On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

www.ni.rs

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

www.ni.rs

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

www.ni.rs

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

www.ni.rs

2

BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

www.ni.rs

3

REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

www.ni.rs

4

LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

1

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

5

6

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

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NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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On the occasion of Protocol signing the Vice president Božidar Djelić said that that day was important for the City of Niš and Serbia because the new period of industrial development began in Niš. French Company SAGEM which is present on the world markets in the IT area and area of managing electric energy will open the production facility on 8000m2 within EI Niš premises and it will invest, at least, 6 million euros and employ 200 people in the period of next five years.

Emphasizing the great importance of signing the Protocol with Sagem, Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, said that this agreement opened the new investment cycle and the revival of the electronic industry in Niš. The Mayor expressed his attitude to the Government of Serbia for the support to the city and the city management in its intention to continue the tradition of electronic industry development. "The coming of Sagem into our city is the right way to

The City of Niš, the Republic of Serbia Government and French Company Sagem signed the Cooperation Protocol at Niš City Hall. The Protocol was signed by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, Republic of Serbia Government Vice president for European Integrations Božidar Djelić and the Sagem company president Patrik Sevian.

FRENCH COMPANY SAGEM IN NIŠ

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BANKABLE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR NIŠ WATER WORKS AND NIŠ AIRPORT

users which creates money flow and generate income to the city. The second feasibility study will be prepared for PUC Naissus since the treatment of the waste waters is of the vital importance for any city as big as Niš. The above mentioned feasibility studies will provide the City of Niš with fulfillment of EU standards on planning, devising projects and creating best model of financing. With these feasibility studies the airport Constantine the Great and PUC Naissus will be the best competitive enterprises for attracting donors and investors. Bankable feasibility studies are necessary preconditions for accessing the EU funds and they will be comparative advantage in applying for EU grants. The projects of comprising these feasibility studies are 1.600.000,00

million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus is 1.100.000, 00 million euros worth. The Bankable Feasibility Study for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great airport is 500.000,00 euros worth. More than half will be financed by Swedish Government. Also the feasibility study on energy efficiency for the Niš City was agreed and it will be directly financed by Swedish government. "Those bankable feasibility studies for Niš airport and waterworks, as well as the announced feasibility study for energy efficiency will be important documents which will help solve three very important areas for the functioning of the city," said Mayor Simonović.

The representatives of Swedish delegation pointed out that Swedish support to Niš City would develop partnership relations between the businessmen from these two countries. Sweden will preside over EU starting July this year. Sweden believes that EU extension brings benefits both to new and old members.

Niš City highest officials signed with the Swedish Consultant company SEK and with the representative of Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Contract on provision of consultant services in devising the Bankable Feasibility studies for environmental and technical upgrading of Constantine the Great Airport, as well as, for wastewater treatment plant development program for PUC Naissus. The first phase of the contract realization refers to making expertise on the basis of which the funds from Swedish government will be approved. The airport "Constantine the Great" has potentials for attracting investors, but it is also firm base of airport service

show to other investors that it is worth while to invest into this region", said Simonović. "By realising this investment we open the door for the establishment of the technological park in our city", added Simonović. The president of Sagem Company, Patrik Sevian, said that production facility which would be opened in Niš would be very important for not only the production output but for

commercial department as well since it was the intention of the company to position itself towards Russian markets. The international company Sagem has an annual turnover of 1,6 billion euros and it employs 6500 workers. The present plans for Niš are to employ 200 workers but they hope to increase this number to 600. The first production line is expected to start in few months.

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REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY HONORARY CONSUL'S OFFICE OPENED IN NIŠ

The Office of Republic of Hungary Honorary Consul was opened in Niš. The main activity of the honorary consular office will be strengthening economic, cultural and sport cooperation between this part of Serbia and Republic of Hungary as it was pointed out by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović, the Honorary Consul Miloje Branković and Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary Jeno Faler. "The opening of the honorary consular office is of extreme importance for our city whose intention is to strengthen the international cooperation with all the countries in the region. By opening this office we create new opportunities for cooperation with EU in all areas," said Mayor Simonović. Mayor Simonović reminded the present guest of successful cooperation with Republic of Greece and Republic of Bulgaria through their consulates in Niš.

The honorary consul of the Republic of Hungary, Miloje Branković, said that his office would work on the linking of entrepreneurs from this region and from the Republic of Hungary and he stated the tourism and agriculture as greatest development potentials. Republic of Hungary Consulate is at No 38, Obranovićeva street.

Consulate opening – new chance for cooperation with EU countries

NGO Protecta and the Mayor of Niš City Mr. Miloš Simonović signed yesterday the Agreement on working and technical cooperation on the founding of the Agency Niš Investment Forum.

The basic goal of new agency NIF will be the presentation of best investment opportunities of Niš and South Serbia at the international investment and economy fairs and conferences. Agency NIF will organize also a range of smaller activities with the aim of economic potentials promotion as well as promotion of specific locations on Niš City territory. The intention of the NGO Protecta representatives was, as they emphasized on the occasion of the agreement signing, to convince the world and the citizens that investing in Niš was worthwhile. Mayor Miloš Simonović thanked once again the organizer for excellent organization of NIF 08 and added that opening of NIF Agency was the result of further successful cooperation between the City and NGO Protecta. We will work together on promotion of NIF which has already become Niš brand and work out all city potentials, said Simonović and pointed out that NIF would be a chance to present, besides the investment climate, also the results achieved in last year.

NIŠ INVESTMENT FORUM – NIŠ CITY BRAND

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LETTER OF INTENT SIGNED WITHSWEDISH CITY VÄXJÖ

Niš City Council members Miodrag Radović and Biljana Jovanović held a series of meetings with the representatives from Slovenian institutions led by Mr. Janko Pevec, an economy consultant to the Slovenian ambassador in Serbia. During the meetings, the Niš City management presented the city projects eligible for the application with EU funds together with Slovenian partners. "If we want to apply for EU funds, first, we have to establish the partnerships with the colleagues from EU countries", said Miodrag Radović. He explained that it was agreed with Slovenian partners to continue the cooperation in the implementation of the joint projects within the framework of Transnational Cooperation Programme - Objective 3 for the cooperation area of South East Europe for the year 2009. The cave Cerjanska and the Emperor's palace are two most important projects and they are chosen for the joint application with EU funds. Miodrag Radović said that it was the intention of the city to make use of Slovenian experience in the area of tourism. "By establishing cooperation between the Slovenian Institute for Heritage Preservation and Niš City Monument Preservation Institute, as well as by establishing cooperation between our two touristic organisations, we will try to apply jointly to EU funds relevant for the development of touristic potentials", added Mr. Radović. Janko Pevec, the economic consultant, from Embassy of Republic Slovenia in Belgrade, said that Niš had great touristic potentials and added that it was very important to use these potentials by realizing the projects in partnership with colleagues from EU countries.

COOPERATION BETWEEN NIŠ AND SLOVENIA

Niš City Mayor, Miloš Simonović, and Växjö City Deputy Mayor, Ulf Hedin, signed the Letter of Intent which referred to cooperation of these two cities in all areas of social life.

The representatives of two cities agreed that the future cooperation should be developed based on the principles of open dialogue and focused on defining the strategic development priorities. Växjö is the city in the South of Sweden with more than 80.000,00 inhabitants. It is administrative, culture and industrial center of the Kronoberg district and important crossroad of the regional roads. Växjö is the university center with 14.000,00 students and it represents the good base for education of the workers who can find their jobs in one of 8.000,00 small and medium size enterprises operating in the city. The City of Växjö is internationally recognised in its fight against pollution and

climatic changes and it has been declared the greenest city in Europe. On the occasion of signing the Letter of Intent, Mayor Simonović said that the City of Niš was particularly interested in establishing business cooperation and in the exchange between universities centers, and added that he hoped that the City of Niš and the City of Växjö could exchange the experience in the area of environmental protection.

Växjö Niš

Ulf Hedin,Växjö City Deputy Mayor

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CROSSBORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM The City of Niš hosted the meeting of Supervisory Board of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program on the occasion of defining of the documentation necessary for submitting of joint projects which should be financed from the Pre-Accession EU Funds (IPA).

PUBLIC DEBATE ON POVERTY REDUCTION STRATEGY DURING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS The Public Debate on Poverty Reduction Strategy during the Economic Crisis, held in the City of Niš, gathered numerous spokespersons, Government officials, members from the National Parliament, representatives from the economic faculties, NGOs and the City of Niš.

Crossborder Cooperation Program Bulgaria-Serbia was approved by European Comission and has been implemented on the territory of Bor, Zaječar, Pčinj, Pirot and Nišava District in Serbia and Vidin, Montana, Pernik, Custendil and Sofia District in Bulgaria. The aim of the Program is encouraging of sustainable economic and social development of the bordering regions through bilateral, regional and transnational cooperation. The approved means from IPA Fund for both countries are 11.551.284 euros. That amount covers 85% of the total Program value, and the rest 15% are financed from own means. Mayor of Niš Mr. Miloš Simonović expressed a great interest in participation of the City in the Crossborder Cooperation Program and reaffirmed readiness of the local self-government to offer all available capacities with the aim of realisation of potential projects within the Program. He said that he expected that through

efficient projects realisation the quality level and the capacity of the local administration would be increased, and thus prepared for using of the means from the Pre-Acession EU Funds. The City will, among other things, provide the office for development and realisation of Bulgaria-Serbia Crossborder Cooperation Program, added Simonović. Bulgarian delegation representatives said at the meeting that the existing cooperation between local self-governments of Serbia and Bulgaria indicated a successful follow-up of the Program. Ministry for finances of the Republic of Serbia is the national coordinator for implementation of Programs of crossborder, regional and transnational cooperation in which Serbia is an equal partner. In the Crossborder Cooperation Program the partner of the Ministry for finances is the Ministry for regional development and public works from Bulgaria.

Mayor of the City of Niš pointed out that Niš, being the center of Southeastern Serbia, was facing the biggest challenge when fighting poverty. He added that the City must be ready for saving up, to reduce the local administration and to act as an intermediary between the Republic of Serbia and the business sector in order to preserve the existing jobs.

The Chairperson of the Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence, Ms. Sonja Liht, said that we needed extensive reforms and appropriate measures in order to protect the country from the crisis. It is also vital to send a realistic presentation of the economic situation in the country to the citizens and point out all possible consequences of the global economic crisis added Ms. Liht and expressed her fear that the worst is was yet to come.

The City is also trying to secure new credit lines which will stimulate new investments and new jobs. Ministry of Finances State Secretary, Mr. Slobodan Ilić, described the situation in the country as a staggering new poverty horror. He said that, those that were hit the most were tolerable groups and he pleaded the government did not allow the least fortunate ones to carry the financial crisis burden.

Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović had a meeting with French ambassador Mr. Jean Fransoa Terral at Niš City Hall. After the meeting they announced that French Company Mr. Bricolage was coming to Niš and that they would open the distribution centre in Niš settlement Duvanište where about 200 people would be employed. This French company deals with the production and sale of materials and tools for do-it-yourself-works. His Excellency Mr. Terral also added that he believed in Serbia becoming the member of EU and the city future development would depend on Corridor X where Niš was positioned well. The Mayor and the French ambassador visited the Pasteur Institute which was established in 1900, only12 years after the opening of the Pasteur Institute in France. This institute is the oldest institution on the territory of ex YU countries. Next year it will celebrate 110th anniversary of its existence. The French ambassador expressed his readiness to participate in the revitalisation and the celebration of the Pasteur Institute anniversary.

NIŠ, CORRIDOR X CENTER

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STARA PLANINA MOUNTAIN AS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NIŠ AND KNJAZEVACThe Mayor of Niš City, Miloš Simonović, and the National Parliament members Boško Ristić and Dušan Milisavljević met with the Knjaževac Municipality president Mladen Radosavljević and discussed the common interests of these two cites, i.e. two regions.

AN HOUR FOR OUR PLANETThe City of Niš joined the "An Hour for Our Planet" initiative which was organised on March 28, 2009 in the countries all around the world.

"The basic task of Niš region is to define the common regional interests which will be achieved through institutionalised frameworks for the interregional cooperation development upon the adoption of the Law on Equal Regional Development", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Mountain is one of the common development interests both for the City of Niš and the Municipality of Knjaževac. Ski centre Stara Planina is the big development potential for the whole region of South and east Serbia. The construction of ski centre will cause the reconstruction and widening of the roads in several directions (Sokobanja, Niš and Pirot). Also, the potentials for the development of the accommodation service within the villages at the foot of Babin Zub can also be further explored. Further development of this ski centre should be of interest not only for the Knjaževac Municipality but also for all the towns in the South and East of Serbia. "Stara Planina Mountain is only 90 km away from Niš. The prices are lower than at Kopaonik ski resort. This will attract

more skiers from Niš. The Municipality of Knjaževac expects the foreign tourists who usually fly so the airport Constantine The Great in Niš imposes itself as the priority for the cooperation between Niš and Knjaževac", said Mayor Simonović. Stara Planina Ski Centre has four ski slopes at the locations of Konjarnik, Sunčana Dolina and Markova Livada. The slopes are equipped for night skiing as well. There is a new four-seat ski lift with the capacity of 1500 skiers per hour and the ski lift Sunčana Dolina with the capacity of 1200 skiers per hour. There is also a "baby" ski lift at the location of Markova Livada.

This initiative is considered to be the greatest action ever initiated. It is the voice for the future of our planet. The City of Niš joined the world metropolises in the period from 20:30h to 21:30h, by turning off the light in the City administration building and city lights on the city squares. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed to the citizens of the world to join this initiative of the World Fund for Nature and he asked to apply

adequate measures for preventing the climatic changes. An Hour for Our Planet is the way to send a clear message to the whole world that something should be done regarding the climatic changes. Our citizens joined the millions of people all around the world and thus become the part of the world movement for an hour. Only by joining forces can we make progress in fighting against climatic changes.

Stipulated by the National Theatre in Niš through international cooperation, the National Academic Theatre from Belgorod performed the Old Lamp play for the local public. The fourteen member group includes the Director of the Belgorod Theatre, Mr. Viktor Slobodchuk, as well as the famous actors from Russia, such as Mr. Vitalij Starikov and Ms. Marina Rusakova. The premier performance of the Old Lamp was also attended by the Russian Ambassador in Serbia, Mr. Alexandar Konuzin and numerous City officials.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović also had a meeting with the Russian Ambassador in the City Hall. While talking about the plans for opening the Russian Cultural Center, both of them agreed that it would be the place where the citizens of the City of Niš could get in touch with the Russian Culture, learn Russian, but also exchange experiences and knowledge with the Russian business sector

AMBASSADOR KONUZIN AND THE RUSSIAN THEATRE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ

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LET'S CLEAN SERBIARelated to the initiative Let's Clean Serbia, the meeting gathering mayors and municipality presidents was held at Serbian National parliament in Belgrade.

The Annual Partner meeting within Local Democracy Agency for Central and Southern Serbia (LDA) network, held in Rovereto, Italy, in March, was of particular importance for the host City of Niš to LDA office. Founders and partners from Serbia, Norway, Italy and France elected Municipality of Aarhus from Denmark as a new Lead partner. Having established good cooperation through projects with the City of Niš and all city municipalities, Municipality of Aarhus realized the significance of what LDA had been doing over the past years in relation to drafting and implementing various projects directed towards raising living standards of young people. Municipality of Aarhus expressed great interest in providing financial support to LDA and its knowledge and experience in promoting European values and local development.

TWINNING AS A GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE

The delegation from Niš comprised of the presidents of Niš City Municipality of Palilula, Medijana and Pantalej, led by Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović attended this meeting. The Serbian Minister for Spatial Planning and Environment Oliver Dulić pointed out that the initiative came from the Ministry and the Serbian Government set it as its priority and delegated the coordination of implementation to the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment.

"We have gathered here today to start cleaning Serbia. Serbia is dirty and polluted. Our citizens' consciousness about this problem is very low. The cleaning is more than necessary. This initiative should unite all of us. The problems exist and we have to deal with them", said Oliver Dulić. He also reminded that pollution influenced the life quality of our citizens and that it was important task of the Minsitry of Spatial Planning and Environment to lower the tolerance level towards polluting the environment. He also said that the initiative objective was not short term removal of wild landfills. It was the change of consciousness about the importance of preserving our environment which would cause long term effects.

Mayor of the City of Niš, Mr. Miloš Simonović, gave a speech and pointed out that the City of Niš and this part of the Region had positive experiences when implementing ecological activities and campaigns. The cooperation with NGOs, educational institutions and public utility enterprises, defined by the Protocol on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regional Cooperation, gave good results. We are willing to transfer our knowledge to other parts of the country – as Mr. Simonović indicated. Ministry of Environmental Protection and Spatial Planning recognized low level of waste management as one of the biggest environmental problems in Serbia. Problems are mostly caused by the infrastructure not being sufficiently developed, people having bad habits and lack of care for the environment. About 40% of the generated household waste in Serbia is being put off at 4.481 wild landfills according to the latest inspection report. The remaining 1, 24 tons of yearly waste are being put off at 164 official landfills, which unfortunately are in most cases not a solution, but a problem. There are also problems with industrial waste, especially with dangerous waste management. Let’s Clean Serbia project will result in saving up, creating new jobs and developing new ecological industry. The support from the Environmental Protection Fund, National Investment Plan, Development Fund, National Employment Service and the ministries and municipalities is a encouraging for all of the project stakeholders.

The City of Niš celebrated the International Francophone Day. This year the whole month of March was dedicated to different manifestation in the celebration of francophonia. This celebration was joined by National Bank of Serbia by opening the exhibition in Niš Art Gallery Serbia together with French Culture Center. The exhibition was entitled "Central Banks of Serbia and France during World War I". The exhibition was opened by Serbian National Bank Governor Radovan Jelašić and Niš City Mayor Miloš Simonović. The exhibition opening was attended by numerous representatives of the diplomatic missions in Serbia.

FRANCOPHONE DAYS

www.ni.rs

6

NATO BOMBING ANNIVERSARYThe City of Niš has marked the 10th anniversary of NATO bombing.

The sirens marking the cessation of air raid danger and minute of silence was dedicated as the tribute in the honour of the NATO bombing victims. The wreaths of flowers were laid at the monuments dedicated to NATO bombing victims by the representatives of: the city management, the victims' families, the soldiers' associations, Serbian Army, Serbian Policy, the district of Nišava and by the Minister of Diaspora, Srdjan Srećković. The memorial service was held by the Bishop of Niš Irinej. The memorial gathering was

held at army barracks "Mija Stanimirović" in the memory of the killed soldiers.

During NATO bombing which lasted 78 days, 57 Niš citizens were killed and more than 200 were wounded. Niš was attacked more than 40 times. On May 7 and May 12, 1999, the Niš was covered with cluster bombs. During the air raids, the city was hit by 324 destroying missiles - 161 bombs, 36 containers of the cluster bombs, 71 cruising missiles and 8 graphite missiles.

CITY DONATION TO HEALTH CARE CENTER – DOM ZDRAVLJAMayor Miloš Simonović and City Councilor Blagoje Bradić donated two dentist chair sets to the Dentistry ward within Health Care Center Dom Zdravlja.

These chairs have been installed in the Children's and Adult's departments. This donation will provide better services to patients and it will make them more comfortable. Dentists from this health care center pointed out that these new chairs would provide better working conditions and would give way for more patient friendly approach. This hi-tech equipment being donated by the local self-government proves its intention to improve the quality of health care services in Niš, said Mayor Miloš Simonović.

One of the objectives of the City is to provide better working conditions for doctors in order to secure high quality health care services for the citizens, by maintaining and investing in the health care institutions, Mayor Simonović added. The latest dentist chair donation to Health Center Dom Zdravlja signifies the realization of one of the aims of the local health policy directed towards improving the health care services. This was indicated by the city officials who announced another hi-tech dentist chair set donation by the end of the year.

The Memorandum of Cooperation between the City of Niš, the Medical Faculty of the University of Niš and the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety has been signed. The signing of the Memorandum confirms the implementation of the idea of opening the Regional Offices for Work Place Health Care and the unique entrepreneurial training center in Serbia. It is expected that establishing of the Regional Offices will be initiated in all regions in the country and that all the offices will become the part of European network for work place health care promotion. The establishing of the regional offices demonstrates the readiness to work in a contemporary, comprehensive and organized way on health care of the Niš City working citizens. "If we do not transform the essential knowledge into preventive measures and we end up being just "firemen" who put out the fire once it burst outs, then we will miss the main objective", said the signatory parties of this Memorandum. Žarko Ranković, Niš City Councilor, signed the Memorandum on the behalf on Niš City. Ljubodrag Radević, the director of the Niš Institute for Occupational Safety and Prof Borislav Kamenov from the Medical Faculty cosigned the Memorandum. They all pointed out that the solution was in preventive review of all the factors which could endanger human health at work places.

HEALTH CARE AT WORK PLACES

Jeno Faler - Republic of Hungary Ministry of Exterior State Secretary,

Miloš Simonović - Mayor of Niš,Papp Sándor - Republic of Hungary

Ambassador in Serbia, and Miloje Branković - Honorary Consul

Newsletter: No. 3 - March 2009

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French Company Sagem In Niš

Bankable Feasibility Studies For Niš Water Works And Niš Airport

Republic Of Hungary Honorary Consul's Office Opened In Niš

Niš Investment Forum – Niš City Brand

Letter Of Intent Signed With Swedish City Växjö

Cooperation Between Niš And Slovenia

Crossborder Cooperation Program

Public Debate On Poverty Reduction Strategy During The

Economic Crisis

Niš, Corridor X Center

Nato Bombing Anniversary

City Donation To Health Care Center – Dom Zdravlja

Health Care At Work Places

Stara Planina Mountain As Development Potential Of Niš And

Knjazevac

An Hour For Our Planet

Ambassador Konuzin And The Russian Theatre In The City Of Niš

Let's Clean Serbia

Twinning As A Good Practice Example

Francophone Days

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