site.btaObservances: December 28-29

DECEMBER 28

The world:

- World Cinema Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1899: Bulgarian Agrarian Popular Union opens constituent congress.

1964: Diplomatic relations established with Burundi.

1965: Diplomatic relations established with Mauritania.

1967: Decree phasing in five-day workweek of 42.5 hours with two days off adopted.

1991: Bulgaria recognizes independence of Armenia, Belarus, Moldova and Kazakhstan.

2000: Statue of St Sophia (sculptor Georgi Chapkunov, architect Stanislav Konstantinov) is unveiled in Sofia and becomes city's symbol.

2002: Bank Bankruptcy Act, passed on September 12, 2002, enters into force. Bulgarian Deposit Insurance Fund takes over administration of bank bankruptcy.

DECEMBER 29

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1948: Fifth Grand National Assembly adopts first five-year plan for development of national economy (1949-1953).

1957: Bulgarian Sports Totalizator holds first draw of Toto 2 pari-mutuel game.

1964: Medet copper smelter at Panagyurishte (Central Bulgaria) is commissioned.

1989: Communist Party's Central Committee rejects "regeneration process" and cabinet recognizes Bulgarian Muslims' right to readopt their traditional names.