NATO is forming counter-hybrid support teams in North Macedonia and Montenegro, after fake news and disinformation from Russia and China have gained ground with the coronavirus pandemic crisis in the Western Balkans, stated US Ambassador to the Alliance Kay Bailey Hutchison for MIA.
The Alliance expects from Skopje additional information on setting up such a team also for North Macedonia, the aim of which is preparing the media in the country to counter disinformation campaigns from Russia, stated the Ambassador at today’s online video briefing for reporters in Washington, stressing that the team in Montenegro has already been set up.
According to the Ambassador, North Macedonia as the newest NATO member is a special target of the disinformation campaign organized by the Kremlin.
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The Government of the Republic of North Macedonia at today’s session decided to submit a proposal to President Stevo Pendarovski in which it is assessed that a state of emergency is needed in the country in order to successfully handle the coronavirus situation.
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The Government of the Republic of North Macedonia today passed a Decree with legal force for payment of compensations for persons engaged in state authorities (legislative, executive and judicial), regulatory bodies, agencies, state commissions, legal entities in full or dominant state ownership, units of local self-government and the City of Skopje and legal entities established by the units of local self-government and the City of Skopje, announced the Government press service.
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So far, a total of 122 medical workers have been infected with Covid-19, of which seven have recovered and have returned to their jobs, stated Minister of Health Venko Filipce at today’s press conference. There is sufficient medical equipment and reserves, said Filipce, and added that the State Sanitary Inspectorate has inspected the situation and has prepared a report on how it is used in hospital units and departments, according to the recommendations and standards.
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Non-interest loans in the total amount of 936.602 euros have been approved for 118 more companies to use with 1.116 employees, announced the Government.
In the first and second group, a total of 254 loan application have been approved in a total amount of 2.2 million euros, to companies with a total of 2.853 employees. According to the structure, out of the total approved loan applications, micro companies up to ten employees participate with 69%, small companies up to 50 employees with 28% and medium-sized companies up to 250 employees with 4%.
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While the Government measures for dealing with the coronavirus are in force, employers, in accordance to Article 112 of the Law on Labor Relations, can pay employees salary compensation of up to 50% – in case of absence of work due to force majeure or 70% in case of interruption of the work process for business reasons – forced vacation.
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Following the appeal for registration of Macedonian citizens stranded abroad for their return to the country, as well as the public call for organizing air transportation, also through humanitarian convoys, until today, 3.032 citizens have been repatriated in organization with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dehran Muratov
in cooperation with Маја Ivanovska
Translation N. Cvetkovska
