Today the Republic of Slovenia sent to Macedonia SAF's (Slovenian Armed Forces) Bell 412 utility helicopter, which is equipped to participate in fire fighting operations. This was agreed yesterday between the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša and the Prime Minister of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski. The helicopter will include a team of firefighters and a representative of the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief. The SAF's helicopter team will be employed for three days, with the possibility of extension.

 

Prime Minister Janez Janša and Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at their last meeting in Skopje, 27th February 2007 (Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

In the last few days several widespread fires have broken out in Macedonia and the Macedonian authorities have pleaded to the neighbouring and other European countries for support in battling them.