Archive of articles - May 1997

Rockin' out with Richard Müller - a Slovak original

The lifestyle of rocker Richard Müller is one that definitely exceeds the boundaries of the average Joe - physically, mentally and morally.Müller has created for himself an image of the consummate rock-star. His concerts mimic the style of any currently popular group on tour, yet retain a certain 80's caliber of technical effects and fog. His all black outfit and pupil-hiding shades give him a certain uniqueness - at least in his opinion."We should also be famous in America," Müller said after his Bratislava concert in early May which kicked off his Slovak tour. "It's very clear." Having played to an over sold-out crowd that evening, Müller probably has something to crow about.

Shareholders give nod to changes in JCP

Dobšiná ice cave is a delightful destination

Morning comes cold in the closed-in Hlniec river valley tucked east of the Low Tatras. There is a stillness to the dense tree-lined slopes that curve their way deeper into Slovenský Raj, Slovakia's Paradise.But before entering this playful natural park, the wide road with loose stones from Poprad to Dobšina, flattens out after a steep descent away from the mountains into a tourist trap of sorts. Somewhere in the trees is the entrance to the famous Dobšiná ice cave.To suit the many visitors seeking the cold underground, numerous tourist-like buildings lay scattered beside the turn-off that leads to the cave. Perched atop a slanting parking lot is a wooden non-stop restaurant serving bean soup, hot dogs and steamy but watery tea on a covered porch.

Chiros to supply Russian hospital

Community Grapevine

Slovak exports' addiction to imports is deepening

Slovak exports are growing more and more dependent on imports of energy and raw materials, meaning that unless the country's industrial giants kick this unfavorable habit, it won't matter whether the country's exports increase or not, because the trade deficit is only going to widen.Analyses by the Slovak Chamber of Business and Commerce (SOPK) back this up. According to its research, imports account for 70 percent of Slovak exports, while domestic production without imported materials makes up 30 percent. "In the first place, we need to improve the ratio to at least 60:40, and then our foreign trade will be doing a lot better," said Peter Mihók, SOPK's chairman.Mihók sees the export structure as one of the reasons for companies' heavy dependence on imported goods. In his opinion, the majority of Slovak products shipped abroad are those with a lower added value and which are dependent on imports.

Sony Corp. to expand in Slovakia

April inflation rate is 0.5%

Lights are on, but transport coffers dry

Bratislava commuters are finding it frustratingly common to start their day on avenues jammed with inoperable trolley buses and finish it on pitch-black lanes devoid of street lighting. Are these breakdowns in the capital's infrastructure likely to cease soon? Yes and no.The future is bright for the city's public lighting system, but the public transportation is not likely to get back on the right track anytime soon.Since January, the German electric company Siemens has been at work on its five-year, 1.9 billion Sk ($60 million) project to overhaul Bratislava's entire public lighting network. The city found money for the project through the Japanese investment firm Nomura-sponsored bond issue in December 1995.

COFAX '97 caters to the telecommunications craze June 3-6 at Incheba in Bratislava

The seventh annual COFAX computer and telecommunications bonanza starts in Bratislava June 3-6. Located at the revamped Incheba exhibition center on the Petržleka side of the Danube in Bratislava, COFAX will showcase 235 companies in over 11,000 m2 of floor space.This year's event is indicative of the trends in technology today - especially by its heavy emphasis on telecommunications. Three out of the six biggest exhibitors are in the telecom field: Slovak Telecom, GSM and NET provider Eurotel, and the mobile phone company Ericsson. Hall C will be completely devoted to this field with satellite communication companies like Telenor, GSM providers, mobile phone companies and other telecommunication firms. Siemens Nixdorf, ICL, and Columbex round out the other top exhibitors.

Around Slovakia

Underwater photo contest is first ever in SlovakiaMedieval dentist tools on displayHorrible wind damages gold town

SE submits proposal for 50 percent energy price hike

Slovenské Elektrárne (SE), looking at projected zero profits for this year and a net loss for 1997, has proposed jacking up the price of electricity 50 percent for small consumers who the company's leaders say are paying far below market prices for power. But this state-owned utility's spunky bid one year before national elections most likely will receive less than full approval from the Slovak government.Responding to SE's proposal on April 15, Economic Minister Karol Česnek, who until last fall was SE's general director, told the Slovak press, "The proposal to increase the price of electricity by 50 percent for citizens and 10 percent for large corporate customers is maximal, and the actual increase could be half of it. However, when and how much the prices will go up has not been decided. The government prefers a model of gradual steps."

Slower industrial output no threat to GDP

A lower-than-expected rise in Slovak industrial output in March should not have a significant influence on overall GDP growth, analysts said on May 13.The Slovak Statistical Bureau (ŠÚSR) said March industrial output rose 1.5 percent year-on-year, down from a 2.2 percent rise in February. A Reuters poll of analysts on May 12 predicted March output may increase by as much as four percent."Even though we had expected the figure to be higher, the slower growth is not very surprising due to remaining structural problems in the entire economy," an analyst with ING Barings in Bratislava, Martin Barto, said. "But the slower increase will probably not endanger GDP growth since a major part of it should be boosted by services, just as it was in 1996."

VSŽ keeps position as most liquid share, while demand remains steady for Slovnaft stock

The BCPB floor market was quiet during the first half of May.VSŽ maintained its position as the most liquid share, its price rising Sk10 to Sk750 due to dividend expectations. These were triggered by VSŽ management's announcement that it will propose a dividend payment of Sk40 per share from its 1996 net profit of Sk1.35bn ($42.5m), implying a payout ratio of 49%. Last year, VSŽ paid a dividend of Sk20, but its net profit was 9% higher than in 1996(5?).According to VSŽ President Jan Smerek, reports of a car production joint venture with Toyota are preliminary, he said, adding that Nomura was asked to evaluate the feasibility of VSŽ's offer. He also stated that VSŽ has a strategic goal of acquiring Hungarian and Czech metals sector companies.

Eighteen months after deputies passed state language law, government leaders say minority language rights are protected

Ever since the Slovak Parliament passed a law making Slovak the country's official language, the international community has pressed the government to push through a law that would clarify the use of languages for the country's minorities, especially for the approximately 600,000- strong Hungarian community residing mostly in southern Slovakia.But to date no law has been forthcoming, despite the fact that in many Western countries, it is one important piece in a mosaic of resistance to granting Slovakia its twin wish to enter NATO and the European Union (EU)."At the time of the [state language] law's passage 18 months ago," said a Western diplomat who preferred not to be identified, "the government said it would be part of a bigger legal package, and there would be a minority language law later.

What the coalition & the opposition is saying...

On May 23 - 24, Slovak citizens were asked to participate in a referendum to decide whether they think the country should join NATO and whether or not they agree that the Slovak president should be elected directly by the people. The Slovak Spectator's Daniel Borský and Daniel J. Stoll asked a leading member from each political party represented in parliament how they would answer the four questions put to the public and why. The questions on the referendum ballot are:Question 1: Are you in favor of Slovakia joining NATO?Question 2: Are you in favor of nuclear weapons being placed on Slovak territory?Question 3: Are you in favor of military bases being placed on Slovak territory?Question 4: Do you agree that the Slovak president should be directly elected?

Celtic days in Slovakia

A day at the Zoo

The zoo is one place of which almost everyone has fond memories. Children like it because they can marvel at the assortment of exotic animals. Adults enjoy it because invariably they learn something about the beasts fish or fowl, with whom they share space on this planet.The Bratislava Zoo is no exception. While the range of animals may not be as extensive as in other zoos, the zoo is well designed and uses its space well. One can spend an hour breezing through or an entire day strolling in the greenery with occasional stops at one of several outdoor cafes to grab a quick ice cream, hot dog or pivo.Among the favorites with the masses are of course the tigers and lions. Unfortunately, the zoo hasn't caught on to the potential attraction of feeding these wild creatures in public view like other zoos instead of after hours.

Bratislava's top spots for Outdoor Dining

Air conditioning is a rare luxury in the capital's eateries. So if you seek to either soak in the rays over lunch or enjoy dinner amidst evening breezes, head to one of the restaurants below. We list centrally-located places that encourage outdoor dining. Those with the greatest opportunities for people-watching or the most pastoral surroundings garnered the most favor.