Plainspoken

Mousaka. Kebapche. Kashka-val. 'Scrabble words?' people who have never lived in Bulgaria might ask.

Expatriate repatriation

HIS name is Nicholas Throckmorton but to people in Washington DC he is simply Nick Vrachanski (of Vratsa).

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UKRAINE's national day is marked on August 24, the country's Independence Day. On this day in 1991, the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian sole legislative authority, proclaimed the Act of Independence of Ukraine. An all-Ukrainian referendum, held on December 1 the same year confirmed this Act of Independence of Ukraine.

More NATO hope

A large part of the U.S. Senate is supportive of NATO enlargement and willing to back Bulgaria's membership bid as they recognize the country's achievements, said Senator Richard Lugar during his visit last weekend.

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Petko Karavelov Boulevard in Sofia's Ivan Vazov district was named after one of the outstanding statesmen and democrats of Bulgaria.

More NATO hope

A large part of the U.S. Senate is supportive of NATO enlargement and willing to back Bulgaria's membership bid as they recognize the country's achievements, said Senator Richard Lugar during his visit last weekend.

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Petko Karavelov Boulevard in Sofia's Ivan Vazov district was named after one of the outstanding statesmen and democrats of Bulgaria.

Joint experimentation on canvas

They did not show up for an interview even though we had an appointment. One could not make it on time and the other did not want to give any interviews without his colleague and friend. At first I was disappointed but then I realized that there must be a strong connection between the two.

Abstract art finds new home

After a lethargic summer season in the art world, the advent of early fall is energizing art circles in Sofia. A sign of this enlivenment is the opening of new galleries, which will offer a refuge for both artists and admirers of their art.

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Indira Gandhi Street, Sofia

AUGUST 15 marks India's Independence Day, which commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved freedom from British rule. It is celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes in the state capitals.

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On August 1, Switzerland celebrated Confederation Day, its national holiday. On that day, Switzerland commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291.

A pat on the back

The Government has worked and will continue to work to solve the problems of Bulgaria, Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg said in his long-awaited address to the nation Tuesday evening.

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In the month of so many national days of countries on the American continent, one should not omit to mention the name of Alexander von Humboldt, best known for his exploration of Central and South America.

Passi gives one-year review

The past year has been the most strenuous and saturated in Bulgaria's foreign policy since World War 2 and probably one of the most successful, read the report by Foreign Minister Solomon Passi on the Government's first year in office.

Bulgaria branded

The phrase "Take It Easy!" will build Bulgaria's positive image abroad.

Missile issue set to explode

Contention over the destruction of Bulgaria's Soviet-era missiles continued to increase over the past week.

Foreigner fees hiked

FOREIGNERS who want to work in Bulgaria on a freelance basis will be charged 1,000 leva for the issuing of a work permit.

Libya trial postponed again

ON a motion by Libyan prosecution authorities, the trial against six Bulgarian medics was adjourned again on Monday.

EU support continues to grow

Bulgaria received further support and positive evaluations in its preparation for European Union membership over the past week.

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In the month when the US, Venezuela and Colombia celebrate their national days - July 4, July 5 and July 20 respectively - the most logical candidate for the weekly Road Scholars column would seem to be Christopher Columbus.

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The upcoming Bastille Day, July 14, celebrated as France's national day, is a good occasion to stroll along Paris Street in Sofia. And why not pay a short visit to France's capital itself, after which the street was named?

Summit boosts NATO hopes

THE last meeting of NATO aspirants before the November summit of the alliance brought more optimism for Bulgaria's membership bid.

Danish envoy speaks on nuke row

EXPERTS believe that Kozlodui's units 3 and 4 cannot be made safe, Danish ambassador Christian Faber-Rod has said.

Brit in search of shag

How would you react if somebody asked you for a shag?

Purvanov gets down to business in Croatia

Good political ties must develop into good trade and economic relations, was the major message of President Georgi Purvanov's first official visit to Croatia Thursday to Sunday.

New coalition agreement for NMSII

The two mandate carrying parties in the ruling coalition National Movement Simeon II received guarantees that their representatives will be appointed in case of changes at the executive and legislative levels.

Bulgaria reaches for road map

With the change of EU presidency on July 1, Bulgaria was assured that it would be offered a revised roadmap for accelerated accession negotiations and increased financial assistance in December.

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With Germany falling just short of winning the World Cup final, the focus of this week's article will be one of Germany's greatest sons - Ludwig van Beethoven.

Bringing holidaying to a peak

The long lazy days lying on the beach are not for everybody. Some people certainly prefer the riches that mountains have to offer in the heat of summer.

Saxe-Coburg sets EU deadline

BULGARIA has set December 2006 as its official deadline for accession to the European Union.