Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski submitted Wednesday to MPs his position on a proposal for constitutional changes, necessary for reforming the judicial system.
"Functioning of the judicial system and registered weaknesses in the work of relevant institutions in Macedonia since the adoption of the Constitution in 1991 impose the need for reforms in this sphere.
Developing of European standards by strengthening the judicial independence and efficiency should be the reform's main goal. In this respect, I support the Government activities for constitutional changes," Crvenkovski's statement reads.

SSM AND IMF WITH COUNTER POSITIONS ON LABOR RELATIONS LAW

The Trade Union Federation of Macedonia (SSM) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) remain on their counter positions on the Labor Relations Law, said after the Wednesday's meeting SSM leader Vanco Muratovski and IMF Head to Macedonia Franek Rozwadowski.
Muratovski said that the SSM's position was that the Law shouldn't be changed and there was no need of reducing the workers' rights. IMF considers that the Law should change, because it is an obstacle for attraction of foreign investments and economy development in the country.
Rozwadowski said that the Draft-Law on Labor Relations, prepared by the Government, would enable a modernization of the present Law, its harmonizing with the EU practice, and it also offers a balance of protection of workers' rights.
"The Law should have two positive aspects. It should improve the business climate and the economy growth. The Law would also reduce the causes of gray economy", IMF Head to Macedonia said Rozwadowski said.

MANIFESTATION "DAYS OF ALBANIAN TOURISM" OPENS AT SKOPJE FAIR

Over 70 tourist agencies and hotels from neighboring Albania present their summer holiday offers 2005 within a two-day manifestation "Days of Albanian Tourism", formally opened Wednesday at the Skopje Fair.
"The manifestation is a start of wider regional presentation of the Albanian economy in Macedonia and vice versa," said Liljana Kimova, Chairperson of the Skopje Fair Management Board.
Economy Minister Fatmir Besim said Macedonia and Albania were nourishing good economic and tourist relations, but there is always room for their further development.
"The two countries may soon sign a cooperation agreement in the sphere of tourism, which will boost the relations between them and also enable their joint presentation to third countries, which is one step closer to the EU membership," Besimi said.
Albanian Tourism Minister Bashkim Fino expressed hope that the manifestation would become part of the traditionally good cooperation between the two countries.
"This fair also presents an opportunity for us to learn more about Macedonian's tourist offer, its culture and tradition," Fino said.