´Miki´ do not make us American Do not take us our Central European thinking, our sense of philosophy, soul and free disputes about anything. Do not take our brains away. Do not force us to turn into actors and actresses or well-trained monkeys having the only opinion… We are in Europe, not in the USA. Mr Dzurinda, if you want to explore America thoroughly, do not wear a suit and a white shirt, but put some jeans or dungarees on and try to experience it yourself in a factory or in a restaurant- how true American freedom and democracy taste like. Take you family and try to survive there for at least a year having a two-thousand salary on average… You may try the post of PR manager or a spokesman of a bigger firm; they get a bit higher salaries. And then, have a drink in a bar or a pub to help you face everyday pressure put on you- unless you have to have two jobs to get by. Surely, you will come across someone grumbling and persuading himself in hope that things can’t be so bad or that everything can be even worse…You should get on with Blacks better than with Whites- they have much more sincere and open- hearted. If you manage to run your own business or even build up your political career without having consultations with a psychiatrist or a priest for a least a year, you will be admired by many Slovaks who experience it as students, businessmen, employees or parents… These and plenty of other similar thoughts came up to my mind while I was watching Mr Dzurinda with his honest happy eyes and smile on the tribune in Hviezdoslav Square. ´ I am happy, very happy, ´ said melted Slovak Prime Minister being influenced by emotions to American President George W. Bush before his performance. What or who was he so extremely happy about? His behaviour and all the media fuss about Summit Bush- Putin remind me of good old times when we welcomed Soviet demons and ideologist of socialism who were also unable to see the naked reality. Slovak Prime Minister acted as if he had been his spokesman or well-behaved and trained subordinate. It was beneath your dignity, Mr Dzurinda. The only thing I was able to notice, was an unclear travel map of visa cancellation for Slovaks. Other topics were, more or less, about nothing, nobody got wiser. Neither words about Slovak (symbolic) military mission in Iraq and Afghanistan were sensible. No doubt that Slovak soldiers are there to prove the existence of a coalition, not to defend interests of Slovak citizens in these countries and their fight against terrorism. American President made an impression in Slovakia as if he had not been able to get over the shock he suffered from Moor’s film Fahrenheit. He did not say anything to Russian President that might have attracted the world media, or what would have warmed up current pragmatic relationships between the USA and Russia. On the contrary, Vladimir stopped him anytime he was trying to disapprove Russian democracy. And were there any words of wisdom addressed to Slovak people? Well, Mr Dzurinda, our Prime Minister found some new goodwill messages in his speech about liberty and a tale of Slovaks that started with a candle manifestation in March 1988. However, he managed to analyse and explain those three days later on TA3 channel when it was revealed he had become the exporter of democracy and freedom further to East. He confessed it was him who had convinced American President to speak in public in Hviezdoslav Square… So, Dear Slovaks, the Great White Father arrived in Slovakia to present his speech about freedom not to Slovaks but Ukrainians, Byelorussians, Serbs, Russians, Georgians, Moldavians and many other ´monkies´ from Eastern Europe who should fight, using American money – of course, for new islands of American freedom and democracy in other sovereign states. This is probably a new dimension of Slovak foreign politics that will be pursued through a non- governmental sector? Is the tale of Slovaks just an instruction how to make other independent state dependent? Why is it only about political business and post-privatization reforms, and not about humanism, culture, education and national development? What a pity! People who had been freezing in Hviezdoslav Square for four hours learnt nothing about what should a big heart of a small country beat for! Whether for our freedom and wider independence from the USA or for stronger cooperation with Europe, for European liberty and democracy. Nevertheless, Slovak Prime Minister is not for the second possibility because this theme is rarely discussed. Hardly ever. Moreover, he does not talk about who can afford freedom in Slovakia, Europe and the USA and how must it costs. Robert Matejovic, M.A. Editor in Chief Will the High Tatras turn into the museum of skiing? There will be no progress without legislative changes. The national parks are used for regeneration and relax for the all categories of people worldwide. I think we are the only ones who have forgotten a man, ´ says Jan Mokoš, Mayor of the City of the High Tatras and the member of the Government Committee for the renewal of the High Tatras. Ing. Ján Mokoš (1949), former colonel of the general stuff of the Slovak Army (ASR) has been a Mayor of the City of the High Tatras only for three years. He used to operate as a director of the Army Sanatorium in Tatranské Zruby for ten years. He is one of the most experienced pilots in Slovakia. He had flown over 2800 hours on jet planes. He was the first pilot in the former Czechoslovak Republic who started flying the Russian bomber SU-22 in the middle of the 1980s. He graduated from the Flying Academy of M.R. Stefánik in Košice, Flying Academy of Y.A. Gagarin in Monin (Russia) and Academy of General Stuff of the former Czechoslovak Army in Brno. He was a commander of an air regiment, air division and a commander of Air Office of the Army in Slovakia. Mr. Mokoš, when did you last fly? Just before the citizens elected me for the mayor. By then, I had been flying a four seat jet plane Z-43 belonging to the aero-club in Poprad. A director of the Army Sanatorium I organized and undertook the sightseeing flights for tourists above the High Tatras. You come from Central Slovakia. You have been living in the High Tatras for quite a short time, for only 11 years. Why did you decide for the career of the regional politician in this town? As it is used to in the mountains, one hotelier is nothing and cannot get very far. He depends on cooperation with citizens and entrepreneurs. I realized that the fact when I was undertaking a complex reconstruction and modernization of the Army Sanatorium in the 1990s. Apart from that we constructed a ski lift for children, natural ice- hockey stadium, hydrotherapy, illumination, separated drainage. Entrepreneurs and citizens of the City of the High Tatras noticed that by-that- time forgotten city part of Tatranské Zruby was revived and many tourists started to visit it. Some businessmen and citizens brought up the question of using my managerial skills as a mayor of the city that suffered from stagnation. After a very short hesitation I decided to give it a go. I realized that I had nothing to lose. I wanted to earn voters trust as an independent candidate. If I had not won, I would have carried on working as a heath centre director. On 19 November 2004, your city and its surrounding were damaged by a strong windstorm. 12 thousand acres of woods were damaged. What kind of problem had you been solving by then? We had been preparing some steps leading to the more significant changes from the point of view of the tourist industry development. It is our main priority. Our city will never profit from either factories or industrial parks but it can be rather profitable from health care, spas sports and services within the tourist industry. The second area we had been solving was the issue of aesthetic environment of the High Tatras. Three months before that disaster, we had completed and set the operation of the street lightning. We had improved the cleanness, tidied up the pavements and had installed the new informational boards for tourists. Meanwhile we had been solving the matter of the competences having been transitioned from the government to the city in the fields of education, culture, civil engineering and social affairs. Despite the windstorm the High Tatras are still considered one of the most important ski centres in Slovakia. On the other hand, they have been backward comparing to the developed ski world and they have continuously been degraded to the level of the regional centre… Whether we admit it or not, the High Tatras will always remain our national treasury, a symbol and pride of the Slovak republic, Slovaks and all the nations living under the Tatras. The reason of dissatisfactory conditions does reside neither in the non-capability of the self-government nor the lack of investors´ interest in the development of this attractive area but in the conflict of interest between state conservation and tourist industry. Tatras´ ski centres are located in the area of the Tatras National Park (Tatranský národný park- TANAP), partially or completely situated in the national nature reserves (Národné prírodné rezervácie- NPR) being ruled by legislative norms that unable their further development. This status has remained for 30 years. How is possible to stop this trend? Slovakia has the best conditions for the development of the winter tourist industry in comparison with the other countries of the former east camp and the Tatras are the only ones which can compete the Alps, partially at least. To do so, it is necessary to rebuild the old-fashioned infrastructure of the ski centres, to ensure the construction of modern transport and to complete skiing tracks with technical snow. In order to realize that we need some legislative changes. Which exactly? If the politicians, members of the Slovak parliament, TANAP State Woods and the environmentalists are serious about the reconstruction and rebuilding of the High Tatras, the ought to prepare an amendment of two acts. Act no. 543/ 2002 about protection the nature and the country that limits the construction of sport and recreational facilities, sport activities, disruption of the woods, gathering of people, entrance and parking of the means of transport, to assembly advertisement and other billboards in the National nature reserves. The second act- Act no. 278/ 94 about the administration of the state property prohibits the rental of the wood areas in the administration of State woods as well as in the other administration in terms of construction. The mentioned acts are appropriate and undisputable if we intent to protect untouched environment. Sooner or later, their thorough implementation would cause the total collapse of the Tatras ski centres because of these acts not providing any development. Moreover, each even simple reconstruction of individual parts of ´ the skiing system´ as for example the exchange of the carrying rope of a chair lift, requires a very demanding exception from an act and an expert opinion must be elaborated in accordance with Act no. 127/ 97 about judging the impact on the environment. Contemporary legislative status leads to illegal activities causing more damage to the protected area as organized directed regime. Would you mind being more precise? What kind of legislative changes do you propose? In 2003, we already elaborated the preliminary Proposal for winter sport development in the High Tatras solving the adjustment and completion of the winter sport facilities in the existing winter spot centres- Štrbské pleso, Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica. It does not count on the opening of any new winter sport centres in any place located in the city of High Tatras. Within the legislative changes, we proposed to exclude such areas from the system of national nature reserves suitable for the development of winter sports and appropriate services. Subject to the paragraph 104 of Act no. 543/ 2002 we appeal to revaluate a degree of protection of already existing nature reserves in the place of the High Tatras from degree 5 to degree 2. It is important to adjust paragraphs 10 and 11 of Act no. 278/93 in order to enable a long-term rental of fields in the state ownership on the self-government and exclusively for the construction of sport facilities (slopes for downhill skiing, cross country skiing tracks, snowboard areas, sledge and bobsleigh tracks) and surrounding car parks and objects connected with winter activities (snowing up, public conveniences and refreshment areas). You say the city has its own ideas about the winter sports development in the High Tatras. After windstorm, media released the information about building up new funfairs, entertainment and skiing centres… It is a non- sense. We must be aware of the fact that there are and will remain only three ski centres with the capacity of 24 square kilometres of downhill and cross- country skiing track, with the transport capacity of 7980 people per hour and the overall accommodation capacity of 9814 beds in our city. In the foothill, away from the city there are other 9000 beds depending on the ski resorts of the High Tatras during the winter season. What we really need to solve is insufficient capacity of skiing facilities. It is not even enough for guests accommodated here. This fact along with an unbearably high rate of attendance in the centres causes conflicts on tracks and road communications. Almost 70 per cent of skiing tracks have not had technical snowing built so far- except for Štrbské Pleso. However, there are no cross-country skiing track maintained regularly, neither snowboard nor sledge area. In your proposal, from 2003, we describe Tatranská Lomnica as a future exclusive centre of downhill skiing. We must arrange and complete two other slopes for downhill skiing. During the first phase – by the year 2008, it will have been finished up to Skalnaté Pleso and then to Lomnické sedlo. There are no extensive cut-downs required. We want to erect a new funicular from Smokovec to Hrebienok, to extend the terminating station by 300 meter up so that the chair lift might be used in summer as well. If there are many centres located 2300 metres above sea level all over the world, why shouldn’t ´t we have them in Slovakia too? We are able to get one to places where we want them to protect our nature. In that case it is necessary to ensure services of a high quality on both up and down funicular station. We would like to arrange and already existing cross- country skiing tracks and ski jumps, to renew an old downhill slope, to extend and install new transport system that would be available in summer too. We are talking about the area of 24 square kilometres. The overall area of TANAP is 700 square kilometres. How much do these changes require? A few milliard crowns. Do you have this money? No, we don’t. We plan to gain a part of this money from structural funds, another from the cooperation of Slovak and foreign investors. Legislative changes are essential and we will not move forward without them. From the point of view of property rights, 20 per cent of skiing facilities are located in private fields of urban and business companies. The essential part (80 per cent) of sites is owned by state, administrated by State woods of TANAP that are ruled by the act about the administration of state property. Moreover, 90 per cent of contemporary and proposed ski facilities are located in the National nature reserves. Most of the skiing objects and facilities having been existing before the establishment of the national park and their function, there were no doubts about them, neither anybody proposed their immediate removal. I have visited national parks in Germany, Austria, Slovenia and the Czech Republic that are 25 or 26 years old. Our is older. National parks are worldwide used for regeneration and relax for all people categories. I have an impression that we are the only ones who have forgotten a man as an element of nature chain. On one hand we protect bears and wolves that are over- reproduced and liquidate other game, on the other side we haven’t created conditions sufficient for people to relax. We have to find and follow the middle way. If we want to achieve the standard of other European countries where tourism reaches the third place in income item of state budgets, we also have to change conservative and old-fashioned thinking. Who did you consult these proposals with? With entrepreneurs, field owners and specialists from environmental organizations of TANAP and State Woods of TANAP. We have not recorded any significant objections. If they did not have any objections, why isn’t your proposal being realized? To whom did you submit it to judge? First to the environmental department of the County Office in Prešov. However, the department wrote in its statement from 20 March 2003 that it is obliged to re- evaluate the borders of NPR by 1 January 2008- based on the projects for conservation of protected areas. It must be provided in accordance with a plan of objectives of the State conservation in Banská Bystrica. What was your respond? We have applied our government for effective support and action in the process of legislative changes. The term announced by County office in Prešov as well as an unsure result were completely unsuitable and inconvenient for our city. We wanted to approve a new territorial plan and City Development Strategy to be enabling us to apply for financial support within structural funds. In June 2003, we sent our proposal with a covering letter to M. Dzurinda, Prime Minister, P. Hrušovský, Chairman of the Slovak Parliament, to V. Veteška, Vice-chairman of the Slovak Parliament, to MP voted and representing Self-governing region of Prešov (R. Žiak, J. Hurban, A. Danko), to District Office in Poprad, to representatives of Self-governing region of Prešov, to Ministers of environment, agriculture and finances. We proposed consultation in unclear issues. First, we communicated only with the Minister of Economy, actually, with a former minister Nemcics. Later, he was recalled. After our criticism of authorities inaction, ministry of environment and mainly minister of economy- P. Rusko. A few weeks before the windstorm, he formed an inter-industrial commission that started to judge our proposals. Later, the government approved the material concerning the legislative changes. Which of your proposals did the government pass? What procedure did they propose? They proved the Proposal of systematic changes that implement to re-evaluate the borders of all the national parks and protected regions in Slovakia, to elaborate zones proposal, to judge and include built sites in the degree 2 of nature protection. Furthermore, not to include the built sites to Degrees 4 and 5, to pass an amendment of the Act no. 278/ 93, § 13 par. 10 (Act about state property administration) in order to enable to build on the sites belonging to state property. Ministers of finances, economy, agriculture, environment, construction and regional development were given a task to elaborate and arrange the schedule for their realization. We are still talking about the period before the windstorm. Predominantly, it damaged high forests of one quarter of the forests in the Tatras national Park. The government established a special government committee for the renewal of the High Tatras. It consists of 13 members. You are the member of the committee. According to its status, it is a coordinating, initiative and advisory body of the government of the Slovak Republic with a goal to coordinate, support and cover the activities connected with elimination of consequences of this nature disaster… The issue of selling the calamity wood has been solved for three months as the main priority. When will the committee deal with the renewal and development of the infrastructure in the High Tatras? I still believe that the government will support our intentions; otherwise this most important Slovak winter sport centre will change into the Museum of skiing history. First of all, the calamity wood must be processed, it is an objective priority. Apart from forest revitalization, the issues of infrastructure renewal and development of the High Tatras will be resolved. I believe that it will happen during the next sitting of our committee held in our city in March or April where the issue of the future of the High Tatras should domain. Self-governments of another 45 villages in the High Tatras and surrounding region want to be more influential in the activities of government committee for the renewal of the High Tatras. It approved the proposal to solve the issue of renewal and development of the High Tatras and include Belianske and West Tatras. What do you think about their requirement? The region under mountains will not develop unless the heart of the region, which the High Tatras undoubtedly are, is healthy. The committee approved a kind of a travel map of the project for the High Tatras realization. The only known fact is that a public competition will be included for elaboration of a project for continuous development. Every Slovak citizen has an opportunity to submit their own project. A winning proposal will be submitted for the public discussion. What stage is this matter at? The winner will be known in September. Don’t you think that the time is being wasted? Your self-government had elaborated the Proposal of winter sport development and submitted it to the government. Moreover, it is obvious that any positive changes in favour of infrastructure reconstruction and tourism development require legislative changes. Isn’t it waste of time to make up and elaborate the project for permanent sustainable development instead of a discussion when the parliament passes the legislative changes? I don’t think we are wasting time. People from our city prepared the essentials on the study for project contents. It is not meaningless work because our project will be more global and complex than our proposal for winter sport development which priority is to solve winter tourism. Any professional material will hep. If the project is of recommending character, as you said, it might not be senseless work. The question- who and when will finance the project and who one has to agree with if they want project recommendations to be accepted… Whoever wants to succeed must come to our city self-government, get to know the situation and consult the opportunities. It is all in hands of self-government because it is the only body having the exclusive right to change the city layout. The winning project, which will become instruction for each investor, might be undertaken by the city or home or foreign investors. We all will have to make an agreement anyway- including TANAP, self-government, sites owners, environmentalists and investors. There is no other way. The government committee also administers a special account for the Tatras renewal, which was opened with the State treasury. How much do you have in this account? Seven million crowns. What does the government want to finance from this account? The elaboration of the study for permanent sustainable development of the High Tatras and other activities connected with the High Tatras renewal- it is its priority. Your city asked the state to create a reserve for repair works on city communications that are being destroyed by State Woods of TANAP within disposal and processing of calamity wood. Yes, we think a part of the money gained from selling the wood should be invested in repairs as well as cleaning and revitalization of spaces having been damaged within the calamity wood solution. The city also opened the accounts for the High Tatras renewal. Why? Because the windstorm mostly destroyed our city and its environment. Our steps are transparent and we want to invest collected money in five areas. The first concerns the period between November 19, 2004 and December 2, 2004 when we were solving this emergency situation including saving lives, food purchasing, and supplies and making the roads accessible. The liquidation works continuing from December 2 up to present are the second part. It includes processed wood transport, purchasing of oil, petrol and saws as well as liquidation of root systems. The third part deals with costs connected with damages to the city property which is used by the citizens and visitors- cultural, school, heath care and shopping facilities. In the forth part we want to solve the people impacted by the windstorm such as sole traders with permanent residence in the High Tatras. And finally, the last part will deal with entrepreneurs from this area. How much has the city manage to collect so far? On 17 February 2005, there were 20.8 million Slovak crowns and 16.9 million Czech crowns what is 40 million Slovak crowns altogether. The City Commission for the division of funds for the renewal and development of the High Tatras has divided 7.8 million crowns between the first and the second parts. Donors, who contributed more than 500,000 million crowns, are the most decisive elements in the question of funds division. We would like to thank you all those who are still sending money on our accounts and not on the accounts of various foundations that we addressed to send that money to the city accounts. They have not done it yet. We have heard from two foundations of thirteen, however, they only explained to us the reasons why they can’t do so because they have they have their own criteria for money division. What about the state- let’s say the government, MPs or ministries? Did they contribute to your accounts? We have not received a single penny from them yet. President Gasparovič promised to give 5 millions, Hrušovský, Chairman of the Slovak Parliament, was talking about the amount of 500, 000 Slovak crowns. We would like to call the attention of those, citizens and entrepreneurs, wanting to help the High Tatras and ask them to send their money on our city accounts. We live in the High Tatras and not the foundations. The European Union ´s Solidarity Fund is being discussed recently. The total sum of all damages caused not only in the High and Low Tatras but also in Orava, Kysuce and Horehronie reached the amount of 7, 8 milliard Slovak crowns. Some environmentalists did not agree wit this sum and appealed to the authorities to publish the procedure by which they reached this number. Moreover, they invited the European Commission to help the environmental projects only. What do you think about it? Slovakia can get between 3 and 6 per cent of overall identifiable damages from the Solidarity Fund. It is a usual procedure and experience while eliminating the consequences of nature disasters. So we can only talk about the theoretical sum between 230 and 450 million crowns. Damages to the City of the High Tatras were quantified for 850 million crowns. If we gain some finances from the Solidarity Fund, our city will invest them in area renewal and development. On the other hand, the life continues and we must get further not only in the renewal of Tatras woods but also in the renewal of the High Tatras infrastructure. Disaster did not damage other towns and villages than the High Tatras, so literally the wood fell onto the wood. We cannot wait and rely on money from the Solidarity Fund only. Your city addressed the government committee your application in order to provide the city with 300 million crowns within compensation and costs payments regarding calamity consequences during that emergency situation. Why? Our government also has a fund of reserves from which the elimination of damages caused by nature disasters can be financed. We acted in accordance with a law, as usual. Every village that suffered from the windstorm has its right to ask for its indemnity. If the government approved a particular amount, the money would be divided among the applicants based on percentage ratio. Has the government approved some money for the High Tatras? Yes. On February 9, 2005 they approved 2.1 million to clean the roads and 2.4 million to unblock the roads. Have you received this money yet? Not yet. Unfortunately. What are the contemporary costs of the city to clean and unblock the roads? For example, how much does it cost to remove one tree trunk? And how many people got involved, i.e. were employed to eliminate the damages? The costs concerning the emergency situation present the amount of 5 million crowns and the liquidation works cost 4.7 million crowns. Nowadays, a plan for damage liquidation in the whole area is being prepared. It will define human sources, technique and finances needed. Therefore, we will be able to define the cost for liquidation of one tree truck after works completing. How could the state help you? We submitted the project for the adjustment of sport places, car parks, roads and infrastructure worth 136 million crowns within the financing from the structural funds. So the government could help within the renewal of intravilane of city areas that need for example new pavements, parks, benches. We have been waiting for the particular state help, though... Brussels discriminates Slovak industry with emissions The government must protect Slovak interests in the European Union. Employers are not always satisfied with governmental decisions reacting on the impulses from the business sphere that requires some changes of a given allocation plan for Slovakia. Some of our shareholders are thinking of some legal proceedings against the government and the European Commission, ´claim Anton Jura, President of the Republic Employers Union. The Republic Employers Union (Republiková únia zamestnávateľov- RÚZ) appealed the Slovak government to renew negotiations with the European Commission about the national quota on carbon dioxide emissions for the period between 2005 and 2007. László Miklós (SMK), Slovak negotiator and Minister of Environment, did not defend the National Allocation Plan in Brussels in October 2004. It required the quota of 106.4 million tons. He agreed with a binding resolution of the European Commission that lowered the amount by 14 per cent down to 91.5 million tons. ´ We do not agree with this quota, it is discriminating. The government did not stand for the Slovak industry. We suggest to annul the resolution of the European Commission and initiate a discussion regarding this issue, it should be a dialogue between the Slovak Government and Brussels, ´says President of RÚZ, Anton Jura (1965) who is also the president of the Union of Metallurgy, Mining Industry and Geology SR and Vice-President of the U.S.Steel corporation, Košice. Mr Jura, many companies such as Holcim (Slovakia), Carmeuse Slovakia, East-Slovak building materials, Cemmac Horné Sŕnie, Slovnaft, Siderit Nižná Slaná, Považská cementáreň (cement works), Iron Works Podbrezová, Heating Plant Košice, Slovak Magnesite Plants, Slovmag Lubeník, Chemosvit Energochem, Hornonitrianske bane Prievidza (Mines of upper Nitra in Prievidza), SPP, Slovak Power Plants, Slovak Investment Holding, ZSNP, Steam- gas cycle, Bratislava joint the appeal to the government in order to initiate negotiations with Brussels again. Thus, they supported the protest of the Steel Shops of the U.S.Steel Košice that has already taken a legal action against the European Commission to the Course of First Instance in Luxembourg… how does the quota of the European Commission endanger interests of the Slovak industry? First of all, I would like to point out that RÚZ (The Republic Employers Union) is the biggest employers’ organization in Slovakia in the field of material production, transport, trade and services. Its member basis represents the most decisive share on the GDP creation and on export of the Slovak economy. The companies, as listed above, are the members of RÚZ (except for Slovak Power Plants) and produce a significant part of carbon dioxide emissions in the overall Slovak economy. We want our government to act more resolutely and pursue the interest of the companies of the Slovak economy in terms of its negotiation with the European Commission concerning the issue of CO2 allocation. We take this very critical attitude because our Minister of Environment undervalued this matter and their procedures were not in accordance with the other resorts, especially the Ministry of Economy. Minister Rusko learnt about the issue of reduced national quota when it appeared on his desk. Other governments of Member States had different negotiators as Slovakia did; they were represented by ministers of industry, finances and economy. CO2 quotas are not only the ecological issue. Many specialists discuss the real share of emissions influence on the creation of the greenhouse effect. Nobody can exactly define this. Regulation of required limits by the European Commission is an economic and national problem in Slovakia. The Commission reduced Slovak quota by 15 million tons of emissions comparing to the original proposal. Is it such a dramatic reduction for the Slovak industry? This reduction means the reduction of competitiveness in Slovakia. If this quota does not change, mentioned companies will have to purchase missing tons. It is threatened that industrial producers will reduce or will have to invest in new modern technologies. The costs will increase what might cause price rise and reduction of our competitiveness against those having been given quotas they had requested. For example, Slovak Power Plants, which are the biggest emission producer, are in danger of being forced to increase prices of electric energy again. In some cases this problem might lead to reduction of employment. Minister Miklós declared that the European Union, based on Kyoto’s Protocol, but also on its own resolution agreed on reduction of emissions causing the greenhouse effect. He claims - if the new Member States insisted on their greater amounts, what would be the amount of emissions the older members would have to reduce? What is your opinion on this Minister’s declaration? I do not agree with his statement because the original Slovak National Allocation Plan (NAP) will significantly exceed requirements of Kyoto ´s Protocol. Its further reduction is not fair to us. We perceive this precaution as an attempt of the European Commission to regulate the dynamic growth of the Slovak economy. I understand the anxiety of the countries that will lose the investors and a part of their production due to their penetration to Slovakia which has economically advantageous conditions- mainly taxing and cheaper labour force. Slovakia cannot have different conditions and tools because it belongs to poorer regions in the Union. If Brussels is really seriously interested in reduction of economic differences, no one can take these advantages by bureaucratic approach towards quotas. I understand that these are the interests of big companies but that Brussels does not talk about a balanced approach towards the New Members. Minister L. Miklós said that the set quota is the compromise and the government will not deal with it any more. According to him, the law analysis of Ministry of Foreign Affairs SR proved that there is a minimum chance to succeed at negotiations concerning the quota increase. Why do you insist on the resolution annulations or on the original quota? We do insist on the original quota because we are convinced that original quota belongs to Slovakia. We do not request higher amount of emissions than Slovakia needs for its permanent and sustainable growth. For our point of view, the negotiations were led in non standard way and very unhappily. Although Ministry of Environment communicated with the particular subjects whom emission limits concern but the feedback did not correspond reality. In October 2004, Ministry was trying to persuade entrepreneurs not to worry about the emissions. That they would be given quotas they had required. However, the European Commission responds to this Slovak request by a proposal decreasing emissions by 24 and later by 14 per cent. They argued that Slovak data were not precise. We do not agree with it. Our members took a really serious standpoint and spent plenty of time preparing materials. The problem is that the Commission had chosen a different methodology of emission limits setting. It is based on the growth and GDP creation. We do claim that this methodology is not precise concerning the fact there is not always direct proportion between GDP growth and emissions released to air. Weren’t you too late in your reactions? No. communication between employers and Ministry of Environment was being held from May or June 2004. The Slovak Allocation Plan was elaborated based on the information coming from the ground. At that time, there was a good coordination between Ministry and us. The quota of 106.5 million tons reflected the needs of industrial producers. Meanwhile, Minister makes us sure that everything was all right. Kyoto’s Protocol requires the reduction of emissions down to 92 per cent from the years 1991 and 1992, i.e. by 8 per cent what was captured in the original allocation plan. It was cause by the decrease of the industrial production in Slovakia in the beginning of the 1990s. Our reactions were surely not late. I repeat, minister claimed that everything was all right. Nevertheless, we received other information at the end of October and the beginning of November 2004 when our allocation plan was not in accordance with the European Commission. Were you invited to the sittings held at the Ministry of Environment after receiving this information? No, we weren’t ´t. In my opinion, it is a mistake that the Ministry did ask for help neither us nor other members of our government.. Moreover, Slovak side had an opportunity to appeal against this decision of the Commission by the particular time. In spite of entrepreneurs interventions they did not do so. We simply cannot understand it. So you have not succeeded yet to persuade the government. Does it mean that you, as employers, have rather weak influence in Slovakia? We used all our possibilities. Authorities were and are not willing to solve this problem and accept our comments. There was no need to sign Kyoto protocol so quickly. The Czechs have not signed it so far. There are many countries that had approached towards this matter with a great deal of responsibility and determination. Slovakia misses assertivity. Great Britain suffers from the similar problem The Slovak Republic is a small country and its position and importance has its particular frames but it does not mean to let ourselves push into unsuitable agreements and obligations and to not pursue our interests. Slovakia is able to become a leader of exact fields in the European Union. For example, we are surely a model country in terms of structural reforms. Moreover, Slovakia is one of the best countries in achieving the goals of Lisbon Strategy. We, employers, also try to participate in these processes. We endeavour to create continual improvement of the business environment. We want to pay lower taxes and payments, we want our economy, which we operate in, to have its precise rules in order to apply law enforcement and thus ensure property protection. What have you done recently in order to increase pressure on the government? At the beginning of February, we initiated negotiations with Pavol Rusko, Minister of Economy. Minister asked all employers to quantify the impact of a new national quota on the subject of entrepreneurship. Minister intents to submit them to the government as a complex material. Some subjects were able to enumerate the impacts; some were not because they could not estimate development of emission trading. Neither can I say whether one ton will cost 10 or 20 Euro after March 1, 2005. The market determinates prices. There are also penalties for quota exceeding. The price of 40 Euro per ton was set during this three-year period. In 2008, it might increase up to 100 Euro. What is Minister Rusko´s attitude these days? Minister is very cooperative and is on our side. What is acceptable for RÚZ? Zero reduction. Firms elaborate their emission plans based on their needs and are not interested in trading unused quotas. Our members proceeded very correctly. However, we are afraid that the European Commission approach towards individual countries may vary. Quotas might become a tool for holding aback the economic development of the new member states. We are very worried that the approved quota may slow down penetration of new investors. If they have to buy tons of emissions, their spending will increase. Therefore we consider the European Commission approach as regulatory. What will you do if the government does not start negotiations with Brussels? We have members who took a legal action against the European Commission to Luxembourg. We have members thinking of lodging to the government SR that they agreed with the Commission proposal and thus caused damage on their interests. The attitude of ht government is very disappointing to us. Our problems will solve the emission problem separately. Will you ask Commissar Jan Fígeľ to help you? No. Remedy must be provided in the place where caused. It is obvious that the economic problem grew up to the political problem. Will you call the Council of economic and social partnership to discus this issue? Yes. The issue of emissions will be discussed at the next session. Minister Miklós ensures that quotas divisions for Slovak companies will be just and no economic damages will appear. He also claims that Slovak companies will not have to buy and sell quotas. Do you agree with his opinion? No, I don’t. What are RÚZ? The Republic Employers Union is the biggest and the most representative employers union in Slovakia. It pursues the interests of productive companies and services those donors of the state treasury, not the subjects using these finances. It is not interested in members from civil and public services. It does not spread its agenda to the area where it would be impossible to reach agreement. It represents interests of 18 unions, 8 individual members and 350 thousand employees. The members of its presidium are such personalities as Milan Cagala, former minister of economy, Adrián Ďurček, COOP Jednota, Slavomír Hatina, former chairman of board of directors a.s. Slovnaft, Jozef Špirko from Penta Group, Ivan Štefanec, Coca-cola and Jozef Uhrík, president of Volkswagen Slovakia. What are the principles of trading emissions? Trading with emission quotas is based on Kyoto’s Protocol, directives of the European Union. It is adapted by the law 572 / 2004. The principle of trading in based on the emission quota assigned to the biggest polluters for a particular period. It is allowed amount of CO2 emissions, gases causing a greenhouse effect and polluting substances. If the company exceeds only a part of its quota, it can be sold to another polluter producing emissions exceeding a given quota. Emission limits on the level of companies is based on the economic stimuli. The polluter must calculate whether it is more profitable to invest in new technologies and lower emissions or to purchase free emission units in the market. Their amount is limited by the national emission quota drawn from the ratification of Kyoto protocol as well as from the obligations to the European Union. A new digital broadcasting AZTV What are your goals? Do you want to break the communicational barriers between citizens, self-government and regional politics? It attempts to create a constructive dialogue between institutions, entrepreneurs and citizens in cooperation with the self-governing region of Banská Bystrica. Regional television AZTV-Slovak in Banská Bystrica is the only television in Slovakia that broadcasts digitally (not from the satellite) and terrestrially. An experimental 24-hour broadcasting of the regional news and journalism started just before Christmas 2004 and will last until June 30, 2006. Viewers can watch its programme in digital terrestrial broadcasting with channels such as TV JOJ, STV 1,2 TV Markíza and with seven radio stations in Banská Bystrica and in Zvolen including a 20-kilometres zone around these two cities. It is available to 150 000 people. The main goal of this regional television, which had operated on the market known as RTV for 2 years, is to create neutral medial space for regional and local policies that started to influence the quality and conditions for citizens after decentralization. Clear Rules of the Game ´ On the other side, we want our broadcasting to motivate our citizens to participate more on the political, economic and cultural life of the region where they live. It is very important. For example, I would like to state the establishment of an incorporated company Tatra Air 2003; citizens-entrepreneurs got together with self-government to provide the region with regular air transport, ´ says Ľubomír Šimko, general director of company AZTV, s.r.o. that produces news and commercial programmes for AZTV and ensures its broadcasting. ´ Civil society cannot manage without a permanent discussion creating the base of democracy. It does not matter whether you are right or not, but to make an agreement. Communication between the institution (magistrate or regional office) and citizens must be determined by clear and understandable rules of the game guaranteeing equality of both sides. It means they must have an equal approach to information, they ought to know how to analyse them as well as have an opportunity to respond to the surrounding impulses and distinguish between the information and opinion.´ Specialized surveys proved that fewer people know about the work of city magistrate or regional office, more critical these people are. ´If citizens have a feeling that they are not well informed about a particular fact or someone is keeping back some vital facts, they do not attempt to find it or prove it but they automatically take up a negative or even aggressive standpoint. ´ Supported Entrepreneurs An hour-news programme AZTV INFO with 23 reruns, a commercial block and teleshopping has its premiere every day at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. At the weekend it broadcasts a review of all important contributions and crucial headlines of the past week. Based on the contract with the company UPC Slovakia this program is spread by cable lines in Banská Bystrica and in Zvolen, Sliač and Brezno are being prepared technically at the moment. ´ Our programme informs citizens about the works of their representatives voted by them, we bring live reports from representatives´ meetings, and we monitor people’s everyday lives and their opinions on everything happening around them. We support entrepreneurs´ projects and activities that can have different than local or regional impact. Therefore, advertising and propagation of their products and services are included in the programme structure of the broadcasting; ´ explains Miroslav Toman, business and marketing director of AZTV, s.r.o. Cooperation with BBSK The company AZTV cooperates with the Self-government of the Self-governmental Region of Banská Bystrica (BBSK) that financially supports this regional television. ´It is natural relationship. We do medial service for BBSK and cities and the other way round. Apart from that we provide them with technical and informational support. This model of cooperation could be applied in many other regions of Slovakia as for example in Bratislava or Košice. Our ambition is to cover with signal the whole region of Banská Bystrica by the end of the year 2005, ´says M. Toman. ´What do we live from? - Ľubomír Šimko repeats my question. ´ The main source of our income is advertising and sales of our regional news to other televisions.´ D-Box and Internet Television programme production and broadcasting are realized in a digital format by the technology of Digital Video. If someone expected AZTV to have a huge stuff and techniques, one might be upset. ´Apart from the human potential, there are available two professional TV video cameras, one TV video camera MINI DV Sony type TRV-940, one DV CAM recorder type Sony DSR- 11 an audio-mix board, net connection of multimedia PCs for video and sound processing and a few microphones of a very high quality. That is all what we have,´ Ľ. Šimko adds smiling. Television management offers its partners and audience a space for more effective mutual communication that is connected with digital technologies implementation. If a customer buys a technological device called D-box, one can use some other extra services of digital broadcasting including internet connection. New Programmes In order to enrich and make the programme structure more attractive, the television management is preparing new contact programmes that we want to broadcast as programme tips for citizens. There will be a new programme ´Klub´ (Club) where regional personalities and projects will be presented, the programme Občan (Citizen) focused on the citizens’ problems in terms of their relations to the city and region and the programme Európa (Europe) and regióny (regions) ´ It will be possible to start new external educational programmes in standard cycles – lessons provided by highly qualified teachers, progress tests and final exam thanks to digital broadcasting. This form should provide citizens with high quality education (teacher of high qualification) and would require much lower costs to ensure it. No schools, student hostels, services would be needed. Education and studying would become available to anyone,´ claims Ľ. Šimko. Golf Paradise in Veľká Lomnica It will be available to everyone. A five-star hotel, the Club House and thermal swimming pools with the water world will be its pride. A superb project of compact complex is being built in the area of 160 hectares between Tatranská and Veľká Lomnica. It will consist of golf courses, hotel and sport complex, energy centre, aqua centre, bungalows and family houses having temporary named as Black Stork Project. Its first nine- hole golf course will be open in June 2005, the second one in September and the third one in June 2006. The project investor is the Slovak firm Golf International, s.r.o. It all started in the 1990s in the last century when Jiří Hruška began buying fields around Veľká Lomnica. Why there? ´ I have been living in Tatranská Lomnica since 1968. I have travelled abroad a lot. When I was in Germany in 1984 (at signing the contract with Ruhrgas); I visited a golf course and I understood. I realized that golf is a very interesting sociable sport. The oldest golf course was founded in Tatranská Lomnica in 1906 in the neighbourhood of Veľká Lomnica. My vision was continuously coming true and it became my heart’s desire. After 1989, I began looking, buying fields and preparing my real scheme. Therefore a preparation and realization teams had been created. While searching for a partner, I managed to gain a Slovak investor for this project from Košice. Approval of environmental study and layout were very demanding. The first Driving range was built in 1999 and the first nine-hole natural golf course with a not very big club house were completed in 2000, ´ remember J.Hruška, general director of Golf International, s.r.o. and President of a golf club in Lomnica. He participated in the construction of Aquapark in Poprad. Professional Golf Area Three golf courses spreading on the area of 120 ha form the centre of the professional golf are revealing a magnificent view of the High and Belianske Tatras as well as of the Low Tatras and Slovak Paradise. The whole locality has an ideal success for tourists. After completing the construction of the joining line, the motorway will be only 7 kilometres far and the international airport in Poprad will be just 12 kilometres from it. Martin Munka is a designer of the entire course, co-author of the course in Čeladná in the Czech Republic. Hans Erhardt, Austrian designer, the author of more than a hundred courses including high rated Fontana golf course in Austria. ´ Each of these three nine-hole courses starts and ends in the Clubhouse. Apart from a picturesque view, the course will have a lot of water and a system of small lakes. It will be equipped with a complex watering and drainage systems (greeny, tee and fairway). The first nine PAR 36 goes over Skalný potok, the second is behind the stream and the third wanders behind it to the north. Partially, it is located in the original course, ´explains Jiří Hruška. A 350-metre Driving range with roofed (covered) strikers enables 20 players to get involved. This new training meadow with covered strikers and artificial grass was created in October 2004. They offer a golf academy, i.e. background for total beginners- training meadow, putting and chipping. A new Clubhouse and Golf Academy A new Clubhouse with a standard of a four-star hotel with an accommodation capacity of 60 beds is being constructed as well. Apart from a restaurant, a bar, an indoor golf, a golf shop, there will be a water world, sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, fitness, library and a background for golf players. It will be open on June 24, 2005. ´ A part of the project was financed from the funds provided by the pre-integration program of the European Union- fund PHARE 2002 from the grant scheme 2002/000-610.14 tourism development (TDGS02) implemented NARMSP, ´J. Hruška continues. A five-star hotel of the capacity of 150 beds on two floors will be even more exclusive. There are pensions and bungalows being built around the hotel complex. Their use will be connected with an energy centre for using geothermal water and heat pumps for the erection of a new aqua centre with water and sport attractions. Golf for All Home and foreign tourists, advanced players and beginners, juniors, families with children and seniors- they all will be important customers of the golf paradise in Veľká Lomnica. The area will offer predominantly golf services, golf teaching, and rental of training spaces and golf equipment, golf course operation, international golf tournaments and company events, cooperation with the local golf club. ´ Nowadays, we have 300 members. There was no assessment held. We guest the number will increase up to 450 members this year. The golf will be available to all, including children. Our main task is to support development of golf in Slovakia. Golf players´ costs are much lower than money spent for tennis or skiing. The annual member fee is 10 000 Slovak crowns in our club, and there are no extra fees and charges, members use the course and their other privileges for free, ´ J. Hruška continues. It is the first time when golf and thermal water are introduced together within services for tourists. It is a new, expanding market being in great demand and offering a wide choice of relaxing and sport facilities. Hotels, accommodation and restaurants, sport places and organization of social and cultural events will form the field of secondary services. The whole area is tightly connected with the village of Veľká Lomnica and there is an easy access to the skiing centres in the High Tatras. They must transform into a modern forestry firm ´ I don’t see the problem in the owners of the forest. But in a pragmatic question whether to export raw material or to create conditions for maximal use of one of a few materials we have in Slovakia, in order to generate employment, added value and economic effect, ´claims Karol Vinš, Chief Executive Officer of š.p. Lesy SR. Since March 2003, he has been a chief executive officer of the biggest enterprise in the resort of agriculture – State enterprise Lesy SR Banská Bystrica administrating a million hectares of forest soil in Slovakia and employing 5,500 people. Before that he had worked in different positions in Poľnobanka and Slovenská sporiteľňa. Although he is a civil engineer, after a lot of experience in the sector of banking industry, he specializes on crisis management. His main tasks are to put enterprise economy in order, to prepare and ensure its transformation into a hundred-per cent-state joint-stock company. He created a crisis team that planned economic revival and initiated personal, organizational and economic transformation in the most conservative state enterprise. This might be the reason why Karol Vinš (1962, Trnava) met the resistance of particular lobbying groups that do not wish any changes in the company. Mr Vinš, when you were taking up your post, Zsolt Simon (SMK), Minister of Agriculture, declared that your strengths are – you are not a hunter, you had never worked in Lesy, or in the wood processing industry. In Minister’s opinion you were a very suitable person to revive the enterprise and cut it off the lobbying groups. Did you manage it? What were responds like? I still consider, from the beginning up to present, it a great advantage not to be tied up with any of the areas which had influenced the past and present of the company. I perceive all matters from the point of view of a modern foreign firm which does not think it is extraordinary because of its subject of business. Of course it has its distinct character and there are many lobbying groups trying to influence setting up of the whole system. First responds were very negative and refusing like that: we can’t be managed by whosoever banker! Later, my colleagues started to judge my work according to our abilities to form not only a vision but also to show the way and give it a go that is corresponding to our words and action. I am glad, many were infected by our hope for the success of our project. Certainly, the ´conservative base´ has their own opinion and wait for a miracle of political change and return to old good times. I am convinced that forestry needs significant reform as the other sectors of our economy do. Despite its conservativeness it has to find new ways of management and set the goals ensuring sustainable permanent development of forest wealth of our society. In spite of different opinions and resistance of the conservative part of the forestry sector, the first results can be seen showing that this project is sentenced to success. According to the original schedule, the joint-stock company should have been established by January 1, 2004. This term was put off for January 1, 2005. However, after the conflict in the coalition, Minister Simon postponed it for January 1, 2006. What caused this delay? The main raison d’etre for changes in schedule implementation was the government resolution of the Slovak Parliament SR passed on February 9, 2005. It was based on the proposal of Miroslav Maxon, MP, who appealed to the parliament to suspend the enterprise transformation until the parliament does not prove and discuss the transformational project as well as a specific law by which a state joint-stock company Lesy SR should be established. The parliament took a note of an analysis of the present state of works on transformation of the state enterprise. From the beginning, the original plan envisaged creating the joint-stock company by January 1, 2006; classification of the state enterprise property was the limiting factor. Although we arranged 1358 real estates in 2004, we already have a property certificate, but there are still 850 sites to be sorted out. Meanwhile, we have to arrange more than 701 779, 28 acres of state forest soil fund in the next 10 years. What do you think about the parliament resolution? Is it necessary to pass the law concerning the establishment of the state joint-stock company first and then complete the transformation of the current state enterprise? Who will elaborate the bill of this law? Ignoring the political background of this decision, I think there is no reason why to prevent the old-fashioned enterprise from its standard restructuralisation. Planned and continuously realized steps bring significant economic effects and there is no point of postponing these steps. Minister of Agriculture will submit the bill to the parliament and the government in a next few days. There are two opposite conceptions of Lesy SR transformation. The first envisages creating a huge joint-stock company consisting of 14 or 16 plants. You are its author and Minister of Agriculture Zsolt Simon pursues it, too. Another conception is presented by Ján Golian, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture SR. According to this, 36 smaller subjects with legal subjectivity should be separated from the big current company. What is the decentralized conception not acceptable to you? The separation as presented in Golian´s proposal representing the interests of wood processing industry is not acceptable to us. It is nothing but an attempt to disrupt united approach towards customers. More the partners they would have, more influential they would be. Purchasers took an advantage and when they did not pay to one forestry plant, they addressed another one and purchased again as if nothing had happened because there was no debt bookkeeping system in the recent past. This system mustn’t repeat. Which conception did the government prove during their sitting on December 15, 2005? According to project transformation shareholders rights will be performed by the resort of agriculture. Forest lands in the book value of 34.3 MLD should not be a subject of deposits to newly created joint-stock company but they will remain state property. Only the funds necessary for activities in forests will become the property of the future joint-stock company. Neither forest land nor forest copse will be included in its property; the joint-stock company will administer them. This transformation will clarify financial floats because as the enterprise will undertake performances concerning the public interest based only on the state order and the overall economic results will be influences by these costs. Lesy SR will pay the state dividends for using its property. An agreement regarding the model of Lesy SR transformation is a highly political matter of concern. I am convinced that all partners involved in this case are about to reach the final agreement that might not please everyone. The coordinating committee for agriculture visited your enterprise on 22 February 2005. Can you say what aspects of restructuralisation and transformation they were interested in? Did they identify with your, i.e. governmental project? They showed a vivid interest in a current economic situation and required documents for judging a very positive economic result in the year 2004. I think they were impressed by thoroughly elaborated documents and strategy, although the project of such an extend is not able to answer all the questions in detail. However, it presents real implementable model of the transition to a modern firm of forestry. Nevertheless, many invited guests, representatives of the wood processing industry and former company management presented a great deal of disinformation in purpose. All in all, I was rather surprised by committee pragmatism, i.e. by its members´ pragmatism. Will the parliament revaluate the transformation project? 157 employees participated in its analytical part. Experts from universities, from the Forestry Research Institute in Zvolen and non-government organizations cooperated on its elaboration… Why are there suddenly so many doubts? This project has no ambition to be a referendum, but it is anchored in the best examples coming from Central European forestry space. It is not important to us to be praised by one demanding group (despite its importance) but by the compromise expectation fulfilment for the maximum number of demanding groups. Expectations can be very different, actually. From the total non-management in woods according to the ideas of the non-governmental organization Vlk (Wolf) to the entire extensive exploitation of opportunities provided by woods in expectations of wood processing industry. Laic public goes to buy furniture to Poland because it is much cheaper there. On the other side, Slovakia exports round wood and home furniture production stagnates… What do you think about the export of round wood from private owners´ side? The wood ownership is not the issue. But the pragmatic question whether to export primary raw material (i.e. raw wood as a product of minimal added value) or to create the conditions for maximum use of material, as one of a few we have in Slovakia, in order to generate employment, added value and economic aspects. We adjusted our business strategy to this philosophy. We create conditions suitable for maximum amount of wood to be sold directly to Slovak producers. We also cooperate very actively on entrance of foreign investors to Slovakia. The issue of so-called black wood from Romania and Ukraine is being discussed these days. How does this import influence prices on the Slovak market? Do the authorities have any competences to regulate cutting and export of wood among private forest owners too? Floats of goods are more transitive heading to west markets. The state can positively motivate Slovak private owners by supporting the Slovak wood processing industry in order to become a serious partner for small private wood owners. Last year, the Wood Manufacturers Union criticised your proposal of the project for transformation which, according to them, is not approaching towards the competitive and transparent environment but to further centralization. Do you agree? In our opinion, the Wood Manufacturers, who present themselves as the only representatives of wood processing industry; have made a lot of public statements of contra-productive character. Majority of big producers, mainly those included in international corporations, have the opposite requirement: they want to have one partner with whom they will agree on delivery amounts and logistic profile and expect safe deliveries guarantee. The issue of prices will be always the subject matter of tough but correct expressing. Minister of Agriculture promised the producers to sign three or five-year contracts with home wood manufacturers for guaranteed delivery of raw wood material. However, the manufacturers are not contented. What do you think about it? Entrepreneurs having problems with correct payments of their liabilities to our enterprise complain whilst producers with whom we managed to sign a middle-term contract are silent. In 2003 your enterprise showed a deficit of 570 mil crowns. In 2004, the gross profit reached the amount of 150 million crowns and you plan the profit of 190 million Slovak crowns before taxing. Which factors caused such a significant turn? In 2003, we arrange and sorted out all ´ past sins´. We wrote down non-collectible claims and formed reserves in accordance with foreign investor inquiries. It cost us more than 652 million crowns. It caused a deficit of 570 million crowns in that financial year. Our reasonable precautions are already brining its awards and effects and move the economy of the company to black numbers. We eliminate activities that used to produce or are still creating a deficit (e.g. sawing production) and we use significantly higher effectiveness by the cooperation with external suppliers of forestry works. Most of them are our employees who, as businessmen, work much more effectively, do not steal oil and behave in ´capitalistic way´. In case of forest land that you administer, there are 280 thousand hectares not having been arranged. Costs estimated for their property arrangement, including administration and overlapping standard care will have reached a sum of 1.32 MLD Slovak crowns by the year 2011. How do you want to arrange them? Our state enterprise operates as state forest land and administers more than a million hectares of soil. The arrangement of wood land fund also belongs to our duties so it requires considerable costs. It is a long-termed project we will be dealing with in the next 10 years. Lesy SR finance breeding programme for national breed of working horses- Norika of Muráň type, provide processing and long-termed storage of tree seeds genetically suitable for forests renewal and land foresting. They also look after a Slovak-wide bank of forest trees seeds. Does the transformation endanger these programmes? What is the way for their improvement? We decided to continue in these activities, intensively searching for a scheme – how to eliminate a deficit. Apart from that we maintain 19,000 kilometres of rivers and 17.5 thousand kilometres of forests paths. These activities require costs financed from our common economic activities. On November 19, 2004, the windstorm damaged not only to the High Tatras but also to localities administered by you state enterprise. During disaster 1.6 million cubic metres of wood fell down. The most windstorm- stricken areas are Horehronie and Orava. You claim that we are not threatened with an ecological catastrophe if we start removing its consequences correctly and immediately. How are you getting on? Liquidation of calamity is a race with time. On one hand, when we try to cut and remove the wood before it starts losing its quality, on the other side we must be prepared to face the problems with insects under bark that might endanger not only stricken trees but also those directly not affected by calamity. The main objective is to solve the calamity so that enough funds are crated for re-foresting. Kadera´s images of soul I was forbidden to exhibit my pictures and then I understood that the life might be completely different when you dive into Dali’s ideas. Everyone has their own right for their madness because mad people are free and happy. Thank you Salvador! When we wrote about the exhibition of witches and sorceress in Optima shopping centre recently, we had no idea there will be another outstanding event held for the public on March 30, 2005- an outstanding event. Not ordinary one. It will be an exhibition of a precious fine artist- Vladimír Kadera who lives and works in Banská Bystrica. Since a particular time, he has been exhibiting abroad only. Last time he presented his works in Geneva, Tel Aviv, Budapest and Regensburg. And why in Košice? ´Because it is a kind of revolt against Bratislava. Because the art does not have any boundaries. I organize my exhibitions where I feel I should do it: My destiny leads me to Košice. Optima offers me an ideal space for my large canvas, there are amazing people who understand my pictures, ´ reveals V. Kadera. Don’t you know him very well? Never mind. We are offering you not only his heart but also his soul. Am I a genius or a madman? It is one of the most frequent questions, but it is hard t answer it. I have always had the feeling that geniality requires too much work, it is God’s gift and then a genius is born. I have always felt I was a madman because I have always had to fight anyone and defend my ideas and pictures. It has cost me a lot of energy and I have given up many times. Until Salvatore Dali came and showed me what was important in my life! Everyone has their right for their madness! At that time I understood that I was following the right way. Actually, I am a very happy man because I am different. My world is a part of this huge world but it is only mine and I set my own values and dimensions. I stopped worrying at that moment. It does not matter whether someone is a madman or a genius. But what trace one is able to leave in this world. Those, who will follow us, will judge our cut in the earth surface and in people, other things will fade out. Art and Business Unfortunately, art is in a very difficult position in our country. You are walking down the street in Paris; you tread on a stone that is full of history and art. Houses, people and air smells of a strange tension what history and art hide. I was the first Slovak who stepped into Dali’s house in Port Lligat. I was probably the poorest there but when the tourist guide realized that I was a painter from Slovakia, a painter adoring Dali, they let me feel the art was above all. There are many traders, better or worse, however, there are only fewer artists and only a very few painters. It is necessary to distinguish between art and business. Art is a creation, suffering and joy from works, results, climax and falls. Trade with art has nothing to do with it. It is goods as many others but it is of a higher value. It is necessary t foresee that a picture is good and will be even more valuable in the future. They are very clever traders with art. In our country, the atmosphere in art business has been artificially crated. Those, who have no specified opinions in art, are dependent on businessmen offering extraordinary masterpieces; however, they are outstanding for them. And only sure business is realized- Benka, Bazovský, old masters. People who have a fortune are afraid to invest their money in new things, they need verified pieces. Actually, they are not interested in them, they just own them. And, of course, they are of a great value. I know some collectors with soul; you recognize them by the fact that it is very hard for them to sell any parts of their collections, their eyes sparkle in a very strange way. I admire them! The world would be much sadder without them. Success and Money Each artist expects success, when it does not come one feels depressed and frustrated. Though, success can be very dangerous. If you are triumphant, it might destroy you too but it is your creative motive power. There are fast and slow successes. I have chosen the slower one. Because I am a runner for long tracks. I choose my values and dimensions. For the reason that success comes along with the loss of identity and privacy, I decided to work and delay this sweet and bitter feeling. I am a hard worker and want to see, think, observe and not to be disturbed, not saying about the fact what I can allow myself. Success ties you up and binds you. But on the other hand it brings you money. You cannot live without it but it mustn’t destroy a man. I need money for living, but it does not determine my direction or the conditions of my acting. I try to create the values but not numbered by money. I have a few friends – bankers who do not like money. They are much happier than those for whom money became the goal of life. When I am able to help a man fill one wit my energy, give one the feeling that life is beautiful and it is worth living. This feeling is not worth even a million. However, money means freedom. But on the other hand only free man does not need freedom and trapped by money one is unable to seize it. Women and Love Women are the most beautiful ting that nature gave us. I have painted women all my life, I try to understand their inner lives, and I discover their beauty and ugliness. I know that I will never reach that but they are extraordinary because they have children. Their bodies are beautiful and it is worth fighting for them. Because a woman is like a red thread flying through history and time and determine directions of men’s attempts. Every woman is beautiful. But you have to discover and understand this beauty. Moreover, love comes suddenly like God’s gift from heaven. Love is powerful, exciting, painful and destroying. My pictures are full of women and heir souls expressed through eyes. I am fascinated by their destiny, feelings, thrilling and moments when they are silent but their eyes are talking. It is like a dialogue with a good friend. When you pass my pictures, those eyes are following you. Renaissance perspective. My picture lives. You get a feeling that it is not space, but that there is something beneath! Energy Lie is about energies. Sometimes you meet a man and you feel as if you have known him for ages. You have what to talk about, you a lot in common. I do not organize my exhibitions where it is profitable but where the people see, feel and understand. I hate human stupidity. It kills me! Each colour has its own frequency. They are counted together and thus impress the visitor. My pictures are of a particular colour scale, by which they influence and evoke feelings. I encode energy into them, energies that help even heal. But you must have a ´receiver´. You can give energy but there are some people who steal it from you and you feel exhausted then. Life and Happiness Life is beautiful! I know that because I survived clinical death and everything has been different since then. I have changed my values, priorities, friends, time, and sense of life. The top of my happiness is when I wake up in the morning and I still breathe. It is fine and it does not matter whether it rains or the sun is shining... I can create, perceive the world and continue my mission. It is the greatest happiness. I am happy about the grass, trees, and stones. But also a peaceful drive or making love to a woman may fulfil a man. Those, who are chasing for big values overlook essential but ordinary things. And finally, they overlook his wife’s daughter and a sincere child. And at last himself! I am the happiest man in the world! I am thrilled that I can live and breathe. Dali, Michelangelo, Da Vinci I know those who existed and will exist. My encounters with the Renaissance stirred me, but Salvador Dali saved my life. Leonardo taught me the beauty of women’s soul, Michelangelo let me know masculine power, but Dali’s philosophy put my feet back on the ground when I was really desperate. I was forbidden to exhibit my pictures and then I understood that the life might be completely different when you dive into Dali’s ideas. Everyone has their own right for their madness because mad people are free and happy. Thank you Salvador! Pleasure and Suffering The hardest moments are those when I am standing in front of a white canvas in the size of 2 x 2 metres and I have to start. The first touch of the paintbrush is the most difficult. Then it is easy to give it a go. The picture comes out of the white canvas and starts living its own life. It is something beyond me. I am the only realizator. It is my duty t listen what it wants to be free and could impress audience in its full power. I have always had a feeling that I know nothing that I cannot manage it and that I am like a tiny grain of sand in a desert. Then a moment comes. I am standing in front of a ready canvas that will never be ready and I start talking with a good friend. I am exhausted, abandoned, tired and it was born. The king died, long live the king! When I organize an exhibition, I see stories of people, connections, associations and legacy. It is not a legacy. Then the happiness comes and it obliges me to start working again. For ever. Actually, it is pleasure. Art and Politics They had always been strong and weak. Mercenaries and arts. It is good as ii is. One side enriches the other one. It is a question of being strong and weak. If you have a look at strong people of this period, we will understand that there were many like that. And there will be as well. But history says the strong cannot exist without the weak. It is not possible to taste sugar sweetness unless you taste salt. And time will tell that strong ones are right and were gifted by God. And they are able to survive plenty of nonsense around. How many painters died in poverty? How many wealth people died and we do not know even their names? Some people get known because of their art. That is the reason why those wiser supported arts, built up and tried to leave something for the future generations. Not only to their families but also to the state and our earth. There is still much to learn! Waiting for Immortality We always give and take something. From our parents, teachers, friends and enemies. Our life is not just here. There is something left from our parents, grand- parents and we can use it and improve it or just throw it away. If we move any form forward and it is very strong, we influence our future. We become immortal. Because a wave of a butterfly wing can cause the hurricane on the other side of the globe. That is why old masters inspire me, I try to transform a part of myself into my pictures and I believe that someone might come and will accept my legacy by just sitting next to my picture and leading a dialogue to him- talking up his mind. I believe in reincarnation. Some things happen and we do not know why. It fulfils me with joy- not everything is re-linked. It fascinates me that destiny can be influenced. You have to have inner power and try very hard! Strong and Very Strong I am weak and weakest when I feel proud. More I understand, weaker and less intelligent I feel. I want to see and explore more and more, the windows are opened for me and I just peep in where I really desire to live. However, my strength is in my weakness. It shows me where to go, what to learn, what to take, what to ignore so that I did not have full hard disc. I am grateful to those above -that I learnt in the beginning; that I do not have a feeling of total contentment- i.e. that I have and know everything what I wanted. Those, who are great, know what I am talking about. If you ask them whether they are happy, you realize they aren’t. They understand it is just a stairway. From one step to another. Up and down. It is wonderful that there are many criteria, various view points. A strong picture has higher values for me that a strong army. It is only about the power influencing in various ways. Nevertheless, history can prove it. Mankind evaluates positive outstanding moments and repudiates depressing ones. More Than One World I believe there is more than one world. They are parallel or they overleap each other so people can see both future and past. I do not overestimate it but I have learnt to live with it and I take an advantage to improve my life. I do not fight my destiny, I try to modify it and help him. I accept bad blows of destiny because it makes me stronger. All bad things are the consequence of something. If we know reasons, we can correct the current situation. And we can avoid it. I would not change my life even if I had to be born again. I seize every second of my life; I enjoy colours, shapes, smell and feelings. I paint what I feel. I am not worried how my pictures will be judged. My life is just my life and my pictures reflect my life and they are only mine! Forever. The ball for children with the Down syndrome On February 5, 2005, the First Charity Ball of Pro Humanitas Foundation was held under Silvia Gašparovičová´s patronage in the renaissance castle in Fričovce near Prešov. It was called ´ Our Different Children.´ Although job obligations did not enable Mrs Silvia Gašparovičová to participate, Eric van den Linden, ambassador of the European Commission in Slovakia, substituted her absence in a very charming way. Many prominent guests took part, such as Martin Pitorák, Vice-President of the U.S.Steel Košice, Lubomír Javorský, former Minister of Health Care and Andrew T. Adam von Rhédy, International Director of the International Green Cross Organization. The organizers expressed their gratefulness to the editor-in-chief of Dimenzie magazine for his help. Róbert Fico, leader of the Smer Party was supposed to come. Last year, Pro Humanitas Foundation participated in the foundation of Partnerstvo sociálnej inklúzie (Social Inclusion Partnership) in Prešov and Sabinov. It became well known thanks to its projects focused on Romany community, to its programme of integration of handicapped children with Dawn syndrome and to the campaign called School without Drugs- children have their chance to decide. From S. Gašparovičová´ s letter ´ I observe Foundation activities and I think they deserve an extraordinary award. That is why I did not hesitate when I was offered the patronage of this ball- Our Different Children. The name of the ball impressed me as well. It shows that not all children have the same conditions to be successful in their lives. That many families miss social guarantees and there is so much to do in this case. I appreciate this kind of events as your ball is. But moreover, I do appreciate a long-termed conceptual work to help children that were not very lucky and did not born into harmonic and socially stabile environment. It is indeed a great opportunity to thank you for your great attempt and wish you it brought you more awards in favour of these handicapped children. ´ Place of Apocalypse One of the unsolved mysteries of Oswienczim is the fact that the highest percentage of survivors came from the first transports. Although their Obersturmführer SS Karl Fritzsch welcomed them saying: ´Healthy and young have right to live here for three months! The only way to leave this place is through the chimney! ´ Most of Jews were transported from Hungary. During the Second World War, six million people of any age and both sexes were killed due to the only reason: they were Jews. Oswienczim became the symbol of their persecution. 1.5 million people, mainly Jews and also Romanises, Soviet captives, political prisoners died there. This year, over 40 statesmen reminded the 60th anniversary directly in that area- Jacques Chirac-French President, Russian Vladimir Putin, Israeli Moshe Kacav, German Host Köhler, Slovak Ivan Gašparovič or Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko whose father survived the hell of Oswienczim as a prisoner number 11637. He speaks to stone ´First I touch stone by my heart and then by my hands. A woman has always been a very strong motivational impulse for creation. From ancient times to contemporary sculptures, painters or poets, sense of women’s beauty and ideal shapes inspired them. I like modelling a woman’s body, ´ confesses Master Tibor Bartfay. He can give beautiful shapes and soul to an ordinary piece of stone. Bratislava and many other cities would lose a part of their charm without his works. His statues express quiet, will please you while you are having a rest, they fulfil with peace. He has created over 2 thousand of plastic arts. From chamber to huge memorial documents. His most significant work is a charming statue of Poetry by the fountain in Šafárik Square in Bratislava, a fountain in front of the Presidential Palace, statuary in Slavín, statuary of Ludovít Štúr by the Danube, a statue of Pribina and 3.5 metres-bronze statue of a Witch of Bratislava on the Castle Hill (Hradný vrch). He is known abroad – in Japan, India, Finland, Germany, Russia and America where he had his exhibitions. A man with wagging eyes loving his freedom above all. Tibor Bartfay (1922) - an academic sculptor and monumentalist, representative of sculpturing moderna of the 20th century, an author of collages, national artist. You were born just after the First World War in Nitra under Zobor. Did your parents understand your interests of an artist? Of course. I was born in the family of the most famous sculptor of that time, we might say the nestor of sculpturing- Julius Bartfay. My father studied at E.A. Bourdell in Paris, who was one of the greatest sculptors after Rodin. My father lived in Paris for 12 years and my mother, sister and I moved to him. So I got to Paris and as a young boy I learnt a lot about world famous masters. You studied sculpturing in Budapest and Prague. Wasn’t it taught in Slovakia? There was no University of Fine Arts in Slovakia at those times. My father wanted me to study in Prague. But in 1938, the Protectorate of Czech and Moravia was declared and it was impossible to get to Czech. So I passed the exams in Budapest and started studying there. Unfortunately, only for three years- the war stopped my studies. I was recruited and had to go to the front. After the war I started studying at Professor Karel Pokorný, one of the greatest Czech sculptors. I completed my studies in Prague. Do you remember your first cut into stone? I did not because I was too young. But my mum and my sister often talk about what stunts I made. When I was two and a half, my father’s helper lift me up and put me on to his arms so I was able to touch a two-and-half-metre marble statue of Christ my father was doing at that time. The front side had been already done but the rear part was still in stone and not finished. My father’s helper told me I would be a sculptor and passed me a light hammer. I hit the nearest thing; unfortunately, it was the nose of the statue. My mother had to hide be for two months because my father was angry with me. He had been working for another six months to chisel deeper to make a proper shape. I started very unhappily – by destruction. Were there many possibilities to work after finishing your studies? There were many chances but I was not offered anything. I had to look for it myself. We were a great group of young sculptors of Prague school and I participated in many competitions. The period after the Second World War can be characterized by a significant cultural boom and we grasped every opportunity. We had won four of five competitions or at lest we came second at least. I am grateful to outstanding Professor Pokorný who taught be sculpturing alphabet, thanks to him I got to big monuments- statuary in Slavín, a Memorial of Tortured in Mauthausen, a Memorial of Liberation in Nitra and many others. You have had two exhibitions in the USA. It proved that good art is international talking the same language. Which of your works did attract American most? During my six-month-stay, it was impossible to start a huge project. I was not able to chisel a sculpture because it takes a year or even more. I exhibited collages, colourist and pictures. Do you say you are a painter as well? I used to paint a lot when I was 16 or 18 years old. Many famous artists came to Nitra to visit us. Max Schurmann operated in Nitra at that time. He taught me many useful things. In the beginning of my university studies in Budapest, I hesitated whether to study painting or sculpturing. I chose sculptures. You have a wide scale of fine arts- coloured collages, oil paintings up to sculpturing. Figural plastics are the most characteristic for you. What is so fascinating about human body? Its beauty. There is nothing nicer but a human body. It interested me from the beginnings of my works and I have expressed all my thought through the human body. Figural works include not only human figure but also animals. What is fascinating you at the moment? I have been keen on insects over past years. What a beauty it is! I chose that kind of insect that can be created by sculptures. I made a scorpion. When it was completed, all that saw it could not believe their eyes- tat I had made it. I made a praying mantis. Even if it is a real monster, I made a lady from her. She is slim, noble and has beautiful big eyes. I emphases her nobility so that I gave her one golden shoe on her long slim leg. What are you working on at the moment? I have very creative years, I work more than I used to when I was 40 years old. I do not make monumental plastics at the moment, I focus on chamber plastics. It has the same importance as monuments. I have so many ideas that I haven’t even started finish one and I have already started another one. So I usually work on three pieces at once. Apart from smaller plastics in shapes of insects, I am working on a 2-metre- bronze sculpture of sitting Hans Christian Andersen. This outstanding Danish story taller loved by children all over the world will have his anniversary - 200th birthday next year. When I was seven, I got his book of stories. Little Mermaid, Tin Soldier, A Girl with matches and Ugly duckling have been following me all my life. I want to please all children on this planet. I will make him as I have always pictured him. Lots of his characters coming from his fairy tale coat being blown by wind. The character that got the children’s hearts all over the world. You have been awarded so many times- you were given a Crystal Wing, laureate of Grand Prix Slovak Gold. On your 80th jubilee, President Schuster gave you’re the highest award- President’s Cross. Is it important to you? Well, it is a good feeling. Who wouldn’t be happy when one gets good marks or high recognition? However, I do not have them hung up on the walls or in the cupboards. I put them away and from time to time I take a look at them. Of course, I always feel very pleased. All my awards have the same value to me; no matter they are old or newer ones. In 1991, after a great success in America, I was involved in the Highest Council for Art and I was offered a job as a pedagogue. Because of my not-sufficient language knowledge, I refused it. I was contented with having a big article about me in the New York Times and in other papers and my works are famous across America. I am very glad that some of my sculptures got abroad. For example, such a typical sculpture of Slovak Marina in above life-size, cast from bronze, it found its home in Korea. I perceive it as art with no boundaries. Your wife Danuta is Polish? How did you two meet? We met on the photos. Ma brother was an actor and our National Theatre played in Poland. Danuta was studying singing and when she was looking at the pictures, I was in some as well and she wanted to meet me. We exchanged a few letters and found out we had so much in common. Your relationship developed very fast… I got off the train in Poland and saw that wonderful woman waiting for me on the platform. We met at half past twelve, got engaged at half past two and got married six days later. We have been together for 54 years. Milka Závacká The thesis that fine art and painting have emancipated from naturalistic description and developed from slavery of copying: It is definitely true for Milka Závadská- Tuschilová. She expresses illusion of her inner visions on bounded space. These visions take the form of never seen images are transformed into magic signs of coloured places and lines, personifying as surreal meaning symbols. Painter’s sensitivity inspires her to objectification of her inside, so her pictures reach other dimensions impacting human’s sub-consciousness and sensibility. The author uses various techniques to express herself such as egg tempera, acryl, oil, combined techniques, etc. Her works were presented at individual and collective exhibitions homeland and abroad, as for example at Medzynarodnowom bienale malarstwa ´ Srebrny czworokat´´Przemysl 98 in Poland. Although Milka Závadská- Tuschilová spent a part of her life in Prešov, she has been living and working in Košice and Monaco since 1997. Medals above records Slovenian sportswomen the year- Yolanda Čeplaková is not thinking of breaking Jarmila Kratochvílová´ s record. ´Personally I think that no of contemporary runners will overcome her record. Medals are much more precious. Nobody can take it from you. Records can be broken and left in history. ´ A 28-year-old runner Yolanda Čeplaková is the best and the most popular sportswoman in Slovenia. This blond-haired athlete was a star in 2002 when she won Hall European Championship in Vienna and in open European Championship in Munich; in the first case she even broke the world’s record. She performed another outstanding performance at the Olympics in Athens where she won a bronze medal for her 2-million-people Slovenia. This month she has participated in the European Championship in Madrid as a title defender and other top event is yet to come- the World Championship in Helsinki. She also trained in Bratislava where she was happy to answer our questions. Were you satisfied with your training in the hall Elán in Bratislava? I have known this hall since 2000. I had a training there and I participated in one running training in 2001. I felt myself at home. This time I am leaving Slovakia very satisfied, everything was according to my expectations. I had three trainings in the hall, twice fitness and twice cross country running. I managed everything what I wanted. In Vienna at the hall European Championship 2002, you achieved the title in an exciting final with Austrian Graff; moreover, you broke a world hall record. What do you remember about this event? It was very demanding. I watched her very often. Everyone expected her to win. Anyway, I deserved the gold. I did my best. At that time you had the same manager. There were many speculations about having a much closer relationship with him… I do not want to talk about it. Regarding Stefi, she gave up athletics and nowadays, she has much different interests. She has chosen different life. I believe she is happy. We met at the Olympics in Athens where she was a commentator of an Austrian television. I was a very heart warming meeting. While talking about you, there are many people saying about your possible attack on Jarmila Kratochvílová´ s record for 800 metres and 1:53, 28 min from 1983… I cannot even think about it. I do not think anybody would dare to think about this record. It is hard to break it. You need ideal conditions and everything must go very well. Personally I think that no of contemporary runners will overcome her record. Medals are much more precious. Nobody can take it from you. Records can be broken and left in history. All records stay on the paper, while medals are material proves of what one has achieved. There is an ideal – if you get a gold medal and break the record and I am happy that I have achieved it, partially, when I won the Hall European Championship in the world record. A medal is more than a record, for instance I can pick up my bronze one from Athens…