Slovakia - Factors To Watch on April 20

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FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVES

The central bank will release its weekly foreign currency reserves, 1200 GMT.

CENTRAL BANK SEEN EASING POLICY IN APRIL

The Slovak central bank (NBS) will probably cut interest rates next week as the strong crown has tightened monetary conditions and recent inflation data confirmed favourable price growth outlook, analysts said.

[ID:nL19281900] [RTRS-CEN-INT-PLCY-SK]

[ID:nL19264144]

MARCH JOBLESS HITS RECORD LOW OF 8.89 PCT

Slovakia's unemployment rate dipped to a record low of 8.89 percent in March as warm weather encouraged seasonal work, the Labour Office said on Thursday.

[ID:nL19107918] [RTRS-JOB-MCE-ECI-SK]

PRESS DIGEST

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GAS SUBSIDY FOR PENSIONERS

The government has agreed with the natural gas monopoly SPP, run by a consortium of Gaz de France and Germany's E.ON , to grant an annual subsidy of 600 crown for gas bills for people over 65 years.

Sme, page 1

LABOUR CODE

The Slovak National Party (SNS), a junior ruling coalition member, said it still had objection to the labour code draft that was approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. The SNS said it would debate with the labour ministry and MPs in order to amend the draft.

Sme, page 2

HIGHWAY TOLL

Slovakia plans to introduce a digital highway toll system in 2009, covering some 2,400 kilometres of the country's roads. Revenues for the first year are seen at around 4 billion crowns ($162.3 million).

Pravda, page 18

TELEFONICA HAS 400,000 ACTIVE USERS

Telefonica O2 Slovakia said it reached 400,000 active pre-paid users in April, adding it planned to launch post-paid services in the second quarter of the year.

Pravda, page 18

For news on upcoming events in the United States and other Group of Seven countries, see . For a diary of forthcoming Slovak events, double click [SK/DIARY], and a calendar of east European economic indicators, see [CONV/DIARY].

News editor of the day: Peter Laca, on +421 2 5341 8402; fax: +421 2 5341 8403

E-mail: editorial@reuters.sk

Reuters Messaging: peter.laca.reuters.com@reuters.net

For real-time index quotes, double click in brackets:

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($1=24.65 Slovak Crown)