Tobacco planters receiving realistic prices, Gruevski says

During his visit to Bitola and Ohrid, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski was asked by journalists about several local and regional issues. Asked about the expectations from the tobacco harvest, Gruevski said that planters are receiving realistic prices for their crops so far, and 8,5 million kilograms of the strategic crop have already been purchased.

"The purchase is proceeding orderly. Inspections are present at all selling points and are making sure the evaluation of the quality is realistic. I hope things continue to develop this way", Gruevski said, adding that the average price is at 187 denars per kilogram, before adding 60 denars in subsidies.

Asked by journalists from Ohrid on the plans to build a marina in the lakeside city, Gruevski said that the two locations being considered are at the main port and at the Army base further east. "The call for proposals is open for plans for both locations. The funds are already provided and we expect things to move ahead as soon as the decision is made", Gruevski said.

During the visit to Ohrid, Gruevski went to the orthopedic hospital St. Erasmus, which is being expanded to house the Ohrid heart clinic, and to the Ohrid general hospital where new cancer screening equipment is being installed. Gruevski also visited the St. Mary Perivlepta cathedral whose conservation should be finished by September.