collaboration look like? IANNA Doug and I have a strong, solid marriage based on love, respect and understanding. We are happiest when we are together and when we can create. Only then can we feel as one. And although we have different ideas, our points-of-view are very similar. Every project is a collaboration - to the point that it is sometimes hard to see which of us had more input. This musical project is very much my personal one, however, it could not have been done without Doug's playing and creative involvement. ZAVIÄAJ How strong are your ties with Serbia, with your family and your friends? IANNA My relationships with family and friends in Serbia are solid and strong. I often talk with my family on Skype. I have stayed in contact with lots of friends, some of whom are even from elementary and high school. Although I live so far away, it feels as if no time has passed at all when I get together with them. ZAVIÄAJ You are finishing a great music project, what are the further plans? IANNA My first single, Part of You, came out this spring with the video shot in Belgrade. The second single āā How Long? āā, also shot in Belgrade, will be released this summer. The rest of the record is currently being mixed in Belgrade and is scheduled for release in autumn. The plan is for the record to be sent to agents in the hope of getting a contract with a distribution company. In the meantime, I am working with Doug's new music project. ZAVIÄAJ You have already huge number of fans, there are many people who respect your music. Do you plan some performances in the coming period? IANNA Honestly, I can't wait for this record to be finished so I can start performing and promoting it. In addition to shows in Canada, I really hope to be able to bring my show to Europe and Serbia. This record was mostly recorded in Belgrade. I purposely went back there because I wanted to collaborate with some of my brilliant musician friends - Dejan Å kopelja, Marija MihailoviÄ, Keba, Ana Stajdohar, etc . I especially wanted this music to be produced by my brother, Boban JankoviÄ and his āā Black Sheep Productionsāā. It is the first time since we were kids playing music in our bedroom that we have been able to work together on a music project. ZAVIÄAJ Have your and Dougās children inherited a talent for music? IANNA Illiya (10) and Oliver (3) are very musically gifted. They both love dancing and have great rhythm and musical ears. Also it's interesting that they both like to sing. Oliver loves to play on the harmonica, xylophone, ukulele and melodica. Illiya likes piano and guitar. There's never a dull moment around our place and the weekends are always a musical family party. ZAVIÄAJ What are your plans for Serbia and how much your music connects your future with your early beginnings? IANNAĀ For now I don't have any big plans for Serbia. However, deep in my soul I do think it would be nice if I could live my old age in Belgrade. I don't see myself living the rest of my life in Canada. At this point I'm not sure where my musical life will take me. I am certainly grateful for doing what I always wanted - in my case that's art and music. ZAVIÄAJ What are the similarities and differences between Serbs and Canadians? IANNA I really don't see too many similarities between Canadians and Serbians. I shouldn't judge unfairly because I haven't had the chance to visit the rest of Canada. Canada is a young country with immigrants from all over the world. What I find great is that many brought their cultures here with them creating a multi-cultural mosaic under one flag that works peacefully. I think in general that people here put a higher priority in work and private possessions and maybe a little less in family and friends. Serbians, in my opinion, are more passionate and dramatic. ZAVIÄAJ Would you ever come back to Serbia? What would you do then and how does it feel to be back to your birth place? IANNA I can see myself and Doug, later in life, strolling for long walks beside the Danube and Kalemegdan. I love going to our theatre and art galleries. That is probably what I miss the most. As for work, I would certainly continue with creative pursuits. Maybe I could finally find time to work on mixed-media collages that I love making but have no time to dedicate at this time of my life. Now, that's a pretty good sounding plan for the future!
Photos: Family Galbraith Ā Interviewer: Kristina Kristi R.V.
His Excellency Mr. Erwin Hofer, Ambassador of Switzerland
AMONG FRIENDS THERE IS A LARGE CONVERGENCE OF USE
Ā Ā
At this moment bilateral relations between Switzerland and Serbia are at highest level. History of diplomatic relations began by opening the Diplomatic mission of Kingdom of Serbia in Bern in 1916.Ā Embassy of Republic of Yugoslavia was open in 1957. The current Serbian Ambassador in Switzerland, Milan St Proti,c is also accredited as a Non-Resident Ambassador to Principality of Liechtenstein. Beside the Embassy in Bern there is the General Consulate in Zurich, as well as The Mission to UN in Geneva.
Indeed, we have an intense and highly diversified relationship. It goes back even further, since Switzerland established its first official presence in Serbia in 1908 when we nominated the Honorary Consul General. So, we are longer than one hundred years officially present here in Belgrade. We had a slight interruption just after the World War II but soon we reopened and since then our relations continue to be very intense. It is also important to look at the region which has gone through dramatic changes. Following these changes, we have established our official presence in all new born countries of former Yugoslavia, except in Montenegro.
With regard to Serbia, the intensity is very high, mutual interests are so wide that there is no reason whatsoever for the interruption of these relations. On contrary, we consider that practically on all levels and all fields our relations will grow in the future. We firmly believe that the European track of Serbia will be pursued, and for us this is the best guarantee that our relations will be deepened and widened in the coming future.
Diplomatic relations are accompanied with intensive contacts on the high political level. Can we say that there are no open questions which could interrupt positive development of bilateral relations? Among friends there is a large convergence of use, we share many joint objectives. In the last eighteen months we were focusing on broadening of the network of our political cooperation. We put very heavy emphasis on widening of economic relations and we were negotiating the areas where we can be useful for the Serbian community in Switzerland. Based on this very solid ground, we are absolutely convinced that there is no reason why should any shadow be casted over these relations. It is evidently that our governments have different approach to the Kosovo question but we say that among friends there might be areas where is no total agreement. But also there, we have a common objective and it is to have an area of political, economical, social stability in a region which is very vital for Europe as a whole.
There are about 200.000 people of Serbian origin living in Switzerland, making the 4th largest ethnic group. Serbo-Croatian is the largest non-official language of Switzerland. They are located mostly in the regions of Geneva, Lausanne, Basel and Zurich and they are an important link between our countries.Their organizations and clubs developed very vivid activities. Often they stress openness and understanding of the local authorities. Is there a tendency to move that cooperation to an even higher level? We are very pleased about this strong link between Switzerland and Serbia. Indeed, these relations between citizens, families, is the strongest link one could have between two countries, and as you said, Ā these links are particularly strong due to the high number of Serbian citizens and former Serbian citizens who have acquired Swiss nationality living in Switzerland. As an official policy, we do not interfere directly in their organization structures, so we can only welcome that they are organizing themselves. We are also aware that there is a large variety of the organizations and up to now, there is not one single organization creating a framework where everybody can find its voice. We know there is a quite large diversity of internal structures and we happily leave it to the Serbian community to decide for themselves how they want to communicate and how they want to maintain relations within different associations. What we did in particular was to put an emphasis on informing the Serbian community of our economical activities. We want to have them on board, to give them the opportunity to be ambassadors in
both directions for a better understanding of our economical relations.
What can you say about their integration into Swiss society? The integration is for us in Switzerland a key word because we want to have these communities feel at home, and feeling at home means two things. On the one hand, they need to have an impression that they are welcome, so we are offering them a framework showing them that they are really welcome. In some local communities, in some cities there are particular facilities offered. There are also meetings organized between the authorities and them and for those trying to integrate there are special language courses offered.
This is one element.
The other element which is also important for feeling well is that they have the opportunity to maintain their roots and identity and keep contact with their families at home, so they should not be taken out of a social and family context. For us, both elements go hand in hand.
Switzerland distinguished itself by large amounts of donations and humanitarian help to Serbia which is of a great importance to our people. Would you like to mention the most important forms of help? We on our side avoid the word help. We consider it as a form of cooperation which has taken different forms. Although this is not directly linked to the point you are making, we had special relations with former Yugoslavia. We were very active in the financial field. Our national banks had very close relations. There were several major financial operations in favour of the former Yugoslavia where Switzerland played a leading role. So, this is the reason why we were immediately present in the nineties when historic changes occurred. We started immediately with the cooperation program in 1991. Regrettably, those changes in former Yugoslavia were not in all respects peaceful. We came in very early with quite a considerable support in favour of refugees and displaced persons. We started to organize support for receiving them on the Serbian territory. Ā I must say that Serbia played a marvellous role accepting them on her soil. My driver was working for Swiss humanitarian aid and when I am travelling around Serbia, he tells me in almost any place I visit, āHere we built a schoolā or āHere we added a roof to the kindergartenā, so I think this physical contribution is still visible all over the country.
This was a launching activity in the nineties and later. Since Serbia is now fully on its track on the European road, we shifted from the humanitarian support to the support of the transformation process.
We are supporting the economic development which is for us extremely important. We are having projects particularly in favour of municipalities. We want to strengthen some cities and towns because we have our own historic experience, namely that a country should be steered from the bottom-up, not from the top-down. For us the municipalities are the key for a solid political and social development.
We are active in education in a two-fold dimension. We developed together with the Ministry of Education centres for teaching teachers so they can have a permanent education which is highly relevant for their role of educating the youth of the country. Also, we are working on access to education for Roma because we think that the education is the best way for their integration into the society.
Another important element is energy. We know that Serbia is energy-hot. It is extremely well located. We provided, for example, EPS with an updated version of a control system for electricity trade, we have an agreement for upgrading the electric utility āNikola Teslaā, the huge thermal power plant, and today, when we are shifting to the renewable sources of energy, we want to use the resources that are available in Serbia, so, we are about to start a pilot project in the city of Belgrade for the use of biomass, the by-product of agriculture which can be useful as a source of energy instead the coal or oil. This might be a pilot project not only for Serbia but for the whole region.
Unfortunately, donations are not followed by an equal level of investments. Is that so because Swiss investors doubt economic climate in Serbia? I would put this in a little bit different way. Investments and trade are following opportunities. If there are opportunities, investors are there and trade is coming. The key word for this secret, the open secret, is - being competitive. So, you have to offer a competitive environment for private investors and if such an environment is there, they come automatically because they always know where the best opportunities are. Here, I have to admit, what is some reason of concern for us, Serbia is not doing well. This is not a judgement of the Swiss Embassy or Swiss Government; you can just look at any ranking which is published by the World Bank, published by the Canadian Fraser Institute, published particularly by the World Economic Forum in its annual report of ranking countries in regard to competitiveness. You will find Serbia on 96th place, in the middle of the second line, and - with one exception of Bosnia and Herzegovina - all other European countries are ahead of Serbia, including Macedonia.Ā Montenegro is far ahead, Albania is also ahead, Ukraine is also ahead, so this is the point. Competitiveness, a positive environment for business covers a wide range of areas, such as the question on how to get a building permit. I have seen statistics on this issue and there Serbia is at the very end, even behind 96th place. This means that it can be extremely complicated in Serbia to get a building permit. To continue with this example, the construction industry is a symbol how economy is going. Since the construction industry is under a heavy pressure all over the world and if you on top of this have a huge bureaucratic burden, you really have a negative impact on business.
So, in conclusion, Swiss investors are here, they are much more present than one might think because a number of companies which do not carry a Swiss flag are operating out of Switzerland and in legal terms they are Swiss companies, for example, the tobacco industry. It is evident that those companies would come in much higher number if the degree of competitiveness of Serbia in the region, in the European and global context would be better. We can only encourage Serbia to move ahead on this road and improve its ranking.
During the forum Business Day Serbia in Zurich, Prime Minister of Serbia, Mirko Cvetkovic,Ā Ā stressed importance of Switzerland as a economic partner of Serbia and expressed that together with the Swiss partners Serbian representatives will investigate possibilities of attracting more Swiss companies to take a part in a various important projects. Can you tell us bit more about results of these contacts? Yes, indeed. This is very much related to that what we have just said. Investors and trade are following opportunities. So, the role of the Serbian Government, but also the Swiss Government, including the Embassy, is to create a network, a legal framework which allows private business to operate and to flourish. Once the framework is there, it is up to the private economy to move ahead and then we are there to support them, to give them advice and also to help them if and when difficulties come. What we are doing, particularly since the Serbian Prime Minister made an extremely positive visit to Switzerland, is offering our services in both directions. We have a program of promoting Serbian export to Switzerland, which is unusual. We think and we are convinced, it has to go both ways to strengthen the economy. Actually, our export to Serbia is much higher then Serbian export to Switzerland. So, if Serbia can increase its export capacity, the relation will be strengthened anyway.
The second element is to inform the business community of the new framework and I am very happy to talk to you just two days before the EFTA Free Trade Agreement with Serbia which enters into force on 1st of October, Ā lowering the barriers for the Serbian products to enter Switzerland. So, now we are promoting knowledge on how to reach better the Swiss market and we will see at the end of the year what impact this will have.
Cultural, educational and scientific collaboration are not regulated by the bilateral agreements because Switzerland does not practice that kind of cooperation. Such collaboration is initiated and realized by the individuals or institutions. Is it possible to intensify joined efforts in these fields? Also in this area we are supporting activities in both directions. If it is a two way street, successes is guaranteed. We are supporting projects of bringing Swiss artists to Serbia but also projects in the reverse direction, bringing Serbian artists to Switzerland and what I have to add, there is a third dimension, supporting of Ā regional projects. Switzerland was the first - if not the only country - opening an office only to support the Serbian culture, thus the aim was to support the local culture in the difficult period. This part of our program has been closed now because we are convinced that Serbia is standing now on its own feet but we continue this regional program supporting local activities through the Swiss Cultural Office in Sarajevo. Serbian artists can apply for funding their projects, provided they could have a regional impact.
This is one thing. The other thing is that we are working project related: we had this summer a wonderful experience: we supported the Youth Orchestra from Bern for visiting Serbia for two weeks where they had a joined concert with the Belgrade Youth Orchestra. It was really an unforgettable experience. Here, another example, how we are supporting both directions: you might know that the Serbian film āBeli, beli svetā was this year very successful at the Locarno Film Festival ā the Serbian actress Jasna Djuricic won the prize The Golden Leopard for the best role.
With regard to science, we have even a three-fold approach. Firstly, we have a regional program called SCOPES. It is offering opportunities for joint research projects which are in a quite wide use by Serbian scientists in cooperation with Swiss partners. Secondly, in the beginning of this year we launched a regional project in political sciences carried out by the University of Fribourg and thirdly, we have a scholarship program for one-year postgraduate studies in Switzerland
During 2009 numerous agreements in various fields have been signed. Has this trend been continued in this year? Indeed. We were very successful in launching and concluding the agreements and this trend continues. As I mentioned, the EFTA Agreement enters into force on 1st of October and in the meantime, we successfully concluded negotiations about the social security agreement which is highly relevant because it allows Serbian citizens to have an access to the social security instruments for retirement and other purposes without living in Switzerland. We are scheduled to sign this agreement with our Serbian partners, here in Belgrade, towards the middle of October. Furthermore, we have Agreement of the Police Cooperation, an agreement which was signed in Belgrade and now it has to be ratified by the Swiss Parliament: This Agreement is important because both countries are convinced that fighting the criminal, particularly the organized criminal, is an important milestone on the road towards Europe.
Will Switzerland continue to support Serbia in the processes of Eurointegration? We fully support Serbia on this road. The projects I have mentioned and which are financed through our cooperation strategy for the period 2010-2013 have only one goal - that is to be a sort of a fitness program for Serbia on its road to Europe. Most of the projects have a link with this objective and some of them are carried out in direct cooperation with the European Union which brings us in a privileged position. We have the European Union on one side, Switzerland and Serbia on the other. This applies, for example, also for a program that we have in South Serbia and where we support the strengthening of the municipalities, where we support citizensā initiatives, where we want to improve the infrastructure. Other examples of this joined approach of the European Union, Switzerland and Serbia is a program quite widely based in favour of the municipalities. We all are convinced that municipalities do play a key role and that is why we are involved in strengthening municipalities on the national scale.
In his literal testament to the Serbian people "Ecoutez les Serbes!", the great friend of Serbian people Dr. Archibald Reiss, sent a frank message to our people. I would tell bitter-sweet but very openDo you have such a frank message to us, whether we like it or not, because we have to learn from each other? As you said, learning is a process in both ways. So, it is not only a relationship between a student and a professor. Our message is bilateral relations, thus it has to go in both directions, each one can learn from the other and as a Swiss I would hesitate to give one way messages. But our most important wish is to have Serbia which is looking forward, not backward. History can be a very heavy burden but history must be a tool to better manage the future. This acquires that you look forward and not be hold back by the burden of the history.
The second thing is that Serbia must become much more competitive. It is not just that Serbia is on its way to Europe, it is the fact how you place yourself in Europe. It is much better that Europe is asking you āPlease, join usā instead of you asking āEurope, please take usā, so, the more competitive you are, the better you perform, the easer the road to Europe will be, and this is our message and our wish.
Thank you, and as a last question, can you tell us something about your impression of Belgrade? Does the life of a diplomat resemble the experience of Diaspora? I felt home here in Belgrade at the very first moment. For a diplomat, and I can only speak as a diplomat, this is a very pleasant city to be. I came directly from Moscow and arriving here I found that this is a city with a very high quality of life having at the same time a rich cultural life.
And the nice weather? I like cold weather, I went on extremely well with the temperatures in Moscow, but I like these long and pleasant summers as well. In summary, for a diplomat it is a very friendly and hospitable environment with a very good quality of life.
Is there anything you want to tell, to put in this interview that I have not asked? The questions you were asking were so well put and covering such a wide area from history to politics, economy, and private life. You did a great job and I have the impression that I could place all the ideas I wanted to communicate with your readers.
Thank you. I hope next week you will be handed some wine from Negotin. If I had known that you were from Negotin, I would have stopped there while I was visiting Djerdap. On that occasion we visited also a small village close to Negotin, a vinery village you certainly know. There we have been with partners from EPS and we have spent there a wonderful afternoon.
Interviewer: Kristina RaduloviÄ VuÄkoviÄ
Photo: ZAVIÄAJ narodne novine
President NikoliÄ, who was always willing to talk with journalists, this time said that we only have 30 minutes available. After 32 minutes we were pleased to close our notebooks because the most concise information on the current developments in the Kladovo Municipality has been given to us. The developments which are the result of eight years of diligent work, a great enthusiasm, and a great love for the city and surrounding villages.
It is difficult to enumerate in a short time the most important results of the Democratic Party officials of the local government in last four years. This was a very difficult period, we all know that. The financial crisis has engulfed the whole world. It goes without a saying that also our country was affected by it. The crisis has left its mark both on the decline in the standard of living, as well on the budgets of local governments which have seen the constant shrinking of transferred funds since the year of 2008. Still, we found ways to provide the additional incomes to the budget and provide a normal functioning of the public services, and even to fund the investments in various forms of infrastructure. This has been made possible primarily through good cooperation with the Äerdap business organization 
The municipal government consists of the Coalition DS - SPS, PUPS, United Serbia, and SDPS. The Coalition makes an impression of stability.
Many citizens of Negotin were particularly happy with the news of the re-entrustment of heating plant of the Public Utilities Company Badnjevo.
You emphasize the fact that since the new management took over the function, the municipality did not take any loan and that a lot of funds were provided in the previous period. 
HRH Princess Katarina: Yes, we are here to give, not to take. Also, the philanthropy is not very well known in our country. I am hoping to be an example for my countrymen, so people will know that everything is possible. Sometimes, people are asking themselves what one person can do. Well, One person was mother Theresa. The ocean is made of many drops. To make the difference for the better in our country, everybody must give a contribution. Just to smile and hug somebody is already a contribution. To visit a friend in a hospital, to be good to the people is a contribution. You do not have money, but you have other things, you have a kindness, a smile, you have love. I am happy to help people in my country, to make a difference, because they need support. They are proud, the Serbian people, they don't want to ask for help. They are too proud to ask, and they are too tolerant. Too much pride and too much tolerance are not good. It creates problems later in life. There is no need for that. It is ok to ask for help. The Bible says: āAsk and you shell receive.ā Sometimes people hope to receive without asking. It does not work like that. You have to ask if you want to receive.
ZAVICAJ: What are the humanitarians actions you are the most satisfied about?
ZAVICAJ Nowadays many children have a difficult life. You are helping them not only with presents, but you are trying also to give them a hope back with wise words, sincere support and love. 
ZAVIÄAJ Ā You are of Greek origin. How different are Greeks and Serbs? 
ZAVIÄAJ Children depend on their parents and on whom depend orphans? On all of us. You set a great example, you have opened your soul to these children, you always have time for them.
What do you expect from the coming elections?
Diaspora is an unavoidable question for an official of a local self-management. Recently, you visited our people in Denmark in Romania.
More and more young and educated people go abroad. 
What about development of the municipalities situated away from the highway?
Mr. Mayor, you are the first man you Vranje for over eleven years. First four years as the President of the Municipal Assembly, then four years as the Municipality Mayor, and since Vranje was granted city status, almost four years ago, as the City Mayor. By this, you are certainly one of the exceptions of the political scene of Serbia. Why you deserve such a trust?
What about theinfrastructure?
What are your strengths?
Flowing through the various lands, the Danube River touches numerous cities and towns, big and small, and after almost two thousand kilometers at its most beautiful, reaches Kladovo. It absorbs thousands of beautiful landscapes, cleanses and enriches them in the Iron Gate, and spreads them around this city of turbulent history. Whether to some it was just a step in their conquests or just an ideal place to rest to others, but many stopped here for few days and the mighty river relieved and ennobled their souls.
It is certain, that this noble river, continuing its course to its eternal refuge, run quieter and more peacefully. This peace and satisfaction the Danube derives from the residents of the Kladovo municipality who have the privilege to live on its banks, not only in city of Kladovo, but also in 15 out of 22 villages of this municipality along its course of nearly 100 kilometers.
According to tradition, the first people emerged from this fertile ground, was a meeting point of the Argonauts in their quest to find the Golden Fleece - the embodiment of supernatural power, The Iron Gate area with Kladovo as its frontier, gives its visitors an unusual sense of aesthetic experience and noble-mindedness. The long ago swept civilizationofLepenski Virleft its clear signs in its stones. The Celtic cavalry ruled the Danube banks before Roman builders gave rise to the wonderful bridges and medieval Serbs enlightened it with the Orthodox fate. āKladovo is an open city, cradled by wind and large water is its bedding. It is growing to sustain the upcoming time.ā Our first question to the first man Kladovo, the Mayor Dejan Nikolic, referred to this slogan.
The Web site posts: āā¦ an open city, cradled by wind and large water is its bedding. It is growing to sustain the upcoming time.ā Is it a nice slogan or the determination of people of your municipality?
Thanks to its center, called by many ālittle Skadarlijaā, pier, beach and park, Kladovo has become a recognizable tourist destination. Last year and this year we have completely reconstructed Kralja Petra Square, which together with Kralja Aleksandra Street, āour Skadarlijaā, as we call it, makes a very attractive and pleasant area for the residents and for an increasing number of visitors who come to Kladovo. We are finalizing the reconstruction of a large city park, situated at the entrance of the city, beside the artificial lake and sport center āJezeroā which will surely become an oasis for recreation and rest. We also equipped the public beach and built a parking with plumbing makes that town beach in Kladovo is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the Danube.
Also, this year the reconstruction and expansion of the old kindergarten building has been completed which makes it possible to receive a hundred more children. The worth of investment is 25 million dinars. Part of the funds was provided from the project for help to the construction industry of Serbia and the facility is on September the 12th Ā Ā visited by the Minister Oliver DuliÄ.
This year we invest in asphalt works 70 million dinars. We have paved some streets in Tekija, Kladovo, Novi Sip, Kostol, Mala Vrbica, and Velika Vrbica. By the end of construction season we will pave certain streets in the Brza Palanka and 1km length of the local road to the PodvrŔka village. The reconstruction of thermal networks worth 20 million dinars in Kladovo and Brza Palanka is in progress
Exceptionally good cooperation with the leadership of the hydroelectric power station āIron Gate" has resulted in many agreements based on obligations the power plant has to the settlements near the river banks. I would single out the construction of sewerage network in settlements Grabovica, KladuÅ”nica and Davidovac which has been finalized this year.
This summer there was no rest for the municipal leadership. Would you like to make a reference to the work of local government this year? What can you say us about the coalition functioning?
Besides the economy, in which Kladovo has a wealth of experience and a good position for further development, are there other possibilities for the faster development of the municipality?
What are the most important projects whose implementation is expected in the future?
IN THE EMBRACE OF MUSIC YOU ARE ALWAYS AT HOME
Ianna is a natural talent with a uniquely distinctive voice. She started singing and performing
at a very young age singing for school festivals and demonstrating her natural love of the
stage. Later as a teenager she experimented with writing and recording music with her
guitarist brother. Her interest led her from rock and pop to jazz, then, eventually, to world beat
sounds. As an exciting entertainer, she worked at various TV stations and hosted a popular
live music video show. In the early 90ās, she left the worsening situation in Serbia. She first travelled to Greece and there after moved to Italy, settling in Milan for four years. She felt very much at home in the Italian culture and learned to speak the language fluently. She was also exposed to the African and Brazilian music scenes. This brought her to take a more percussive approach in her music, blending well with her already expressive voice. 
While on vacation in southern Portugal, she met Doug Galbraith who was working there as
a commissioned artist. Doug is a Juno-nominated musician and painter. His music has been
played widely on radio and also featured in TV and movies. Their attraction to eachother was
obvious and they immediately began making music together with his classical guitar on the
glorious beaches of southern Portugal. They were in love at once and Doug followed Ianna
back to Milan where he proposed marriage after a matter of days. They were married in
Belgrade with her parents and family and friends with a winter blue sky and gypsy musicians
around them. After only 4 days of being married, Doug had to return to Canada in order to sponsor Ianna to
immigrate. 
During the next 4 months apart, the Kosovo conflict erupted resulting in the
45-day NATO bombardment of Belgrade. Ianna was fortunate enough to escape on the last
bus out of the country and Doug immediately flew to meet her in Budapest, Hungary. The
situation was not easy for the newlyweds. They had to plead with the Canadian embassy for
an entry permit for Ianna. After a month of train voyages to Vienna, Doug finally secured for
her a Ministerās permit to enter. They flew to Canada on the very next available flight. 
ZAVIÄAJ What kind of dreams of the future did you dream in your childhood? How much are the events in our lives affected by our childhoodās dreams?
ZAVIÄAJ Considering the fact that since early age you live in diaspora, is Serbia for you a fatherland and Canada homeland?
ZAVIÄAJ How much have your parents and yor your grandmas and grandpas influnced development of your broad interests? What are yours the most cherishing memories from the childhood?
ZAVIÄAJ Do your children speak Serbian? How often do you visit Serbia?
ZAVIÄAJ How important is the collaboration for marriage and parenthip? What does your music collaboration look like?
ZAVIÄAJ How strong are your ties with Serbia, with your family and your friends?
ZAVIÄAJ You have already huge number of fans, there are many people who respect your music. Do you plan some performances in the coming period? 
ZAVIÄAJ What are your plans for Serbia and how much your music connects your future with your early beginnings? 
His Excellency Mr. Erwin Hofer, Ambassador of Switzerland 
There are about 200.000 people of Serbian origin living in Switzerland, making the 4th largest ethnic group. Serbo-Croatian is the largest non-official language of Switzerland. They are located mostly in the regions of Geneva, Lausanne, Basel and Zurich and they are an important link between our countries.Their organizations and clubs developed very vivid activities. Often they stress openness and understanding of the local authorities. Is there a tendency to move that cooperation to an even higher level?
Unfortunately, donations are not followed by an equal level of investments. Is that so because Swiss investors doubt economic climate in Serbia?
During 2009 numerous agreements in various fields have been signed. Has this trend been continued in this year?
