Archive of articles - March 2003, page 3

Whirlpool sees revenues rise

Still more room for growth in leasing sector

Despite strong growth in Slovakia's leasing market over the last two years, further expansion is expected across the board, according to Milan Randák from the Association of Leasing Companies in Slovakia (ALS).2001 was a particularly strong year for leasing companies in Slovakia, with an overall rise of over 50 per cent in the value of new contracts, and 2002 saw a further rise of 15 per cent, Randák said.Out of the Sk40 billion (960 million euro) of new contracts signed last year, three quarters were for leasing of road vehicles, an area that has seen almost continuous growth over the last 10 years. With the leasing of private cars reaching 45 per cent of new purchases, it is fast approaching Western standards (in the UK the figure is 51 per cent).

Plans to raise awareness of family planning

Iraqi crisis could push up inflation

Ethnic Slovaks abroad to get more state aid

FOREIGN Minister Eduard Kukan met representatives from foreign Slovak communities on March 19 to discuss planned legislative changes to the way such people are supported abroad.The minister's proactive approach was welcomed by foreign ethnic Slovaks, who have long sought closer links with their ancestors' homeland."The current law [on ethnic Slovaks abroad] offers negligible rights. It doesn't oblige Slovak state bodies to do anything for them. It is necessary to replace it as soon as possible with new legislation that reflects the long-term interests of relations between Slovakia and ethnic Slovaks abroad," said Dušan Klimo, head of the World Association of Slovaks Living Abroad (SZSZ).

Photo of Iraqi aircraft shows Slovak flag

MANY in Slovakia were shocked to see a fighter jet with a Slovak emblem on its tail in a photo gallery of Iraqi military equipment on TV network CNN's web site. Slovakia is a member of the "coalition of the willing" and a staunch US ally.Word quickly spread through the country, until the MiG-29 tailpiece was an even hotter topic than the Slovak chemical, biological, and radiation protection unit currently deployed in Kuwait to assist coalition forces.According to the TASR news agency, Defence Minister Ivan Šimko was shocked when he saw the photo, but said he thought the picture had only been used to show what a MiG-29 jet looked like.

German theatre in Banská Bystrica

Grab a cab the way you want

"PROSÍM taxík pred Hotel Carlton, na meno John Black, telefón 0904 111 222 (I would like a taxi in front of the Hotel Carlton, for John Black, telephone 0904 111 222)." This tiny Slovak phrase just might save you money and time.As a foreigner, you will probably first ask the taxi operator whether he or she speaks English. However, don't be surprised if not, because very few operators do. Instead, if you memorise the above phrase, substituting key facts to suit your situation, half the battle will be won.After hearing your request, the operator will ask you to wait for a moment while he or she searches for the taxi closest to your location. The operator will then tell you that the taxi will be there in a number of minutes, informing you of the make and colour of the cab on its way.

Reader feedback: About time

Court throws out sterilisation case

SE to split before privatisation

EU entry may not bring price shock

US army dolphins train with Slovak software

Mystery jackpot winner scoops Sk39 million

Parliament unanimously backs NATO entry

Third body found in Devín Bank murders

Markíza fined Sk1 million for its pre-election reporting

A third of roads in disrepair

KDH rejects anti-discrimination law