Beograd press - Belgrade, Serbia

Market to determine price of ‘Telecom Serbia’

admin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:31:23 +0000

Telecommunications Minister Jasna Matic says that the Government still has not debated officially over the sale of this company.
We wanted to know why the story about sale of ‘Telecom Serbia’ has become so intensive at this particular moment.
‘It is so because we now finally have conditions required for the market to start functioning in this particular sphere. Also it is my opinion that the State has been poorly managing this enterprise until so far and that is not good for our economy. Telecommunications are one of chief sources of competitiveness’, Matic says.
According to her words there are already several companies which are interested in ‘Telecom Serbia’ One of them is ‘Deutsche Telecom’, a company which is already a minor shareholder.
‘During recent visit by Egyptian delegation, the ‘Orascom’ owner expressed huge interest in our company so ‘Orascom’ shall certainly participate in the tender’, Matic adds.
Another possible buyer is ‘Turk Telecom’.
Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Bozidar Djelic said yesterday that ‘after liberalization of the market ‘Telecom Serbia’ is ready for major private ownership’.
The trade union of ‘Telecom Serbia’ yesterday appealed on Serbian Government not to carry out major privatization of the company.

‘My childhood dream has come true’

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:39:51 +0000

- “I am really excited. My childhood dream has come true and I really don’t know how to react to this. The performance was stressful and exhausting and I just prayed the God everything would go well,” Milan Stankovic said only moments after he learned he was voted Serbia’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest by the viewers.
Milan radiated confidence although he stressed he hadn’t been hoping to win.
- “I didn’t plan on winning this but leaving a good impression, but miracles do happen. I tried to convey positive energy and I believe that is why I reached all those people who voted for me. I could never have predicted this,” said Stankovic, who also praised his song named This is Balkans.
- “It was an honour to be in the company of Emina and Oliver, as they are both excellent performers and they made me nervous,” said Stankovic.
- “Everything had gone smoothly preparing for the show with composer Bregovic. He is a spontaneous man and he has had so much success in the music business over the years. I felt privileged to be working with someone of Bregovic’s calibre.”
Stankovic said he was proud of his fans, who voted him in as the winner through a mobile phone text-message poll.
- “I am really proud of my fans and all the people who love me because I definitely tried my best. I am certain that not only my fans voted for me, but a lot of other people in Serbia,” said the younger population’s favourite.
Stankovic does not intend to change his trademark looks – the blond fringe – ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest finals.
- “I will not be changing my looks; I don’t intend to go to any extremes but stay original. As for the finals, it’s still early to make any predictions, we have our own traditional Serbian sound to show everyone. I hope to leave a good impression on everyone.”

source:www.blic.rs

Tadić: Kosovo cannot join United Nations

admin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 18:23:31 +0000

“This fact alone speaks clearly that without Serbia, the problem of the future status of Kosovo cannot be solved,” Tadić said, adding that the idea of forcing Serbia into a corner with a plan for a sped up recognition of Kosovo independence is not giving any results. He added that Serbia is for these reasons posing the Kosovo question before the international institutions—the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice—adding that in the end, a constructive, peaceful, sustainable, and bilaterally acceptable solution must be found. Tadić added that after the ICJ decision, Serbia will decide what legal and diplomatic steps it will take, but repeated that Serbia will never accept the plan of Martti Ahtisaari. “I deeply believe in negotiations and dialogue and other political obligations, in non-violent methods, a peaceful and rational process. All who believe that another route exists are very wrong. Without negotiations and dialogue and a compromise by both sides, there is no solution,” Tadić said, adding that the politicians urging Priština to refuse compromise and dialogue are making a mistake.

Speaking on the Srebrenica resolution, Tadić said that it is the moral obligation of Serbia towards a crime that has become an international symbol of evil on the territory of the former Yugoslavia.

“When we do this, we will be able to expect that the same principle to be valid for other countries and nations whose people committed crimes against Serbs. That question will be on the daily agenda as well,” Tadić said.He reminded that the parliament adopted a resolution on military neutrality and that the current government will not change that. Tadić said that no one can condition NATO membership on the road to European Union membership.

“In the Partnership for Peace program, there is a lot of room in which Serbia can make concrete use of it for itself and for its military,” Tadić said.

He criticized the political parties that are deceiving the citizens by focusing on negative emotions related to NATO, who also lied, saying that the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU would mean that Serbia is recognizing and accepting Kosovo independence.

“These same people are trying to trick the citizens today, claiming that someone wants to pass a decision behind their backs for entering NATO, because only in such an atmosphere of fear and general lack of trust do their politics stand a chance. This has a lot to do with their lack of courage to say what they really want—a referendum against the entrance of Serbia into the EU,” he said.

source: www.b92.net

Marija Serifovic at the Belgrade Arena

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:07:05 +0000

According to the people from Marija’s team, preparations for this big music spectacle are already in progress and Marija is preparing something completely different, something unique, just as it is generally expected from her. Over fifty people are already included in this project and they are choosing with Marija the best equipment, as well as other interesting components related to the forthcoming concert.
“Rehearsals with the band are under way and in a music sense there will be a lot of surprises. Guests from our country and from abroad will be an essential part of this spectacle and at one moment I will sing together with ten most famous people in Serbia from different areas,” said Marija Serifovic.
To remind the readers, the talented singer became famous as a winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki in 2007 with the song “Molitva”. Her tour around Europe ensued and she recorded her new album in Sweden. Ticket sale will start on February 15 and then the points of sale and ticket price will be released.

source:www.blic.rs

Depp flies to Mecavnik by helicopter

admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:58:26 +0000

Yesterday at around 1 PM, Emir Kusturica and his son Stribor appeared at the VIP entrance of the airport. They called for the jeep drivers who parked not far from the entrance and numerous security guards. During that time, several armed officers monitored the situation. After almost an hour, the door opened and Johnny Depp appeared in a relaxed and eccentric style! Wearing a knitted cap and yellow glasses, Johnny laughed, stopped, looked around and waved to numerous press photographers and journalists. A girl from the crowd shouted: “I love you Johnny” and he waved back.
“Depp did not leave the plane upon landing, because he was sleeping during the flight. He continued sleeping even after the plane landed,” said one of the organizers at “Nikola Tesla” airport laughing.
When he got into a grey jeep, Johnny shook hands with Emir and met his son Stribor. After the security guards packed his luggage into the car, two big black jeeps surrounded them and an unusual film crew went to the cabinet of Serbian President Boris Tadic.
Kusturica, Depp and Tadic spent about fifteen minutes in a sincere conversation. The American actor expressed interest for the situation in Serbian cinematography and possibilities of Serbian production. They also talked about Mecavnik. It is interesting to point out that Tadic’s daughters Masa and Vanja took a photograph with the actor whom they adore as Jack Sparrow, the character form the film serial “Pirates from the Caribbean”. Masa and Vanja gave Depp a drawing as a present depicting Johnny as the famous pirate, which the actor commented with delight saying that they look like his daughters.

more…

50 cent arrives at the Belgrade Arena

admin — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:00:47 +0000

50 Cent performed at the Belgrade Arena for the first time in late 2006 when arena officially started being active. Tickets for the concert were sold out quickly. The rapper’s first performance in Belgrade was attractive, but very short. It lasted for only one hour, so this will be an opportunity to make up for it.
“Now I am a star and everyone can recognize my talent. I will make the greatest hip-hop show in Serbia and I hope that someone from the audience might become an artists or a rapper inspired by my performance,” said 50 Cent for “Blic” during his first stay in Belgrade.
He grew up in Queens where he was involved in criminal activities. He was shot nine times and that is the reason why he always wears a bullet proof vest. He was discovered by the rapper Eminem in 2002 owing to whom he signed a contract with the record company “Interscope Records”. When Eminem and Dr Dre produced his first commercial album, 50 Cent became one of the most popular rappers in the world. In 2003 he founded the record label “G-Unit Records”. He made himself famous with the album from 2003 “Get Rich or Die Tryin” and confirmed the status of a hip-hop star with the album “The Massacre” from 2005.
“In my case, music was my salvation. If I hadn’t become famous, I would have ended up in jail. It is irresponsible to talk about that kind of a lifestyle without mentioning everything that goes with it. Yes, I used to sell drugs, because that was the only way to survive in that kind of an environment. If I had stayed in Queens, jail or death would surely be the outcome. My mother died as a result of that way of life,” said the renowned rapper at the time, whose name is Curtis James Jackson III.
He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in the semi-autobiographical film “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”, in the war film “Home of the Brave” and “Righteous Kill”. He has become one of the richest hip-hop performers, having a net worth estimated at US $440 million. Two years ago Forbes recognized Jackson for his wealth, placing him second behind Jay-Z in the rap industry. On the occasion of his last visit to Belgrade, he demanded salmon with corn, shrimps, chicken from Boston, cognac, champagne, beer, mini-gym, a big TV screen and two boxes of condoms. However, during his stay in Intercontinental Hotel, he and his team did not eat any of the specialties, but enjoyed cheeseburgers, pasta and French fries. A year after his concert in Belgrade, 50 Cent also performed in Zagreb, Pristina, etc.

source:www.blic.rs

Rome was my dream come true

admin — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:59:29 +0000

Quietly and resolutely working her way through the swimming ranks, Higl’s combination of hard work and talent soon began to show signs of an athletic gem. Her first noticeable result came at this summer’s 25th University Games in Belgrade, when Higl won two silver medals and paved her way to glory. Then came the World Championships in Rome. The shy dark horse emerged from the status of a sideshow in the 200m breaststroke final and clinched the gold.
- “The gold medal at the World Championships in Rome is a tremendous success, one I was surprised by myself. However, that was the best possible confirmation that hard work does pay off, sometimes when it’s least expected. There is no doubt this has been my finest year of all,” says Nadja.
Nadja’s talent, perseverance and merit were validated at the very next competition, when she won another gold in the 200m breaststroke event, at the World Cup in Durban.
Only weeks afterwards, she took part in a similar competition, this time in Stockholm, with the same outcome for Nadja. The run of flawless performances and results in the swimming pool promoted Higl into an instant sporting great in Serbia.The 22-year-old’s next challenge came at the European Short Course Championships in Istanbul. The nation’s heroine once again delivered, winning a silver to wrap up a dream season of swimming competitions.
- “The thing I am preoccupied with now is to improve on my personal best results, without putting excess pressure on myself to have to win medals at all cost. If first and second places don’t come and I improve on my times, I will be pleased,” says Higl.

source:www.blic.rs

We still don’t plan to retire

admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:43:00 +0000

The famous five-member-band will perform with only four members on this year’s tour, because Kevin Richardson left the band because he has become a father. The European part of the tour of “Backstreet boys” will end by the end of this year and they are moving east, where they will have seven concerts in Japan, Taiwan, etc. “Blic” had an opportunity to ask the band members several questions.
Nick Carter and Howie Dorough, the youngest and the cutest members, waited for us in a small press conference room.
Are you tired? How long have you been on this tour?
“We have been on the European part of the tour for two months. We played in Germany, Great Britain, Spain, etc.”
Do you manage to see any of the cities where you perform?
“Yes we do if we have a free evening, but most of the time we go straight to the hall where we have a concert, so we don’t have much time. Since we often travel at night and go over very long distances, we are too tired to see everything we want.”
Is this your last tour?
“No, it isn’t. We still don’t plan to retire.”
Each band member has plans for his won career. Will it be similar to what you are already playing in the band?
“We all have a special style, even within the band and that gives a special quality to our music. Every time we gather, we all give the best part of ourselves and something different and that is what the band “Backstreet boys” is. That is why our individual careers will be different. Everyone will choose what suits him best.”
Kevin Richardson is no longer a band member. Now that there are four of you, have you considered finding the fifth band member again?
“Now that there are four of us, we do not think about the new fifth member, but at the same time, we don’t like to plan too much in advance, so we don’t know if it will remain like that.”

source:www.blic.rs

Serbia without visas as of December 19

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:50:42 +0000

The EU Council of Ministers is today only to confirm recommendation by the European Parliament adopted on November 12. Serbia President Boris Tadic as the only member of Serbia delegation shall come to Brussels for the occasion. He shall meet with Javier Solana, the EU high representative for security and foreign affairs and the EU Enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn. Tadic shall also meet with the European Parliament Speaker Jerzy Buzek as well as with Tobias Billstrom, Police Minister of Sweden, a country chairing the EU until January 2010.

Paco de Lucia to perform in Belgrade

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:13:37 +0000

Paco de Lucia performed in Belgrade several times and the last concert was held two years ago. His concerts are always spectacular, so the forthcoming concert at the Sava Center will also be amazing for sure, since the legendary guitarist will perform with a big band and singers.
Francisco Sanchez Gomez, the Spanish guitarist and composer, was born in 1947 in Algeciras, a coastal town in Andalusia. He adopted his stage name in honor of his Portuguese mother Lucia, which is a custom in Andalusia. Paco’s father, also a flamenco guitarist, developed Paco’s love for guitar when Paco was six and at the age of 12 he already won the first important prize on flamenco competition. This is how Paco de Lucia described his childhood in one interview: “Father used to ask me how much time I spent practicing and when I answered ten or twelve, I could see happiness on his face and that was all I needed to continue practicing. When I was twelve, I even started earning money.”
Paco did not even turn eighteen when he released his first album “Dos Guitarras Flamencas”. By 1968, he released two more albums and soon started collaboration with one of the greatest flamenco singers Camaron. Nine albums and modernization of flamenco expression with use of electric bass and percussions, with a brave addition of jazz elements, made the tandem a founder of “Nuevo Flamenco” stream which soon left the borders of Franco’s Spain. After the famous album “Entre dos Aguas” from 1975, Paco de Lucia became famous in the rest of Europe. In 1981 he won America after a huge success of his album “Friday Night in San Francisco” which he recorded with John McLaughlin and Al Di Meola. This album sold over six million copies!
Ticket prices and other information about the 11th Guitar Art Festival will be published by the end of November.
In collaboration with Bryan Adams, Paco de Lucia recorded the hit “Have You ever really loved a woman” which found its place in a cult film “Don Juan DeMarco”. Three years ago, Paco received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa. His rich career has lasted for 45 years and from the beginning until now Paco has released over 20 albums. The last album “Cositas buenas“ was released five years ago.

source: www.blic.rs