Skopje, 14 August 2024 (MIA) - It is up to the government to decide if we will introduce a third mobile operator or find alternative ways to lower service prices. A key criterion for any new operator is that it must be from an EU or NATO member country and employ 'clean' technology sanctioned by the Alliance, with a strict prohibition on using technology from Russia, China, or India that NATO has not approved, Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski told Sitel TV.

"Those who want to attack 4iG Group should consider its ownership. One of its owners is 'Rheinmetall,' the leading military industry in Germany, known for producing 'Leopard' tanks, among other products. But instead of wasting energy and time attacking me, Prime Minister Mickoski, and the government, they should think about how to reduce services," said Nikoloski in response to the question about the attacks on the Hungarian 4iG Group, which sent a letter of intent to the government to install a mobile network in the country, and has a strategic agreement with a Chinese company.

When asked whether the government is considering stripping the Mayor of Skopje, Danela Arsovska, of her authority over JSP Skopje, as it did with the public enterprises 'Communal Hygiene' and 'Parks and Greenery,' Nikoloski stated that this matter needs to be discussed at a government session.

He explained that the proposal for separate laws on urban planning for the Skopje municipalities of Karposh and Centar was introduced during a session of the parliamentary committee that was reviewing amendments to the Law on Urban Planning.

He noted that he is ready to draft a completely new Law on Urban Planning that would encompass all segments and sectors, with the work being done by a commission composed of diverse members, including representatives from the most relevant NGOs and citizens' associations. He emphasized that, for the first time in history, citizens' associations or NGOs would be involved from the very beginning of the law's drafting process.

Nikoloski also noted that the amendments to the Law on Urban Planning, which were adopted in Parliament on Monday, will streamline the procedures for building healthcare and educational facilities as well as multi-story parking garages.

Photo: screenshot