CorD magazine 81

Supporting Negotiations

Ambassador Vincent Degert,

Georgi Ivanov,

H.E. François-Xavier Deniau,

Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Serbia

President of the Republic of Macedonia

Ambassador of France to Serbia

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APR ‘11 / ISSUE NO. 81

Timely Elections are Vital

Three Scenarios for Serbia

interviews opinions news comments events PRICE 250 RSD

DARKO TANASKOVIĆ, ORIENTAlIST AND PROFESSOR AT THE ACADEMy FOR DIPlOMACy AND SECURITy

No Bosniak Issue This issue is being fabricated with a purpose

BUSINESS DIAlOGUE - ‘EUROBANK EFG ExPO SERBIA 2011‘

Opportunities and Challenges Over 200 participants at the conference 'Eurobank EFG Expo Serbia 2011' discussed Serbia’s export potentials, financing exports and new trade guidelines in respect of exporting domestic products PRINCE WIllIAM TO MARRy KATE MIDDlETON

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Prince William, the second in line to the British throne, will marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton on 26th April at Westminster Abbey BECOME A MASTER OF CHARITy!

The Race for Japan

This year’s CorD Charity Masters will be devoted to the people of Japan

HIS HOlINESS PATRIARCH IRINEJ OF SERBIA

New Page in

HISTORY

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32 ECONOMY

Three Scenarios for Serbia

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Ambassador Vincent Degert, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Serbia

New Page in History

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Research & Innovation

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Georgi Ivanov, President of the Republic of Macedonia

Darko Babić, DHL Cluster Manager West Balkans

“EUROBANK EGF Expo Serbia 2011” Conference

Multiple Benefits

Supporting Negotiations

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H.E. François-xavier Deniau, Ambassador of France to Serbia

Miloš Škrbić, Director of DDOR Garant

The wedding

Focus on Growth

Pierre-Olivier Beckers, President and CEO, Delhaize Group

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Prince William to marry Kate Middleton

Leadership Position

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INFLATION

Ilija Šetka, Regional President for Serbia and Montenegro at Starbev Company Group and Chairman of the Managing Board of Apatin Brewery

Opinions

No Bosniak Issue

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Darko Tanasković, Orientalist and Professor at the Academy for Diplomacy and Security

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Tatjana Ostojić, t.ostojic@cma.rs EDITOR: Jelena Aleksić, j.aleksic@aim.rs ASSISTANT EDITOR: Philomena O’Brien, p.obrien@aim.rs ART DIRECTOR: Ilija Petrović, i.petrovic@aim.rs CONTRIBUTORS: Vojka Vignjević, Ilija Despotović, Slavka Kovač, Nevena Maričić, Marija Damjanović, Petar Škorić

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Faces and Places

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PHOTOS: Časlav Vukojičić, Darko Cvetanović TRANSLATION: Goga Purić, Snežana Bjelotomić EDITORIAL MANAGER: Tanja Banković, t.bankovic@cma.rs PROJECT MANAGERS: Vesna Vukajlović, v.vukajlovic@aim.rs; Marija Savić, m.savic@aim.rs; Jelica Lepori, j.lepori@aim.rs FINANCIAL DIRECTOR: Ana Besedić, a.besedic@cma.rs

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Population census in Montenegro

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Opportunities and Challenges

Timely Elections are Vital

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Quotes

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34

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As a Referendum

Karoly lajko, General Manager of OMV Serbia

Happy Staff - Higher Profit

Borislav Stefanović, Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Serbian Negotiation Team

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Good Growth Potential

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His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia

Dialogue Must Continue

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82 PROFILE

14 COMMENT

April 2011

GENERAL MANAGER: Ivan Novcic, i.novcic@cma.rs PRINTING: Rotografika d.o.o., Segedinski put 72, Subotica CorD is published by: alliance international media Kneginje Zorke 11b, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Phone: +(381 11) 308 99 77, Fax: +(381 11) 308 99 88

Dr. Herbert Fisch, Vice-President BASF Hungaria Kft & Southeast Europe

Business to Business & Appointments

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Race for Japan

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CorD Charity Masters 2011

Culture News & Calendar

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Telling a Story

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Barak Marshall, choreographer

Shake Off the winter Blues

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Travel

Positivity Paves the way

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Žana Korolija, Owner and General Manger of Core Relations

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comment

Three Scenarios for Serbia It is completely in Serbia’s hands to provide the Commission with the arguments that will give it enough grounds to approach the Council and its 27 Ministers with the recommendation to award Serbia with candidate status

Ambassador Vincent Degert, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Serbia

the perspective to move to the next step in the process – that is the opening of negotiations. However, there are ver 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the counno predetermined scenarios and it is up tries of South Eastern Europe or the Western Balkans to Serbia to carry out the necessary reforms. are walking down the same path that should, if they so There are no models, since each country’s case is different, decide, lead them towards membership in the European Union. however a number of scenarios could be witnessed in the past: However, the world has changed and the European Union is an • Candidate status is granted, with the recommendation to ever changing and evolving entity. As the previous countries set the date for the opening of accession talks. which joined the European Union (www.europa.eu) had to adopt • Candidate status is granted, but additional reforms need and implement the European rules that were in place in 2004 to be implemented and verified in order to set the date and in 2007, today the countries of the Western Balkans have for the opening of accession talks. to do the same in order to join the Union.

• The Opinion is not positive; indicating that the state of reThe playing field for membership has not changed; it is the forms is insufficient, therefore the process is prolonged. requirements that have grown since and are growing every Where is Serbia in this equation? day as the EU further integrates. If we look at football today, In October, we shall see the results of Serbian reforms and the game is faster, there are more referees making sure that the assessment of the Commission on how capable Serbia all players abide by the rules of the game. The European inteis of conducting accession negotiations and implementing gration is following a similar trend.

European standards. Therefore, it is completely in Serbia’s With its application to join the European Union, Serbia has hands to provide the Commission with the arguments that committed itself to a European future. The expectations that will give it enough grounds to the EU has for its potential fuIn October, we shall see the results of approach the Council and its ture members are the same for 27 Ministers with the recomall them. Serbia is looking forSerbian reforms and the assessment of ward to a positive Opinion from the Commission on how capable Serbia is mendation to award Serbia with candidate status. the Commission on its memThe findings of the 2010 bership application by the end of conducting accession negotiations and Progress Report have alof the year. The Commission is implementing European standards ready served as useful guidassessing the preparedness of ance for Serbia. Based on them the Serbian government’s Serbia based on Serbia’s responses to the Questionnaire and Action Plan with its 96 priorities and measures adopted in on the findings of several expert missions that have visited December 2010 puts the focus on a wide range of issues the country to compare the answers with the reality on the such as human and minority rights, electoral legislation and ground. However, the final decision on whether a country is the issue of blank resignations, good governance, rule of law, ready for accession talks lies with the 27 Member States. the fight against corruption, property restitution, co-operaWhat needs to be crystal clear is that candidate status is tion with the ICTY (www.icty.org), the issue of public procurenot a prize or a medal, but something that is awarded based on merit and achievements. It is neither the end of the procment just to mention a few of them. This is not an easy path ess, but rather an important step in order to proceed further and it will require persistent efforts from all Serbian actors in the accession process. I certainly hope that a positive opininvolved in order to achieve the end result – EU membership. ion in mid-October this year will be achieved and will lead to We must also remember that it is not the length of the procthe granting of candidate status to Serbia; it would then open ess which counts most, but rather its quality!

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On the 11th March at 2:46 p.m. local time Japan was struck by the most powerful earthquake to hit the island nation since record-keeping began in the late 1800s The 8.9-magnitude temblor, which was centered near the east coast of Japan, killed thousands of people, caused the formation of 30-foot walls of water that swept across rice fields, engulfed entire towns, dragged houses onto highways, and tossed cars and boats like toys. Officials ordered evacuations after the earthquake knocked out power to a cooling system at the Fukushima Daiichi facility near the city of Onahama, about 270 kilometers northeast of Tokyo.

Japan lies on the “Ring of Fire” — an arc of earthquakes and volcanic zones stretching around the Pacific where about 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur.

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The Japanese Embassy in Serbia is deeply grateful for the support and attention it has received from the people of Serbia. The Embassy announces that in order to help the people of Japan start rebuilding their lives and their country, it has opened a special account for donations. This assistance will be forwarded to the Red Cross of Japan, and will be used for those who need it the most.

Instructions for payment in dinars for the benefit of non-resident accounts in dinars: According to the guidelines for the implementation of decisions and the method of payment transactions, payment must be made as dinar transfers (MT 103, cover 202) as per the following instructions: Receiver bank: Societe Generale Banka Srbija AD (SOGYRSBG) 908-27501-22 Dinar-resident account: EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN SERBIA Help the people of Japan

32A: value date, currency, amount RSD 53A: sender’s correspondent

NBSRRSBD

59A: beneficiary

EMBASSY OF JAPAN IN SERBIA 13909-941-10221263877 22 RSD | 81 April 2011 | 9

cordeditorial@cma.rs

interview HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH IRINEJ OF SERBIA

The celebration of the Edict of Milan is an important event for Christianity and the timeline, role and significance of this event should be further explored.

This is a great vicissitude in Roman history since, after 300 years of persecution, Christians finally gained their freedom.

This event is an opportunity to gather representatives of all the churches together, turn a new page in the history books, establish new contacts among churches and put a stop to the conflicts of the past Easter message

I

encourage people to be true believers, not only declaratively, but by living their lives in accordance with their religious beliefs. Our religion is not a philosophy or a system of moral values, it is living life to please Jesus Christ, the Gospel and divine science. Be believers by living your lives in the truth of your religion. Fasting, that was not so popular in the past, is now becoming a regular activity and there are more and more people coming to Church on Wednesdays and Fridays for Holy Communion.

Communion is actually the real testament to the faith. We would like to invite people who are indifferent, but are not atheists, and who have no real contact with the Church to come to Church.

The real believer is one who fasts, prays to God and maintains their relationship with the Church, as well as one who crowns this relationship with Holy Communion. I would like to wish for their days spent fasting to be peaceful and loving, and to celebrate Easter in its true Christian glory and joy. Easter is the true essence of our faith. Without Easter and believing that we are going to be saved, our faith is meaningless and only those people who truly believe in Easter are true to their faith and are real Christians.

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New Page in

HISTORY

exclusive

By Jelena AlEKSIĆ Photo: Dragan S. TANASIJEVIĆ

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n an exclusive interview for CorD magazine, His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia openly talks about the problems within the Serbian Orthodox Church and its relations with other religious communities in Serbia and the region. We also talked with His Holiness about the anniversary of the Edict of Milan, religious education, young people and Kosovo and Metohija. The Serbian Patriarch Irinej points out that the Church should not get involved in politics and that priests should not be politically engaged. However, as citizens, they do have the right to form their own opinion, just like he does.

■ It has been just over a year since you were enthroned as the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church. What problems have you encountered in the Church in the past period and what is the state of the Church today?

- Even at the best of times, the Church has always had problems, let alone today. The first problem that I had to face was the consequence of the Church not having a Patriarch for a very long time. Many things were improvised and the resolution of some problems had been constantly delayed. The first noticeable effect of such problems was the well-documented situation with the ex-Bishop Artemije of Raška and Prizren

drals, but relatively small, functional facilities to serve people. If you live in a town and need to commute a lot to get to a church, then that is certainly not practical. On the other hand, as soon as you erect a church in a large town, a parish is very easily established.

His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia talking to our editor

■ What will be the priorities of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2011? What will be the Church’s major focus?

- We do have a major focus, and not only for 2011. One of the Church’s problems is taking care of religious education. We (www.kosovo.net/artemy. still don’t have adequate With his behaviour, Artemije created a schism text books or teachers html). If the Church had had a Patriarch, this in the Church. By doing so, he has justified the who are thoroughly problem would have prepared to provide this severity of Church’s action in his case been resolved earlier sort of education. We and in a more painless way. The second big problem that are even forced to hire non-theologians who we know from has been troubling us for years is the problem with Kosovo the Church to teach. and Metohija. We are so distressed over the way our people live there, as well as the state of our sanctities and monaster■ Why? ies. These are the two biggest problems. Also, we don’t have - You could say that we don’t have enough high quality teachenough churches in the towns that are rapidly expanding. ing staff. Somebody can be an excellent theologian, but not necessarily an excellent teacher. The political system that we ■ What has caused this problem? have lived in for the past several decades has treated religion - Building temples is planned along with the spatial developas a necessary evil. Now, although this has changed, we are ment of a town. However, the towns in our country have been still talking about a process that takes time to take effect. I expanding very quickly, and the construction of churches believe that we will get new books and such good quality hasn’t been envisaged. Now that we want to build temples, staff that we will be able to pick and choose who is going to there is simply not enough space. There is a regulation in place teach religious education. that says that the location on which a temple is supposed to be built should be paid for. In Belgrade and Niš, for example, ■ Does that mean religious education still hasn’t ‘grown these financial problems could be overcome, but there are no roots’? available locations on which to build.

- Religious education in Serbia has ‘grown roots’, but it is still not what it should be. To begin with, religious education is not ■ Isn’t it possible to swap sections of land with local aua mandatory subject in schools, so it is still a matter of personal thorities? choice. Just like we don’t want anybody imposing their athe- In instances where local authorities are sensitive to this isism on us, we don’t want to impose religious education as the sue, we do swap land. We don’t want to build huge catheonly choice. The problem lies with another optional subject cordeditorial@cma.rs

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and that is civic education. We have heard that there is no healthy competition here, i.e. that school children are strongly advised to take on civic education and that is something that should not be happening.

■ Preparations for the celebration of the Edict of Milan are pending. What is the Church doing at the moment in this respect?

The Church is against clergy getting involved in politics and actively participating in it - The celebrations for the Edict of Milan (www.orthodoxwiki.org/ Edict_of_Milan) are an important event for Christianity and the timeline, role and significance of this event should be further explored. This is a great vicissitude in Roman history since, after 300 years of persecution, Christians finally gained their freedom. This event is an opportunity to gather representatives of all the churches together, turn a new page in the history books, establish new contacts among churches and put a stop to the conflicts of the past.

■ The main celebration is supposed to take place in Niš.

- Yes, for our Church, and maybe for other Eastern churches as well. We are now seeking consent from other churches, namely those in Jerusalem, Constantinople, Moscow and elsewhere.

If the main celebration is held in Niš, this will provide an extraordinary opportunity to establish Christian contacts and embark on a new phase in relations between the churches.

■ You have mentioned the problems of the Church and the population in Kosovo and Metohija. What can the Church do in order to assist the Serbs living there?

- Kosovo is a deep and painful wound. The Serbian people, who have chosen not to leave Kosovo and Metohija, are living in extremely aggravating conditions. High concrete walls are built around our sanctities in order for the people living in them to have some kind of limited freedom of movement.

People in Kosovo don’t feel safe even in their own houses, let alone out in the field. There isn’t a nation in Europe that is in 12

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such a difficult situation. The world sees this and knows a lot about it. There is a reason why this is the case and why it was allowed for a historical nation, like Serbs, to suffer such tragedy in the territory in which they have been living for hundreds and hundreds of years. The Church is doing what it can. We are trying to help with food and meeting the basic needs of the people living there. Priests are the most involved in these people’s lives, more than any other profession, so to speak, and we certainly don’t want to abandon our people there.

■ Certain high-ranking members of the clergy have been associated, in the past, with certain political parties and groups. What is your view in regards to this matter?

- In principle, the Church is against clergy getting involved in politics and actively participating in it. That has never been the Church’s intention. If a parish priest decides to join a political party, the others will consider him their political opponent. We really don’t need that. We need to make sure that clergy are above politics since the Church’s followers are members of all political parties. They should not be publicly endorsing any political direction. However, since we are also citizens, we cannot simply stand on the sidelines and observe what is happening or turn a blind eye to the events around us. As citizens, we can voice our opinion about decisions made by certain political parties and the Church salutes any good deeds performed by political parties. However, we should not get involved in political life.

■ It seems that churches all over the world are burdened by internal problems. Do you agree with this assessment and what has caused such a situation?

- There will always be problems. If we closely look at what is happening within the church, we will notice that there is a lack of principles. There are certain individuals whose behaviour is not in accordance with the canonical rules. Everybody has the right to choose what to think, but we think that Church representatives need to exercise that freedom of thought in line with the Gospel and faith. We haven’t encountered great problems in this area. However, if they do appear, we are going to resolve them in the spirit of our canonical rules. One such case involved Bishop Artemije and that was quite a difficult time for us. The Church had to do what it did, since his behaviour did not correspond to the Church’s rules or our canonical rules. Hence, the Church demonstrated its resolve and, at the beginning, he seemed to be accepting of our decisions. Unfortunately, due to the pressures exerted by the people that surround him, he changed his line of thought and with the way he behaves now has created a schism in the Church. By doing so, he has justified the severity of Church’s action in his case.

■ To what extent has the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos been reconstructed, subsequent to the fire in 2004?

When do you expect reconstruction to be completed?

- We, as true Balkanians, are quick to get excited about something and equally as quickly get cold feet. When the fire

occurred, everybody got involved and helped, but lately, reconstruction has been very slow. Firstly, there isn’t enough money to finish it, and, secondly, this is a very specific building. We want to restore the monastery just as it was before, and this entails more money being spent and more time consumed on reconstruction. So far, one third of Hilandar (www. hilandar.org) has been repaired.

history of our nation. If it weren’t for the Church, our national identity could have been lost. While we were enslaved, the Church was the soul of the people and thanks to the Church we have ‘appeared’ on the historical stage of culture and given our contribution to global cultural heritage. The Army, and I mean the Serbian Army and not the Yugoslav Army, sacrificed a lot in defending our material and spiritual values. Hence, during turbulent times, as today’s are, people are turning to ■ How much of the destroyed areas in Hilandar can be these two institutions. What I am especially happy about is completely restored? the fact that the Army is coming back to the Church, since, in - The library and treasury have not been destroyed. However, the past it would have been unthinkable for an army general the chapels have been ruined but they can be rebuilt. Unforto ask for blessings. Today, that happens quite often. This is tunately, the frescoes in these chapels are gone forever. We a wonderful example of respecting real and true values. We are fortunate as the most important sections have not burned are going to have army priests soon, which will contribute down such as the dining area, the church, library and treasto raising the awareness of the service about the Church and ury. The areas that have been destroyed in the fire can be reour country. For two years now, we have had a chapel at the paired for the most part. Our Church Council has appealed to Military Medical Academy (VMA). There is no antagonism the Council for Reconstruction of Hilandar and, in cooperabetween these two institutions, and citizens’ views do not contion with the state institutions, flict in this matter. The Church Our Church’s main celebration of the and the Army are the two pillars we have launched several campaigns. In the United States of of this nation and of its survival.

Edict of Milan is supposed to take America, we managed to colplace in Niš, but we are working on lect substantial funds for the ■ What is the relationship bebringing all the Churches to have restoration and I do hope that tween the Serbian Orthodox this will continue.

Church and other churches in their celebration here Serbia and the region like?

■ You are very interested in the lives of young people in Serbia.

- Very good. We are trying to preserve our religion, while, What is the attitude of young people towards the Church toat the same time, we respect the views and beliefs of other day and what kind of future do young people have in Serbia? people. We have good relations with the Islamic community, - Despite many people being very critical of today’s younger the Catholic Church and other recognised religious commugenerations, we are thankful to God for the young people’s nities. We are significantly removed from persecution and overall attitude towards the Church, Christianity and relihate, but we are also quick to point out to them when they gion. We see many young people coming to our churches. are doing something that is directed against our religion.

There are very few older people, who maybe don’t go to church because of their age or maybe because they have been ■ What is the relationship between believers and the Church? indoctrinated by a different ideology for many years. I am Have there been any changes to the levels of commitment of pleased to say that more and more young people are combelievers to traditional Christian postulates, especially during to our Church. The younger generations are the future ing the economic crisis and widespread poverty? and the foundation of our Church too. We would love to see - A believer is a believer to the extent he or she respects his more young people coming to the Church since an increasor her faith. Our believers needed a bit more time to discover ing number of them are being drawn to the idea of atheism. the religious truths. It happens quite frequently that religion is reduced down to customs and rituals, and religion is far ■ The Serbian Army and Serbian Orthodox Church are the from that. The global economic crisis should not affect our two institutions that Serbian citizens trust the most, with the religious convictions. Religion helps believers in overcoming Army in first position. Could you comment on that? the problems brought on not only by the economic crisis. Re- Faith is one thing, trust another. Our people have a very special ligion does not depend on economy or politics. Its principles view of the role that the Church has played in the culture and are the foundation for life.

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HILANDAR So far, one third of Hilandar Monastery has been repaired. The reconstruction has been very slow because of a shortage of money.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION We could say that we don’t have enough high quality teachers of religious education, but I do hope that this will change.

KOSOVO AND METOHIJA The world sees what is happening in KIM.There is a reason why it was allowed for a historical nation, like Serbs, to suffer such tragedy. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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comment

Dialogue Must Continue We are dedicated to solving all differences at the negotiating table and welcome the opportunity presented by the dialogue. We intend to make the most of it, just as we reasonably expect other parties to do the same. We are grateful to the EU for the critical role it has played and to the UN for making sure the dialogue is reported on accurately

Borislav Stefanović, Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Serbian Negotiation Team

President Tadic (www.predsednik. rs) said in the General Assembly on September 25th, 2010: “It would be harmful if there were attempts to alter realities on the ground while discussions get underway. Any attempt to change these realities through the use of force would bring an immediate end to the process of dialogue.” This includes he past three years have taught the world that there trying to extend the reach of the Pristina-based institutions is simply no sustainable alternative to a negotiated soto North Kosovo against the will of the local population. lution on the problem of Kosovo. Accordingly, the UN The negotiations with Priština started on a good note, in General Assembly (www.un.org) last September supporta good working atmosphere and with a great deal of undered by acclamation the fact that dialogue is the only road to standing. We have found common ground in terms of land peace in Kosovo. registry books, birth and death certificate registries and The talks finally got underway a few weeks ago, and we have carried out a positive evaluation of CEFTA’s work. that’s a good start. The Serbian side was very open and honWe have also prepared detailed proposals pertaining to air est about what we can agree on. We gave a number of creatraffic, telecommunications and the appearance of the custive proposals on each of the topics we chose to raise in the toms seal. first session of the dialogue.

It is important to mention We also made it clear that It’s what the dialogue should ultimately that there is no time limit to there will be many issues to disproduce: a transformative peace these negotiations and that we cuss, and some of them will be complicated. As we move for- between two proud and valiant nations don’t have solutions that have been imposed in advance. Those ward, we should strive to build - Serbs and Albanians are the biggest advantages of trust and understanding. Results this dialogue. Of course, we are will come, if the parties demonnot going to negotiate for the next ten years, as the mestrate good faith, working hard to achieve constructive ardia have been speculating. We are going to try to reach an rangements, leading to a mutually-acceptable, comprehenagreement about all the important open issues by the end sive settlement. of 2011.

It’s what the dialogue should ultimately produce: a transFinally, the success of these negotiations is in no way reformative peace between two proud and valiant nations lated to Serbia being granted EU candidacy status. We need Serbs and Albanians. to be aware that good solutions will affect our foreign polWe are dedicated to solving all differences at the neicy position, including the European integration process in gotiating table. We welcome the opportunity presented by our country. the dialogue, and we intend to make the most of it, just as I conclude by underlining that Serbia’s principled posiwe reasonably expect other parties to do the same. We are tion on Kosovo’s UDI remains the same. We will not recoggrateful to the EU for the critical role it has played, and to nise it, implicitly or explicitly. This is enshrined in our constithe UN for making sure the dialogue is reported on accutution, and is the product of a democratic consensus. On this, rately.

Serbia is totally united, and will remain so in the generations We have also been very clear about the fact that any to come.

■ attempt to derail the dialogue must not be tolerated. As

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interview GEORGI IVANOV, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

Timely Elections

ARE VITAL

I hope the elections will be held quickly, and that we will be able to put this episode of political stubbornness behind us

exclusive

By Jelena AlEKSIĆ

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acedonia is expecting early parliamentary elections and is also anticipating the conclusion of all outstanding issues with Greece. CorD takes the opportunity to discuss this divisive issue with the President of Macedonia, Georgi Ivanov, and also discusses the relevant topics of how Macedonia’s relationship with Greece is affecting the country’s path to the EU, the challenges of becoming an EU member and the state of the relationship between Macedonia and Serbia subsequent to the recognition of Kosovo’s independence?

■ As of January, opposition parties have been boycotting parliamentary sessions, and early elections are now definitely going to be held. When do you expect the elections to be scheduled and what will determine the date of these elections?

- My expectations for 2011, to be frank, did not include holding elections. I was expecting that the year would be used to continue reforms, focusing on the irration-

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al and imposed name issue on the part of Greece and to unblock the integration agenda. But, the political scene is moving in the direction of early elections. We have been living with the situation of periodic political boycotts for a while, from various parties, but it has become more prominent in the past several years. As a political strategy I think it is ill-advised and not very effective.

Macedonia has a stable majority in Parliament that is able to govern the country until the end of the term in 2012. But, having some of the parties boycott Parliament is beginning to have a negative effect. So, I hope that the elections will be held quickly, and that we will be able to put this episode of political stubbornness behind us.

We need all segments of the population to have their voices heard in Parliament, and not have them silenced through the boycott of their MPs, or through an election boycott.

by the UN imposed embargo. The Greek imposed embargo had a profound negative effect on my country, and also on the entire region, leading to rampant smuggling, crime and corruption. The issue often puts doubt in the minds of potential investors in Macedonia. So, it is damaging on many levels, and finally, it is damaging to Greece itself. The Greek companies operating in Macedonia will also benefit from the progress of Macedonia, from the advances in the judiciary, rule of law, in the improving economic outlook. Greece would be much better off if Macedonia were a member of the EU and NATO (www.nato.int). It is precisely why the EU was formed – to have countries that had issues in the past, which were enemies even, joining together.

EU and NATO enlargement is the best remedy for the name issue; for putting all the irrational Greek fears to rest.

■ What are the biggest ■ You have been advochallenges that Maccating establishing a edonia has been facing dialogue with Greece on its way to becoming in regards to all outan EU member? standing issues. What - The effect of the Greek has been agreed in name issue on the negothis respect so far? tiations has been huge.

- In 2008 Greece openly We do not claim that broke the Interim AcMacedonia is prepared cord it signed in 1995 One of the most optimistic prospects is for EU membership with Macedonia, when it blocked Macedonia that the level of cooperation between the today. We realise that a number of reforms from joining NATO, countries from the region is changing are needed to make even after all the other this happen. But, it is the overwhelming opinion of the countries agreed that all necessary requirements for institutions in Brussels, of the politicians, the Commismembership had been met. We were willing to join sion and the Parliament, that Macedonia is prepared to NATO under the name of the Former Yugoslav Repubopen the negotiations, and has been prepared for quite lic of Macedonia, but Greece refused. This is the reason a while. why we currently have a case before the International Meanwhile, we were able to push some very sucCourt of Justice in The Hague, which I’m confident will cessful reforms regarding visa liberalisation, together find Greece in violation of our 1995 Interim Accord. with Serbia and Montenegro, which led to enormous successes for all of us, to have our citizens free to trav■ To what extent have relations with Greece affected el after so many years. And here we had realistic time Macedonia’s path to the EU? frames, realistic demands for reform, we met those de- The name issue has had a very steep cost for Macedomands and we were all able to celebrate together in the nia in terms of political stability and economic developend. We would hope that Brussels and the EU member ment. Greece imposed a crippling embargo on Macedocountries have a positive approach in this case. There nia at the beginning of our independence, when our was good example of the bilateral dispute between Slovother main trade line, the northern border, was blocked ECONOMY The sooner Macedonia is open to the European and the global economy, with all its changing tides, the better.

EU MEMBERSHIP We do not claim that we are prepared for EU membership today and realise that a number of reforms are needed.

RELIGION The dispute between the Serbian and Macedonian Orthodox churches is not a bilateral state issue. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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enia and Croatia, when Croatia continued to move forward in its EU negotiations, in parallel with the process of solving the bilateral issue.

■ Following the recognition of Kosovo’s independence, Macedonian relations with Serbia cooled somewhat. Could you give us your view of the current re-

personally think that it is very important to approach these situations honestly and also to have in mind the mutual, long term interests of the citizens and the states. We always have a heated debate when the insignificant, but symbolic issues that have an emotional effect on the people bubble up to the surface. Fortunately, these cases are becoming less and less frequent, and the next generation of politicians is beginning to show that it is up to the task – of building a European Balkans, an open Balkans, a Balkans of compromises.

■ To what extent could the results of the negotiations between Belgrade and Priština help Macedonia with defining its foreign policy in the Balkans?

- As a neighbour to both Serbia and Kosovo, we hope that the long list of outstanding issues between you will be settled on the negotiating table. This is an issue between Belgrade and Pristina, and it needs to be settled there. Macedonia would be glad to assist with these talks in any way that the two countries find appropriate.

Georgi Ivanov: My political orientation was on the reformist left in the dying days of old Yugoslavia

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■ Generally speaking, what is your view of the current level of cooperation between regional countries? Has it progressed and in which areas could it be improved upon?

- One of the most optimistic prospects, and something that really makes me focus on the task, is that the level lationship between the of cooperation between The Greek imposed embargo had a two countries? the countries from the - We have acted in our profound negative effect on my country, region, the entire paranational interests, in digm, is changing. It is and also on the entire region coordination with our far from perfect, but if strategic partners, and we made the decision to recwe just look at where we were before, where we have ognise Kosovo, to establish diplomatic relations and come from, there is tremendous room for optimism. work on cooperation with this country. This has led to The countries have democratically elected leaders who a reaction from Serbia. Serbia in fact reacted to all the appear to be finally bent on discussing, communicating, countries that recognised Kosovo, and I’m glad that opening up perspectives for cooperation. I’m pleased after this temporary effect we have restored our relathat at our meetings, and I have been meeting the leadtions. I would like to point out that Macedonia would ers of the regional countries intensely over the past two never build its relations with one neighbour at the exyears, we really devote our time and energy to specific pense of another. Macedonia wants to build bridges of projects of cooperation, be it in regards to the road incooperation and friendship with all its neighbours. In frastructure, energy projects, etc. I feel that the overall Serbia, Macedonia has a major trading ally, a friend tone among the countries is much improved and very and a partner, with deeply held relations between positive and it is now beginning to reflect the true feelour peoples. Maintaining close relations between two ings amongst the citizens of the various countries. countries that have an unsolved issue between them, requires diplomacy and patience, but this is nothing ■ Do you plan to visit Belgrade in an official capacnew in the Balkans. Many countries have serious ity soon? unresolved bilateral issues and we will always have - I’ve had a number of working and official meetings situations that call for a certain amount of balance. I with President Tadic; he was a guest at my inaugura81 April 2011

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tion. I was at an official visit to Belgrade, and I was also there for the funeral of the Serbian Patriarch Pavle (www.patrijarh-pavle.spc.rs). I expect President Tadic to visit Macedonia for an official state visit at the end of the year. We have developed a friendly relationship and I admire his strength in pursuing the reforms that are necessary for Serbia to move forward.

and it is a process that will bring lasting peace just as it brought lasting peace to Europe. Economic integration is the perfect panacea for the Balkans. We’ve seen that a closed market creates a tremendous amount of corruption, smuggling and instability.

■ How much can the state authorities help with resolving the dispute between the Serbian and Macedo■ As a politician who has been advocating a market nian Orthodox churches? economy for years, what do you think will happen to - This is an issue that we have maintained is not a bithe small ex-Yugoslav republics once they join the EU? lateral state issue, but an issue that is between two re- My political orientaligious organisations, tion was on the reformand that to some deI expect President Tadić to visit ist left in the dying gree does affect the Macedonia for an official state visit at days of old Yugoslavia. relations between the Now, Macedonia is a states. I personally was the end of the year very small market, and born and baptised in in the two decades of its independence, a lot of reforms the Macedonian Orthodox Church (www.mpc.org.mk), and while as a politician I would not try to use the issue were made, but the overall situation is one in which a in the inter-country relations because I don’t see what number of economic fields remained closed to outside good that might bring, as a person I of course undercompetition. The sooner Macedonia is open to the Eustand why our citizens have strong feeling on this issue. ropean and the global economy, with all its changing So, I think that the Macedonian Orthodox Church is tides, the better. This is an essential part of the strategic discriminated against in its functions, in its relations political process of integrations, we are integrating ourwith other churches, for me, this is something that beselves in the European open market, we are bringing longs to the past.

■ down the barriers to cooperation with our neighbours,

interview H.E. FRANÇOIS-XAVIER DENIAU, AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE TO SERBIA

Supporting

NEGOTIATIONS We welcome the start of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. In the short-term we expect that the dialogue will improve conditions for the population, as determined by the United Nations resolution adopted on 8th September last year. In the long-term, and also in line with the resolution, it should promote cooperation and contribute to moving forward on the road to the European Union

exclusive

By Jelena AlEKSIĆ Photo: Darko CVETANOVIĆ

H

e believes that early parliamentary elections in Serbia are not a current issue and also hopes that Serbia will achieve EU candidacy status by the end of the year. The Ambassador of France to Serbia, H.E. François-Xavier Deniau, talks with Cord about the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and Serbia’s path to Europe. He reveals his views on regional cooperation in the Balkans, and Serbia’s cooperation with the Hague Tribunal. In addition the Ambassador talks about the upcoming meeting that is due to take place between Boris Tadić, and Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of France, and also the problems that French investors experience in our country.

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■ You have said on several occasions that you fully support the negotiations between Belgrade and Priština.

After many months of preparation, the negotiations have finally started. What are your short- and longterm expectations in this matter?

- We welcome the start of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. In the short-term we expect that the dialogue will improve conditions for the population, as determined by the United Nations (www.un.org) resolution adopted on 8th September last year. More in the long-term, and also in line with the resolution, it should promote cooperation and contribute to moving forward on the road to the European Union.

■ What role do Europe and the U.S. play in these negotiations?

- The United Nations resolution stipulates that the European Union plays the role of facilitator in the dialogue.

The United States is not mentioned in the UN text, but it has offered to support the process and its offer has been accepted. The US has for instance played a useful role in encouraging the leaders in Pristina to take part in this process.

Sporting Nation ■ You have expressed your sympathies for Novak Đoković on several occasions. Serbs often like to say that they are a nation of athletes. Do you share our opinion?

- How can one not share this opinion? Your past and present results in so many sports do indeed place Serbia amongst the great athletic nations. I was happy to see Novak Đoković (www.novakdjokovic.rs) not forgetting to express his solidarity with the people of Japan while being in the middle of winning a series. Solidarity, chivalry and friendship should be the essence of sports...

tegic partnership agreement. Could you tell us more about the aims of this agreement?

- The aim of this agreement is to assert the priority political orientations of our bilateral cooperation.

■ The French Foreign Ministry said recently that Serbia ought to double its efforts in respect of becoming an EU member. In your opinion, what should we do better and with more zeal in order to reach that goal?

- The Minister has said that a lot remains to be done.

That is why the Serbian government adopted an action plan in December 2010 in I think it is important that the which it lists 96 important actions to be completed in view relevant authorities listen of the candidacy.

■ The Serbian government has gone through a reshuffle. Do you believe that the new government will man- carefully to the recommendations age to secure EU candidacy of prosecutor (Serge) Brammertz ■ The French Foreign Ministry has also said that “it is status for Serbia? vital for Serbia to successfully implement the proc- I hope that Serbia will manage to secure EU candidacy ess of reconciliation with the neighbouring countries status as the country expects to. and provide full and comprehensive cooperation with the Hague Tribunal”. How can Serbia improve ■ Conversely, opposition parties are demanding that these processes? early parliamentary elections be scheduled. Do you - Work on reconciliation is underway with Croatia and think that early elections could slow down Serbia’s Bosnia and a dialogue has been launched with Pristina. candidacy?

These are positive steps which we hope will be contin- I believe early elections are not so topical at the moued. As far as cooperation with the ICTY (www.icty.org) ment. Regardless of this, it is the role of politicians to is concerned, I think it is important that the relevant fulfil the conditions required for a country to achieve authorities listen carefully to the recommendations of candidate status. How to attain this goal is a question prosecutor (Serge) Brammertz. of internal politics in which the Serbian political leaders have to assume their responsibilities.

■ The investments that France has made in Serbia to date amount to nearly half a billion euros. Are you un■ The Serbian President, Boris Tadić, is due to meet der the impression that French investors have become with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy soon. hesitant when it comes to investing in Serbia?

During the meeting, the two statesmen will sign a straU.S. and dialogue

Belgrade

Serbian doctors

The U.S has for instance played a useful role in encouraging the leaders in Pristina to take part in this process.

What Belgrade lacks the most is a metro, but I hope that the citizens of Belgrade will ultimately have one.

When Serbia enters the EU, Serbian doctors will be allowed to practice in France. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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- The figure of 500 million euros only takes into account the country from which funds were transferred; however many French groups invest in Serbia from their subsidiaries which are present in the region, such as in Austria for instance. The amount of 750 million euros worth of FDI’s over the period from 2001

Fencing is a sport that I love very much, a sport in which one uses the body, the head, reflexes and psychology

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is, without a doubt, the question of the protection of intellectual property. But in all cases they will be looking at the efficiency of the administration and the clarity of the legal framework in which they operate. As far as corruption is concerned, it exists in every country.

Fighting it takes time, energy and a lot of will. Serbia will make a very big step forward when it succeeds in eradicating this scourge.

■ Your Embassy has launched a scholarship competition for Serbian doctors who want do their specialisation in France. Based on your experiences so far, what is your view of the quality and expertise of our health workers living and working in France? What kind of Serbian employees are in high demand in France and why?

- The French government is indeed offering, each year, the opportunity for young medical doctors from all over the world, including Serbia, to do a part of their specialisation or sub-specialisation in France. After a thorough selection process, and upon the agreement of the Serbian Faculty of Medicine in Serbia, these French-speaking medical doctors (between two and four of them every year), spend from six to 24 months in French hospitals. They are employed under the same conditions as French residents. After this internship, they have to come back to Serbia. When Serbia enters the EU, the Serbian doctors will be allowed to practice in France, until then, they cannot be licensed to practice medicine in our country. But, as young Serbian doctors are in general very well regarded by their mentors in France, I am happy to stress it has already paved the way for a significant level of cooperation between French and Serbian hospitals.

to 2010 provided by the Serbia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (SIEPA) (www.siepa.gov.rs) seems to me to be much closer to the actual figure. As far as French companies are concerned, almost half of the firms which are included in the CAC 40 index (the top 40 French firms in terms of market capitalisation) are already present in Serbia in one way or another, and this includes all sectors – banking, industry, agrifood and services. When I consider the large ongoing French projects in the sectors of transport, the environment and telecommunications, just to name the most ■ You have been living in Serbia since September 2010. important ones, I do not Have you become accusSerbia will make a very big step have the impression they are tomed to Belgrade and what showing hesitation, but rathdo you like about it? forward when it succeeds in er professionalism and cau- Of course, Belgrade is an eradicating corruption tion. I would like to add that interesting and friendly city since the beginning of this and I am happy to be living year two new French firms have started operating in in it. I love to take walks and I am grateful to the peoSerbia and that several other projects are underway. ple of this city for their hospitality and their patience when I ask for directions in my ‘beginner Serbian’.

■ What bothers the French companies in Serbia the What Belgrade lacks the most is a metro, but I hope most and do you think that our government has been that the citizens of Belgrade will ultimately have one. doing enough in terms of tackling corruption?

- The questions raised by potential French investors are ■ You are an avid fencer. Do you have time to practice different depending on the type of planned investment. fencing in Serbia?

In the case of industrial investments, the investors need - Fencing is a sport that I love very much - a sport in to ensure their energy supply. They therefore have to be which one uses the body, the head, reflexes and psycholable to count on a clear and trustworthy energy policy. ogy. Several Serbian clubs have very graciously invited On the other hand in the case of investments in services me to fence in their premises and I plan to do so as soon or in the commercial field the investors’ main concern as I have some free time.

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interview PIERRE-OLIVIER BECKERS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, DELHAIZE GROUP

Focus on Growth This year, we will invest around 900 million euros in new stores and development, in the existing markets of Delhaize Group worldwide, excluding Delta Maxi Group. This is almost as much as we paid for Maxi

of Serbia can expect after the sale of Maxi.

■ You’ve purchased 100 percent of Maxi, although for months it was being speculated that you were only interested in a 51 percent share of the retail chain.

Did you want a 100 percent share from the very outset or did you change your mind at some point and why?

- The decision to acquire the entirety of Maxi is a result of negotiations. There were various scenarios during the many months of negotiations. In the end, it

By Petar ŠKORIĆ

A

to arriving here. What kind of advice were you given and what are your projections and global expectations for the Serbian market?

- We already have business operations in South-Eastern Europe with Mega Image (www.mega-image.ro) in Romania and Alfa Beta (www.ab.gr) in Greece. When looking at the map, it made perfect sense to enter the neighbouring countries that constitute a market with tremendous potential because it is not as mature yet as Belgium or the United States. A combination of Serbia’s influence in the region and Delta Maxi’s strength has motivated us. Serbia is an excellent basis for expansion in the region.

fter months of speculation in the public sphere regarding ■ How much time will it take to introthe sale of Serbia’s largduce your standards to the Serest retail chain Delta bian market and what is specific A combination of Serbia’s Maxi, the entire compaabout the way you do business in influence in the region and Delta ny has been purchased by Delhaize the sense of your services, prodGroup for 932 million euros includ- Maxi’s strength has motivated us ucts, price and so on? ing the 300 million euros currently - We are focused on what we are owed by Delta Maxi. In an interview going to offer to consumers in Serbia was clear to both parties that it was the with CorD, Pierre-Olivier Beckers, Presiand other countries in the future. As in simplest and most efficient means to dent and CEO of Delhaize Group talks other countries, we will offer competicomplete the transaction. about the future plans of the group, comtive prices. At this point it is too early petition, cooperation with trade unions to tell what they will be. It is important ■ You most probably acquainted yourand the levels of quality that the citizens to note that by combining the size of self with the situation in Serbia prior

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our Group, expertise and know-how in technology and distribution, we can achieve low costs and thus offer lower prices. That cycle exists in all countries where we operate and we want to achieve that in Serbia as well.

■ With the arrival of foreign companies in Serbia, employee working habits are changing significantly. Resistance toward these changes is most commonly presented in the form of unions. Considering the fact that you do business all over the world, what is your strategy for coordination with unions?

- We will determine what our course of action will be in the coming months after the closing of the transaction. We have good relations with the union representatives in Belgium, Greece and Romania.

hand, our arrival is an opportunity for producers from Serbia. Those who confirm their quality will be given an opportunity to enter a partnership with Delhaize Group (www.delhaizegroup.com) and sell their products in the countries where our Group operates.

■ What is your development strategy for the future? Will you expand your business in the region?

- As I have said, Delhaize Group is already present in the region of South-

structure?

- Our strategy is to be a local company.

Most of the management will be from Serbia just like most of the management in Belgium is Belgian etc. That is the only way to be successful. The present management team has done a great job.

We will support them and add the experience of Delhaize Group and this may include reinforcement from other parts of the Group.

■ Are you expecting the arrival of other major retail chains in Serbia in the foreseeable future, and if so, which ones?

- The Serbian market is an open market.

We have competition in each country where we have operations all over the world. We are always focused on a competitive offer for our consumers. We are not afraid of new entrants as we are convinced of our own strategy.

■ Would you consider consolidating the Maxi retail chain, in regards to the ■ You have had meetings with Sernumber of stores and employees? bian officials, even with Prime Min- We are already planning projects for ister Mirko Cvetković. Has the SerDelta Maxi (www.deltaholding.rs) and bian government made any demands we will be focused on growth. Delta when it comes to the acquisition of Maxi is present in Bulgaria, AlMaxi or your future operabania, Montenegro, Bosnia and We are here to invest and the people tions in Serbia?

Herzegovina. This year, we will - We have had contact with the of Serbia can count on Delhaize invest around 900 million euPrime Minister to present our ros in new stores and develop- Group to support the further growth Group to him and to make it clear ment, in the existing markets that we believe very strongly in of Delta Maxi Group of Delhaize Group worldwide, the potential of South-Eastern Eastern Europe, in Greece, and Romaexcluding Delta Maxi Group. This is alEurope. We are here to invest and the nia. Delta Maxi Group is an excellent most as much as we paid for Maxi. We people of Serbia can count on Delhaize opportunity to solidify our position in still do not know what the amount of Group to support the further growth of South-Eastern Europe and become a investments in Serbia will be, but they Delta Maxi Group. leading food retailer in the region. Delta will be significant. Growth potential is Maxi Group’s go-to-market strategy is good and Serbia will definitely become ■ To what extent will the arrival of compatible with Delhaize Group’s. We a member of the EU. ‘heavy discounts’ make business in the both operate a multi-format strategy usSerbian market more difficult, bearing ing local brands.

■ Within Serbia it is expected that Delin mind the low purchasing power of haize Group will offer Serbian prodcitizens?

■ Do you have plans to expand into the ucts to markets outside of Serbia. To - We compete very effectively with Kosovo market? what extent, realistically when will heavy discounters in all our territories.

- We will expand our network where it this happen, and what segments do We have in our portfolio also a low cost makes the most business sense. But it is you have in mind? discount format - Bottom Dollar Food (www.bottomdollarfood.com) in the U.S. too early at this moment to comment on - We want to be a local retailer in every and Red Market in Europe. Delta Maxi that any further. market. Over 50 percent of our supplihas its Tempo Express format that can ers in our countries are local. Everyone compete well with heavy discounters.

■ Will the management system of Maxi in America is certain that we are an Again, we welcome increased competistill be centralised in Serbia or are you American company, in Belgium we are tion and feel ready to compete.

■ planning a different organisational perceived as a Belgian one. On the other cordeditorial@cma.rs

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opinions

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Inflation The National Bank of Serbia is planning to finish the year of 2011 with a maximum inflation rate of six percent. In regards to the planned price increases of both energy and food, we asked economists and businessmen:

How realistic is the plan for annual inflation to reach a maximum of six percent and what are the risks that threaten the achievement of this goal?

Saša Đogović, associate of the Market Research Institute

An Illusion of Stability

the NBS and the foreign exchange rate to a higher level. However, in comparison to the end of 2009, the foreign exchange rate lost 10.5 percent of its nominal value or 3.2 percent of its value, as seen t the end of 2010, the dinar’s exchange in the real sense. rate ended up at the level of 105.5 dinars So, in the final month of business in 2010 there was a certain apto one euro. This means that the value of the preciation of the dinar, but not as a redomestic currency was growing by The strengthening of the measures sult of the amelioration of production and the export performance of the do1.6 percent on a taken and their extension mestic economy, but as fruits of the monthly basis. The increase of the price will once create an illusion of NBS’ measures, which has an appeal for of the dinar as compared to the euro in financial players, which speculatively December was a result of the more semacroeconomic stability raises the value of the domestic currenvere credit-monetary policy of the NBS, cy. The strengthening of the measures taken and their extension will primarily via raising the referential interest rate which is now at the level of 12 percent. The exhilaration of commercial banks to engage once again, as was the case prior to the eruption of the global ecoa part of their foreign currency accounts in the more lucrative liabil- nomic crisis, create an illusion of macroeconomic stability and the stability of the dinar’s exchange rate. ities of the NBS has dragged both the foreign currency reserves of

A

Slađan Disić, CEO of Simpo

Not the Best Thing

flation. At the moment, the price of petrol on the world stock markets is constantly soaring and it is estimated that it will continue to do so until July, when it should return back hether we will end to the level it was prior to the price increase.

By opening the Developmental Bank, which the year with the targeted inflation rate of has been announced by the government, the economy will have new opportunities to six percent depends on attain cheaper means, which automaticalmany factors. In general, it is almost imposly implies there is going to be greater comsible based on the fact that inflation shocks petition for the banks. in April, and then in May Cheaper funds automatiand June, are heading our way. The price of electrici- No earlier than July will cally mean there is going we be able to expect to be a cheaper products, ty will increase by 15 percent in April for compadeflation and some kind or fewer products for the economy. The question nies and to a lesser deof stabilisation of whether it is possible gree for households, and to reach five percent infurther increases in the flation is not difficult. Yes, it is possible with prices of transportation and food products the measures of the National Bank of Serbia are to be expected, all of which are generaand the government, but at this moment, it tors of inflation. No earlier than July will we would not be the best thing for us. It would be able to expect deflation and some kind lead to decreased consumption, fewer workof stabilisation, so we will be successful if we ing positions and so on. finish the year with a level of 8.5 percent in-

Goran Nikolić, economist at the New Politics Centre

Foreign Currency is Necessary

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n the last couple of months, the National Bank of Serbia has increased the referential interest rate several times, has intervened in the foreign exchange market in both directions, just to have recently made the regulations related to the obligatory foreign currency reserves more severe.

What is happening to the exchange rate, and should be happening to the inflation rate, partic-

Drago Cvijanović, Director of the Economy and Agriculture Institute

Radoslav Veselinović, owner of Galeb Group

Stimulate Exports

T

I

maintain basic price stability and here is an fulfil the expectations of ending obvious combined cri- 2011 with maximum inflation of six percent. During this year the sis in Serbia main generator of inflation will be which is rean increase in the prices of food flected in the and an increase of state-controlcombined effects of an internally led prices. generated transitional crisis and Conversely, it is often said an externally generated global that weak purchasing power ancrisis. The net-effect is reflected chors prices. In monetary policy, in the growth of unemployment it is well-known that with the constant The main purchasing power is pressures of prices, the exchange rate generator of inversely proportional to the general levand other finaninflation will be el of prices, thus, low cial pressures. On the other hand, the an increase in purchasing power is certainly an obvious global crisis is repthe prices of indicator of the existresented through ing high level of pricthe reduction of defood es. At the same time, mand and the marit should be said that there are ket, the reduced level of orders, four types of inflation: demanda reduced inflow of investments, pull inflation, cost-push inflawhich leads to the worsening of tion, sectoral inflation and imcompanies’ performances. Under port inflation. such conditions it is difficult to

f restrictive monetary policy continues, the exchange rate could remain at a lower level, but inflation is inevitable as the prices of energy-generating products – petroleum and gas – are increasing. Due to these increases in costs, this price will certainly rise by few percent and this automatically influences the economy. On the other hand, the economy might get into bigger trouble with the artificial preservation of the exchange rate, especially in our case, since we deal in exports. A higher rate of inflation is a better solution for business than an unrealistically high dinar exchange rate. The fact that the authorities are planning a maximum of six percent inflation by the end of the year is unrealistic and impossible, primarily due to the increase of the prices of energy-generating products.

As soon as these products become pricier, credit interest rates will rise, and everyone is going to ‘include’ these price-increases in-

A higher rate of inflation is a better solution for business to the prices of their products. In the end, inflation is always within the cycle of price increases which all come one after the other. It would be a good thing if we could keep inflation at last year’s level, meaning 11 percent, although such a level is catastrophic for European standards. It could be less only if some products artificially become cheaper, and this means that people, in a state of general lack of money, start selling things below their real price.

the foreign curularly until the middle of the year, are What will happen to the dinar ital to Serbia, primarily in the rency market but actually the implicit and direct promin 2012 and the years to come form of direct to the NBS forises of the National Bank of Serbia and foreign investeign exchange the government. is exclusively a matter of ments. If in that reserves, so it When simplified, those statements inflow of capital to Serbia plan there is not cannot appear as can be boiled down to (realisticala move forward and the amount of bean additional offering of foreign currenly or unrealistically) a stable exchange tween two, three and 2.6 billion euros cy unless the NBS intervenes). rate, decreasing retail prices to the leva year (on average) is not reached in According to this, macroeconomic el of less than six percent at the end of the next five years, maintaining an exstability in 2011 will not be questioned. the year (with a higher growth of the change rate and macroeconomic stabilOf course, this does not automaticalstate-regulated prices), as well as the ity will be impossible. ly mean that the real economy will be reduction of public expenditure (which This year will be one of the easblooming, but apart from the potentialcan be seen from the restrictive budgier ones in that sense. If, for examly negative effect on the foreign-trade et for 2011). ple, the inflow of direct foreign investbalance, current politics is wind in the So as to keeping the dinar and pricments are way below a billion euros back of the economy. es stable, foreign currency is necessary, per year, the part which is missing can What will and it will apbe encompassed though a combinahappen to the parently arrive, As to keeping the dinar tion of the privatisation of what can dinar in 2012 at least thanks and prices stable, foreign still be sold, non-commercial credits and the years to to the selling of currency is necessary, and it come is exclureceived from the World Bank, EBRD, ‘Telekom’. (This EIB, as well as the depreciation of the sively a matter money will not will apparently arrive exchange rate. of inflow of capgo directly to

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opinions

Tough Road Ahead

interview DARKO TANASKOVIĆ, ORIENTALIST AND PROFESSOR AT THE ACADEMY FOR DIPLOMACY AND SECURITY

No Bosniak Issue

This issue is being fabricated with a purpose. The inadequate resolution of certain social and administrative problems, which exist not only in Sandžak, but in the entire country, as well as calculated provocations by the heads of the Islamic Community in Serbia, with Mufti Muamer Zukorlić at the helm, have contributed to the creation of such an unrealistic image 28

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By Jelena AlEKSIĆ

D

emonstrations and conflicts in the Arab world and the demands for democracy are amongst the topics that we discuss with Oriental studies professor, Darko Tanasković. He talks about the situation of Muslims in Serbia and the activities of the religious leader of the Bosniaks, Mufti Muamer Zukorlić, as well as the relationship between the state and this minority group.

■ You have said recently that the Serbian Orthodox Church and many other churches and religious organisations are often disregarded and that state au-

thorities have made many mistakes in dabble in the material, you lose any gral part of Zukorlić’s public appearancthis area. What did you mean exactly? sense of the spiritual. es. Causing antagonism in the Bosniak/ - Disregarding the spiritual dimension Muslim community and sowing the of life and, by that, the government ■ In your opinion, in which way has seeds of mistrust between the minority and most of the political and intelthe issue of Bosniaks in Serbia been Bosniaks and majority Serbs will create lectual elite having no interest in the resolved and is it true that their civil nothing good. It seems that Zukorlić, for church’s status and actions, is a result rights are being jeopardised? higher purposes known only to himself, of long-term propaganda and a sys- I am absolutely confident that, based on is following the motto of all subversive tematic application of the so-called scithe facts and objectively speaking, there movements – “worse is better”. entific atheism of a Bolshevik variety. is no Bosniak issue in Serbia. This issue In this respect, many neo-democrats is being fabricated with a purpose. The ■ The overall impression is that state auare still hardline Bolsheviks, and this inadequate resolution of certain social thorities failed to provide an adequate is not only the case in Serbia. They are and administrative problems, which exresponse to the events in Sandžak. In willing to use the church to manifest ist not only in Sandžak, but in the entire your opinion, what should the state do their political goals and gain political country, as well as calculated provocain this situation? points. On the other hand, the powtions by the Heads of the Islamic Com- I am not competent enough to advise ers that falsely present themselves as munity in Serbia, with Mufti Muamer the state on what it has to do. Gener‘nationalistic’ (in my opinion, there is Zukorlić at their helm, have contributed ally speaking, state authorities need to nothing wrong with being a balanced to the creation of such an unrealistic imbe present more in Sandžak and unnationalist), are actually dertake effective and longI see no discriminatory government single-minded chauvinistic term measures in order to movements which are inter- action that would justify the fierceness, improve the living standested in religion only as a ards of the people there, as anger and threats which have become pillar for their notion of Serwell as to treat people who bian (or Bosniak or Croatian) an integral part of Zukorlić’s public break the law or jeopardise national identity which acthe Constitution equally. In appearances tually goes against the real this respect, there shouldn’t and universal mission of both religion age. Of course, we should not underesbe so-called positive discrimination, and the church. Hence, I think that timate the situation, since, as the saying which in different circumstances and the national uproar about the alleged goes, “a lie repeated a hundred times in the case of other minority nations, re-clericalisation in Serbia is utterly becomes the truth”. Bearing in mind the could even be welcome. unfounded and unrealistic. Recently, lessons from our recent history, Serbia all the churches and religious commuought to have a very sharp sensibility in ■ In your book ‘Neo-Ottomanism’ you nities in Serbia were forced to issue a this matter. say that Turkey has actually never left public statement saying that they were the Balkans despite the fact that many extremely concerned about the pres■ You have also said that Mufti think the country is making a comesures that the high state officials were Zukorlić chose the wrong path to serve back to this area. What was it that you exerting on the Constitutional Court his religious community and the state. actually wanted to say? in order for this court to declare the He responds that his actions are just a - Considering the outcome of the First Law on Restitution of Nationalised response to the state’s actions. Can you World War, which could have been difProperty to Churches and Religious comment on this? ferent in this case, Turkey remained a Communities anti-constitutional and - I think I have answered this question Balkan country, geographically speakthus pave the way for the adoption of earlier on. I see no discriminatory governing, since two percent of its territory is a law that would be unfavourable and ment action that would justify the fiercein the Balkans. The Balkan area is condetrimental to anybody wanting their ness, anger and threats (Mufti calls them sidered a priority in the Neo-Ottomanproperty to be returned. As soon you ‘warnings’) which have become an inteism doctrine, which is the foundation of DEMOCRATISATION

THE FUTURE

GADDAFI

The democratisation of Muslim countries is possible, but their democracy will always be Muslim, and not Western.

I don’t believe that Arab states will formally disintegrate into several smaller ones, but their sovereignty could be made very relative.

It would be really embarrassing for the West if Gaddafi overcame these challenges and stayed in power.

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the Turkish state policy, for several reasons. Lately, Turkey has embarked on a foreign policy ‘offensive’. Ankara says that contemporary Turkey, as a potential macro-regional power which is leaving the shadow of unilateral partnership with the U.S., is naturally responsible for the events in the Balkans. The trouble lies in the fact that the country has found a legitimate excuse for its ambitions in ‘civilisation merits’ stemming back from its Ottoman past, which is anti-historical, anachronic and completely incomprehensible and unacceptable to the Balkan nations.

operation could be very promising. Politics and the economy need to be on the same track.

■ How do you explain the fact that protests have been spreading throughout

nomenon. We will need more time and reliable data in order to have a comprehensive view of it. At this moment, while the protests are still going on, I would say that the speed at which the political outcry is spreading has to do with the fact that most of the population in these countries has the same view of their low living standards blaming autocratic leaders and the years of their rule for it. New forms of communication and technology have helped, i.e. the ability to relay information and images across borders.

It is very difficult for authorities to carry out efficient control and to close down public information sources. Facebook has proved to be particularly useful.

■ What is your view of the relationship between Serbian and Turkish authorities and what interest does Turkey have ■ Is this a spontaneous rebellion? in the ex-Yugoslav territory?

- If we are talking about the spontane- Relations between Serbia and Turkey ity of the rebellion then we need to talk are becoming better, both politically about the authenticity of the accumulatand economically speaking, despite the ed national malcontent, i.e. the sources of fact that joint projects or solely Turkenergy that have instigated the protests. ish projects in Serbia still haven’t been If you rally several people to take their implemented. The two coundissatisfaction to the streets, tries collaborate most success- The Balkan area is considered a priority then we are talking about an fully in tourism and certain in the Neo-Ottomanism doctrine, which is organised protest. Spontanecommercial areas. Turkey ous protests become very orhas always been interested in the foundation of the Turkish state policy, ganised very quickly, and as establishing comprehensive time passes, the movement for several reasons cooperation with Serbia and starts to spread with various it seems that Serbia finally understands domestic and foreign political interest Northern Africa like wildfires with that this dynamic and large country can groups getting involved, while trying to people demanding urgent democratibe a very useful partner. If Turkey’s arlead and direct the protests toward their sation and for long-standing political rival in the Balkans, especially in the own interests and political agendas. regimes to step down? territories that made up the former Yu- The protests across Northern Africa and ■ Are we talking about the Arab ‘Bergoslavia, was free of Neo-Ottomanism part of the Middle East can be attributed lin Wall’ here? What are the long-term burdens and was truly biased, the longto several reasons, although generally consequences of this political outcry? term perspectives and effects of this cospeaking, this is an unprecedented phe- The Arab ‘Berlin Wall’ (www.alarabiya. net) has been destroyed in the heads of Reshuffle subjects of authoritarian regimes who ■ Bearing in mind the complexity of the religious struchave decided to exercise their civil rights ture of Serbia, what do you think of the government reand raise their voices against the decshuffle, following which the Ministry of Religious Affairs ades-long subordination. Fear has been was incorporated into the Ministry of the Diaspora? defeated. This is a brand new, quite ep- Bearing in mind the reason that you have just stated, and ochal quality that will have a strong inseveral other reasons which are equally relevant, the reshuffluence on social and political events in fle, at least in the sense of terminating this ministry, does not seem rational to me.

After all, the person who was at the helm of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was a the Arab and overall Muslim world. We very competent and dedicated minister. I don’t know the real reasons why the govshould not expect these events to take a erning coalition decided to merge the two ministries, but anyhow, I think that the linear course towards the establishment merger is wrong. Isn’t this proof of how much religion, churches and religious comof a higher level of democracy in the pomunities are respected amongst Serbia’s political establishment?! What happened litical life of the Northern African and to the re-clericalisation of secular Serbia that certain public figures openly shunned?!

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tic to expect that Western style democracy will triumph in these countries.

They are embarking on a very uncertain interim period where each country will have a different social morphology and political institutionalisation. Anyhow, autocratic rule, based on a combination of demagoguery, corruption and government coercion with occasional ‘buying’ of social peace with bursts of ruler’s generosity, no longer exists.

■ What role will the super-powers play in these events bearing in mind the fact that the countries affected by the turmoil have substantial raw-material deposits?

- Although the most important inter-

as though talking about the mayor of a small town in Great Britain or France.

This speaks in favour of certain countries not refraining from using political, economic and maybe military tools to make ‘the bad guys’ go. It would be really embarrassing for the West if Gaddafi overcame these challenges and stayed in power. This is a very risky game due to the fact that ‘a verbal war’ waged by the Western countries will probably end in involving ‘the big guys’.

■ Both situations are similar in the way that the existing countries are broken ■ Do you think that the Arab states down into several smaller counties. could disintegrate into many smaller How do you explain that? ones as in the case of Syria? Something - Most of the North African and Middle similar is also expected to happen in Eastern countries, with a few exceptions, Libya. In your opinion, what is the have been created as a result of projects future of the, until recently, ‘untouchimplemented by super-powers during able rulers’ of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the colonial times and immediately after United Arab Emirates and many other World War I and do not follow the logic Gulf countries? of historical events and ethnic, geograph- I don’t believe the Arab states will forical, economic and political convergence mally disintegrate into several smaller and affinities. The territorial integrity of ones, but their sovereignty could be made these countries has become very relative. The Saudi royal relatively stable over time, family will be very determined It seems that Zukorlić, for higher however, both legally and in defending its undisputed aupurposes known only to himself, is psychologically speaking, thority by any means at their following the motto of all subversive this integrity can be easily disposal. Let me tell you, these destabilised through strong means are many and very powmovements – “worse is better” disintegration processes, parerful. A similar thing might hapnational factors, especially those in the ticularly if these processes are supported pen with the rulers of the countries that West, say that their concern and politiby international factors. If these external are not republics. I think, for now, that cal support for changes are prompted by factors are also immediate instigators or they are successfully swimming against their anti-violence policy and are in an have ‘commissioned’ the disintegration, the tide of the Arab national wrath. effort to stop the regime of terror over internal divisions within the country bethe population, it is quite clear that they come quite possible. Still, I don’t believe ■ Can Arab countries apply Westernare primarily concerned with protectthat this will happen, with the exception style democracy or do they need to utiing their own economic interests and of Libya, providing that Colonel Gaddlise a sort of ‘Arab rule of the people’? increasing their influence in the Arab afi (www.algathafi.org) fails to re-establish - Experience has shown that in Muslim effective control over Cyrenaica in a relaworld. This just confirms that the policy countries it is virtually impossible to estively short amount of time. of not interfering in a country’s internal tablish Western-style democracy, as you matters is definitely dead and that the call it. The proof of this can be found in ■ Which direction will the Arab counpower/interest ratio, with the abundant Turkey which underwent an involutries take, bearing in mind that they difapplication of double standards, has the tion of secularism. Turkey is the only fer greatly from European countries in last say. This was particularly visible in constitutional Muslim country where terms of history, culture and society? the case of Libya, since the economic democracy, as a political process, defi- It is very difficult to give general asstakes in this country are the highest nitely functions. The democratisation of sumptions. I believe that the political and, despite making concrete steps toMuslim countries is possible, but their pendulum in most of the Arab counwards improving his relations with the democracy will always be Muslim, and tries affected by the political unrest will West, Colonel Gaddafi is still considered not Western. The most important thing swing towards social subjects participatunpredictable and stubborn. The deciis for the democratisation to be a result ing in government and the growing insion was made for him to go and this of internal development and not forfluence of Islamist forces. was communicated with brutal clarity eign coercion.

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corporate KAROLY LAJKO, GENERAL MANAGER OMV SERBIA

Good Growth Potential OMV plans to strengthen its presence on the oil derivatives market, but also in the retail segment, such as VIVA shops and restaurants

By Marija DAMJANOVIĆ

J

ust in time for spring cleaning, OMV is releasing its new service of Top Wash.

CorD talks with General Manager of OMV Serbia, Karoly Lajko, about this new service that is already available in eleven European counties and is now being offered in Serbia. We also discuss how the company achieves staff satisfaction as well as the company’s plans for the future.

markets of Central and Eastern Europe, Southeast Europe and Turkey. OMV Serbia will focus on maintaining and enhancing the network’s quality levels, by extending and improving the services available at OMV filling stations, in order to offer the very best to our customers.

■ OMV has production activities in 20 countries on five continents. What does your company find unique about doing business in Serbia?

- Serbia is part of the Danube region and the European growth belt, and hence part of the OMV Group growth strategy. The Serbian market has good growth potential.

■ You have a strong focus on sustainability. Can you please tell us how you integrate this into your day-to-day business operations?

- OMV is a signatory to the UN Global Compact (www.unglobalcompact.org), and an active supporter of the values enshrined in its Code of Conduct. These include a ■ Please tell us about your new Top Wash strong sense of responsibility towards service? the social and natural environment, es- OMV (www.omv.rs) has standardised its Top Wash service in eleven European pecially in economically weak regions. countries and all OMV Top Wash car OMV continuously addresses economic, washes use top-quality car wash chemical environmental and social issues related to technology from Caramba. All those drivits business in a responsible manner. The ers who want to rid their cars of their company reports on its activities in OMV Serbia will focus on remaining winter road salt residue can a sustainability report in accordance test the three new OMV Top Wash with the Global Reporting Initiative maintaining and enhancing the programmes at the four OMV filling Guidelines (www.globalreporting.org). network’s quality levels This report is published at the same stations with car washes in Serbia. time as the annual report.

This offer commenced on 1st March, 2011 growth strategy. In Serbia, OMV plans to at the three filling stations with OMV Top strengthen its presence on the oil deriva■ You employ about 35,000 people worldWash car washes in Belgrade and one in tives market, but also in the retail segment, wide and believe that every new employee Novi Sad. such as our VIVA shops and restaurants. brings his or her own individual potenWhile re-launching our OMV Top VIVA is a premium brand, and by maintial. How do you ensure staff satisfaction Wash programme, we’ve kept in mind taining this brand’s quality and services we at OMV? the needs of our customers which is why will fulfil and may even exceed our custom- OMV employees are always informed we’ve paid special attention to simplifying er’s expectations. This attention to quality about the company’s strategy. Employees it, providing a quicker wash and ensurwill be followed through with the expanare motivated because they know that ing good value for the same high-quality sion of our network of filling stations. they are part of the big picture: each and standards. Additionally, we also recently every one of them is important. Special started using top-quality cleaning prod■ What is the plan for your company in attention is devoted to training and the ucts from Caramba in all of our OMV Top Serbia and worldwide for 2011? additional qualification requirements of Wash facilities.

- In 2011, the OMV Group will keep its each employee. OMV offers many trainfocus on implementing its ‘3plus strategy’, ing opportunities both in Serbia and in at ■ You are Austria’s largest listed industrial under which it combines the strengths of our headquarters in Vienna. Employees company. How do you assess the business its E&P, G&P, and R&M business units in also have the opportunity to participate in climate in Serbia? order to ensure that it provides the best international projects.

■ - Serbia is an important market for OMV’s possible supply service to its three core

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quotations The government’s economic measures will take a full effect if, in two years’ time, the living standard of Serbian citizens and the overall economic situation in the country improves. All is now in God’s hands.

Milojko Arsić, economic advisor to Prime Minister

Nowhere in the world are the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Education merged into a single ministry. What we now have is a blind man leading another blind man.

Branko Kovačević, Dean of Belgrade University

During Slobodan Milošević’s time, life was good. I clearly remember 1993 when you could live well on only one German mark and the times that you had hundreds of German marks, you struggled to make ends meet. I was a student back then, and we lived off my dad’s pension which was two euros, just like everybody else’s.

Uroš Šuvaković, Association ‘Sloboda’ (Freedom)

I am trying to find the reason behind this (two-month) strike, since the government was clear about two things at the very beginning - that we are going to do everything in our power to improve the teachers’ living standards, that we are going to fulfil their requests and that we agree with them on 90 percent of things. We have already fulfilled some of the things that we had promised. Žarko Obradović, Education Minister

Šešelj and I talk almost every single day.

He told me to pay the membership fee for the Serbian Radical Party during the two years of my transgressions so that the party would continue having me as its member.

Božidar Delić, a member of the Serbian Radical Party (SRS) who left the SRS to join the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) only to later return to the SRS

I have never been in power in my life. I have only done my job.

I wasn’t involved in politics.

Slobodan Milosavljević, former Trade Minister

We should say out loud and clear that as much as Toma Nikolić is the soul of the European integration, so is Velimir Ilić the sworn opponent of corruption and Dinkić, a truthful advocate of the decentralisation of Serbia.

Nenad Čanak, Head of the League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina (LSV)

I am confident that there are ministers in the Serbian government that actually truly believe in their oath.

Dragan Todorović, MP from the Serbian Radical Party

I am dealing with problems in Serbia; our proverbial house is on fire and I don’t have time to deal with international problems or air raids on Libya. Everybody has become wise all of the sudden and the only thing they keep repeating, like a beauty pageant queen, is that they want peace in the world.

Aleksandar Vučić, Vice President of the Serbian Progressive Party

I met with Putin and Medvedev on three separate occasions. Russians have the correct attitude towards Serbia, and they do want to help. All they ask from us is to be the same, as we agreed, and not to forge documents and step out of the agreed framework.

Velimir Ilić, the Head of the Nova Srbija party

If civil servants cannot chose where they want to work, then they should join the majority or resign.

Oliver Ivanović, State Secretary in the Ministry for Kosovo and Metohija

Kosovo is our Valley Forge and Yorktown, our Alamo and Gettysburg, our Pearl Harbour and Ivo Jima, all rolled into one. We dream about it at night, it is the apple of our eye, our Jerusalem.

Vuk Jeremić, Foreign Minister

There is this ancient Chinese proverb which says that you could be punished for wanting to help somebody who doesn’t want to be helped. I did just that and faired just as the Chinese proverb says.

Mlađan Dinkić, the Head of the United Regions of Serbia

I would like us to have billions and billions of euros to spend on our economy, just like Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, but unfortunately we don’t.

Nebojša Ćirić, Economy and Regional Development Minister cordeditorial@cma.rs

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interview DARKO BABIĆ, DHL CLUSTER MANAGER WEST BALKANS

Happy Staff – Higher Prof it Profit The most important thing is to have satisfied employees since if they are unhappy that will rub off on our clients too. If they are happy, the cash flow will increase. This is a very simple formula which is quite difficult to apply in practice

San Francisco in 1969 and since then, thanks to the unabashed enthusiasm of its founders (Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn), the company has been constantly changing and growing. Slowly but surely, DHL grew into an international company in 1972 and, in 1983 it came to Serbia, or Yugoslavia, as the country was called back then. The company DHL Jugoslavija, which was 100 percent owned by a foreign proprietor, was founded in 1989. However, following the disintegration of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 6th December 1991, DHL Serbia, which was also 100 percent in foreign ownership, was established.

This year we are celebrating our 20th an-

DHL Serbia has not had it easy. We are offering every single service just like DHL branches anywhere else in the world – DHL Express, truck and container transport, logistics solutions etc.

Globally speaking, DHL did undergo certain changes. As of 2003, the comBy Slavka KOVAČ pany has been owned by Deutsche Post (www.deutschepost.de) and DP DHL curvery employee of DHL has the rently has over 500,000 employees. Last right to voice his or her opinyear, DHL devised a new development ion. We are trying to stimulate strategy that covers the period up to young, talented people to stay 2015, with 2020 in mind. with our company and enable When writing this strategy, the them to grow professionally. We usucompany focused on markets that are ally send them to different environconsidered primary, as well as on client ments in order for them to acquire adneeds. We made our plans with a focus ditional skills and know-how, broaden on ‘Respect and Results’ in mind. Globaltheir horizons, so that later on they ly, DHL has a 38 percent market share can manage the company, says DHL while in Serbia it is 65 percent. Two Cluster Manager West Balkans, percent is DHL market share in Darko Babić, in an interview for domestic business, which is not The Serbian economy has a large CorD magazine. our primary focus, but since intask ahead of it and that is ternational companies demand ■ This year, DHL International this service from us, we provide increasing competitiveness is celebrating its 20th anniverservices just like our internasary of operations in Serbia. In which tional service. niversary. This also coincides with my way has the company evolved here and So, a lot has changed since our begincareer in DHL since, on 5th March, I celwhat is its position today compared to ning in Serbia. Today, we have 150 emebrated 21 years of working for the comtwo decades ago? ployees and operate a flight every workpany, which, according to Anglo-Saxon - DHL (www.dhl.com) was founded in ing day to transport shipments. law, officially makes me ‘an adult’.

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■ DHL is the leading company in logis■ This year will be the year of overcomor leaves the country - which is used tics. What kind of services and logistics ing the economic crisis. What are DHL’s in making films that are showcased at solutions do you offer to your clients plans for 2011 and will you implement the Montreal, Los Angeles, Berlin, Venworldwide? Could you tell us somecertain innovations and provide new ice, Cannes or Sarajevo festivals - goes thing about DHL’s business network? services? through us. In addition to the afore- DHL directly covers 635,000 destina- We have many plans. To be honest, mentioned three focus areas, we can oftions in over 220 countries and terrilast year was not that bad. We had fer logistics solutions for the medical or tories. We cover more countries than 600,000 shipments and a 12 percent metal processing sectors. We tailor our the UN and our network reaches the increase in our revenue compared to plans to suit our clients. Often they get far corners of the globe. We own 456 2009. In 2008, however, we recorded a in touch with us and consult us since, planes, thousands and thousands of 4.3 percent decrease. after all, we’ve been in this market for delivery vehicles and 21 sorting centres If we go by the old proverb “the two decades now. with the closest one to Serbia located morning shows the day”, then 2011 will We are one of the first companies in Leipzig. We have a well developed be excellent. We are going to focus on that have signed a memorandum of global network where, thanks understanding on preventing to IT solutions, we have every corruption and smuggling single piece of information and protecting intellectual about shipments at our disrights with the Serbian Cusposal even before they reach toms Administration which their destination. DHL has a is the foundation for the imqualified workforce and conplementation of European temporary technology which standards. Put simply, we will traces the shipment from the have to adjust our businesses beginning to the end. to the EU directives and forget When it comes to Serbia, about our individualities for we have branches in Belgrade, the common good. The SerNovi Sad and Niš and we bian economy has a large task cover all 1,100 postal codes. ahead of it and that is increasWe also have subcontractors. ing competitiveness.

DHL covers the entirety of Serbia 24/7 and we offer the ■ Which development direcsame services as our internation will DHL take in the comWe are trying to stimulate young, tional branches do. ing period? What is the future talented people to stay with our of the courier industry? company and enable them to grow ■ As the leading courier com- Although we are lagging pany, DP DHL has 500,000 behind the EU, DHL is not. professionally employees in 220 countries. In What does the future hold several areas. Firstly, small and medium which way does the company motivate for us? DHL Corporation has its goals. enterprises which we have been assistits staff and what is common amongst We have hundreds of airplanes, tens ing through providing various services all DHL employees regardless of which of thousands of delivery vehicles and and sponsorships together with SIEPA country they work in? we certainly impact the environment (www.siepa.gov.rs). Last year, we held - Our staff has the same business culture through emission of harmful gases. presentations about customs regulations which is quite unique at the corporate Hence, by 2020, we plan to reduce to SMEs in nine regional chambers of level. This culture implies that client these gases by 30 percent. We are curcommerce. always comes first and that the client rently raising awareness about this isWe are also going to focus more on always has to be accommodated. Every sue; we are looking at contemporary e-commerce since there are around 120 employee of DHL has the right to voice technologies and thinking about what companies in Serbia that are engaged in his or her opinion. We are trying to our clients’ needs will be. We are bee-commerce which, until recently, due stimulate young, talented people to stay ing clairvoyant in a way, trying to figto the customs law, was not possible. with our company and enable them to ure out how and when. We have been Thirdly, we are going to focus on the grow professionally. We usually send talking to our clients, economy experts film industry. We are not cameramen or them to different environments in orand various scientists and each of them set designers, but we are a link between der for them to acquire additional skills has their own opinion. We presume various parts of film industry since and know-how so that later on they can that there will always be a need to ship most of the film equipment that enters manage the company. something from point A to point B. ■ cordeditorial@cma.rs

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conference BUSINESS DIALOGUE – 'EUROBANK EFG EXPO SERBIA 2011'

Opportunities and Challenges

1st Panel: (from left) Mirko Cvetković, Prime Minister; Filippos Karamanolis, President, Executive Board Eurobank EFG; Damir Kuštrak, Executive Vice President, Agrokor Koncern; Adriano Martins, Deputy Head of the Delegation, EU Delegation to Serbia; Miloš Bugarin, President, Serbian Chamber of Commerce; Milanko Bogosavljević, CEO AOFI; Jelena Petković, Executive Director for Corporate Management, Tigar AD; Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director, NALED and Ilija Šetka, General Manager, Apatinska Pivara

By Slavka KOVAČ and Nevena MARIČIĆ Photo: Zoran SINKO

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he conference ‘Eurobank EFG Expo Serbia 2011’ was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in late March, and was jointly organised by Business Dialogue, alliance international media with institutional support provided by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and AmCham.

“Serbia is not using its export potentials sufficiently and has been recording a constant deficit in foreign trade. The contribution of exports to the national GDP is only 20 percent,” said ‘Eurobank EFG Expo Serbia 2011’ conference Chairman and the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (www.pks.rs) Miloš Bugarin in his opening address. Mr. Bugarin also outlined that over 50 percent of Serbian exports ended up in the European Union while Serbia recorded the biggest deficit in trading with EU countries.

“Serbia has a surplus only in its trade with the CEFTA countries, and we export over 80 percent of our products to this market.

At the same time, Serbia’s exports to Russia, with whom we have signed a free trade agreement, make up only four percent of overall exports,” Mr. Bugarin outlined.

The Serbian Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Mirko Cvetković outlined that the export data of 2010, and in particular, the export results accomplished in January of this year, proved that the Serbian government was right in making a U-turn towards providing more incentives for export orientated production companies.

“Our aim is for Serbian exports to grow annually by at least 10

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Over 200 participants at the conference ‘Eurobank EFG Expo Serbia 2011’ discussed Serbia’s export potentials, financing exports and new trade guidelines in respect of exporting domestic products

percent by 2020, while GDP growth should be at least six percent,” the Prime Minister said and reiterated that the European Union was Serbia’s main export destination. Speaking of future activities, the Prime Minister said that the government was due to conclude another arrangement with the IMF in April, but this will only be a monitoring arrangement, and not a financial one.

“Serbia’s credit rating has improved slightly. A development bank is currently being established with the aim of providing support to export companies and resolving the issue of guarantees which has been troubling Serbian companies a great deal, particularly in the construction industry,” Mr. Cvetković said and announced a new incentive programme for export companies.

“By integrating postal services, small and medium exporters will not have to hire freight forwarders for exporting goods of up to six thousand euros in value, but will be able to use the services of the integrated post offices,” Mr. Cvetković explained.

The Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU to Serbia (www. europa.rs), Adriano Martins, outlined that Serbia needed economic stability in order to develop.

“Serbia is in a good position to use the benefits associated with EU accession and needs to perhaps create a more secure environ-

Miloš Bugarin: “Over 50 percent of Serbian exports ended up in the European Union while Serbia recorded the biggest deficit in trading with the EU countries”

Vineta Marinović, Director, Business Dialogue: “Our aim is to open a dialogue and create a really constructive atmosphere for opinion exchange between business people and decision makers.” ment for investors who are willing to invest in the Serbian market,” Mr. Martins said.

“Serbia has set up rather ambitious development plans in terms of exports,” commented the President of Eurobank EFG’s Executive Board, Filippos Karamanolis.

“The process of European integrations needs to continue, while the business conditions have to be simplified and international companies drawn to invest in Serbia. Fiat (www.fiat.com) is a good example of this,” Mr. Karamanolis said and added that the banking sector was the most successful sector in the Serbian economy.

According to the Executive Vice President of Croatia-based Agrokor, Damir Kuštrak, non-customs obstacles are the biggest problem in terms of trade between regional countries. “Regional countries need to fully utilise the resources at their disposal and the production sectors at which they are the best. Companies are regional leaders, not states. The states only need to support the economy,” Mr Kuštrak commented.

Mirko Cvetković: “Our aim is for Serbian exports to grow annually by at least 10 percent by 2020” Executive Director for Corporate Management at Tigar, Jelena Petković said that the company had invested close to 30 million euros in new industrial facilities and technologies in the last three years.

“When the company wins over a foreign market with its products, managing gross working capital, i.e. the assets needed to secure sales and production growth, as well as the development of products and markets, becomes the company’s focus,” Ms. Petković said. She also pointed out that the companies that want to withdraw funds from the capital market by issuing short- and longterm securities have quite limited options; hence they are more orientated towards internal cash sources and bank loans.

General Manager of Apatin Brewery, Ilija Šetka, pointed out that Serbia has a lot of good brands, both in the beer and confectionary industry.

“When it comes to the consumer goods category, Jelen Beer is Serbia’s biggest export brand despite raw-materials dominating the country’s exports,” Šetka said. He thinks that the CEFTA countries are the best market for Serbian products, bearing in mind that these countries have a similar level of economic development.

“These countries have a high awareness of our brands and that needs to be better utilised in order to increase exports,” Ilija Šetka said.

Free trade agreements between Serbia and many countries have opened the doors on exports, but as participants in the second panel of the Business Dialogue Conference ‘Eurobank EFG Expo Serbia 2011’, dedicated to the potentials of domestic exports unanimously agreed, in order to make Serbian products available to choosy foreign buyers, the support of the country is

2nd Panel: (from left) Neil MacDonald, moderator, Financial Times; Mihailo Vesović, Vice-President, Serbian Chamber of Commerce; Božidar Laganin, Director SIEPA; Andreas Chasapis, Head of Corporate Transactional Banking, Eurobank EFG Group; Vladan Živanović, President of AmCham Serbia; Andreas Haidenthaler, Commercial Attache, Embassy of Austria; Alex Brooks, Head of UK Trade & Investment, British Embassy in Belgrade; Paolo Toschi, Head of Economic Affairs at the Italian Embassy in Belgrade and Kai Kimmel, Financial Director Tetra Pak

necessary, in addition to that of the exporters themselves.

In his opening statement, the Vice President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (PKS), Mihailo Vesović, said that attracting foreign investors functions as a part of the utilisation of the free trade agreement.

Filippos Karamanolis: “The process of European integrations needs to continue, while the business conditions have to be simplified and international companies drawn to invest in Serbia.”

Jelena Petković: “The companies that want to withdraw funds from the capital market by issuing short- and long-term securities have quite limited options.”

Adriano Martins: “Serbia is in a good position to use the benefits associated with EU accession and needs to perhaps create a more secure environment for investors who are willing to invest in Serbia.”

Ilija Šetka: “The CEFTA countries are the best market for Serbian products, bearing in mind that these countries have a similar level of economic development.”

Damir Kuštrak: “Companies are regional leaders, not states. The states only need to support the economy.” cordeditorial@cma.rs

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“In their production, they are using raw materials from Serbia, which makes proving that 51 percent of the products are of Serbian origin much easier; one of the export requirements according to the free trade principles,” Mr. Vesović said.

According to Mr. Vesović, the state should assist exporters with obtaining certificates for exporting, to stimulate the participation of domestic companies in national presentations at various fairs and to support the financing of market explorations and the strengthening of the national brand.

Božidar Laganin, the Director of SIEPA, stated that in 2011, the Agency would provide two types of stimuli to exporters, both to individual economic societies and associations, during their joint appearances at international markets. He added that a public invitation to exporters for the granting of state assistance would be announced in April.

Božidar Laganin: The Agency would provide two types of stimuli to exporters.

A public invitation for the granting of state assistance would be announced in April.

Paolo Toschi: Despite the difficulties Serbian businessmen should stick to reforms related to Serbia’s candidacy to the EU

Andreas Haidenthaler: Serbia has a great potential, low taxes, a qualified working force, competitive salaries, but it needs to provide predictability, transparency and the rule of law.

Alex Brooks invited Serbian exporters to take a proactive stand instead of a passive one and included under the approach of ‘what should be done’.

Andreas Chasapis: “Promotion of economic cooperation ‘Go International’, is aiming to assist export companies in the countries where EFG does business.”

Vladan Zivanović: “The non-consistent execution of the ‘regulations guillotine’ represents a missed opportunity for the faster recovery of the Serbian economy.

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Exports in the EU & Russia

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he Russian Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Alexander Konuzin, was the first conference participant to ask a question at the end of the first panel discussion.

“Russia is interested in Serbian exports, but we are concerned with what will happen when Serbia joins the European Union. The Free Trade Agreement, concluded between Serbia and Russia, will be void in that case. Are there any estimates showing what will happen to Serbian exports once the country joins the EU? Are Serbian goods going to be competitive enough?” Ambassador Konuzin asked.

“Latvia used to sell its dairy products to the entire Soviet Union and now, the country is buying French milk. The EU should not only be viewed as an export market. The EU is also a sub-contractor.”

Andreas Chasapis, The Director of Corporate Transaction Banking of Eurobank EFG Group, presented a range of the bank’s initiatives for the encouragement of exports. One of these initiatives is a programme for the promotion of economic cooperation ‘Go International’, which aims to assist companies with making export contracts in the countries where EFG does business. He drew attention to the recent contract between EFG Bank and the EBRD on a credit line for the easing of exports and imports to Serbia, and announced that the next ‘Go International’ meeting will be held in Belgrade.

Vladan Živanović, CEO of Microsoft Serbia and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Serbia, feels that “the business environment in Serbia is still characterised by a number of outdated bureaucratic procedures”.

“The non-consistent execution of the ‘regulations guillotine’ represents a missed opportunity for the faster recovery of the Serbian economy and the improvement of the investment climate,” Mr. Živanović stressed.

He was in favour of creating a predictable legal framework and transparency in the process of adopting economic policy.

To Andreas Haidenthaler, Commercial Attache at the Austrian Embassy, Serbia has a great deal of potential, relatively low taxes, a qualified work force with a competitive salaries, all of which is a good basis to make it the production centre of South-Eastern Europe. However in order for this to occur, it needs to provide predictability, transparency, stability and the rule of law.

Alex Brooks, Head of UK Trade and Investment at the Embassy of Great Britain, invited Serbian exporters to take a proactive stand instead of a passive one and included under the approach of ‘what should be done’, actions such as working concretely on researching new export destinations because this will provide new knowledge and the opportunity to see practices which can be applied in Serbia, thus promoting productivity and competitiveness within the domestic market, even if they do not necessarily succeed in the foreign market.

Paolo Toschi, Head of Economic Affairs at the Italian Embassy, told the Serbian businessmen that despite the difficulties, they should stick to reforms related to Serbia’s candidacy to the EU, and Financial Director of Tetra Pak Serbia, Kai Kimmel, announced the expenditure of production and new investments in production capacities in Serbia.

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corporate MILOŠ ŠKRBIĆ, DIRECTOR OF DDOR GARANT

Multiple Benefits Members of voluntary pension funds can make payments according to their monthly income, but no less than 700 dinars (about seven euros) per payment.

The monthly payments are not mandatory

By Marija DAMJANOVIĆ

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oluntary pension funds emerged in Serbia four years ago as a new opportunity of saving for old age or having an additional pension. We talk with Miloš Škrbić, the head of the Pension Funds DDOR Garant (www.garant-penzije.eu), about the advantages of the so-called ‘third pillar’ in relation to ‘the first pillar’ and the future of voluntary pension funds.

■ What is the difference between life insurance and pension funds?

- Life insurance is a completely different concept to voluntary pension funds.

When it comes to life insurance, we are familiar with all the factors in advance, i.e. the amount and the frequency at which the premiums are paid (if you fail to make just one payment, all other previous payments are annulled), the length of the contract and the insured amount that will be reimbursed under the policy (age, illness, death, serious injury resulting in disability or mixed life insurance). This reimbursed amount is a one-off payment.

sion, a single payment or a combination of the two. Pension funds are not only a good opportunity for people who have cash at their disposal and want to invest it longterm under favourable conditions, but also a chance to save for old age in line with the proverb ‘a penny saved is two pence clear’.

■ What are the major advantages of pri■ How did the economic downturn affect vate pension funds when compared to pension funds? state pension funds?

- The global economic downturn affected - The advantages are many. Anybody can economies worldwide which can be obbecome a member of a voluntary pension ■ Are pension funds suitable only for served in the decline of their GDPs and fund – the unemployed, students, people wealthy people? the growing level of unemployment who have never worked before and em- Members of voluntary pension funds (and as a result, reduced income) which ployed persons who would like to have can make payments according to their indirectly affected the growth of the an additional income when they retire. monthly income, but no less than 700 dinumber of voluntary pension fund memBy making payments into a voluntary nars (about seven euros) per payment. The bers. However, a low level of awareness pension fund a person will receive amongst the general population, The state could stimulate both an additional pension or can save both those who are employed and money for their children or grand- employees and employers, as well unemployed, in regards to the many children. advantages that being a voluntary as other social groups, to invest pension fund member brings is the in pension funds ■ How many Serbian citizens are main cause of the slow growth of currently making payments in order to monthly payments are not mandatory. If the voluntary pension fund industry in be able to enjoy a supplementary pena person fails to make a payment for one South Eastern Europe. sion one day? or two months, the money that he or she - At the moment, there are eight penhas already paid into the individual ac■ Should state authorities do more in sion funds in Serbia and six companies count will be increased for the amount promoting voluntary pension funds? managing these pension funds, where of the fund’s proceeds, while the contract - By being continuously involved and impeople who are under the age of 70 can with the pension fund member remains plementing synchronised measures the determine the level of a future pension in effect. I should mention that the monstate could stimulate both employees and through making individual payments. ey members pay into the fund’s account employers, as well as other social groups, to The number of individual accounts that is hereditary. The fund member decides invest in pension funds through providing have been opened by members of volunwho the beneficiary of the accumulated tax and contribution incentives, as well as tary pension funds currently stands at money will be, and this amount can be to reduce tax on the payment made when 220,451. reimbursed in the form of a ‘second’ penwe reimburse funds to our members.

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preview PRINCE WILLIAM TO MARRY KATE MIDDLETON

The Wedding Prince William, the

second in line to the British throne, will marry his longterm girlfriend Kate Middleton on 26th April at Westminster Abbey (www.royal. gov.uk). William, the eldest son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, became engaged to Ms. Middleton while on holiday in Kenya in October last year

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he soon-to-be Princess Catherine has been given Princess Diana’s blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring, and the ring’s jewels danced in the light of photographers’ flashbulbs in the state rooms at St James’ Palace as the couple spoke about their engagement.

Prince William (www.officialroyalwedding2011.org) said he gave Ms Middleton the ring so the late Princess could be with them in spirit.

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Two year break for william and Kate The Queen has told Prince William and Kate Middleton they can stay out of the spotlight for the first two years of their marriage. Her Majesty is determined that Kate will have time and space to adjust to royal life.

“It’s my mother’s engagement ring, Prime Minister, David Cameron, was so of course it’s very special to me,” he interrupted by a call from Buckingham said. “It was my way of making sure my Palace with the announcement. mother didn’t miss out on today and the “You know, I was passed a piece of excitement of the fact that we are going paper and announced the news in the to spend the rest of our lives together.” middle of a Cabinet meeting and a great Princess Diana (www.princess-diana. cheer went up and a great banging of com) was a bashful royal bride at 19, nevthe table,” he explained. er comfortable in the media glare, but at “A great day for our country, a great 28, Ms Middleton is seen as more selfday for the Royal Family and obviously assured, from a stable, middle-class, and a great day for Prince William and for comparatively boring family.

Kate.” He said he had spoken to Prince Prince William says the two women William personally to pass on his conThe Royal Family and the should not be compared. “It’s about carvgratulations. “He was obviously extremeMiddletons will bear the cost of ing your own future,” he said. “No-one is ly excited about the news and thrilled trying to fill my mother’s shoes.” about what lies in store,” he said. the wedding, the reception and The pair be“I just said the the honeymoon came engaged dur- “The government stands ready, government stood ing their October and has offered anything we can ready, and offered all think he’s wonderful and we’re exholiday at a wild anything we could tremely fond of him. They make a lovely game reserve in do to help make sure it will be a do to help make couple, they’re great fun to be with and Kenya. great success.” - Prime Minister sure that what I we’ve had a lot of laughs together.”

“It was very roknow will be a David Cameron With Britain currently facing austere mantic and it was great day of natimes and its worst peacetime budget a very personal tional celebration, deficit, Clarence House (www.royal.gov. time,” Ms. Middleton explained. will be a great success.” uk) said the wedding plans would bear Prince William was pressed on why April 29 falls on a Friday and the this in mind. “The couple are mindful of it took him so long. government has designated it as a bank the current economic situation and the “I didn’t realise it was a race, otherholiday. The extra public holiday will wedding will absolutely reflect (their) wise I probably would have been a lot fall in the same week as Easter, giving wishes - it’s very much their day,” a quicker. But also the timing is right now. millions of workers a three-day week. spokesman said.

We’re both very, very happy,” he said.

Ms. Middleton’s father said he and The Royal Family and the MiddleWilliam’s father Prince Charles said his wife, Carole, were pleased with their tons will bear the cost of the wedding, he was delighted with the announcedaughter’s choice of future husband. “We ment. “I’m obviously thrilled, thank Kate Middleton you very much. Been practising for long enough,” he commented.

And there was a more contemporary ate Middleton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kate_Middleton) reaction from his wife Camilla Parker was born on 9th January, 1982 to Michael and Carole Bowles. “It’s wicked, brilliant,” she exMiddleton at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.

Although Kate was born into a middle class family, by claimed. no means is she a ‘posh totty’. Her father’s side of the famWilliam’s brother Prince Harry was ily came from Leeds, West Yorkshire and her mother’s side also “delighted” that his older brother were miners and labourers from County Durham. Kate was raised in Berkshire and had popped the question. “It means I get went to public school, Marlborough College, where she attained eleven GCSEs and a sister, which I have always wanted,” three A-Levels.

Like her fiancé she then went on to the University of St. Andrews Harry said in a brief statement. to study History of Art and graduated with a 2:1 in 2005.

A cabinet meeting held by British

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Honeymoon

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rince William and Kate Middleton are rumoured to be spending part of their honeymoon at Balmoral in Scotland (http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balmoral_Castle), and are likely to visit The Queen’s Scottish Estate, before jetting off to another romantic location.

Having met at the University of St. Andrews, William and Kate have a particular love of Scotland. As a Royal source revealed “William is based in Wales and they are getting married in England, and it was felt that Scotland should be included.”

A honeymoon at the Queen’s Highland home appears to be a Royal tradition.

The Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex … all spent a part of their honeymoons at Balmoral.

Prince William gave Ms. Middleton the ring so the late Princess Diana could be with them in spirit the reception and the honeymoon, although any associated costs such as security, policing and cleaning streets will be picked up by the taxpayer “The details of who pays for what haven’t been worked through yet but the Middleton family are very, very keen to

contribute,” said Mr Lowther-Pinkerton, the prince’s private secretary.

He added that Prince William and Miss Middleton want their wedding to be “a classic British occasion” and “a classic example of what Britain does best”.

He said the couple and the Royal Family want the wedding to be an enjoyable event for the whole country while at the same time being “mindful” of the current economic situation.

An April wedding sees Prince William marrying in the same month as his father, the Prince of Wales, whose second marriage to the Duchess of Cornwall took place in Windsor on 9th April, 2005. However, the venue will be different as the Prince of Wales has chosen St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr. John Hall, welcomed the decision to hold the ceremony at the Abbey. “We are very pleased they have chosen Westminster Abbey for their

Miss Middleton’s new role is certain to lead to comparisons with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who supported many charities marriage and look forward to the detailed planning for what will be a great and happy occasion for the couple themselves, for their families and friends, for the country and Commonwealth and

5000 invites

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ince Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced they were getting married this spring, a host of celebrities have been begging for an invitation to the wedding. The Sun newspaper reports that the guest list will be 5,000 names long, and will include 2,000 close friends and 3,000 politicians, public figures and foreign dignitaries, who will be selected by the Lord Chamberlain’s Office (www.royal.gov.uk).

The Royal Couple is reported to be limiting invitations to family, friends and people who play a direct role in their public and private lives, so stars like Sir Paul McCartney and Dame Helen Mirren will most probably not be on the list. President Obama will not be invited due to the fact that William is not first in line to the throne and the Royal Wedding is not an official state occasion.

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for well-wishers across the globe.”

Ms. Middleton is to play a central role as a working member of the Royal Family after her wedding. “Catherine has made it clear that she wants to get stuck into work for the Royal Family and that she wants to support her future husband,” said a senior royal aide.

Miss Middleton’s new role is certain to lead to comparisons with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who supported many charities.

The couple met in 2001 at St Andrews University in Scotland (www.standrews.ac.uk) where they were both studying art history, and lived together in a shared house. They broke up briefly in 2007 but got back together again. The wedding will come 30 years after Charles and Diana married in what was billed at the time as a fairytale wedding. The couple divorced in 1996. Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being chased by paparazzi photographers, sending Britain into an intense period of national mourning.

Ms. Middleton’s parents are a former airline pilot and air stewardess - a fact reportedly mocked by some of Prince Williams’ aristocratic friends - who went on to become self-made millionaires in the children’s party business.

The princess-to-be has been working at the business, Party Pieces (www. partypieces.co.uk), after an initial foray into the working world in London caused her to be hounded by press photographers and resulted in her Did you know?

• When Kate walks down the aisle she will be the oldest Royal bride to get married.

• At the Royal Couple’s press conference Kate indicated that she would like to be called by her given name ‘Catherine’, rather than Kate.

• Prince William’s nickname in college was ‘P-Willy’.

• If Prince William had chosen to marry before his 25th birthday he would have required the consent of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Best Man & Maid of Honour Prince Harry is to be best man at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, a St. James’s Palace spokesman has announced. Ms. Catherine Middleton has asked her sister, Miss Philippa Middleton, to be her Maid of Honour.

The couple met in 2001 at St Andrews University in Scotland where they were both studying art history threatening legal action.

The intense spotlight on the young woman drew comparisons to Diana.

Prince William is currently serving as a search and rescue pilot based on Anglesey in north-west Wales.

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queen won’t meet Middleton’s parents until the wedding

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ueen Elizabeth II will not meet Kate Middleton’s parents before the royal wedding, but the palace has denied the lack of contact is a snub to the commoner’s family.

A palace spokesman told London’s Sunday Times the Queen “has not felt the need” to meet the future in-laws of her grandson, Prince William, and has no plans to do so before the ceremony.

“This is not a snub. It is just that the Queen has not yet felt the need to meet Miss Middleton’s parents,” the spokesman said. “At present there are no plans for her to do so in the run-up to the wedding but if she chooses to do so, it will be a private matter.” cordeditorial@cma.rs

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corporate ILIJA ŠETKA, REGIONAL PRESIDENT FOR SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO IN THE STARBEV COMPANY GROUP AND CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGING BOARD OF THE APATIN BREWERY

leadership Position Apatin Brewery is one of the most successful companies in Serbia

■ Could you tell us something about Apatin Brewery’s investment plans?

- Last year, our investments amounted close to EUR 23 million, the launch of Staropramen beer being one of our biggest investments, worth five million EUR. Additionally, the start of production of Jelen Cool Beer, the first domestic non-alcoholic beer, was also a substantial investment. Furthermore, by investing over EUR 10 million in the new-style Jelen Beer bottle, we are continuing with our investment cycle. This is our biggest and most important investment. In addition, this year we plan an investment in a waste water treatment factory, worth over EUR 6 million.

■ From 15th March Jelen Beer in its new packaging is available on the Serbian market - a 10-million-euro investment. This is the biggest commercial investment that has been made by StarBev in 2011. How much will this new packaging contribute to sales

This year, we plan to invest in a waste water treatment factory which will cost over six million euros to build

By Slavka KOVAČ

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ince the privatisation in 2003 by Belgium-based Interbrew, Apatin Brewery invested close to EUR 160 million. CorD talks with Ilija Šetka, Regional President for Serbia and Montenegro in the StarBev Company Group and Chairman of the Managing Board of the Apatin Brewery about future investment plans, competition, and the effect of the economic downturn on the company’s operations.

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volumes of this beer, which is already the best selling beer brand in South Eastern Europe?

- The exclusive quality of Jelen Beer (www.jelenpivo.com) certified by the many awards that we have received over the years confirms its high quality with the packaging that certainly does not lag behind the biggest global brands. Early in 2011 Jelen Beer was declared ‘The Brand of the Decade’ and became the proud bearer of the ‘Best from Serbia’ label in 2010 and for twelve consecutive years has received the highest awards at the international quality competition Monde Selection (www.monde-selection.com). For six years in a row, visitors to the Belgrade Beer Fest have declared Jelen Beer the best beer, while Serbia’s male population has hailed it as the ‘The Most Popular Product in 2010’.

The entire project of designing a new bottle for Jelen Beer was a consumer-focused innovation. The bottle has been designed in line with the requests and wishes of our consumers, its design is contemporary and made by one of the top global packaging design agencies, Cartils from The Netherlands (www.cartils.com). In addition to modern technology and keeping up with the latest trends, Jelen Beer’s new packaging raises the bar in respect of design standards and the functionality of a beer bottle in Serbia. We anticipate that the newly designed bottle of Jelen Beer, which is also a confirmation of our leadership position, will increase sales, both domestically and abroad.

like Jelen, Nikšićko, Apatinsko, Beck’s, Stella Artois and the Czech brand Staropramen. Which of these beers are actually produced in Serbia?

- Jelen Beer is our most important product and the foundation of our product range. In addition to Jelen Beer and Apatinsko Beer, which are domestic brands, we have the licence to produce Nikšićko Beer, Staropramen, Beck’s and Lowenbrau. We import Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden.

■ When you started to produce Staropramen, you also announced substantial exports of this beer. Did this plan materialise, i.e. did you get a return on your investment?

- Staropramen is a beer of supreme quality and the first Czech beer to be produced in Serbia. This is also the best selling beer from Prague, and has been produced for over 140 years. As the leader in innovations, our aim was to offer consumers with unforgettable taste of real Czech beer and we have succeeded in this. Consumers have been very receptive to Staropramen and local sales have exceeded our expectations. We plan to start exporting Staropramen beer in 2011, and the preparations for this process are under way.

■ In December 2009, Apatin Brewery became a member of StarBev Group, which was founded by the international investment company CVC Capital Partners. How much did this contribute to the development of Apatin Brewery and what will be your main focus be in the forthcoming period?

- Apatin Brewery is one of the most successful companies in Serbia. Being a part of a regional organisation has advantages in the standardisation of production procedures and overall business operations. StarBev, as a regional organisation, is particularly oriented to local markets and it is in tune with their ■ The beer industry did not particularities and as such gives manage to avoid the economic more freedom in the business ordownturn either. During 2009 ganisation sense. The best example and the first half of 2010, beer of this is StarBev’s aforementioned sales in Serbia decreased by over 10-million-euro investment in the 20 percent. Could you tell us new bottle in the first year of its how the industry has recovered, ownership of the business. In addiwhen did sales start to increase tion, StarBev wants to strengthen and how much of its product its leadership position in the rerange does Apatin Brewery acgion, and the investment in the tually export? new Jelen Beer bottle just shows it - The crisis was extremely diffiJelen Beer is by far the best selling is on the right track, since only by cult. In 2009, beer consumption Serbian export brand in FMCG business operations development fell by 11 percent while last year in the local market exceptional industry, selling around US 45 million it declined by six percent which export results in the region can in export in 2010 (according to SCOC) tells us that we are still not out of be accomplished. As a market and the negative trend but the situaconsumer oriented company, we are going to continue investing tion is gradually becoming more stable. I do hope that, this year in our brands, while listening intently to the needs and wishes of and in the years to come, we are going to see positive developments our consumers. and actually return to the sales figures before 2009. The prerequisites for market recovery are stable business conditions and a stable ■ The Serbian beer market has become international with almost foreign currency exchange rate. Apatin Brewery is one of the bigall the biggest beer producers in the world operating here, such gest exporters in the country based on the fact that we export 25 as Carlsberg and Heineken. How do you ‘tackle’ competition? percent of our products. Jelen Beer is by far the best selling Serbian - Competition is always welcome since it pushes us forward and export brand in FMCG industry, selling around US 45 million in provides us with additional motivation to become even better. Our export in 2010 (according to SCOC). leading market position is the proof that we are succeeding in this.

We hope that we are going to accomplish even better export results with the new packaging that we are going to launch in for■ Apatin Brewery has been producing beer for almost two and eign countries this year. Jelen Beer is certainly the market leader a half centuries. The brewery’s production portfolio has brands in Serbia and the favourite beer brand in the region.

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faces

& places The British International School (BIS) of Belgrade celebrated the opening of its new campus in Dedinje with a ‘Wine and Cheese’ night on 16 March. Pictured: Aleksandra Keserovic, Principal of BIS, Mr Timothy Madigan, Economic Development Expert at CHF International and his wife Mirjana, a Capacity Building Consultant at MAP Savjetovanje.

(from left) Asya Varbanova, Head of UN Women Office in Serbia, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Mary Warlick and H.E. Helena Studdert, Australian Ambassador to Serbia welcome guests to International Women’s Day celebrations at Aero Klub on 08 March.

The press conference announcing the 8th Belgrade Dance Festival was held on 17 March at the City Assembly. (left to right) H.E Jan Varso, Ambassador of Slovakia to Serbia; H.E. Christer Asp, Ambassador of Sweden to Serbia; H.E. Louis Laurent Stokvis, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Serbia; H.E. Arthur Koll, Ambassador of Israel to Serbia; H.E Armando Varricchio, Ambassador of Italy to Serbia; Aja Jung, Director of the Belgrade Dance Festival; Ivana Avzner, City of Belgrade Secretary of Culture; Petra Stangl, Executive Director of Marketing Vip Mobile; Ana Vučetić, Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Culture; Lee Litzenberger, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy; Steven De Wilde, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Belgium.

H.E. Samuel Valis-Akyianu, Ambassador of Ghana to Serbia welcomes H.E. Wolfram Maas, Ambassador of Germany to Serbia to the celebration of Ghana’s Independence on 04 March at the Hotel Continental.

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(from left) Aleksandar Vučić, Deputy Chairman of the SNS, H.E. Mercedes Felicitas Ruiz Zapata, Ambassador of Mexico to Serbia, H.E. Ali Riza Çolak, Turkish Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Georgi Dimitrov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Serbia and Vincent Degert, Head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia at the celebrations marking the National Day of Bulgaria on 03 March at the Embassy of Bulgaria.

(from left) Giancarlo Giorgetti, Chairman of the Budget Committee in the Italian Parliament, Carlo Magri, President of the Volleyball Federation of Italy, Aleksandar Boričić, President of the Volleyball Federation of Serbia, Snežana Samardžić-Marković, Minister of Youth and Sports in Serbia, H.E Armando Varricchio, Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, Bruno Cattaneo, Member of the Executive Board in the Italian Volleyball Federation and President of the Organising Committee of XXVII SWECH 2011 in Italy and Zoran Avramović, Marketing Director of the Serbian Volleyball Federation at the reception organised by the Ambassador of Italy to Serbia on 11 March.

The Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade and the Austrian Embassy in Belgrade held the opening of the ‘Cities on the River’ art exhibition at the Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade on 10 March. (from left) Inés Lombardi, featured artist, Pia Jardi, exhibition curator and H.E. Dr. Clemens Koja, the Austrian Ambassador to Serbia.

(from left) Mondher Zaghouani, Administrative and Financial Attaché at the Tunisian Embassy and his spouse; Fethi Jelassi, First Secretary at the Tunisian Embassy and his spouse; and Rabii Zenati, Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the Tunisian Embassy at the reception on 24 March celebrating the occasion of the National Day of Tunisia which falls on 20 March, at the Hyatt Regency Belgrade.

Svetlana Glumac, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director of Danube Foods Group and Dragan Đilas, Belgrade Mayor, attended the opening ‘Virtual Museum of Zoran Đinđić’ at the Belgrade Youth Centre.

faces & places

Serbian President Boris Tadic, H.E. Wolfram Maas, German Ambassador to Serbia and Vuk Jeremić, Minister of Foreign Affairs at the opening of the ‘Virtual Museum of Zoran Đinđić’ at the Belgrade Youth Centre on 15 March.

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faces

& places H.E. Mary Warlick, US Ambassador to Serbia and Dragan Šutanovac, Minister of Defence at a concert featuring both the cultural ensemble “Stanislav Binički” and the Military Orchestra of the US Army’s European Command which was held in the ceremonial hall of Dom Vojske on 18 March.

On 23 March Marcel Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of the South Stream project and Leonid Chugunov, Head of the Gazprom Project Management Department held the presentation ‘South Stream – Contribution to Europe’s Competitiveness in the Energy Sector’ which was attended by representatives of Serbia’s business and political community. (from left) Dušan Bajatović, Chief Executive Officer of Srbijagas; Oliver Dulić, Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning of Serbia; Alexei Miler, CEO of Gazprom; Marcel Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of the South Stream project; Leonid Cugunov, Head of the Gazprom Project Management Department.

Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister met with, Slavica Djukić Dejanović, the Speaker of the National Assembly, as well as representatives of all the parliamentary groups on his one-day visit to Belgrade.

Mr. Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia, accompanied by Boris Tadić, President of Serbia and Mirko Cvetković, the Prime Minister of Serbia who welcomed him with the highest state honours in front of Federation Palace on 23 March.

Petar Škundrić, President of the Sports Association, Red Star, greeted Mr. Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, along with Mirko Cvetković, Serbia’s Prime Minister at the second half of a soccer match between the youth teams of the Russian Zenit St. Petersburg club and the Serbian Red Star club at Marakana Stadium.

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The Serbian Patriarch Irinej presented the Order of St. Sava, the highest award of the Serbian Orthodox Church, to Mr. Vladimir Putin in the Cathedral of St. Sava.

In the VIP lounge at Marakana stadium, with Mr. Mirko Cvetkovic, Mr. Vladimir Putin also sat with members of a branch of Russia’s ‘Night Wolves’ bikers movement of which Prime Minister Putin is an honorary member.

New Face of NIKE In the pleasant and urban atmosphere of the Belgrade concept store ‘Supermarket’, Nike presented the famous Serbian sporting personality Ivana Španović, as a Nike ambassador and as the cover girl of the new ‘Nike Free’ campaign. Ivana and the accompanying models wore items from the latest Nike collection which has

been created to add pleasure to every workout. It is a well-known fact that comfortable, high-quality equipment, which is the basic characteristic of the new ‘Nike Free’ collection, is essential for a successful training session.

“Good and reliable equipment, of a type that does not burden one while working-out and which fits the body perfectly, is crucial for every sportsperson. You will be able to enjoy each and every moment of your session with the new Good and reliable equipment, of a type ‘Nike Free’ collection. You will be that does not burden one while workingcomfortable and be ready to masout and which fits the body perfectly, is ter the most difficult of exercises,” Ivana Španović commented. crucial for every sportsperson

Jelen Bottle LAUNCH Apatin Brewery has launched their latest bottle for Jelen beer! Host, H. e. alain Kundycki, ambassador Ilija Šetka, President of Belgium in Serbia of the Board of Directors of Apatin Brewery and regional President of StarBev Group for Serbia and Montenegro, opened a cocktail party, followed by a concert by Van Gogh who played some of their greatest hits!

Numerous celebrities enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the redecorated ‘Dom Omladine’: Marija Kilibarda, Tijana Jevtić, Miloš Vlalukin, Dejan Lutkić, Milan Kalenić, Slavko Beleslin, Jovan Memedović, Vukašin Brajić, Miloš Milovanović, Branko Veselinović, Jugoslav Pantić, H.E. Alain Numerous Kundycki, Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Alexandre Addor celebrities enjoyed the vibrant Neto, Ambassador of Brazil, the General Secretary of Jelen atmosphere of the Super League, football players redecorated ‘Dom of OFK Beograd-a and FK Rad, Omladine’ and many others.

Golden Lav PREFERRED For the first time in the history of brewing in Serbia, a beer whose concept is based on the personal

With a great deal of positive energy they demonstrated their knowledge of beer

Dragan ilic, journalist

taste and selection of beer lovers has been created. After a unique testing period, Serbia has finally chosen the long-awaited beer now known as ‘Golden Lav’. Carlsberg Serbia Company presented this innovative ‘concept beer’ at a celebration which included numerous celebrities from the worlds of art, sport, politics and business. After two days of testing, Čelarevo Brewery was visited by numerous beer fans from all walks of life and of all ages. With a great deal of positive energy, they demonstrated their knowledge of beer, and from all the flavours on offer (which had been specifically produced for this occasion by the company’s technologists), they selected Golden Lav. This unique beer goes down in Serbian brewing history as the first beer whose colour, taste and name have been specially determined by the citizens of Serbia.

The exciting Alpha Bank contest ‘Your New Visa to Paris’ was concluded on 4th March when the lucky winner was drawn and prizes were presented at the Bank’s premises.

Alpha Bank drew 22 winners The contest was created for all new users of Alpha from the many people who Bank credit cards, and the first prize of the competientered the competition tion was a trip to Paris for two. Alpha Bank drew 22

after work

Your New Visa TO PARIS

winners from the many people who entered the competition. In addition to laptops, mobile phones, 20,000 dinars worth of vouchers and Alpha Bank Electron Visa cards with 10,000 dinar credit balances, the major prize of a trip to Paris, was awarded. The winner of this prize was an elated Vitomir Jovičić from Belgrade.

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region POPULATION CENSUS IN MONTENEGRO

As a Referendum In the first half of April a population census - the first since the proclamation of independence - will be held in Montenegro. Judging by the atmosphere being created, the census is feeling more like a political campaign than a strategic enterprise

By Ilija DESPOTOVIĆ

I

n a way, this April in Montenegro will have a political quality to it. In the first half of April a population census - the first since the proclamation of independence five years ago - will be held in Montenegro. It will be the 13th census in the country, with the earliest one being held back in 1879.

The forthcoming census, judging by the atmosphere being created, is feeling more like a political campaign than a strategic exercise. Some interpretations of the meaning of the census point to the fact that this is a new constitutive referendum. The census will be of interest since it is the first one to be held in independent Montenegro, and its results will be expected with great anticipation based upon the results that came out of the 2003 population census.

The previous census was a kind of a ‘trial’ census, due to the fact that representatives of the two nations, Montenegro and Serbia, statistically ‘crossed swords’.

Numerous signs point to the fact that in this census the numerical relationship of Montenegrins and Serbs will be the main statistical, as well as political result.

In a way, this is how former independents and unionists will assess the five

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years subsequent to the independence referendum. It will be a type of a test for the referendum scores, but also for the very independent Montenegro - whether its position in the public sphere, with citizens, amongst the ‘people’, has grown stronger or not, whether it has now been accepted by those who opposed it in the referendum.

The Montenegrin-Serbian national structure, as a first-grade political issue in Montenegro, was launched precisely during the last census in 2003. Then, for the first time, the number of citizens who declared themselves as Montenegrin had decreased drastically, whereas the number of Serbs had dramatically increased. In the 1991 census, there were 61 percent Montenegrins and a mere nine percent of Serbs, while in 2003 the quantity of the former dropped to 40 percent and the latter jumped to almost 32 per-

Census numbers of Serbs in Montenegro:

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Year

Numbers

1948

6,707

1953

13,000

1971

36,000

1981

57,000

2003

198,000

cent. These facts are what make the forthcoming census interesting and important.

And that is exactly the key of the politicisation of the current census. Serbian politicians in Montenegro, with the open support of the Serbian Orthodox Church, started campaigning for the census a long time ago. They are organising round table debates, travelling to Belgrade to talk to Serbian representatives, both those in power and in opposition, and there has already been the first media appeals to Serbs not to ‘Montenegrin-ise’ themselves under any circumstances and to fight for their language. The President of the New Serbian Democracy, Andrija Mandić, is meeting ambassadors in Montenegro, and is warning them about the danger of the ‘assimilation’ of Serbs in the forthcoming census.

Political parties of Croats and Bosniaks, meaning the Muslims in Montenegro, have become involved in the census campaign. Management of the Croatian citizens’ initiative, the party which represents the Croatian community, has discussed the census with the Croatian President, Ivo Josipović, in Zagreb.

Montenegrin Bosniaks have met with the Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on the topic of the census.

Apparently, only the Albanians in

Montenegro are peaceful. Their national identity is clear and they have no fear that in the census there could be a national conversion. The Croats also are not experiencing any apprehension, but it seems that the Bosniaks are not completely sure of themselves because many of them have declared themselves as Montenegrins in previous censuses.

The highest authorities’ officials, Filip Vujanović and Prime Minister Igor Lukšić (www.predsjednik.gov.me), have repeatedly stressed that the census should not be politicised, and that it is a statistical, not political affair. The authorities have shown a high level of non-commitment prior to the census, but the pro-Serbian opposition is drawing attention to the selection of cataloguers and the structure of census committees. Allegedly, this is a means to influence the census results. However, there are representatives of the opposition in all census committees. It has also been agreed for census sheets to be made in duplicate. One copy will remain in the possession of citizens after they have

BULGARIA

Property Auction Increase

T

he number of property auctions taking place in Bulgaria during the first few months of 2011 was double that of the previous year.

Data provided by the Bulgarian Chamber of Private Enforcement Agents (BCPEA) (www.bcpea.org) and targ.bg shows that numbers hit between 1,500 and 1,600 in January and February this year.

This is compared to an average of between 700 and 800 a month in 2010. This news could result in lower prices for a number of individuals looking to buy property in Bulgaria. According to agents, the increase in property auctions was attributed to the growth of non-performing mortgage loans, as well as to the accumulation of old tenders that found no buyers.

CROATIA

Election Timings

P

The previous census was a kind of a ‘trial’ census, as Montenegrens and Serbian, statistically ‘crossed swords’ given their personal data to cataloguer.

Preparations for the census have been followed by political disputes, primarily on whether citizens will declare their ethnical or national affiliation. The Census Law initially contained a rule on ethnical affiliation, but the Constitutional Court of Montenegro (www.ustavnisudcg.co.me), at the suggestion of Social-Democratic Party, has dismissed it. National affiliation has been introduced, which has also been the case in previous censuses.

The forthcoming population census in Montenegro will cost about three million euros, and almost four thousand cataloguers will be hired. The final results of the census should be known between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2013.

■

rime Minister Jadranka Kosor reiterated several times that she would call elections only after the government completes the country’s EU accession talks. Croatia hopes to wrap those up by June. Thousands of Croats have been demonstrating in Zagreb and other cities since February, insisting on Kosor’s resignation and early elections. They accuse the government of inability to govern the country and corruption. Meanwhile, President Ivo Josipovic held several meetings with leaders of parties represented in parliament to discuss the political situation. Josipovic said he understands the protestors because people are “undergoing a bad period, unemployment, low pay and poverty.”

ROMANIA

Fifth No-confidence

I

n mid-March Romania’s centreright government survived a fifth no-confidence vote in less than a year. The final tally of the vote showed that only 212 MPs voted for the opposition’s motion, which was raised over the government’s proposed Labour Code.

Opposition parties were far from the 236 votes needed for the noconfidence measure to pass. The controversial labour legislation, which is supported by the IMF (www.imf.org), allows more flexible work contracts and part-time employment and also imposes new fines for employers who hire people without signing work contracts or employ persons living illegally in Romania. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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region RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA AND SERBIA

Cooperation Never Better Cooperation between the Republic of Srpska and Serbia has never been better nor more eventful, is the conclusion that has been drawn from last month’s session of the Cooperation Council

By Vojislava VIGNJEVIĆ

first years after the Dayton Treaty,” Boris Tadić has been quoted as saying.

The President of Serbia has pointed out that “the sessions of the Council are in agreement with the deepening of special and parallel relations which are founded on the Dayton Treaty (www.ohr. int/dpa), and under which the Republic of Srpska and Serbia have full legality and legitimacy, which under no circumstances brings into question the relationship of Serbia toward Bosnia and Herzegovina and its integrity.”

Serbia and the Republic of Srpska are facing significant infrastructural projects - primarily the Pojate-Preljine road to Višegrad, which is part of the international corridor. The possibility of the construc-

lawmaking, to equalise the conditions of business ventures in the Republic of Srphe Republic of Srpska and Serbia ska and Serbia, and thus to contribute in signed the Agreement on special the greatest possible extent to the Europarallel relations in Banja Luka on pean integrations of both Serbia and the 26th September 2006, and with this Republic of Srpska,” Milorad Dodik, Presiaction the Republic of Srpska and Serbia dent of the Republic of Srpska, has said. established special parallel relations with He stated that the Republic of Srpska the conviction that the consistent, comand Serbia are vital economic and business plete and accelerated application of the partners and presented the data that in the General Framework Agreement for Peace last five years, the investments of Serbia in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the basis for in the Republic of Srpska have amounted creating conditions for the permanent coto 1.44 billion convertible marks or 700 habitation of people and citizens in the million euros, which has enabled the Reentire area of the Republic of Srpska and public of Srpska to improve its economy, Bosnia and Herzegovina. whereas Serbia has taken the presage of The Agreement affirms the conviction the regional economy. that it will contribute to the democratic At the Council’s session it was conand economic development of the cluded that the Republic of Srpska Serbia and the Republic of Srpska Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Serbia should make annual and Herzegovina in their entirety are facing significant infrastructural balances for agricultural producand of the Republic of Srpska and tion under the conditions of the projects - primarily the Pojatethe region. In order to apply the growth of the price of food.

Agreement, the Committee for “We have discussed cooperaPreljine road to Višegrad Cooperation between the Repubtion in the agricultural sector and tion of a highway via Doboj and Bijeljina, lic of Srpska and Serbia, which is made the fact that nowadays, due to increases which would be connected to Corridor 10, up of the presidents and prime ministers in the price of food, annual balances in and passes through Serbia, was discussed of the Republic of Srpska and Serbia, has agricultural production should be made,” at the session of the Council. It has been been founded.

Boris Tadić has said and added that in stressed that construction of two or three Cooperation between the Republic of this way a policy which is extremely imbridges over the Drina is being planned.

Srpska and Serbia has never been better portant in the domain of the protection The need for cooperation in education has nor more eventful, is the conclusion that of citizens, primarily the poorest ones, been focused on in particular, since both has been drawn from last month’s session would be applied.

Serbia and the Republic of Srpska are facof the Cooperation Council.

In addition to the Agreement on special ing insufficient levels of education.

“The level of investments in the last parallel relations between Serbia and the “In the forthcoming period we wish to couple of years has grown, new work posiRepublic of Srpska, there are also political work on the realisation of those projects tions are being created, and on the general ties, as well as strong personal ties between which will be harmonised in the sense of level, we have achieved more than in the the two presidents - Tadić and Dodik. ■

T

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corporate DR. HERBERT FISCH, VICE-PRESIDENT BASF HUNGARIA KFT & SOUTHEAST EUROPE

Research & Innovation Our global Research and Development budget in 2011 will be 1.5 billion euros. This includes research clusters like energy, nutrition, mobility etc.

I

n Serbia BASF is recognised as one of the key market players in the areas of agricultural products and insulation materials. We discuss the company’s regional and local activities and the role of chemistry in the modern world with Dr. Herbert Fisch, the BASF regional manager for South-Eastern Europe and Managing Director of BASF Hungaria Kft.

tainly one of the aspects of our success.

BASF has also been in Serbia during the tough times; in fact we have been present in the market for 30 years already. We perceive Serbia as an interesting market for our entire product portfolio. From our perspective Serbia is developing well and to a degree has the same issues the other countries have, such as limited liquidity, slower project implementation and high administrative burdens.

■ BASF has been known as a world leader in terms of innovation. Are there any plans for launching new products and new technologies this or next year?

- Research and innovation are essential for BASF to ensure profitable growth and shape a sustainable future. Just one indicator to take note of: our global R&D budget in 2011 will be 1.5 billion euros.

This includes research clusters like en-

■ What have the financial results of BASF in your region been like over the last few years?

- The results of the region which is under my responsibility have been excellent. We have been able to achieve double-digit growth figures in It is nice to talk about energy South-Eastern Europe every year efficiency but more proactive except in 2008. In particular the action is necessary recovery from the ‘deep dive’ of 2009 was excellent. In 2010 BASF (www.basf.com) globally reported record ergy, nutrition, mobility etc. As for our results in all areas: sales were the highinnovations, they are part of our prodest with 63.9 euros billion being reached uct portfolio Serbia profits. We target and our global EBIT increased by 68 perthe country specifically with innovative cent to 8.1 billion euros. The South-Eastsolutions regarding energy savings in ern European countries lead the region housing and special concrete additives with the fastest growth in Europe. for infrastructure.

■ BASF Srbija (www.basf.rs) was established more than 20 years ago. Are you satisfied with the results that have been achieved in the Serbian market?

- BASF thinks long term, which is cer-

■ Considering the importance of energy efficiency, climate protection, the preservation of natural resources and renewable energy sources, what is the position of BASF in relation to these is-

sues and challenges?

- This is one of our most important focuses and we are experts in this field.

BASF products save three times more CO2 than our complete global production creates. We know that the biggest energy saver is insulation and we have been proceeding with numerous pilot projects in this field. The awareness of the consumer in respect of this area however, is still not where it needs to be. It can only be changed if authorities recognise it as major issue within their energy policy and create relevant initiatives for the public. It is nice to talk about energy efficiency but more proactive action is necessary. Based on our broad expertise we are prepared to make every effort and offer support where we can.

■ The year 2011 has been declared the International Year of Chemistry. How does BASF hope to contribute to the celebrations and what activities are you planning in the region and in Serbia?

- We see that science and specifically chemistry is the key to the solution of global megatrends. Children and young people are our major target group. In order to reach them we have developed a unique educational website for our region, www.chemgeneration.com, which was launched just last week and will be translated into 10 languages including Serbian. The main purpose of this website is to attract young people to chemistry and to present the important role it plays in the world with a special emphasis on its key role in developing our future sustainably.

■

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business 2 business Piraeus Bank

Making Life Easier Piraeus Bank (www.piraeusbank.rs) has tion of current accounts to the highest level. successfully started this business year by It provides the client with a DinaCard Debit launching three new services: ‘Plan Plus’ in- and VISA Photo Card without an issuance surance, the ‘Go Smart!’ package payroll ac- and maintenance fee, a free e-banking service, the M-payment and count and Piraeus ‘Bit by SMS notification service Bit’ instalment servicfor credit cards, the issues, which will even betance of credit cards withter help the bank meet out an annual fee as well its clients’ needs. as a payment service for Plan Plus is a new product in their life inGo Smart! allows the client to credit card debts by way surance group which inobtain more favourable interest of equal monthly instalments. cludes long-term savings With this payroll acwith a policy duration of rates and conditions for all cash, consumer and mortgage loans count the client also obbetween 10 to 25 years. tains more favourable The special benefit of interest rates and conthis insurance is the conditions for all cash, concept of indexation, which sumer and mortgage enables maintaining the loans as well as termed real value of money durEUR savings. ing the period of the inPiraeus ‘Bit by Bit’ instalment services alsurance.

The Go Smart! package payroll account is low the bank’s credit card users to pay off in a new concept in the Serbian market that en- equal monthly instalments expenses made by compasses a range of modern banking prod- purchasing goods and services with their creducts, with the aim of raising the basic func- it cards in the country, abroad or online.

Correction In the March issue of CorD on page 22 there was an inadvertent error in the interview with to H.E. Alexander Konuzin, the Ambassador of Russia to Serbia.

The incorrect wording appeared as: Terrorism can be eliminated only by oppressive measures as it has not deep, political, social, economic, and ideological roots.

It should have read: Terrorism cannot be eliminated only by oppressive measures as it has deep, political, social, economic, and ideological roots.

We apologise to H.E. Alexander Konuzin, the Ambassador of Russia to Serbia and our readers for this unintentional error.

Correction In the special CorD edition of the ‘Guide to International Business Sector in Serbia’ there was an inadvertent error made on page 43 and 44 with the publishing of an outdated list of French companies.

We apologise to the French Serbian Chamber of Commerce and our readers.

Luka Bar

Effectiveness and Efficiency The Port of Bar provides the efficient supply of services thus satisfying port clients in terms of quality, reliability and safety The tradition of doing business in good faith aimed at the more efficient flow of goods, capital, human resources and ideas has created the present shareholding company of the Port of Bar which carries out: the efficient supply of services thus satisfying port clients in terms of quality, reliability and safety; the optimisation of the utilisation of the existing infrastructural, superstructure facilities in line with the policy of economically and ecologically sustainable development; the integration of services and creation of positive and reliable relationships with all participants in the international transport chain; the continuous advancement of efficiency in port services aimed at increasing the level of satisfaction of cli-

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ents’ needs and maintaining its competitive regional position; and providing additional services aimed at creating full logistic support to service users.

The Port of Bar H.Co. (www.lukabar.me) is an integrated entity in corporative, logistic, and technical-technological terms.

With its high level of business attitude and professional conduct, its openness toward the public and transparency in its business operations, the Port fulfils, in an effective and efficient way, its function on both internal and external levels in an environment that is constantly changing.

The positioning of the Port of Bar as a port of regional importance is one of their top priorities Using its close relations with key service providers in the maritime and logistic sector, The Port of Bar has aspirations to establish innovative solutions in the transport chain based on the requirements of its clients. The positioning of the Port of Bar as a port of regional importance in the area of the supply of handling services and for the storage of liquid and bulk cargo, Ro-Ro and passenger transport is one of their top priorities.

Placements & Postings

appointments@cma.rs

www.cordmagazine.com/corporate/appointments.html

Vojvođanska Banka

From the Heart Vojvođanska Banka, Novi Sad, a member of NBG Group (www. nbg.gr) since 2006, devotes great attention to corporate social responsibility. Last year, the Bank started donating computers to childcare institutions. This donation programme is symbolically called ‘From the Heart...Vojvođanska Banka’ and it is dedicated to childcare institutions for children without parental care, as well as to institutions that provide care to children with disabilities.

The programme was launched in 2010 when the first donation of 15 computers was granted to the centre for children without parental care ‘SOS Children’s Village’ in Kraljevo (www. sos-childrensvillages.org), followed by

Marinos Vathis Chief Executive Officer at Vojvodjanska Banka NBG Group at one of the donation events

Ten Years of Mellon Founded in December 2001 by Greek Mellon Technologies, the parent company of Mellon Group of Companies (www.mellongroup.com), Mellon Serbia has been established in the Serbian market as a key provider of transaction solutions and services to financial institutions and other organisations with strong consumer business. The first company of the Group to be established in Belgrade was MTS.

Prime Minister and new Minister of Finance

Mirko Cvetković was born in Zaječar and graduated from the Belgrade Faculty of Economics where he also gained his MComm and PhD. He was employed at the Mining Institute, then at the Economics Institute, after which he worked as a consultant at the advisory and research firm CES Mecon. He has also previously been employed as an external consultant for the World Bank and the UNDP. From January 2001 he was the Deputy Minister of the Economy and Privatisation, and from 2003 to 2004 he was the Director of the Privatisation Agency and in 2005 he became the special advisor at the Intercon consulting agency. Mirko Cvetković was the Minister of Finance from May 2007 until July 2008, and since that time he has been the Prime Minister of Serbia and is now also the Minister of Finance. He is married, and has two children.

Dušan Petrović, new Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management

Dušan Petrović completed elementary and high school in his hometown of Šabac, and graduated from the University of Belgrade’s Law School. From 1992 to 2000 he worked as a lawyer, and from 2000 to 2004 he was the mayor of Šabac, as well as a deputy in the House of Citizens in the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. In the National Assembly of Serbia, where he was elected in the 2003 elections he held the position of Chief of DS Deputy Group, and between 2003 and 2007 he was the Vice-President of the Assembly. Mr. Petrović was also the Minister of Justice from 2007 until 2008.

Nebojša Ćirić, new Minister of the Economy and Regional Development

Nebojša Ćirić was born in Bor in 1974.

He has a BSc in Management from London School of Economics and Political Science (1996), an MBA from HEC University, Paris - Faculty of Economics, Belgrade (2005), and Corporate Finance qualification, from the London Institute of Chartered Accountants (2006). His career has included such positions as: Special Foreign Investment Advisor at the Ministry of International Economic Relations (2001-2002), Director for Financial Consulting at Deloitte, Belgrade (2002-2007), Assistant Minister of the Economy from 2007 to 2008. From July 2008 until now he has been the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy.

Predrag Marković, new Minister of Culture, Media and Information Society

Predrag Marković was born in 1955, in Cepure near Paraćin. He graduated in 1980 from the Faculty of Political Science in Belgrade, and later studied history and culture in Madrid and Barcelona. He is one of the founders of G17 Plus. He held the position of the President of the Parliament of Serbia between March 2004 and February 2007. He is one of the initiators and the author of the Programme of the political union of the United Regions of Serbia (URS). Predrag Marković is a holder of the Royal Order of the White Eagle of the first degree; he also formed the publishing company Stubovi Kulture in 1993. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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donations to child care institutions in Vranje, Kruševac, Kragujevac, Miloševac, Aleksinac, Ćuprija, Knjaževac, Negotin, Užice, Valjevo and Niš. By yearend, the Bank had donated 166 computers to 13 institutions.

This donation programme ‘From the Heart...Vojvođanska Banka’ continued in At the conclusion of the February, when comdonation programme, the puters were granted to Bank will have donated 350 the home for children and youth ‘Miroslav computers from the heart Mika Antić’, to the school for primary and secondary education ‘Vuk Karadžić’ in Sombor, as well as to ‘Kolevka’, a home for children with disabilities.

During the presentation of the donation in Sombor, Mr. Marinos Vathis, President of the Executive Board of Vojvodjanska Banka a.d. Novi Sad (www.voban.co.rs) highlighted that: “A child’s smile is worth more than any present. Investment in children is an investment in the future.”

The donation programme is planned to include institutions in Zrenjanin, Bela Crkva, Pančevo, Novi Sad and Belgrade. At the conclusion of the donation programme, the Bank will have donated 350 computers, from the heart.

Mirko Cvetković,

business 2 business

Henkel Revenue Growth

Mercedes- Benz

Offering Even More Mercedes- Benz (www.mercedes-benz. model is ‘Sensuality and Sense’. Buyers rs) has recently launched the latest CLS. can expect more from this model and the Numerous Mercedes-Benz fans, friends fact that it offers the best of everything of the company and public figures were in a Mercedes - extraordinary performpresent at the premiere of the new ances and excellent driving dynamics four-door sports coupe. Since its initial with increased efficiency,” says Andreas launch in 2004, the CLS has been sold Binder, CEO of Mercedes - Benz SCG. Mr. Binder in about 170,000 handed the keys units worldof the new CLS to wide and has the first buyers, set standards in who directly after terms of the apthe event, on that pearance of fourvery evening, redoor sports couceived their vehipes. The new cles. Over a dozmodel is characen driving-backterised by a high Over a dozen driving-backup up systems in the performance and excellent driving systems in the new CLS model help new CLS model help prevent any dynamics with inprevent any car crashes car crashes, and creased efficienlessen the degree of their seriousness. cy. The starting price is 62,000 euros.

Efficiency of the highest level: this is “Mercedes would not be Mercedes if it had not offered even more in the sec- the characteristic of all the four engines ond generation than it did in the first one being put into the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The - even more rational reasons and above power output and torque of each engine is all, what we all expect from the CLS, emo- greater than its predecessors’ and at the tions. That is exactly why it is no coinci- same time petrol consumption has been dence that the company’s slogan for this drastically reduced by up to 25 percent.

FAP Army Delivery Fabrika Automobila Priboj (Priboj Automobile Plant)(www.fap. co.rs), has sold 32 trucks to the Army of Serbia. “At a time when business conditions are difficult and sales are accompanied by numerous risks, contracts like this one signed with the Army of Serbia significantly contribute to the survival of FAP,” Mr. Stojovic told Beta agency. Mr. Stojovic added that FAP had also signed cooperation agreements worth a few million euros with public utility companies, Mining Smelter Basin (RTB) Bor, Kolubara Mine Basin, and Serbian Railways (www.serbianrailways.com).

Telekom’s One Bidder Telekom Austria (www.telekomaustria.com) was the only company to offer the required 1.4 billion euros for a majority stake in the state-controlled phone and internet provider Telekom Srbija by the deadline of 21st March.

“Telecom Austria offered 950 56

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Henkel in Serbia had 13 percent bigger revenue in 2010 than in 2009, which is the largest growth registered by the company in 2010 in Central and East Europe. Henkel’s (www.henkel.com) total net sales in 2010 amounted to 9.076 billion dinars, 12.7 percent more than in 2009. Exports grew by 11 percent, while the total value of exported products reached 39.5 million euros. All three sectors - Laundry&Home Care, Cosmetics/ Toiletries, and Adhesive Technologies, contributed to the business success in Serbia according to Georg Grassl, the President of the company Henkel Serbia, at conference in mid-March presenting Henkel’s business results for last year.

South Stream Daughter Company Južni tok Srbija (South Stream Serbia), the joint venture of Gazprom ( w w w. g a z p r o m . c o m ) and Srbijagas (www.srbijagas.com), founded and registered in

Switzerland, will also register a daughter company in Belgrade. The new daughter company, a 100-percent Serbian company, will be directly engaged in works on the construction of the gas pipeline section on the territory of Serbia, and it will also collect all work permits. In order for this new company to be able to operate in Serbia, it must be founded pursuant to Serbian law, which is not the case with the joint venture that was formed and registered in Switzerland. Južni tok Srbija, which is headquartered in Switzerland, operates in accordance with continental law.

million euros for shares and 450 million euros for investment,” Serbia’s Finance Ministry said in a statement after only one offer was received by the 1300 GMT deadline.

The government, which currently owns 80 percent of the company, decided last October to privatise Telekom Srbija, setting its estimated market value at 2.43 billion euros and requiring the minimum price of 1.4 billion for the majority stake.

The remaining 20 percent of Telekom Srbija (www.telekom.rs) is owned by Greece’s OTE (www.ote.gr).

Placements & Postings

appointments@cma.rs

www.cordmagazine.com/corporate/appointments.html

Dunav Insurance Company

Sailing Fair Specials Casco insurance for sailing craft covers damages that occur due to: crashes, bumps, running aground, sinking, storms, lightning, floods, fires, thefts...

On the occasion of the 33rd International Sailing Fair held in Belgrade from 9th to 13th March, Dunav Insurance (www. dunav.com) put together a special offer which is valid until 31st May. The special involves a 10% discount on premium Casco insurance of new and used sailing craft on continen-

Verica Kalanović,

new Deputy Prime Minister

Verica Kalanović graduated in 1977 from the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy in Belgrade, where she also gained her master’s degree in 1980. From 1980 to 1993, she worked in Prva Petoletka in Trstenik. From 1993 to 2003, she was a professor at the post-secondary technical school in Trstenik, and from 2003 to 2006, she was head of G17 Plus caucus in the parliament of Serbia-Montenegro. She was the State Secretary in the Ministry of Economy and Regional Development from 2007 to July 2008, and on July 7, 2008, she was elected as the Minister for the National Investment Plan. Ms. Kalanović is married and has two children.

Zoran Stanković, new Minister of Health Mr. Stankovic graduated from the Medical Faculty in Nis in 1980 and completed graduate studies in forensics in 1988 at the VMA. In 2002 was appointed to head the VMA, a position which he held until April 2005. He was appointed to replace the deposed Prvoslav Davinić as the Minister of Defence in 2005 and remained in this role until May 2007. After his departure from the office of Minister of Defence, he continued to work in a teaching role at the Police Academy and College of Home Affairs.

These services apply to individuals, independent entrepreneurs, small, medium and large companies

The minimum legal limit for the owner’s responsibility is 200,000 euros, which covers damages made exclusively to third parties due to death, injury or health violation It is possible to sign up for voluntary insurance in the circumstances of an accident involving a passenger in the same package as obligatory insurance, since the new legal requirements stipulate that passengers in a boat in which they are sailing are treated as a third party.

The career of the new Ambassador of Brazil to Serbia has included roles in the Ministry of External Relations in Brazil such as Advisor-Asia and Oceania Department (1989), DirectorImmigration Division (1990), Executive Coordinator-Economic Department (1991), Chief of Cabinet-Under Secretariat of Economic Affairs (1992), Chief of Cabinet- Under Secretariat of Political and Economic Planning (1993), Ministry of External Relations (2005-2006). His diplomatic and consular postings have included Minister-Counsellor (Deputy Chief of Mission)-Embassy of Brazil in Moscow (1993-1995), Ambassador of Brazil to Angola (19951999), Consul-General of Brazil in Chicago (1999-2005), Secretary for Multidimensional Security at the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington (2007-2010). He has also worked as a journalist, a university professor and a project analyst.

H.E. Carmen Ibanez, new Ambassador of the Republic of Chile to Serbia

The new (non-resident) Ambassador of Chile to Serbia is also currently the Ambassador of Chile to Greece and is based in Athens. H.E. Carmen Ibanez has previously been the Deputy of the political party ‘Renovación Nacional’ (RN), District 13 (2001-2005); as a parliamentarian she was a member of the standing committees of Foreign Affairs, National Defence, Mining, and Energy, as well as of Family Affairs and at the special committees for Youth and Tourism Development.

Between 2001 and 2004 she was the Vice-President of RN, and as a Social Communicator she worked at Radio Agricultura, as Director of Communications and for ‘Cosas’ magazine. She has also worked in the agricultural field in the Aconcagua Valley. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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tal waters and seas and a 10% discount on obligatory and voluntary insurance premiums for the owner’s responsibility, meaning for damages to third parties. Moreover, there is also a 10% discount on insurance premiums involving responsibility for actions of keeping and maintaining sailing craft in a marina. These services apply to individuals, independent entrepreneurs, small, medium and large companies.

Casco insurance for sailing craft covers damages that occur due to: crashes, bumps, running aground, sinking, storms, lightning, floods, fires, thefts and so on. This insurance of sailing craft covers sailing time, inactivity and also time on land.

Dunav Insurance offers obligatory insurance for the boatowner’s responsibility, meaning for damages committed to third parties. The minimum legal limit for the owner’s responsibility is 200,000 euros, which covers damages made exclusively to third parties due to death, injury or health violation.

H.E. Alexandre Addor Neto, new Ambassador of the Fed. Republic of Brazil to Serbia

Placements & Postings

CorD keeps you up to date with the latest engagements in politics, business and diplomacy

H.E. Iurie Renita,

new Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova

After presenting his credentials to Serbian President Boris Tadic on 17 February, H.E. Iurie Renita became the new (non-resident) Ambassador of Moldova to Serbia. H.E. Iurie Reniţă was born in Abaclia in 1958 and was part of the first graduating class of Moldovan students at the Bucharestbased National School of Administration and Political Sciences. During 1996-1999 he was counsellor at the Moldovan Embassy, Washington, D.C., after which he served as advisor to Foreign Minister Nicolae Tăbăcaru. He also worked for several years with the OSCE Mission to Croatia and was a manager of British American Tobacco, Moldova. He is also currently the Ambassador of Moldova in Romania, and has held this position since June 2010.

Ivan Šramko, new representative

of Banca Intesa’s Managing Board

Ivan Šramko will represent Intesa Sanpaolo in the Managing Boards of Banca Intesa Belgrade, Hungarian CIB Bank, Privredna Banka Zagreb, Banka Koper from Slovenia and Intesa Sanpaolo Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mr. Šramko was appointed as the Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia on 1st January 2005, and three years earlier, was named as the Vice Governor. In addition, in February 2010, he was appointed as a standing representative of Slovakia in the OECD in Paris.

Aleksandar Nikitović, new coach of BC Red Star

Aleksandar Saša Nikitović was an assistant to the national basketball team coach Dušan Ivković at two important championships in Poland and Turkey, as well as the coach of Serbia’s cadet basketball team. Three years ago, Mr. Nikitović coached the BC Red Star’s junior team when they became the champions of Serbia. He graduated from the Junior Basketball College where earned his coaching degree and became a basketball coach in 2004.

Andrea Simoncelli, new Chairman and CEO of Delta Generali Insurance Andrea Simoncelli was born in Rome, and has a law degree from the University of Rome, an economy degree from the University Luiss of Rome and a postgrad from the London School of Economics. His early career (1983-1996) included various Managing Director roles at Fiat, and in 1996 he was made responsible for Foreign Operations at Toro Assicurazioni S.p.A. and Le Continent Assurances, Guardian Vie in France, Benefia in Poland, Phenix Seguradora in Brasil and Toro Targa Assicurazioni in Italy. In 2001 he became the CFO of Toro Assicurazioni Group, and in 2009 when Toro Assicurazioni and Alleanza Assicurazioni merged into Alleanza Toro S.p.A., he became the Deputy General Manager.

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appointments@cma.rs

www.cordmagazine.com/corporate/appointments.html

H.E. Gagik Ghalatchian, new Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Previous foreign service postings of the new (non-resident) Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Serbia include: Second Secretary, Embassy of Armenia in the Hellenic Republic (1997-1999), Head of Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1999-2000), Head of MilitaryPolitical Cooperation Division, Arms Control and International Security Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia (2000-2001), Counsellor at the Armenian Embassy in Russian (2001-2004), Member of the Permanent Council of the CSTO (2003-2004), Director, Asia-Pacific and Africa Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia (2004-2007) and Director, External Relations, Administration of the President of the Republic of Armenia (2007-2009).

Marija Draškić, new Vice-President of the Constitutional Court Constitutional Court judge, Prof.

Dr. Marija Draškić has been appointed as the Vice-President of the Serbian Constitutional Court. She was born in Belgrade in 1954 and graduated in 1976 from the Belgrade Faculty of Law magna cum laude. Ms. Draškić worked briefly as a legal intern at the Second Municipal Court in Belgrade, and in 1978 she was appointed as a teaching assistant trainee in family law at the Faculty of Law. Ms. Draškić received her PhD in 1987 and was hired to work as a university professor in 2000. She was appointed as a Constitutional Court judge in November 2007.

She is married and has two children.

Marina Jovićević, new Serbian Consul General in Herceg Novi

Mrs. Marina Jovićević graduated from English language in 1995, and enrolled into PhD studies at the Belgrade Faculty of Political Sciences in 2007. She worked as the First Secretary in the Ministry’s OSCE and Council of Europe Directorate in 2002 and 2003. In 2008 and 2009, she was at the helm of the Directorate for Regional Initiatives in the Foreign Ministry. As of May 2009 she has been an Assistant Foreign Minister and Director General of the General Directorate for the European Union in the Ministry.

She is married and has three children.

Marko Mrzel, Gorenje Management Board member in charge of finance and economics

At today’s meeting, Gorenje Supervisory Board appointed Mr. Marko Mrzel as the new Gorenje Management Board member in charge of finance and economics. From 2003 and until his appointment to the Management Board, Mr. Marko Mrzel was the director of Gorenje’s sales subsidiary in Belgrade. His career at the Gorenje Group started in 2001 when he was appointed head of complementary program. After completing the university studies, he earned in 1999 the title of Master of Science in Business Administration.

sport BECOME A MASTER OF CHARITY!

The Race for Japan

This year’s CorD Charity Masters will be devoted to the people of Japan, and consequently each contestant will be able to purchase a shirt sporting the race logo and Japanese flag for only 100 dinars. All money raised, together with donations from the race will be paid into a special account to help the people of Japan 60

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n association with the Belgrade Marathon, for the seventh consecutive year, CorD Magazine is organising the CorD Charity Masters – a race in which it is more important to be charitable than to be first. The Charity Masters race will take place in the context of the upcoming 24th Belgrade Marathon, to be staged on Saturday 17th April 2011.

The Charity Masters race commences at 10.00am, and all participants should be at the start-line by 9.30am at the latest. The meeting place is at Pionirski Park located on the corner of Kneza Milosa and Kralja Aleksandra streets.

This year we are inviting you to run (or stroll if you so desire) at least five kilometres to raise money for charity. Registering to participate in the CorD Charity Masters is simple (please visit www.cordmagazine.com) and all money raised by racers will be donated to the organisation of their choice.

This year’s CorD Charity Masters however will be devoted to the people of Japan, and consequently each contestant will be able to purchase a shirt sporting the race logo and Japanese flag for only 100 dinars. Runners have the option of still donating the funds they raise to the charity of their choice, but we would like to suggest that Japan is currently in need of as much assistance as possible. All money raised for Japan, together with donations from the race will be paid into a special account to help this country in need.

The Charity Masters meeting place is at Pionirski Park located on the corner of Kneza Milosa and

CorD Charity Masters – Faqs • How can I apply to compete in the CorD Charity Masters race?

- Send an email to charitymasters@cordmagazine.com or fax to (+381 11) 308 99 88 with a completed registration form. The closing date for registration in the CorD Charity Masters is Friday 15th April.

• Who will check how many kilometres have been completed by the runners?

- This is charity race and each runner is expected to calculate the length of their own race. In addition, special referees will be tasked with assisting half and full marathon runners.

Kralja Aleksandra streets

How to raise funds Each participant should secure sponsorship of at least 400 dinars per every kilometre that they run during the race.

How to make a payment Donations should be either paid into CorD’s special account or directly into the accounts of the organisations who are the beneficiaries of the donations.

The Charity Masters race commences at 10.00am, and all participants should be at the start-line by 9.30am at the latest

Where to donate Race participants have complete independence in the selection of any humanitarian organisation they wish to run for (ORCA, School without Violence, etc.). Every CorD Charity Master will receive a certificate and commemorative t-shirt as proof of their participation. The winners (most funds raised) will receive symbolic commemorative prizes. The results of the race and details of the funds raised will be published in CorD’s May issue, on www.expat.rs and www.cordmagazine.com, while the formal presentation of donations by the teams will feature in the June issue of CorD. Apply today and make a difference!

The CorD Team, Kneginje Zorke 11b, Belgrade Tel: 011 308 9977; Fax: 011 308 9988; e-mail: charitymasters@cordmagazine.com

• How does one either become a sponsor or obtain a sponsor?

- Sponsors can be any individual, company, organisation, association or mission which agrees to pay the runner.

Sponsors can also include work colleagues willing to collect funds for your charity of choice. You can obtain sponsorship within your company or from family members, friends... whoever wants to join this charity race.

• How many participants will be accepted for the CorD Charity Masters?

- In agreement with the organisers of the 24th Belgrade Marathon, all participants who apply for the CorD Charity Masters will be accepted.

• Is there a minimum sponsorship level per kilometre?

- The amount of money individuals give for sponsoring charity efforts is not always the most important factor.

Accordingly, there is no set minimum.

•W hat percentage of the money raised will go to charity?

- 100% of the money raised is to go to charity.

• Will CorD Charity Masters run alongside all other participants of the Belgrade Marathon?

- Yes. Members of the CorD Charity Masters team will start the race at the same time as all other runners competing in the 24th Belgrade Marathon. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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culture news SANTANA, Belgrade Arena, 06 July

S

antana will perform in Belgrade where he will promote his latest album ‘Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of all Time’ which was released in September 2010.

With their rock, salsa and jazz fusion Santana and his band became famous after their legendary performance of Soul Sacrifice at Woodstock in 1969, a song that was later released on the live album of the Woodstock concert. Their first album ‘Santana’ (1969) with the top single ‘Evil Ways’ sold four million copies, but their commercial success

regained his earlier commercial success.

Santana is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has sold more than 90 million records, and performed to over 100 million people. He has won 10 Grammy awards, including a record nine wins for his 36th album ‘Supernatural’.

Santana has been named fifteenth on Rolling Stone magazine's ‘List of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’.

‘Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time’ is the fourth chapter in a new-old rock saga, whose roots stretch back to 1997, when Clive Davis attended his first Santana concert.

This quartet of albums – Supernatural, Shaman, All That I Am, and now GUITAR HEAVEN – stands alone in the annals of rock history.

WAKE UP

Santana has been named fifteenth on Rolling Stone magazine's ‘List of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’ began to fade in the early 70s after Santana decided to focus more on jazz.

Despite great reviews and a successful appearance at Live Aid in 1985, it wasn’t until 1999 and their album ‘Supernatural’ that Santana

O

n 12 March, ‘Teatar Mimart’ presented the premiere of the play ‘Odabrani se Bude’ (Chosen to Be) at the Centre for Cultural Decontamination.

The play, created and directed by

Nele Antonović, is part of the two-yearlong ‘Wake Up’ programme which is being supported by the European Commission programme ‘Culture 2007-2013’. The third meeting of the project was held in Belgrade between 10 and 13 March, and the play ‘Chosen to Be’ as well as workshops were held as part of the gathering.

The project of ‘Wake Up’ is to be developed through six capital international events, partnership meetings and a steering group. Through these activities they will promote coexistence and respect for different

‘Odabrani se Bude’, created and directed by Nele Antonović, is part of the two-year-long ‘Wake Up’ programme cultures and beliefs, create opportunities for artistic mobility and encourage dialogue between practitioners and policy makers so that music and the creative arts are used as an integrated and effective tool in achieving social cohesion. A strong partnership between participants and the coordinator will provide a solid platform for achieving these goals.

Collaborating partners in the ‘Wake Up’ project include Opera Circus/The Starr Trust from the UK, the University of Edinburgh, and Musicians without Borders in the Netherlands.

STING, Belgrade Arena, 08 June

S

ting, accompanied by a symphony orchestra and his band, is extending his celebrated ‘Symphonicity’ world tour with additional dates across Europe this summer including Belgrade Arena.

The ‘Symphonicity’ tour includes Sting performing his greatest hits, ‘re-imagined’ for a symphonic arrangement. Drawing from a diverse and illustrious career that has produced numerous multi-platinum albums, a staggering list of number-one songs, countless accolades and worldwide record sales of nearly 100 million, Sting's most celebrated songs have been re-interpreted with brand new orchestrations arranged by Jorge Calandrelli, David Hartley, Michel Legrand, Rob Mathes, Vince Mendoza, Steven Mercurio, Bill Ross, Robert Sadin, and Nicola Tescari.

The ‘Symphonicity’ tour includes Sting performing his greatest hits, ‘re-imagined’ for a symphonic arrangement 62

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Selections, created especially for this tour, include fan-favourites such as The Police hits: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, Roxanne, Next To You and Every Breath You Take, to notable songs from Sting's enduring solo career such as Englishman in New York, Fragile, Russians, If I Ever Lose My Faith in You, Fields Of Gold, and Desert Rose.

For the concert, Sting will also be joined by a group of accomplished musicians, comprised of Dominic Miller (Sting's longtime guitarist), Rhani Krija (his longtime multi-genre percussionist), Jo Lawry (vocalist) and Ira Coleman (bassist).

BELGRADE DANCE FESTIVAL, 03 - 18 April

E

stablished in 2004, the festival has as its mission making with unanimous votes for the first laureate... and the opportunity dance accessible to all, through the education of young and to present himself to his audience after more than 25 years away professional dancers as well as audience members. is being given to Mihailo Miša Đurić. Mr. Đurić is currently the One of the highlights of the festival Artistic Director of the Ballet Festival is ‘Vip is Inviting’ where a prominent in Providence, Rhode Island in the USA. local dance artist who is living and He was a former soloist at the National working abroad, has the opportunity Theatre in Belgrade, and created one of to re-present themselves to a Serbian the most prestigious ballet companies audience, and in this way are given in the USA. The guest appearance of the opportunity to stage a ‘come this ballet company will be assisted by back’ after many years away State of Rhode Island and the Mihailo Miša Đurić was a former soloist at the the from the stages on which they Embassy of the USA in Belgrade.

National Theatre in Belgrade, and created one of made their first ballet steps and The performance will take present an overview of their the most prestigious ballet companies in the USA place on 13th April, 2011 on work since leaving Serbia. The event involves a special evening the main stage of the National Theatre in Belgrade, where Đurić within the festival, and the selection of the artists is made by a took his first professional ballet steps. five-member jury. The selection for the first event has been made For more information: www.belgradedancefestival.com

SUPPORT FOR CO-PRODUCTIONS

and 1.1 million for animated movies.

Since being founded in 1988, Eurimages has supported 1364 European coproductions with about 412 million euros.

UNDERWATER FILM FESTIVAL

T

he European fund which supports co-productions, and the distribution and exhibition of European films in cinemas, Eurimages, has selected 16 European co-productions that will be awarded a total of 5.26 million euros.

Amongst the films selected is one major Serbian and Croatian project.

At the 122nd meeting of Eurimages which was held between 8th and 10th March in Istanbul, it elected to support

the project of ‘Parada’ (The Parade), directed by Srdjan Dragojevic, produced by the studios of Delirium from Serbia and their partners from Slovenia (Forum), Croatia (Mainframe), Macedonia (Sektor Film Dooel). This project won the support of 200,000 euros.

Of the overall amount approved, 4.16 million was agreed upon for feature films,

As part of the festival the Gallery of Contemporary Art in Pancevo held an exhibition of underwater photography Contemporary Art in Pancevo held an exhibition of underwater photography and two local films, ‘Noise’ by Milorad Đuknić and ‘Northern Route, the Red Sea’ by Janez Kranjc were featured. Other films included as part of the festival came from Italy, France, America, Britain, Japan and the Netherlands.

During the seven day festival, visitors were also able to see exotic marine

WHEN I WAS DEAD

T

he Ljubljana-based Slovenian National Theatre staged Ernst Lubitsch’s play ‘When I Was Dead’ on 30th March at the Yugoslav Drama Theatre. The unusual thing about this play was that all the roles, even female ones, were played by men. Director and set designer Diega de Brea presented the story in a manner similar to a silent movie. Diega de Brea has directed numerous and significant performances in addition to plays ranging from youth theatre and puppet

Director and set designer Diega de Brea presented the story in a manner similar to a silent movie performances (even puppet opera), to creating projects based on classic and contemporary texts, to musical performances and vaudeville. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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culture NEwS

Since being founded in 1988, Eurimages has supported 1364 European coproductions with about 412 million euros

T

he Underwater Activities Club of Pancevo, in cooperation with the Cultural Centre of Pancevo held the eighth international festival of underwater film and photography between 23rd and 30th March. As part of the festival the Gallery of

photography from professional and amateur photographers from both Serbia and abroad.

culture calendar DANCE Belgrade Dance Festival 03 - 18 April The Belgrade Dance Festival is an international event of enviable artistic achievement which places Belgrade amongst the most significant cultural centres in the region.

03 April @ 20.00 Royal Ballet of Flanders, Antwerp, Belgium – ‘Artifact’, William Forsythe Sava Centre 05 April @ 20.00 Barak Marshall Company, Tel Aviv, Israel – ‘Rooster’, Barak Marshall Opera Madlenianum 06 April @ 20.00 Balletto di Torino, Italy – ‘Primo Toccare’, Matteo Levaggi Theatre Atelje 212 07 April @ 20.00 Yasmeen Godder Company, Tel Aviv, Israel – ‘Love Fire’, Yasmeen Godder Belgrade Drama Theatre

15 April @ 20.00 Goteborg Ballet, Sweden – ‘Falter’, Johan Inger; ‘La La Land’, Alexander Ekman & Medhi Walerski Sava Center 16 April @ 20.00, Opera Madlenianum Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, London, United Kingdom – ‘FAR’, Wayne McGregor

CLASSICAL MUSIC Kolarac Foundation Hall Concert Programme (a selection from the main programme) - April 2011.

17 April @ 11.00 Piano Duo Tea Dimitrijevic and Dejan Subotic

29 April @ 20.00 Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra

08 April @ 20.00 Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra

Tickets for all concerts available at: KOLARAC FOUNDATION HALL Studentski Trg 5, Ph: 011 263 0550 www.kolarac.rs (programme is in English)

CONCERTS Richard Marx 22 May @ 21.00 Belgrade Arena

12 April @ 20.00 Scapino Ballet, Rotterdam, The Netherlands – ‘Bravo, Charlie!’, Marco Goecke; ‘Holland’, Ed Wubbe Opera Madlenianum 13 April @ 20.00 Festival Ballet Providence, USA – ‘Surrender’, Viktor Plotnikov; ‘Rhyme’, Viktor Plotnikov; ‘Coma’, Viktor Plotnikov, National Theatre, Belgrade

Tickets available from: Ticket Office at the Sava Centre Ph: 011 220 6060 Working hours: 10:00 - 20:00 (working days); 10:00 - 15:00 (Saturday) & 1 hour before event

14 April @ 20.00 Compagnie Maguy Marin, Rillieux la Pape, France – ‘May B’, Maguy Marin Belgrade Drama Theatre

Ticket Office at the Cultural Centre of Belgrade Ph: 011 262 8342 Working hours: 09:00 - 20:00 (working days); 10:00 - 20:00 (Saturday)

10 April @ 20.00 Nederlands Dans Theater, The Hague, Netherlands – ‘27’52’’’, Jirí Kylián; ‘Gods and Dogs’, Jirí Kylián; ‘Cacti’, Alexander Ekman, Sava Centre

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15 April @ 20.00 Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra

03 April @ 11.00 Kolarčev Podium Chamber Music - Trio Amorosso Free entry

A contemporary pop/rock singer from the US who had a string of hit singles in the late 1980s and 1990s including ‘Endless Summer Nights’ and ‘Right Here Waiting for You’.

Most of his major hits are slow ballads or have a classic rock style.

(Ticket price: 2300, 2500, 2700 and 3200 din)

81 April 2011

14 April @ 20.00 Mihailo Zurković, piano Programme: Schubert, Despić, Liszt, Chopin

19 April @ 20.00 From Bach to Piazzolla Richard Galliano Sextet

09 April @ 20.00, Belgrade Drama Theatre Graz Ballet, Austria – ‘Sketches’, Edward Clug

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12 April @ 20.00 Jazz Concert

02 April @ 20.00 Harp Festival

08 April @ 20.30 Les SlovaKs, Bratislava, Slovakia – Opening Night, Les SlovaKs Dance Collective Belgrade Drama Theatre

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10 April @ 11.00 Kolarčev Podium Chamber Music Concerto for strings students of the Faculty of Music Free entry

www.cordmagazine.com

Concerts @ Belgrade Arena Crvena Jabuka (Red Apple) “For Your Love” a traditional April concert 16 April @ 20.30 A pop rock band that originated in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, but has been based in Zagreb since the beginning of the Yugoslav Wars. In former Yugoslavia they were one of the most successful and productive bands ever and were a prime example of the famous Sarajevo school of pop/rock.

(Ticket prices: 1700, 1900 and 2100 din)

OPERA The National Theatre of Belgrade 06 April Sergei Prokefiev’s ‘The Love for Three Oranges’ 09 April Sergei Prokefiev’s ‘The Love for Three Oranges’ 11 April Sergei Prokefiev’s ‘The Love for Three Oranges’

27 April Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’ 30 April Giacomo Puccini’s ‘La Boheme’ * All commence @ 19.00

Tickets available from: Ticket Office of the National Theatre of Belgrade Francuska, Ph: 262 0946 www.narodnopozoriste.co.rs (English option available) Bryan Ferry 28 April @ 20.00 Belgrade Arena From his earliest recordings with his group Roxy Music, at the beginning of the 1970s, Bryan Ferry has taken his place as one of the most iconic and innovative singers and lyricists to emerge in popular music.

Tickets available though: CARD SERVICE: www.tickets.rs, Dubrovacka 18, Zemun, Ph: 011 30 77 170 TICKET CENTER CULTURAL CENTER: Trg Republika 5, Ph: 011 262 8342 USCE SHOPPING CENTRE Info desk: 10:00-22:00 EVENTIM: www.eventim.rs Toplicin Venac 19-21, New Belgrade, Ph: 011 3281025 or 3281026

Tap 011 01 April @ 21.00 Belgrade Arena A very successful and popular Serbian pop band, Tap011 started in 1992 and achieved most of their success in the 1990s. Their 1995 album ‘Gaće’ (Underpants) made them one of Serbia’s most popular bands at the time.

12 April Vojislav Voki Kostić’s ‘Who is Singing Over There’ 14 April Tchaikovsky’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ 19 April Ballet to the music by Henry Purcell ‘Songs’ 19 April Zoran Marković and Aleksandar Ilić’s ‘Interval / Viva La Vida!’

21 April Ballet to the music by Goran Bregović ‘Queen Margot’ 29 April Ludwig Minkus’ ‘Don Quixote’ * All commence @ 19.30

Tickets available from: Ticket Office of the National Theatre of Belgrade Francuska, Ph: 262 0946 www.narodnopozoriste.co.rs (English option available)

FESTIVAL OF FOLK CRAFTS BALLET The National Theatre of Belgrade

07 April Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘The Lady of the Camellias’ Guano Apes 10 April @ 20.00 Belgrade Arena Guano Apes is a female-fronted alternative rock quartet from Göttingen, Germany comprising of Sandra Nasic (vocals), Henning Rümenapp (guitar), Stefan Ude (bass), Dennis Poschwatta (drums).

Originally formed in 1994 the band counts as their influences Primus and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

07 April Just Go With It - Comedy Director: Dennis Dugan Stars: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and Brooklyn Decker On a weekend trip to Hawaii, a plastic surgeon convinces his loyal assistant to pose as his soon-to-be-divorced wife in order to cover up a careless lie he told to his muchyounger girlfriend.

09 April Rio - Animation Director: Carlos Saldanha Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, George Lopez, will.i.am, Jamie Foxx Rio is a 3-D animation feature from the makers of the 'Ice Age' films. Set in the magnificent city of Rio de Janeiro and the lush rainforest of Brazil, the comedy-adventure centres on Blu, a rare macaw who thinks he is the last of his kind.

14 April The Rite - Psychological thriller Director: Mikael Håfström Stars: Colin O'Donoghue, Anthony Hopkins and Ciarán Hinds An American seminary student travels to Italy to take an exorcism course.

21 April Unknown Thriller/Drama/Mystery Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Stars: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger and January Jones A man awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, (not even his wife), believes him. With the help of a young woman, he sets out to prove who he is.

21 April Dylan Dog: Dead of Night Horror / Mystery / Thriller Director: Kevin Munroe Stars: Brandon Routh, Anita Briem and Sam Huntington The adventures of supernatural private eye, Dylan Dog, who seeks out the monsters of the Louisiana bayou in his signature red shirt, black jacket, and blue jeans. cordeditorial@cma.rs

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culture calendar

05 April Dobrijević /Lightfoot, Léon/ Kylián ‘Triple Bill’

The association of folk arts and crafts of Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, the NGO ‘Hall of Crafts’ with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture of Saint Petersburg, and with the support of the Committee for Foreign Relations in St. Petersburg and the Russian Embassy in the Republic of Serbia, in cooperation with the association of traditional crafts and handicrafts of Serbia, has organised the festival of Russian-Serbian Festival Crafts that will be held between 18 and 27 April at ‘Galerija Progres’.

MOVIE PREMIERES

interview BARAK MARSHALL, CHOREOGRAPHER

I really don’t like when dancers are anonymous and interchangeable and unrecognisable on stage.

I see my dancers as actors in a play and I like them to have the ability to dance, act and to be themselves on stage

Telling a Story

By Marija DAMJANOVIĆ

A

s part of the Belgrade Dance Festival, acclaimed choreographer Barak Marshall will be presenting his production ’Rooster’ which has recently won first prize in the Los Angeles A.W.A.R.D show.

Since his accidental entrance into dance in 1995, Barak has established himself as one of Israeli dance’s most innovative and unique voices. CorD discusses with him his greatest influences, where he draws his inspiration from and what Belgrade audiences can expect from ’Rooster’.

- ‘Rooster’ is based on a Yiddish story by the writer I. L. Peretz and it tells the story of a man who was kind but so unremarkable and so unassertive that he walked though life unnoticed.

For me, I took this character as the basis for the story of ‘Rooster’ but in ‘Rooster’, because he is so weak, the only place he can achieve his hopes and desires is when he sleeps, in his dreams. For me, a rooster is a symbol for a man. He is proud and often loud, but incredibly weak and fragile as well.

■ What do you appreciate the most in dancers?

- I really don’t like when dancers are anonymous and interchangeable and unrecognisable on stage. I see my dancers as actors in a play and I like them to have the ability to dance, act and to be themselves on stage. Unfortunately, the dance world has valued technique over character for so long that dancers often do not appreciate the true extent of their talents. This is why I love the dancers of Pina Bausch (www.pina-bausch.de). I remember each and every one of them for years after I have seen them on stage.

■ Is it difficult to avoid the repetition of movement?

■ You have recently received an award in Los Angeles - No. I try to write movement as words so I search for the for a dance performance that Belgrade audiences will gesture or phrase that expresses the see at the upcoming Belgrade Dance Festival, ‘Rooster’. Did you expect it to The work of my mother, emotion, word or subtext that I am be so successful?

Margalit Oved, is by far trying to get the dancer to say. So because my movement is not just ab- I didn’t expect it. I’ve focused so the greatest influence on stract but draws from real words and much on trying to develop good work my own work emotions it allows me to avoid repeI didn’t have the time to imagine how tition. I think dance must tell a story far this work would go and because I just like a play, film or novel does. I am unable to start a am very self-critical I am always surprised when people work unless I have a story that I want to tell. And when like my work. But I am proud of what I have created. you have clear characters, a story and - hopefully - a narrative arc, you make the movement relative to the ‘text’: that ■ ‘Rooster’ is about a Jewish wedding, and is a comedy with the dancer is speaking and thereby avoiding repetition. elements of tragedy. What does ‘Rooster’ mean to you?

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■ You made your entrance into the world of dance by chance in 1995. How did this transpire?

- My mother is a choreographer and a dancer. I spent my childhood touring the US with my mother’s dance company on a broken down red school bus with 10 hippie dancers and I remember a lot of homemade cheese. I slept more on studio and theatre floors than in my own bed. So I had very little appreciation for dance - it was really the last thing that I wanted to do. I loved sports and in 1992 I graduated with the idea of becoming a lawyer because that’s what you do if you don’t want to be a dancer. But in 1994 I suffered a severe case of umbilical whiplash. My mother was appointed artistic director of Inbal and I had always wanted to live in Israel so I moved there and got an administrative job with the company. Six months after we arrived, my Aunt Leah, who was a second moth-

The dance world has valued technique over character for so long that dancers often do not appreciate the true extent of their talents er to me, unexpectedly died. I was overwhelmed by grief and every day after sitting Shiva (the seven day Jewish mourning period) I would return to the studio and lock the door. I would think of my aunt and tried very hard to remember all of her stories songs, words of wisdom, and as many images and memories of her that I could so as not to forget her.

I put on loud music and started expressing my grief and started dancing for the first time in my life. I didn’t know this at the time but one of the dancers was secretly watching from a balcony. At the end of Shiva, she came into the studio and said that she wanted to show me some movement. “Let’s build a piece in memory of your aunt.” That’s how I began to dance.

■ You live in Tel Aviv and Los Angeles, but it seems that Tel Aviv is your source of inspiration.

- Yes it is. It is an incredibly vibrant city. The street is filled with interesting people, stories, sounds and smells. You cannot avoid life here. The creativity in food, music, dance and design is endless. There is a hunger for culture and a real appreciation for life that is inspiring.

■ You haven’t danced for quite some time now due to injury. Do you miss dancing or does choreography sufficiently compensate for dancing?

- I do miss it. I miss being able to investigate movement through performance after performance. But focusing on choreography is incredibly fulfilling and actually has allowed me to refine my craft.

■ Which choreographers do you look up to?

- The work of my mother, Margalit Oved, is by far the greatest influence on my own work. She is the most prolific maker of movement and creative artist I have ever met. I love the work of Pina Bausch, Sidi Larbi Charkaoui and Alain Platel as well. What I appreciate in each one of them, again, is their storytelling.

■ You mention your mother (acclaimed dancer, choreographer and musician Margalit Oved) as your greatest influence. How can we see her influences in your work?

- My mother does extremely intricate choreographies that are highly gestural, physical and fast and tell beautiful stories. I learned from her that a good novel or film, a good piece of choreography, must tell a story. I have learned from her to work with the dancers as full characters on stage, not an object that moves through space just to create a picture. She also taught me the immense power of gestures, pedestrian movement and the need to constantly create new movement. My mother is also a powerful and total performer. If I succeed in bringing a fraction of the power and passion she brings to the stage, then I feel that I have succeeded.

■ In addition to your work in dance you are also an accomplished singer of Middle Eastern and Rock music. Do you ever tour as a musician?

- I have sung with Yo Yo Ma and his Silk Road Ensemble (www.silkroadproject.org) as well as several other orchestras and ensembles in Los Angeles. Music is my first love and I hope to do more of it. I don’t tour as much as I would like to.

■ What do you expect from your Belgrade audience?

- I have been fascinated by Balkan music, literature and culture since I was a child. I think because there are so many similarities and cross-overs with Jewish culture. I am extremely honoured to be performing in Belgrade.

■ Do you know anything about Serbian folklore? What do you think about our folk dances?

- I have used Serbian music in several of my works, studied some Serbian folk dance when I was in high school and when I was at Harvard, my favourite class was a course I took in Serbio-Croatian Literature. My favourite books of all time include ‘The Bridge on the Drina’ by Ivo Andrić as well as the work of Danilo Kiš and Milorad Pavic’s ‘Dictionary of the Khazars’.

■ cordeditorial@cma.rs

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travel

Shake Off

THE WINTER BlUES Visiting Hawaii in Spring lets you catch a last glimpse of the humpback whales before they head off for their Summer home off the coast of Alaska

W

ith the last of the snow for this season behind us, noticeably longer days and the first buds on the trees, now is the perfect time to start thinking about a much-needed Spring break. Read on for 10 great ideas to help get you in the mood for Spring...

The Maldives

I

t is now a quarter of the way into the year and if it feels more like the end of the year, you could be in need of some serious R&R on a beautiful beach or poolside. With its sugary white beaches, lush vegetation, pristine lagoons and serene atolls, the Maldives is an exotic holiday location at any time of the year. With its 1200 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are most people’s idea of a tropical paradise; almost every island could front an envy-arousing postcard. And only 200 are inhabited - which makes for a lot of deliciously remote hideaways perfect for a Spring ‘get away from it all’ break.

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Yosemite National Park

Y

osemite National Park in California is a magnet for nature lovers. In summer this burst of affection can make the park feel a little crowded, but in Spring there are noticeably less people. In April and May, the Spring runoff showcases the waterfalls in all their glory (the waterfalls have little or no water in late summer and fall). Yosemite Falls is a virtual gusher and Bridal Veil Falls lives up to its gossamer name. As the melt continues, unnamed waterfalls appear along the cliffs framing the valley floor making for a spectacular sight. Chances are there will still be a small amount of snow at this time of year, but that just adds to the ambience.

Florence

T

ravellers who want an unforgettable holiday this Spring should perhaps consider the city of Florence.

This is by far one of the most beautiful places on Earth and is known not only for its mild climate, but also for its historical treasures. It is an ideal holiday destination if you enjoy long walks and meandering through citystreets, especially with the mild temperatures of Spring.

Spring is also the time of year when many festivals are held in the city and delicious ‘Spring foods’ such as artichokes, asparagus and Spring lamb can be enjoyed.

The largest flower garden is the Keukenhof, near the towns of Hillegom and Lisse, which has been welcoming guests since 1949

Hot water Beach, New Zealand

A

s we head into Spring, those in the Southern Hemisphere will be starting to experience cooler weather... which makes this the perfect time of year to visit a beach where you can dig your own hot-tub. Geothermal activity heats the water below the sand, so all you have to do is dig a hole and let it fill with water to have your own little bath right on the beach. Best of all, it’s 100% free - as are all beaches in New Zealand. Once you’ve had your soak make sure you also explore New Zealand’s highlights including whale watching, live volcanoes, jet boating, glacier walks and some of the most unique hiking tracks in the world.

The Netherlands

H

ead to the Netherlands if you long to see acres upon acres of colourful tulips in bloom.

These cup-shaped flowers blossom from April until mid-May and can be seen throughout the country.

The largest flower garden is the Keukenhof, near the towns of Hillegom and Lisse, which has been welcoming guests since 1949. The tulip has come to be a loved and instantly recognisable symbol of the Netherlands and many tourists visit the country just to see the brightly coloured flowers and the astonishing view over the bulb fields in Spring. The flower season begins with crocuses, followed by the daffodils and the yellow narcissi, and later visitors can enjoy the colourful hues of hyacinths and tulips.

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travel Hawaii

V

isiting Hawaii in Spring lets you catch a last glimpse of the humpback whales before they head off for their Summer home off the coast of Alaska. It is also the best time of year to visit the Hawaiian Islands because of the perfect weather from about the end of March through April.

Hardly a tourist can be seen at this time of year allowing you to stroll along Waikiki’s beautiful beaches or visit the famous USS Arizona memorial easily and with little chance of heat-stroke. Why not head over to the Big Island for the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo? This week-long event celebrates Hawaiian culture and dance, and is held during the Easter break. Time your Spring visit to Oahu so that you are in town for ‘Lei Day’, the Hawaiian version of the mainland’s May Day. Thousands of leis decorate the city and cover the statues of King Kamehameha in downtown Honolulu and of Duke Kahanamoku, the Hawaiian Olympic swimmer, in Waikiki.

Tallinn

T

wenty years of freedom means that Estonia is going to be a place of celebration this year, and you can count on some interesting events throughout the country. Check out Tallinn for a number of Spring festivals, including the International Choir Festival and Jazzkaar Music Festival in April and the Day of Tallinn on May 15th. If you can’t make it there for a festival, why not just walk the streets and enjoy the architecture (the Gothic cathedrals are a must-see), rooftop films, and of course the Scandinavian beer that makes this town notable.

Time your Spring visit to Oahu so that you are in town for ‘Lei Day’, the Hawaiian version of the mainland’s May Day

Machu Picchu

T

he ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru are a popular tourist site and have recently been declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. They were rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, and are considered one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. The dry season in this area commences around April (continuing until November) and so this time of year is considered by many to be a good time to make the journey.

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chill

out!

“I DO” ON SKYPE A California couple whose wedding plans appeared thwarted when a lung infection landed the groom in the isolation ward of a hospital were married in a ceremony conducted over Skype.

Samuel Kim and Helen Oh had guests travelling from overseas to their wedding, so when Kim began spitting up

GET HITCHED AT BOURNEMOUTH

blood last week, he was initially too nervous to tell his bride.

When he finally did tell her later in the week, the couple improvised a solution by holding the wedding via the web video conferencing system. “Guests said it was inspirational, they really admired my fiancé for being able to stand at the altar in the manner that she did, alone and not crying the whole time,” Kim said from his bed at UCI Medical Centre in Orange.

(Source: www.reuters.com)

FOOTBALL FIGHT SPARKS 36 RED CARDS

A massive brawl at a football match in Argentina saw Some couples with a taste for the exotic jet off to the referee send off everyone, including all the backroom a beach in the Caribbean or the Maldives for their wedstaff. The match between two local rivals Claypole ding. From this summer however, British couples keen to and Victoriano Arenas descended into feel sand between their toes as they tie the knot will be able mayhem in the second half as playto take advantage of a budget option - by heading for the beach ers, technical staff and even fans at Bournemouth in the UK. Tourism chiefs believe the Dorset resort were involved in the bust-up. In will be first in England and Wales to be able to stage weddings on the the ensuing chaos referee Damian beach. Mark Smith, head of Bournemouth’s tourism department, said Rubino decided to give evethe resort had been receiving around 60 inquiries a year from couples ry player from both sides wondering if they could get married on the beach. Bournemouth council their marching orders. believes the resort could challenge places like the Caribbean. “With sevSome backroom staff alen miles of sandy beaches, palm trees and luxury beachfront hotels and so saw red. After the restaurants, Bournemouth can rival anywhere in the world.” game, which ended 2-0 (Source: www.guardian.co.uk) to Claypole, the Victoriano manager accused the official of overreacting, saying he had been “confused”.

(Source: www.telegraph.co.uk)

SPIDER CAUSES MAZDA RECALL A spider that likes the smell of gasoline so much that it builds its web in car emission systems was behind the recall of thousands of Mazda cars in the US during March. Mazda Motor Corp recalled 52,000 cars after the National Highway Safety Commission indi-

cated the Yellow Sac spider’s webs were found to possibly restrict a vent line, which could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure in the fuel tank. “This spider’s distinguishing characteristic is that it likes the smell of gasoline,” said Mitsuhiro Kunisawa, an automotive journalist. “Once it smells the gasoline from outside, it will go inside the system. In the United States, it’s a relatively common type of spider.”

(Source: www.telegraph.co.uk)

SLEEP SAFELY Sleep Safe Tape is the perfect solution for people who don’t want to get caught dozing off at the office. The transparent tape comes in a standard one centimetre wide roll and has pictures of eyes printed along the length of the tape. Though it may be risky, it’s the perfect solution to grabbing a bit of ‘shut eye’ at a boring board meeting or while sitting at the computer! (Just make sure you have someone reliable to wake you up at the appropriate moment).

(Source: www.skforlee.com) 72

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BANANA PEEL CASE

and is seeking an unspecified amount in damages.

“She fell and landed on her backside,” said Courtney A banana peel, the torment of many a Mikolaj of the Quirk Law Firm in Ventura, California, cartoon character, has allegedly become the which is representing her. Mikolaj said the ‘99 Cents real-life downfall of a woman in California.

Only’ store in Fontana, California, refused a proposed Ida Valentine, 58, is suing the ‘99 Cents Only’ settlement of $44,000. Executives from the compastore where she slipped on one last April. She ny, a deep-discount retailer with hundreds of stores said that she suffered a herniated disk and in western states, were not immediately available tissue damage, spent $9,000 on medical bills for comment.

(Source: www.reuters.com)

COURT GIVEN CHARACTER REFERENCE FOR DOG An Australian man has taken the unusual step of supplying a court with a character reference for his dog. Ron Gilbertson first made headlines in 2009 when he broke his dog Max out of a council dog pound in order to save him from being put down. He is now facing charges for allowing his dog to roam in the first place. The court heard Max had attacked a neighbour’s dog which needed surgery afterwards. Gilbertson tendered a character reference from another animal shelter describing Max as a well-mannered and quiet dog. Magistrate Jack Fahey said it was the first time he had heard of a character reference for an animal.

Gilbertson was fined $800 and ordered to pay veterinary costs.

PIXAR FILM INSPIRES STUNT An idea first dreamed by those at Pixar and Disney has now become a reality. A team of scientists from National Geographic decided to see if they could replicate the flying house from the 2009 computer-animated film ‘Up’. In the movie, 78-yearold retiree Carl Frederickson, attaches hundreds of helium balloons to his property to pursue his ambition of exploring South America. Although the real life house did not reach another continent, it managed to hit the lofty height of 10,000 feet and in the process set a world record for the largest cluster balloon flight ever attempted. The 4.8m x 4.8m x 5.5m house was suspended from 300 helium-filled weather balloons and supported by a team of scientists, engineers, two pilots and dozens of volunteers. The experiment was done as part of the ‘How Hard Can It Be?’ TV series.

(Source: www.abc.net.au)

PARLIAMENTARY PANCAKE RACE The House of Lords team have won the 2011 Rehab Parliamentary Pancake Race against their rivals from the Commons.

The annual race, which is contested out-

AHMADINEJAD’S CAR REACHES $2.5M

side the Houses of Parliament, is held every Shrove Tuesday and sees Lords and MPs from all the major parties flipping pancakes around Victoria Gardens, Westminster. The contest is held to raise awareness for the charity Rehab, which supports people with disabilities, brain and spinal injuries and mental health difficulties.

(Source: www.telegraph.co.uk)

abled and needy women. Mr Ahmadinejad has always cultivated an image as a ‘people’s president’ and a friend of the poor. After he was first elected as president in 2005, he was required by law to make an asset declaration and listed a 40year-old, 175-square-metre house in a lower middle class part of east Tehran, the contents of two bank accounts and his ageing white Peugeot.

(Source: www.abc.net.au)

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chill out!

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s 1977 Peugeot 504 has sold for $2.5 million in an international auction, Iran’s State Welfare Organisation (SWO) website has reported. The “company who purchased the car for 25 billion rials wants to remain anonymous”, it said after the auction in the southwestern city of Abadan. SWO chairman Ahmad Esfandiari said more than 500,000 people registered on the bidding website, with most saying they were doing so because Mr Ahmadinejad leads a simple lifestyle. He said there were bids from Europe, Asia and the United States. The proceeds from the auction will fund a project to build 60,000 homes for dis-

(Source: www.telegraph.co.uk)

techno

talk

Gizmos

Gadgets

Time and time again, designers look to the past for inspiration... and let’s face it, there’s nothing more irresistible than vintage or vintage-inspired products.

We take a look at a few that have been inspired by communications of the past...

Old and new WHAT: The iRetrofone Base is already on back order due to high demand for the ‘look’ of mixing the old with the new. The product is made out of resin and it docks and syncs via USB. At about €150 it’s not so cheap but for the style it exudes, it’s definitely worth it.

THE DAMAGE: €145

iClooly is cool WHAT: Landlines are slowly but surely becoming a thing of the past, but for those of us who remember old telephone handsets the iClooley iPhone stand is a stylish and innovative way to display and use your iPhone 4, 3GS, or other wireless phone.

It also gives you the convenience of being able to use a handset to make and receive calls.

THE DAMAGE: €29

Raymond Bessemer ‘Samsung Jot’ WHAT: The concept behind this product is ‘the dynamism of dialling’. With a colourful LED display and a rotary number wheel, the user can register each digit the old fashioned way from a piece of 2015 technology. Set to launch in a few years’ time, the Bessemer Samsung Jot backtracks for people who are unhappy with the impersonal character of the contemporary cutting-edge. With a detachable stylus, it allows for text and numbers to be scribbled on the phone’s face, which can be stored away as well as any other mobile phone, should you prefer to make a call using a single button.

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The Zero WHAT: The Zero wrist watch conceived by Robert Dabi gets WHAT rid of those pesky minute and hour hands and replaces them with swirling lights.

The Mutewatch WHAT: The Mutewatch is designed to be simple and intuitive - just tap the flat surface and the touch screen lights up. The alarm is set by tapping directly on the digits and to erase the alarm simply pinch the screen.

THE DAMAGE: â‚Ź199

Eye of the Storm

Solaris Series

techno technoTALK

WHAT: These incredibly futuristic-looking concept WHAT time-pieces have been designed by Olivier Demangel for Tokyoflash. Three different stylish designs feature solar cells as an integral part of the overall look.

WHAT: As faceless and minimalist time pieces become increasingly popular this concept watch, designed

by Chinese-born, German-based Yiran Qian, is the perfect fashion statement. Press a button and two LED lights tell you the time in a similar manner to analog watches.

Makes one wonder how important a watch face really is.

Seiko E-ink WHAT: Seiko has introduced the first watch using WHAT E-ink. The Seiko Spectrum was recently launched in Japan (only 500 units available) at a cost of US$2200.

At 34mm thick and 134g it may be the start of a new wave of wrist watch technology.

THE DAMAGE: â‚Ź749 cordeditorial@cma.rs

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techno

talk Cute but functional WHAT: Who needs a tool-box with one of these? The Guppie WHAT Multi-Tool is a life-saver - not only will it fix just about anything, it will also save on precious storage space.

Coffee anywhere, anytime WHAT: With a compact and unique look, the Mocca Pearl Outdoor Jug is a very contemporary way to make coffee wherever and whenever. The portable coffee maker does not require a burner yet manages to make 180ml of coffee and keep it heated.

Power on demand

Fastfood in a can WHAT: While not strictly a ‘gadget’ this is certainly an innovation that allows fast food addicts to still get their fix a million miles from nowhere. Camping food no longer needs to be dehydrated space-style food thanks to Swiss company Katadyn who have created the world’s first cheeseburger in a can.

WHAT: With this handy gadget you can keep your battery boosted for days without the need of a wall socket. In just a few hours the PowerMonkey eXplorer can harness and store enough sun energy from its solar panels to keep 96 hours of sustainable backup charge for your mobile phone, and 40 hours for your iPod.

Rough and rugged WHAT: Trimble has created a line of hand-held tablets designed to take whatever Mother Nature can throw at them and then some. They have all the bells and whistles including WiFi, multiple USB ports, and Windows 7 software.

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Ridiculously reliable lights WHAT: An ironic fact of life: when you actually need to use your emergency flashlight, the batteries are dead. However the advanced battery technology of the mPower Emergency Illuminator (designed

by Porsche Design Studio) means that batteries will last up to 20 years.

Extreme sound outdoors WHAT: Even the most outdoorsy types want their music with them and the Eco Extreme Speaker Case is the perfect gadget to safeguard iPods enroute. This rugged allterrain protector is a watertight clasped compartment roomy enough for most MP3 players, iPods, iPhones and other mobiles with music storage.

Laptop Lilo WHAT: Perfect for lap-based computing when out and about.

Laptops are an awesome invention, but they tend to heat up a lot and sometimes there just isn’t a pillow or book around to sit them on. The Laptop Lilo can inflate in two minutes and can withstand temperatures of up to 80°C.

...and now there’s more

WHAT: If you love the idea of solar-powered fuel cells but find them frustrating in practice, the MyFC PowerTrekk functions well where other eco-chargers fall short. This compact contraption requires just a small amount of water to get your smartphone, iPod and digital camera juicing up immediately, making this clever device independent of sun, wind or an electrical power source.

technoTALK

Water power

WHAT: The original Victorinox Swiss Army Knife now comes with its own MP3 player, plus all the usual tool accessories such as scissors, a nail-file and knife blades. Look out for the cute Swiss-design external remote control.

Source: www.trendhunter.com

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Spring 2011

Clothing Trends

Racy stripes For those fashion-followers who are nautically inclined, Spring 2011 has a nice surprise in store. Don't think of it strictly as a nautical trend however.

Black or blue and white stripes are making a bold statement as fashion designers cannot help but love them for their high-contrast, classy and chic look. We are also seeing some colourful stripes on the scene – particularly with clashes of red/blue and yellow/green.

The real key to Spring's take on stripes is that they dominate the outfit!

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Bold or varying horizontal stripes can work to balance out your body in colour-blocking fashion, diagonal stripes can slim without elongating, and multi-directional stripes and zigzags are not only fun, but they can give the illusion of a taller, more ideal body shape, too!

Bell-bottoms & flares It's about this time every year that the world at large, and not just those in the know, start to look to the new year's trends and ponder the general direction of clothing. Yes, skinny jeans are still in fashion - they're going nowhere, at least in terms of trends - but 2011's fashion trends are also showing a renewed focus on flared jeans and flared trousers.

Flared trousers for women in 2011 are all about a neo-1970s style that has the following design elements: a hem that is at least as wide as your foot and they must also be loose at the knee.

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Spring 2011

Accessory Trends

Cat eye sunglasses With the warmer weather comes the need to update your sunglasses collection with a new and on-trend style. For Spring 2011 the best accompaniment to a vintage-inspired look is a shape that screams 50s/60s glamour. ... who is doing it The trend towards '50s sunglasses continued on the Spring 2011 runways: from the extreme retro frames at Giles Deacon and Jeremy Scott through to subtle cat eye shapes at the likes of Paul Smith, Tommy Hilfiger, and Twenty8Twelve.

... face shapes Generally speaking a cat eye frame with rounded-out edges will work wonders for a square face or diamond shaped face. A round face can benefit from sharper edges, or large frames that curve upwards subtly. All that said though, the rules are never hard and fast: the best option is always to try, try, try on pairs until you work out what's right for your face shape and hairstyle. ... how to wear cat eye glasses Get the right pair of 50s-inspired glasses or sunglasses and you'll find they can work with many an outfit, from the very modern to the utterly vintage. If you're going for a vintage inspired look, stick to anything from the 40s through to the 60s. While 70s fashion is also seeing a major comeback, it's an era best suited to round frames. ... the trend Far from being a stand-alone trend, the resurgence of cat eye glasses and cat eye sunglasses is rooted firmly in the revival of 50s and early 60s fashion. Some designers featured them prominently in Fall - Prada, notably - and since then a plethora of alternatives have surfaced.

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... making a statement If you want to make a strong statement, try a pair of cat-eye or harlequin glasses with diamond-shaped lenses that point sharply out. For an everyday pair that will last, keep low-key and subtle with a slight flare out at the edges.

The belt purse Who could expect that belt purses would become fashionable again? This time they are back but with a bit of a twist.

Made of luxury materials belt purses come as fantastic accessories for women who dislike carrying bags in their hands or over their shoulders. Such a pouch is roomy enough to hold a credit card, tiny mirror and lipstick but small enough to look harmonious with the outfit. ... what is it?

This one is fairly self-explanatory. It's a small pouch or purse that's worn strapped around the waist or hips. The pouch can be a separate accessory - removable, and able to be interchanged with different belts; or can come attached to a strap.

... how to wear it It's best when sitting higher, at the waist, to create a sophisticated shape and to separate the look from being too functional. That said, it can also work at the hip or lower-slung for a more casual take as long as the style is elegant. Either way, go for luxury fabrication: leather belt purses are definitely best, and the strongest style for 2011.

... what to wear it with A waist-cinching leather belt with a little belt purse is perfect for pairing with a long, flowing maxi dress. Try it with some tassel detailing to add a luxury bohemian touch, or with high-waisted pair of tailored pants or flares. It is also perfect for the evening with a clean, minimal cocktail dress - perfect for storing a credit card and lipstick. source: www.fashionising.com cordeditorial@cma.rs

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profile

Positivity Paves the Way They say that we learn about everything, when we starting learning about ourselves. Once we do that, the sky is the limit

Žana Korolija, Owner and General Manger of Core Relations

working hard, being persistent and putting her talent to use the time came for her to open her own PR agency.

“I am glad that things turned he began learning the English language very early out the way they did, since eveon, and by high school, she was completely fluent. rything is fair in my book. I know Inspired by the sun, the sea and Mediterranean meloevery single work segment very well,” Žana adds. dies, she later started to perfect her Italian and enrolled in Today, she is the one who picks and chooses employees.

Spanish studies.

“Today, when I see a young person with a grin on his or “At that time, knowing foreign languages opened up her face, eyes glaring, I am completely taken aback – both many opportunities, but then economic sanctions were imprivately and professionally. The first impression is usually posed, the country was completely cut off from the rest of lasting and decisive,” Ms. Karolina says. the world, and knowing foreign languages seemed like the Every job, Žana says, can and has to be learned in order most useless thing. From this perspective, I do think that to completely master it, so that we can call ourselves exlearning foreign languages was a waste of time, since I think perts. Also, a positive attitude towards life, a joyous spirit that knowing foreign languages should only accompany proand pure soul are something that person carries wherever he fessional knowledge,” Mrs. Korolija says. or she goes and what makes that person valuable.

Still, she believes that her talent for learning foreign lan“I like to have such people around me since they make guages was closely linked to her talent for communicating. hard times bearable. I don’t like to see frowning faces even “I joined the PR world based on my communication skills, on TV,” she adds. a positive attitude towards life and the big smile on my face.

Every day, she tries to learn something new.

It is very important to possess a good general knowledge, “As the years go by, I become wiser, which makes me parcomprehensive education and up-to-date information in my ticularly happy. I have finally realised how important it is to line of work,” Žana adds. work on your conscience and raising the awareness of the She says that becoming an expert at something is a reoverall quality of your life. Our self-consciousness is one thing sult of invested effort and hard work. And that is not all. Žana that separates us from animals. They say that we learn about believes that it is very important to constantly research and everything, when we starting learning about ourselves. Once monitor tendencies and work on yourself – first on your virwe do that, the sky is the limit,” Žana points out.

Her motto is ‘Live every day as if it were your Today, when I see a young person with a grin last’. She believes that this is the formula for a on his or her face, eyes glaring, I am completely fabulous life. She does not separate professional taken aback – both privately and professionally from personal since for her, life is serious business and business is like flirting.

She has been an avid reader since an early age and tues and flaws and then on your professional development.

Kundera and Marquez are the two writers who left the bigSome fifteen years ago, one of her good friends recomgest impression on her. Lately, she has become interested in mended to her that she should apply for a job at one of the psychology and has read many books which talk about the biggest advertising agencies. power of positive affirmation.

“That job became my life. New avenues opened to me, “I would thoroughly recommend any manager read a but the gist was the same – the one I knew very well and felt book written by Robin Sharma called “The Monk who Sold his very safe about. I am a real example of the American dream Ferrari“ which talks about the most important principles in coming true in Serbia,” she says. life. In simple terms, they are diligence, compassion, modesty, Žana started off as a secretary, gradually becoming patience, honesty and courage,” Žana Korolija concludes.

■ acquainted with all the segments of marketing, and by

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