Schedule of Events for Thursday, 9 March

LJUBLJANA - At its weekly session the cabinet is scheduled to debate changes to the employment act, social security act and Bank of Slovenia act. The latter act needs to be amended to allow for the adoption of the euro. A press conference is scheduled for after the session, expectedly at 2 PM. (STA/PHOTO)

LJUBLJANA - The Statistics Office is to present preliminary economic growth figures for the last quarter of 2005 and the whole of last year at a press conference scheduled for 10:30 AM. (STA)

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Motorway Company (DARS) is to outline the implementation of the motorway development programme and plans for motorway construction this year at a press conference scheduled for 1 PM. (STA)

LISBON, Portugal - President Janez Drnovsek is to stop over in Portugal to attend the inauguration of newly-elected Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva as he returns from a visit to the Middle East.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Environment Minister Janez Podobnik is to take part in a meeting of EU Environment Ministers that will focus on climate change and the strategy of sustainable development.

LJUBLJANA - The National Council, the upper house of parliament, is to convene for a session at 2 PM to vote on a veto on the asbestos act, which was recently passed by the National Assembly. The veto has been proposed by the National Council's economic affairs commission, which believes more people should be entitled to compensation for asbestos-related illnesses.

LJUBLJANA - The Confederation of Unions of Public Workers is to hold its founding congress at 10 AM to decide on its statute, platform and elect its president.

LJUBLJANA - Retailer Spar Slovenia is to present its business results for 2005 and plans for 2006, as well as preparations for the euro changeover at a press conference scheduled for 10 AM. (STA)

LJUBLJANA - A press conference is to be held at 11 AM to present an exhibition of sculptor Ivan Napotnik in the National Gallery.

POKLJUKA - The second day of competition at the Biathlon World Cup at Pokljuka is to see the women's 7.5km sprint (start at 2:15 PM). (STA)

LJUBLJANA - The girls final (free programme) is to take place at 6:30 PM at the World Youth Figure Skating Championships. (STA/PHOTO)

LJUBLJANA - Press review. (STA)

In case of further queries please contact duty editor at +386 1 241 0109:

8:30 AM to 3:30 PM: Eva Horvat
3:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Sebastijan Macek

Comments and suggestions may be sent to: english@sta.si