Sat, Nov 21 2009
Eco-organisations protested in Sofia against the Cabinet decision to postpone the inclusion of certain areas in the European environmental network Natura 2000.
Cabinet decided to delay its decision on some controversial regions. The majority of them are located in the coastal area and near mountain resorts.
Ecologists said that the failure to determine adequately Bulgaria's areas for inclusion could lead to EU sanctions for the country.
Ivailo Stoimenov, representative of a nature preservation initiative, said that Cabinet never explained why it postponed the decision on various areas. Ecologists demanded meeting with Cabinet representatives and the scientists who drafted Bulgaria's Natura 2000 plan.
The protesters also said that Cabinet should impose a construction ban in the areas that await Natura 2000 decision.
Ecologists said that they will protest during each Cabinet session and will send written grievances, as well.
The European Commission is taking Bulgaria to court for delays in providing Sofia with adequate waste disposal facilities.
James Warlick is the spouse of Mary Warlick, director of the office of Russian affairs at the US state department, who has been nominated to serve as ambassador to Serbia
Bulgaria’s Health Ministry announced on November 20 2009 that the flu epidemic declared two weeks earlier is at an end as rates of infection decline. The announcement coincides with reports of two deaths from A (H1N1) flu in Bulgaria.
Acting on allegations by Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria leader Ivan Kostov, prosecutors and Government officials are to probe deals by which Movement for Rights and Freedoms leader Ahmed Dogan acquired various properties.
Prosecutors allege that a deal agreed by the former defence minister caused losses of 12.9 million leva.