News archive of March 2014

It is not in Bulgaria's interest to stand firmly behind EU sanctions against Russia, according to the Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin.

"At the moment Bulgaria has no alternative for deliveries of gas. Whatever stance we take from here on (regarding Russia), we must keep this in mind", Vigenin told Darik Radio.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 on the Richter scale has shaken Southern California on Friday evening.

There are no reported major damages, though several residents suffered slight injuries from falling objects, according to the Los Angeles Times. The epicenter of the tremor was in Orange County, one mile east of La Habra, and in close proximity to Los Angeles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Barack Obama have discussed the situation in Ukraine over an hour-long phone call.

The phone call was made by Putin, during Obama's visit to Saudi Arabia on Friday, the BBC reveals.

Bulgaria is switching to daylight saving time Sunday, turning clocks one hour ahead.

At 3 am Bulgarian time on March 30, all clocks will be turned one hour forward, to 4 am. This means one hour less sleep. The new time will remain so until October 26.

BELGRADE – The Kosovo parliament declared the independence of Kosovo from Serbia in a legitimate democratic process under UN administration, after all other options were exhausted, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade said Friday in a comment on a recent statement by U.S. President Barack Obama that an independence referendum took place in Kosovo in 2008.

MOSCOW - The authorities in Moscow are astonished by U.S. President Barack Obama’s claim that the decision to declare Kosovo independence was taken in a referendum held with the approval of the United Nations and neighboring countries.

By George Georgakopoulos

Panathinaikos succumbed to unbeaten Barcelona in Spain on Friday, going down 84-62, but Armani Milano’s win in Turkey over Fenerbahce has boosted the Greens’ chances for a top-four finish in the group. They should go through to the quarterfinals with victory over Unicaja Malaga in Athens next week.

By Christina Kopsini

Auxiliary pensions are set for a drastic reduction following the abolition of 24 indirect taxes that raised revenues for social security funds, which is foreseen in the government’s new multi-bill.

By Dimitra Manifava

The liberalization of Sunday opening rules for stores will start on a pilot basis in tourism destinations such as the islands of the Cyclades and Dodecanese, Halkidiki and Crete, as well as cruise ships ports of call such as Piraeus and Thessaloniki. Eastern Attica could also be included.

 Timing will depend on the spread between Greek and Portuguese yields

By Sotiris Nikas

The government is moving ahead with its plan for emancipation from its international creditors through the issue of new sovereign debt, with the Finance Ministry speeding up its efforts so that the bonds can be successfully issued at the end of April.