Employers Welcome Ministry's Moves to Increase Safety in Connection with Bears

Bratislava, March 28 (TASR) - The Association of Employers Unions (AZZZ) welcomes the steps taken by Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) to protect safety in connection with bears, AZZZ spokeswoman Miriam Filova told TASR on Friday, adding that the association supports the elimination of bears that cross the 500-metre safety zone. This is an important step for employers to ensure the safety and security of the people, as well as the protection of property in towns and villages. "The safety of our employees and residents is a priority for us, and we welcome any measures that help minimise risks," stressed AZZZ secretary general Oto Nevicky. The government at its session on Wednesday (March 27) approved a draft constitutional law dealing with the increased numbers of bears in the vicinity of towns and villages and related safety threats. The bill would allow towns and villages to set up 500-metre safety zones around them in which it would be possible to kill bears without administrative proceedings if there is a clear risk of an encounter between people and the animals. The bill has been criticised by the opposition, who view it as non-systemic and at odds with EU legislation. am/mcs