COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Contacts: Е-mail: primeminister@government.bg • Son of King Boris III and Queen Joanna, Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was born on 16 June 1937 in Sofia, Bulgaria. • Upon King Boris III's sudden death on August 28, 1943, the 6-year old Simeon II ascended to the throne. A three-member council of regency was formed to reign in Bulgaria on his behalf. Two years after the communist coup on 9 September 1944 a referendum was held and King Simeon, his sister, Princess Maria-Luisa and Queen Joanna were forced to flee Bulgara. Without abdicating, the young king was to spend many years in exile . The family settled first in Alexandria, Egypt. Simeon enrolled in the famous Victoria College in Egypt. • In July 1951 the Spanish Government granted asylum to the exiled Bulgarian royal family. In Madrid Simeon graduated from the Lycee Francaise and read law and political science. In 1958-1959 he enrolled at the prestigious Valley Forge Military Academy in the United States where he was known as "cadet Rylski" and graduated as second lieutenant • In 1962 Simeon II married a Spanish aristocrat, Dona Margarita Gomez-Acebo y Cejuela. They have five children – four sons and a daughter. • In 1996 Simeon II visited Bulgaria after almost 50 years of exile. • Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha maintained broad international contacts with the business community and his work led him to travel frequently worldwide. • In addition to Bulgarian, Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha speaks fluent English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and a little Arabic and Portuguese. • On April 6, 2001 Simeon II announced his wish to return for good and to work actively for Bulgaria in an effort to revive the country, drawing on his experience and contacts. • In April-June 2001 he found and registered a National Movement named after him which ran in the parliamentary elections on July 17, winning a landslide victory. • On July 24, 2001 Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was sworn in as Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Plamen Panayotov Deputy Prime Minister • Born on 20 January 1958 in Sliven, Bulgaria. • Graduated in law from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia in 1983. • From 1985 to 1998 he was an assistant professor, senior assistant professor and chief assistant professor in criminal law at the Sofia University's Department of Law. In 1998 he became an Associate Professor in Criminal Law. In 1993 he became Doctor of Law. • He has specialized in "European Communities Legal Fundamentals and European Free Trade Areas" (Austria) and in "Misprison of Crimes", "Money Laundering" and "Economic Crime" (Germany). • He has been Scientific Secretary of the journal "Suvremenno pravo" (Contemporary Law) Editorial Board since 1995. • Author of the monographs "Misprison under the Republic of Bulgaria's Penal Code", "Money Laundering under Criminal Law", and publications in the field of criminal and tax law. • In June 2001 he was elected Member of the 39th National Assembly and Floor Leader of National Movement Simeon the Second Parliamentary Group. He was member of the Internal Security and Public Order Parliamentary Committee. • On 17 July 2003 he was elected Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. • He is fluent in German. • Married, with one son.

Solomon Passy Minister of Foreign Affairs • Born on 22 December 1956 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. • In 1979 he got a Master's Degree in Mathematics from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. In 1985 he got a Doctor's Degree in Mathematical Logics and Computer Science from the University of Sofia. • From 1992 to 2001 he was President of the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria of which he is the founder. In 1996-1999 he was Vice President of the Atlantic Treaty Association and the first national of a country in Central and Eastern Europe to be elected to that position. • MP in the Grand National Assembly. Co-author of the new Bulgarian Constitution. He was the first to propose that Bulgaria should join NATO. In 1984-1994 he was a research associate in mathematical logics and computer sciences at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences • Visiting professor at the Paul-Sabatier University in Toulouse (France). • Vice President of the SS Cyril and Methodius International Foundation • Languages: English and Russian. • Married, with three children.

Meglena Kouneva Minister of European Affairs and Chief Negotiator • Born on 22 June 1957 in Sofia. Education • 1999-2000 Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA; Law School, diploma • 1995 Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA; Foreign School, diploma • 1984 Sofia University; Ph.D. - Environmental Law • 1981 Sofia University; M.A. - Jurist Professional Experience • 1987 – 1989 Assistant Professor, Sofia University • 1988 – 1990 Editor, Bulgarian National Broadcasting • 1992 – 1994 Professor, Free University of Bourgas • 1993- Editor, Documentary film pleading against the death penalty • 1994 - 1995 Supervisor, Agency of Privatization • 1995 Member of the Bulgarian Delegation, UN Fourth Session, Commission of Sustainable Development • 1991 – 2001 Senior Legal Adviser, Council of Ministers • June - August, 2001 Member of Parliament • August, 2001 Chief Negotiator and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs • May 29, 2002 Minister of European Affairs Specializations • 1993 Human Rights Institute, Finland • 1995 Georgetown University, USA • 1996 Oxford Center, Great Britain • 2001 Georgetown University, USA • Speaks fluent English and Russian. • Married, with one son.

Lydia Shouleva Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy • Born on 23 December 1956 in Velingrad, Bulgaria. • Graduated in electronic engineering from the Technical University, Sofia, and got a Master's Degree in Finance from the University of National and World Economics, Sofia. • Specialized in marketing and finance at the Management Academy in Munich, in management and finance in Japan and in management consulting in Greece with the European Communities. • From 1992 to 1996 she was the manager and owner of Business Intellect EOOD. In 1996 she became the executive manager of Albena Invest Holding AD. • Since 2000 she has been Chairman of the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria and member of the Governing Board of the Assistance to Charity Foundation in Bulgaria. • Languages: English. • Married, with two children.

Nikolay Vassilev Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications • Born on 28 November 1969 in Varna, Bulgaria. • In 1994 graduated in economics from the University of Economics in Budapest. In 1995 he got a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Finance and Economics from the State University of New York. • In 1996-1997 he specialized in taxation policy and finance at the Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. In 1997 he got a Master's Degree in International Economics and Finance from the Brandeis University, Massachusetts, USA. • In 2000 he became the Senior Vice President and Director for Central and Eastern Europe Studies at Lazard Capital Markets, London. • In 1997-2000 he was an Associate Manager of the Emerging Markets in Europe and World Emerging Markets Strategies, UBS Warburg, London. • In 1997 he was an analyst for the Emerging European Capital Markets of the SBC Warburg Dillon Read, New York. • In 1996-1997 he was an officer for Japanese finance markets strategies at the Analyses Department of the SBC Warburg, Tokyo. • In 1994 he consulted the Investment Fund Varna, Bulgaria, on the legal aspects of instituting a privatization fund. • From 1993 to 1994 he was a tax consultant for Coopers & Lybrand, Budapest. • Vassilev is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). • Languages: Russian, Hungarian and English; working knowledge of German, French and Japanese. • Married.

Nikolai Svinarov Minister of Defence • Born on 6 May 1958 in Shoumen, Bulgaria • Graduated in law from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia in 1982. Attended a school for reservist officers in Vratsa, leaving it in 1985. • In 1984 he was a lawyer in Turgovishte. Moved to Sofia in 1985. From 1992 to 1996 he was a member of the Council of the Sofia Bar Association. Between 1998 and 2001 he was a member and chief secretary of the Supreme Council of Lawyers. • He started practicing as a lawyer in penal cases. After 1990 he specialized in civil and commercial law. • Languages: English and Russian. • Married, with two daughters.

Georgi Petkanov Minister of the Interior • Born on 1 November 1947 in Smolyan, Bulgaria. • Graduated in law from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia in 1971. • From 1972 to 1974 he was District Public Prosecutor in Devin, Smolyan region. In 1974 he became an Assistant Professor at the Department of Law of the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. In 1983 he became Doctor of Law; in 1989, an Associate Professor of Law and in 1996, Professor of Law. • He is an expert in finance law and taxation law and has many publications. • Practicing lawyer since 1993. In 1997 he became an arbitrator for the Arbitration Court at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. • From 1991 to 1995 he was Dean of the Department of Law and Deputy Rector of the Sveti Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. He was Head of the Administrative and Finance Law Department, Vice Chairman of the Council on Jurisprudence at the Supreme Attestation Commission. • Editor-in-chief of the "Suvremenno pravo" (Contemporary Law) journal • Chairman of the Bulgarian Bar Association and member of the Board of the International Organization of Democratic Lawyers. • Languages: French and Russian. • Married, with one son.

Milen Velchev Minister of Finance • Born on 24 March 1966 in Sofia, Bulgaria. • In 1988 he graduated in international relations from the University of National and World Economics, Sofia. He has a Master's Degree in Business Management from the University of Rochester, New York (1992-1993) and in Financial Engineering from the Technological Institute of Massachusetts, Cambridge, USA (1993–1995). • From 1999 to 2001 he was the Emerging Markets Vice President at Merrill Lynch (UK) where he previously (1995-1999) was an associate with Investment Banking in Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Department. • In 1990-1992 he was an attache at the International Organizations Division and desk officer for political matters at the UN at Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. • Languages: English and Russian; working knowledge of French.

Anton Stankov Minister of Justice • Born on 17 February 1966 in Yambol, Bulgaria. • In 1988 he graduated from the Department of Law at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. • In 1990 he was an intern lawyer at the Sofia City Court. In 1991 he was appointed junior judge at the Shoumen District Court. In 1992 he was appointed regional judge at the Shoumen Regional Court and in 1994, regional judge at the Sofia District Court. • He was a jury member of the Sofia City Court and in 1999 became Chairman of the Sofia City Court Criminal College. • In the 2000-2001 academic year he was a part-time assistant professor in criminal procedure at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. • He is a member of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee's Legal Commission. • Languages: English, French and Russian. • Married, with two children.

Mehmed Dikme Minister of Agriculture and Forestry • Born on 27 February 1966 in the village of Byal Izvor, Kurdjali municipality, Bulgaria. • Majored in catering technology from the Catering Technologies Department of the Higher Institute of Catering in Plovdiv. • His postgraduate work was on the marketing and management of catering plants. • From 1995 to 2000 he was mayor of Ardino Municipality, Kurdjali region. • Since 2000 he has been a member of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe, Council of Europe, Strasbourg. • Married, with one child.

Hristina Hristova Minister of Labor and Social Policy • Born on 21 January 1954 in the village of Popitza, Byala Slatina district, Bulgaria. • Graduated in philosophy from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia in 1980. • In 1988 she defended a doctor's degree in sociology at the Institute of Trade Union and Social Research. In November 1995 she attended a course in social security system issues in Belgium. • Specialized in social reform and integration, new trends in social assistance, social integration of disabled people, running social funds and management of social services for elderly people. • In 1989–1991 Hristova worked at the Social Policy Department with the Institute of Trade Union and Social Research. In 1991 she became President of the National Center for Social Rehabilitation, for Social Services and Social Assistance of Disabled People and Their Families. In 1995 she opened the first office for social services for disabled people. • In 1995–1998 she was the coordinator for Bulgaria under a project for the creation of a new type of services and institutions for the disabled in Bulgaria, financed by the Flemish Government. In 1996 she was a lecturer at the Bourgas Free University. In 1996 in Lisbon she participated in the establishment of the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AAATE). • Since 1996 member of the National Council for Rehabilitation and Social Integration at the Council of Ministers and member of the Board of Managers of the Rehabilitation and Social Integration Fund. • Since 1999 Mmber of the National Council for Social Assistance with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. Hristova has attended many international forums in Italy, Germany, Portugal, France and the Netherlands. • She is fluent in English.

Slavcho Bogoev Minister of Health • Born on 26 February 1966 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. • Graduated in Domestic Trade and Marketing from the University of National and World Economics in Sofia. • From 1991 to 1995 commercial manager in private companies. From 1995 to 1999 expert and dealer at the United Bulgarian Bank. From 1999 to 2001 dealer and senior dealer at the Demirbank (Bulgaria), Sofia. • From 1 November 2001 to 16 July 2003 Deputy Minister of Health responsible for financial management, specialized in health insurance supervision, international cooperation and European integration. • Fluent in English and Russian. • Not married.

Igor Damyanov Minister of Education and Science • Born on 1 August 1953 in Lom, Bulgaria. • In 1977 graduated in history from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia and started work at the Committee for Culture. In November 1978 started teaching at the International Relations Department of the University of National and World Economics (UNWE) in Sofia. • In 1985 he defended a doctor's thesis in history. In 1991 he became an associate professor of New and Recent History at the UNWE International Relations Department. • In 1990–1991 he was foreign policy advisor in Dimiter Popov's cabinet. • From 1996 to 1999 he was Deputy Dean of the UNWE International Economics and Policy Faculty and Director of the BA Degree Directorate. In November 1999 he was elected First Vice President of the UNWE in charge for training courses. • In March 2001 he became Director of the Center of Public Administration with the UNWE Institute of Post-Graduate Training. He is a reviewer at the National Research Fund. • Igor Damyanov specialized in the Sorbonne, the Athens University and the Institute of Slavic and Balkan Studies in Moscow. He has written monographs, studies, articles and textbooks on Bulgarian, Balkan and new general history. • He is fluent in French, English and Russian. • Married, with one child.

Bozhidar Abrashev Minister of Culture • Born on 28 March 1936 in Sofia, Bulgaria. • Majored in composition from the Prof. Pancho Vladiguerov State Music Academy in 1960. • Defended a Doctor's Degree (1976) and a Doctor of Art Degree (1991). • From 1963 to 1966 he was the bandleader of the Filip Koutev State Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances. From 1964 on he taught at the Prof. Pancho Vladiguerov State Music Academy. In 1990 he became Professor at the Music Academy. In 2000 he was elected First Deputy Rector of the Prof. Pancho Vladiguerov State Music Academy, in charge of teaching and scholarly activities. • In 1967 he became a member of the Union of Bulgarian Composers. • Prof. Abrashev has taught at the Music and Dance Academy, Plovdiv; St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia; Episkop Konstantin Preslavski University of Shoumen; Neofit Rilski Southwest University. • Prof. Abrashev is the author of a large number of scholarly papers and publications and has composed some 60 opuses and music pieces - symphonies, chamber music, vocal works. • He is Laureat of the Order of Cyril and Methodius Second Class. • Languages: German and Russian; working knowledge of English • Married, with three children.

Dolores Arsenova Minister of Environment and Waters • Born on 7 May 1964 in the village of Belimel, Montana region, Bulgaria • In 1995 she majored in law from the University of National and World Economics, and in 1990, in pedagogy from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. • In 1999-2001 she was a fellow at the Global and Regional Development Section at the Sociology Institute with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. • In 1996–2001 she was a lawyer and member of the Sofia Bar Association, a legal adviser and consultant on non-profit organization and company management. • Member of the Bulgarian Sociology Association and of the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria. • She is Chairperson of the Governing Board of the non-profit Hypocretes Association. • Languages: Russian. • Married, with child.

Milko Kovachev Minister of Energy and Energy Resources • Born on 22 February 1957 in Pernik, Bulgaria. • In 1979 graduated in Power and Nuclear Engineering from the Technical University, Sofia. Specialized as a postgraduate in System Analysis of District Heating. Attended courses at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the European Union. • Started his career as a senior reactor operator at the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant. From 1986 to 1992 he was assistant professor, senior assistant professor and chief assistant professor at the Technical University, Sofia – Power and Nuclear Engineering Chair. He became a deputy manager of the training center at Kozloduy NPP in 1992. Two years later he became a Head of Nuclear Power Department and a Head of the European Integration and International Relations Division of the Committee of Energy. He was Head of PHARE Nuclear Safety Program. From November 1997 to February 2000 he was Head of Safety and Operation of NPP Division of the National Electrical Company. • He became Head of the European Integration Division of the European Integration and Relations with International Financial Institutions Department of the Council of Ministers in 2000. • On August 2001 he was appointed Chairman of the State Agency for Energy and Energy Resources. • On 21 December 2001 he was sworn in in Parliament as Minister of Energy and Energy Resources. • Languages: French, English and Russian • Married, with two children.

Vassil Ivanov Minister of Youth and Sport • Born on 8 June 1964 in Sofia. • Specialized in "Public Administration" and "Organization and Management of Tourism". • Started a private business in 1990 and in 1991 established the "Luciano" chain of confectioneries. • In 2001 he ran for Parliament on the ticket of the National Movement Simeon the Second. • One of the founders of the National Movement Simeon the Second. Elected member of the National Council of the newly established political formation. • On 23 August 2001 named and on 18 December 2001 appointed Chairman of the State Agency of Youth and Sport. • On 11 October 2002 became Minister of Youth and Sport. • Married with two children. • Public activities: 1994 – 1999 – Member of the Managing Board of the "Levski" professional football club 1996 – 2001 – President of the "Levski" boxing club 1997 – 2001 – President of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation Since 2001 Member of the Bureau of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee

Valentin Tserovski Minister of Regional Development and Public Works • Born on 20 March 1956 in Rousse. • Graduated from the Machine Building Institute in Rousse with a degree in "Computing Machinery" in 1981. In 1998 he specialized "Financial Management in Insurance" at the Academy of Economics in Svishtov. • Started his professional career in 1981 as a machine engineer at the R&D department of the "Naiden Kirov " works in Rousse. In 1993 he founded the "Europe" AD international insurance company and became Deputy Chairman of its Board of Directors and first Deputy General Executive Director. In 2001 he founded and was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Director of "Construction- Engineering Company- Sofia " AD. • In 1990 he was elected Member of the National Assembly and signed the new Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria. • In 2001 he was elected Member of the 39th National Assembly. He is a member of the Budget and Finance parliamentary committee and Foreign Policy, Defence and Security committee. • Took part in the drafting of the fiscal laws and the 2001 and 2002 National Budget Acts, amendments to banking legislation and laws regulating the crafts and professional organizations and the Law on the Commission for Financial Supervision. • Appointed to Minister of Regional Development and Public Works on 18 December 2002. • One of the founders of the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria. Member of its Governing Board since 1991. • He is fluent in English and Russian languages. • Married, with one son.

Dimiter Kalchev Minister of State Administration • Born on 21 November 1945 in Rousse, Bulgaria. • In 1968 graduated from the Higher Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Electricity in Rousse. Majored in Management of Industry from the Academy of Economics, Moscow. • 1979 - Director of the Sofia-based Machinoexport projects in Eastern Africa. • From 1981 to 1986 Deputy Director and General Director of companies in Tanzania. • In 1986 Deputy General Director of the Heavy Machine Building Works, Rousse. • 1991 Deputy Governor of the Post Bank, Rousse • 1992 Governor of the Credit Bank, Rousse • In November 1995 he was elected Mayor of Rousse Municipality. • In 1996 specialized in Public Finance Management in North Carolina (USA) and in 1997, in Development of the Association of Municipalities in Washington D.C. • Since April 1996 Member of the Executive Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities in Europe, Council of Europe, Strasbourg. • In 1996-2000 Chairman of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria. • In 1998-2000 Vice President of the Working Group on Regionalism, Council of Europe, Strasbourg. • Languages: English and Russian; working knowledge of Arabic and German. • Married, with one child.

Filiz Housmenova Minister without portfolio • Born on 10 June 1966 in Silistra, Bulgaria. • Graduated in French and Russian language and literature from the Sts Cyril and Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo. • From 1995 to 1997 she taught French at the St Kliment Ohridski High School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Silistra. Part-time lecturer at the teacher-training branch of the Angel Kunchev University of Rousse in Silistra. From 1997 to 1999 she was foreign languages expert at the Regional Inspectorate of the Ministry of Education and Science. • From 1999 to 2001 she was deputy mayor responsible for humanitarian activities of the Municipality of Silistra. Next she was Deputy Regional Governor of Silistra. She was appointed minister without portfolio on 17 July 2003. • Filiz Husmenova has attended seminars on minority problems in France, Romania and Turkey and a retraining course in bilingual training on a parity basis in Strasbourg within the framework of the National Agency Socrates at the Ministry of Education and Science. • She has worked for projects addressing minority problems and the cross border cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania in the field of cultural exchange. • Married, with one child.

Dimiter Tsonev Government Spokesman • Born on 30 August 1959. • Law graduate of St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. • Editor at the Sofia Press Agency (1986-1991). Newscast anchor at the Bulgarian National Television (1991-2002), made 17 documentaries. Government Spokesman (since 1 October 2002). • Member of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists. Member of the School Board of the National School Complex of Culture with Italian Lyceum, Gorna Banya. Holds elective office at the Maria Montessori Foundation, instituted by the School Board. • Speaks English and French. • Married, with two children.

Tzvetelina Uzounova Director of Government Information Service • Born on 4 August 1967 in the town of Gotze Delchev, Bulgaria. • In 1991 graduated in Radio Reporting and TV Broadcasting from the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. In 1995 specialized in TV News Management in the UK and in 1998 graduated an EU Training Course in "Journalism and Political Power" in Prague, Czech Republic. • In 1989 began her professional career as a reporter and editor at the "Horizont" programme of Bulgarian National Radio. Worked as an anchor and news presenter of newscasts of Channel 1 and Effir 2 of Bulgarian National Television, the "Horizont" program of Bulgarian National Radio and "Express" Radio. She has been editor-in-chief of the "Ekip 4", evening political talk show and the evening newscast of Channel 1 of Bulgarian National Television. In April 2001 she became Spokesperson and Press Secretary of the National Movement Simeon the Second and in July 2001 she was appointed Director of the Information and Public Relations Directorate of the Council of Ministers of Republic of Bulgaria. • Author of several documentary films: "Las Vegas" – about Bulgarian emigrants in the US, "Above the Grand Canyon", "The Land of Eagles" and "The Road to Drama". • Member of International Organization of Journalists. • Fluent in English and Russian.

Svetla Velikova Zheljazkova Senior Expert, Foreign Policy Department at Government Information Service Directorate, Council of Ministers Contact: Office tel. 940 2709 e-mail: s.zheljazkova@government.bg • Born on 16 May 16 1952 , Sofia , Bulgaria. • Graduated from the "St. Kliment Ohridsky" University of Sofia, Faculty of Journalism, Master's Degree • Membership of professional bodies: Union of Bulgarian Journalists, Association "Journalists for the EU". • Present position: Senior Expert, Foreign Policy Department at Government Information Service Directorate, Council of Ministers • Professional Experience Record: PR Advisor, EU Project Capacity Building for Accelerated Growth of SMEs (CBAG-SMEs from November 2000 to October 2002; • Editor-in-Chief of The Sofia Echo, weekly edition in English from October 1999 to August 2000 • Public Affairs Officer, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sofia Office from August 1996 to December 1999 • Editor, Bulgarian Economic Review, fortnightly edition in English of Pari daily from May 1993 to August 1996 and The Insider, monthly edition in English language from 1991 to August 1993 • Editor and Managing Editor, Bulgarian National Radio from April 1974 to August 1987 and from 1987 to 1989 at Zemedelsko zname, national daily newspaper