Kosice, January 11, 2005 - Companies which are seriously concerned about reduction of CO2 allowances in National allocation plan met today in Kosice. They expressed concerns that Slovak industrial enterprises' competitive position may be impacted by this NAP.

Original NAP proposal, later reduced by European Commission decision by 14%, corresponded to commitment of Kjoto Protocol not to exceed in 2008 - 2012 92% of annual volume of greenhouse gases emissions in 1990.

The meeting aimed to exchange of opinions and proposal of further mutual steps to achieve originally requested CO2 quotas, which would enable the companies to produce in planned volumes.

Representatives of the companies concerned appeal to government to promote more penetratively interests of Slovak economy and progressive economic development in relation to European Commission and to create competitive conditions for Slovak companies.

This declaration has been presented by: Carmeuse Slovakia, s.r.o., Cemmac, a.s. Horne Srnie, Holcim (Slovensko), a.s., Hornonitrianske bane Prievidza, a.s., Chemosvit Energochem a.s., Paroplynovy cyklus a.s. Bratislava, Povazska cementaren, a.s., Siderit, s.r.o. Nizna Slana, Slovenske elektrarne, a.s., Slovenske magnezitove zavody a.s., Slovensky investicny holding, a.s., Slovmag, a.s. Lubenik, Slovnaft, a.s., SPP, a.s., Teplaren Kosice, a.s., U. S. Steel Kosice, s.r.o., , Vychodoslovenske stavebne hmoty, a.s., ZSNP, a.s. and Zeleziarne Podbrezova, a.s.

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Further information:

Jan Baca
Director Public Affairs
U. S. Steel Kosice, s.r.o.
Tel.: +421 55 673 4476
Fax: +421 55 673 0330
E-mail: jbacask.uss.com