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BOXTEXT: The cost of dialling direct

Beware the Macedonian 'Sting' if you try to shortcut the process and go for direct contact.

Attempts to phone a number of the 16 companies listed in Skopje, Macedonia, as possible partners in the reconstruction of Kosovo were thwarted or died amid the interminable tinkle of the phonic please-wait theme from The Sting.

The result was the danger of phone bills seemingly almost as high as the entire gross domestic product of Macedonia.

"Can I speak to Mr Vanco Popovski, [managing director of GP Mavrovo, architectural and civil engineers, builders of hydrostructures as well as high-rise building and underground projects], please? 'Momente...'

Then follows six minutes of 'tum-te-tum-tum, dum-dum, dum...' interrupted by three, 'Momentes' and finally the message, 'he gone abroad. Dunno where.'

"Hello, is Ilija Kitanovski there? [MD of Public Water Management Enterprise of Macedonia.] 'Momente... tum-te-tum-tum...' Click. Cut off.

"Hello, please could I speak with Straso Milkovski, md of GP Granit of Skopje, [Industrial plants, water treatment, plant pumping stations, highways, bridges, railroads, airports and buildings]. No 'tum-te-tum' this time. Instead 'Momente' followed by three minutes of background conversation. Finally: 'He no in country.'"

At least two phone numbers listed were wrong and few people answering the phone could speak English. If you have a translator who speaks Greek, that may prove helpful.