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issue 1, year XX, 2013 |
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SPEECH OF MIROSLAV LAJČÁK - DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
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H.E. KAROL MISTRIK, AMBASSADOR OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
Interview by Valentin Kostov
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20 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA AND THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
By the Department "European Countries", Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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The diplomatic relations between the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Bulgaria were established on 1st January 1993. Since then the two countries have signed several political and economic agreements. The bilateral contacts in EU and NATO are also intensive. There is an annual student exchange between Bulgaria and Slovakia. Several high-level visits have helped to develop mutual dialogue further.
THE ECONOMY OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
By Tomáš Bičan
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After the end of Communist rule in Slovakia the Slovak economy collapsed. The foreign investments in the country helped stabilize the economic growth. The government embarked on series of reforms to reduce the inflationandthedeficit.Over90%oftheSlovakproductsin2012were exported. The automobile and the electrical industry contribute the most for the annual revenue of the Slovak Republic.
THE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS - THE ONLY WAY TO THE PROSPEROUS ECONOMY
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Three big automobile companies operate in Slovakia: Volkswagen, Peugeot-Citroen and Kia. Рђccording to some experts though the Slovak economy cannot put reliance to the automobile industry for a very long time. The government encourages the efforts of the Slovak scientists in the Slovak academy of sciences. Among their innovative inventions is the ultra light aluminium foam, which can be applied in various industries.
THE FAIRY WORLD OF THE ARTIST DUŠAN KÁLLAY
Interview by Ludmila Kotarova
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THE HISTORY OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC
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On 28th October 1918 the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed and Czechoslovakia was declared independent. As a result of the German occupation of the Czech state in 1938 Czechoslovakia disbanded. In 1945 Slovakia again became part of Czechoslovakia, which later came under the influenceoftheSovietUnion.In 1968 Czechoslovakia became a federation of the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic. In 1989 came the end of the Communist rule in Slovakia and in 1993 after the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia Czech and Slovak Republics becР°me independent. Nowadays the Slovak Republic is a member of EU, NATO, Schengen and eurozone.
THE MISSION OF SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS IN GREAT MORAVIA
By Tatiana Vajsova
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Great Moravia is part of the historical past of the Slovaks. In the 9th century King Rastislav decided to bring in a common religion in Moravia. In 863 the Byzantine emperor Michael III sent Rastislav the two brothers Cyril and Methodius to educate local Moravians as priests. The brothers founded the firstschoolofGreatMoraviaandintroduced Christianity in present-day Slovakia. This year marks 1150 years since the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Moravia. The anniversary will be celebrated in Slovakia.
SLOVAKIA - A COUNTRY OF CASTLES
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Slovakia is known all over the world by its over 600 castles.
The Devin Castle is only 10 km far from Bratislava. It was once the residence of the kings of Great Moravia.
The Bojnice castle is situated in Central Slovakia. It’s most famous exhibit is the altar from the 14th century.
The Trenčín castle is located on a high rock over the longest Slovak river Vah and is worth the visit.
The Orava castle is built in the 13th century. In 1992 the firstversionofthemovie"Dracula"was shot here.
The Spiš castle is known by its 41 000 sq km. It is in the list of UNESCO for World Heritage.
The St. Anton castle was once the residence of King Ferdinand. Today it is a museum.
THE TATRA MOUNTAINS: A HUNDRED LAKES AND PEAK KRIVÁŇ
By Maria Angelova
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The Tatra Mountains are among the symbols of Slovakia. The mountains are a national park and a bio reserve, protected by UNESCO, and offer many opportunities for relaxation. Peak Kriváň is one of the most visited places in the Tatra Mountains. You will be astonished by the stunning view from the top. The 100 lakes and the high waterfalls of the Tatra Mountains attract visitors from all over the world. The symbol of the Tatras is without a doubt the mountain goat, which nowadays is very rare. You should definitely visit the lit cave and the ski resort of the Tatras.
SPA AND MUSIC IN PIEŠŤANY
By Maria Angelova
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Piešťany is a spa resort in Slovakia, famous by its mineral springs and healing mud. People visit Piešťany to heal their nervous system, to kill stress or just to relax. Piešťany is known by its sightseeing too: Kupelni Island, Kolonadovy Bridge and many others. Here you can also visit the museum or enjoy a theatrical performance, a concert or a music festival.
THE SLOVAK CITIES - THE FACES OF CONTEMPORARY SLOVAKIA
BRATISLAVA
By Tatiana Vajsova
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On 1st January 1993 Bratislava officiallybecame capital of Slovakia. The Old town of the city is the political, cultural and tourist center of the country. Here is the main officeoftheSlovakPresident and the government building.
NITRA
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Nitra is the oldest town in Slovakia. It was once the most important city of Great Moravia.
BANSKÁ ŠTIAVNICA
By Maria Angelova
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Banská Štiavnica is a beautiful city, famous by the crazy stories locals are telling about it. It is part of UNESCO’s heritage list.
LEVOČA
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Levoča is situated in the historical region of Spiš. Its medieval monuments belong to the list of UNESCO for World Cultural Heritage.
BIBIANA - INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF ART FOR CHILDREN
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BIBIANA is a Slovak cultural institution, founded in 1987 as a partner of the Biennial of illustration in Bratislava. Its main aim is to bring art closer to the children. BIBIANA offers attractive exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, and creative workshops. The institution works with professional artists, writers, actors and musicians and with students as well. Some of the exhibitions of BIBIANA have been displayed abroad.
KOŠICE - EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2013
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Košice is a metropolis in Eastern Slovakia, which will be European Capital of Culture 2013. Košice offers thematic walks and traditional and alternative cultural events as well as sports. You must definitelyvisittheinternationallyrenownedtheatre, ballet and opera. Several museums and galleries illustrate the ancient and recent history of the region. The title European Capital of Culture is a guarantee of unusual experiences you will be able to encounter in Košice throughout the whole year.
THE FESTIVALS OF SLOVAKIA
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"Pohoda" is the biggest musical festival in Central Europe. It has been organized in the city of Trenčín since 1997. During the festival you can enjoy not only different musical genres but also theatrical and ballet performances, dance workshops, exhibitions and book presentations.
The international folklore festival "Vychodna" is the oldest and the biggest event of this kind in Slovakia. First organized in 1953, nowadays the festival presents local and foreign foklore dancers, singers and musicians. You can also join the musical and dance workshops during "Vychodna".
EASTER - A FAMILY AND SPRING HOLIDAY
By Nikola Futejová
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Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays in Slovakia. By tradition just before Easter the Slovaks fast throughout the Holy Week and decorate their houses with willow branches as a symbol of health. On Sunday the Slovak people go to church to pray and sanctify the painted eggs and cakes which they made. Then the whole family gathers round the table to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
TRADITIONAL SLOVAK CUISINE
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FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM SLOVAKIA:
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ĽUDOVÍT ŠTÚR
AUREL STODOLA
MILAN RASTISLAV ŠTEFÁNIK
ALEXANDER DUBČEK
HANA PONICKÁ
JOZEF KRÓNER
ALBÍN BRUNOVSKÝ
PETER DVORSKÝ
PHOTOATELIER PRESENTS: THE TATRA MOUNTAINS THROUGH THE LENS OF PAVOL BARABÁŠ
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LITART PRESENTS:
WITH LOVE AND HAPPINESS FOR THE SLOVAK POETRY
By Dimitar Stefanov
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SLOVAK POEMS
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ATELIER PRESENTS:
THE ARTIST SONIA CHUROVA
Interview by Ognian Stamboliev
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THE NEW GALLERY "EVROPA"
By Dotchka Kisiova-Gogova
Page 68
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| Translated by Ilina Vasileva |
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