Macedonia Daily.org: October 2007

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

GREECE WILL NOT HOLD REFERENDUM ON NAME DISPUTE

Regional.

Greece ruled out the possibility of holding a referendum over the dispute with the name of Macedonia, Government's representative said.

Theodoros Roussopoulos, the spokesman for the Greek Government said that his country will
put all efforts to fight out a righteous solution in the battle for the name that has already started.

Roussopoulos also pointed out that all public statements of the Macedonian officials would be taken into consideration.

MD: Well, probably because they know that most of the Greeks don't really care about Macedonia.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

ZAFIR HADZIMANOV, MACEDONIAN AMBASSADOR OF CULTURE IN SERBIA

Culture.

Renowned musician and artist Zafir Hadzimanov has been declared Macedonia’s official ambassador of culture in Serbia.

The Government has accepted the initiative of the National Council of Macedonians in Serbia, and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski will officially appoint Hadzimanov Ambassador of Culture on Tuesday.

“This post represents a special honor and satisfaction for me”, says Hadzimanov, adding that he would resume to work on the affirmation of Macedonian culture in Serbia, with the appointment giving him a special incentive.

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:16 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIA UNLIKELY TO GET STARTING DATE FOR EU TALKS

Regional.

Macedonia will not get a green light by the European Commission for the launch of accession talks with the EU, Skopje's daily Dnevnik said, citing a draft of the report set for release next week.

According to European Commission, political situation in Macedonia is not good, the country's administration is non-transparent, non-professional and not free of partisan influence. Furthermore, there will be no dialogue between the government and the opposition for a long period.

Brussels, according to Dnevnik daily, objects that legislators have not yet adopted new rules to strengthen parliamentary procedures on the use of Albanian language in parliament's committees. The draft-report also pinpoints the weak cohabitation between the prime minister and the head of state.

EC also criticizes the lay offs in public administration sector following the shift of power in 2006. It also objects the delay in judicial reform.

As regards the renaming of Skopje's airport, the European Commission says Greece sees the move as a provocation and breach of bilateral treaty signed in 1995, Dnevnik daily said.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

LOCAL MUSEUM TO BE ESTABLISHED IN DELCEVO

Culture.

Delcevo Municipality Council has adopted a decision on establishment of a local museum.

Mayor Mirko Ivanov stressed that latest archaeological research at site “Mogila” and paleonthological research near villages Zvegor and Stamer impose the necessity for establishment of such a museum.

Valuable artefacts from the 4-3 century B.C. have been excavated at site “Mogila”, while research near Zvegor and Stamer villages has resulted in revelation of 3-10 million years-old fossils.

MD: The museum titled “Pijanec” (according to the territory of the findings), will be located in the commemorative home ASNOM.

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

ALBANIAN PRESIDENT MEETS WITH CRVENKOVSKI

National.

Macedonia and Albania share equal goals - an accession to the European Union and NATO, nourish solid political relations and have great potential for further development of the economic cooperation, Presidents Branko Crvenkovski and Bamir Topi said Monday after their meeting in Ohrid.

To believe that Macedonia, Albania and Croatia will be invited to join NATO at the Bucharest Summit is not sufficient, Crvenkovski said, pointing out that each country should do its homework in the forthcoming period.

Asked about possible Greece's obstruction of Macedonia's accession to NATO, Crvenkovski said that under the interim agreement between the two countries of 1995, Greece could not prevent Macedonia's integration with NATO or any other international organization.

To a journalist question on the security situation in Macedonia, Crvenkovski pointed out the resent incidents in certain parts of the country.

- Unfortunately some of them have lethal outcome. The Ministry of Interior has been blaming individuals and criminal groups, but I am not certain that these incidents are not a result of the latest developments in Kosovo. Therefor, I have convened a new session of the National Security Council for Wednesday, Crvenkovski said.

He also reiterated Macedonia's position on Kosovo issue, saying that the UN Security Council should define the province's status.

- If it is not possible, Macedonia, as a candidate country for NATO, EU membership, will respect their joint policy, Crvenkovski said.

[Mia]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

MEETING OF SECURITY COUNCIL

National.

The President Branko Crvenovski may soon schedule a meeting of the Security Council of Macedonia,, the Macedonian TV channel Kanal 5 reports, citing the press office of the Presidency. But this would not lift the responsibility for the order in the country off the Macedonian Ministry of Interior, the information reads.

All the information, collected by intelligence units for the situation in the border areas around Kosovo, are in the Cabinet of the President.

[Focus]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:11 am | Permalink | Comments

Monday, October 29, 2007

ABOUT 7000 MACEDONIANS PROTEST IN AUSTRALIA

Diaspora.

Only four weeks before the November 24th federal elections, Macedonians from all over Australia were rallied by the “Descendants of Alexander the Great” organization to demonstrate in Canberra because of the decision of the Australian government to refer to the country with FYROM.

On October 28th, 2007 over 7,000 Macedonians from all over Australia came together in front of the Australian Parliament. Ten busloads came from Sydney, four from Melbourne, one from Brisbane, one from Newcastle, and two from Wollongong. Many flew while hundreds of others traveled by car.

They met in front of the old parliament building and then marched to the new (parliament building) and as the photographs show the place was filled to capacity as people waved red and yellow flags, yelled out slogans “We are Macedonians”, “Fifteen years of discrimination”, “How long will Australia be a pawn of Greece”, “We are the descendents of Alexander the Great”, “we want nothing from you, only the most basic human rights”, etc, and sang songs and chanted “Makedonia, Makedonia, Makedonia”.

Before the speeches began, a minute of silence was observed in tribute of Tose Proeski after which the national anthems were played.

Among the speakers included were Stevo Taskovski, Igor Aleksandrov and Aco Sapkar who had a stern message for the two biggest parties; “…the elections are only weeks away and if you don’t recognize the Republic of Macedonia by its constitutional name, you will lose the Macedonian vote”. Many candidates in those parties count on the Macedonian vote to be elected. Australian governments were also criticized for acquiescing to the Greek lobby in the past fifteen years. Australia is an example of what democracy should be but when it called the Macedonian community “Slavo-Macedonians” it not only defied its own constitution, it also broke the most basic human rights law of the United Nations.

Some were calling for similar demonstrations to be held in other major cities in Australia but nothing was decided. The meeting was a success thanks to the organizers and all the people who attended.

MD: Nice initiative! The demonstration went peacefully with songs, dances and many greetings by people who had not seen each other in a long time.

[Descendants of Alexander]

[MakNews]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

SIGHTS OF MACEDONIA

National.

Dedication of the Catholic church in Ohrid.

(Photo credit should read MIA)

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

ADOPTION OF DECLARATION ON IMPROVEMENT RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE, UNDERSTANDING AND UNITY

National.

The participants at the World Conference on Dialogue Among Religions and Civilizations in Ohrid Sunday adopted a Declaration on improvement of inter-religious dialogue, understanding and unity.

The Declaration condemns all forms of religious violence and intolerance, misuse of faith as well as all types of discrimination and actions that humiliate the dignity of the human. All believers are asked to act according to the reciprocity principle, behave with others the way you like them to behave with you.

The education in the text is underlined as essential basis for improvement of tolerance, dialogue and understanding among religions and civilisations, respect of differences, human rights and democratic principles and adequate education is main instrument in elimination of stereotypes and wrong perception of different cultures, religions and civilisations.

Also the idea of establishment of Managing Council of Religions under UN sponsorship is supported which will promote development of dialogue among religions, cultures and civilisations.

The Declaration will be submitted to the UN General Assembly, the High Representative of the UN General Secretary for the Alliance of the Civilisations, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the Arab League, OIS, the African Union, the Association of South Asian Nations, the Organisation of the American States, the World Council of Churches, the International Francophone Organisation, and the governments of member states of the UN.

After the adoption of the Declaration Macedonian FM Antonio Milososki who presided over the Conference said that we should not try to convert somebody’s faith to another faith but to make the Muslim to be better Muslim, the Christian to be better Christian.

[Mia]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, October 27, 2007

BEST DIRECTOR AWARD FOR "UPSIDE DOWN" IN VALENCIA

Culture.

Director Igor Ivanov has been awarded the best direction at the Valencia Film Festival for the Macedonian film “Upside Down.” Eleven more works from France, Kosovo, Turkey, Italy and other countries competed for the award.

Interestingly, “The Great Water” by Ivo Trajkov won the main awards for photography, music, direction and best film in overall at the same festival two years ago.

“Upside Down’ has been seen by 13,000 visitors in a month since its opening at the Millennium Cinema in Skopje. After 28th October, the film will be shown in movie theatres throughout the country and will compete in the official competition of Sao Paolo festival.

MD: Bravo! Congratulations to Igor Ivanov!.

[Valencia FilmFest '07]

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:18 am | Permalink | Comments

OHRID SUMMIT HAS HISTORIC IMPORTANCE FOR MOC

National.

The world conference on dialogue among religions and civilizations in Ohrid represents a historic event for the Macedonian Orthodox Church (MOC), said MOC's secretary Kliment, the Bishop of Heraklea.

He added that the event would have a positive impact on the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Makfax correspondent reported.

"Bringing together so many archimandrites from the orthodox churches of the Russia, Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Finland is bound to have a positive effect on resolution of the problem, which MOC carries as open wound as it persists in its existence and the fight to preserve its autocephaly status, independence and name," Bishop Kliment said.

As regards the open issue with the Serbian Orthodox Church, Bishop Kliment said that MOC remains on its stance that a dialogue is necessary, adding however that there is no response to the calls on dialogue from the other side.

MD: Even though invited, representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church did not went to Ohrid, which MOC's secretary attributes to the ongoing political battle on the name with Greece.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR ATTACK TO BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE

National.

European Ambassador Erwan Fouere sent a message that those responsible for the incident near Tanusevci in which one policeman was killed and two more injured have to be brought to justice.

The Ambassador said that all efforts should be put into tracking down and punishing of the perpetrators.

Fouere pointed out that the European Union is very concerned because the incident took place in a sensitive area, where similar incidents occurred before.

"The economic problems of the region, especially the weak infrastructure, should not be underestimated either. Something must be done to improve the economic situation of the people living in this area," the Ambassador said.

Fouere said it was too early to say if the Tanusevci incident was connected with resolving of the Kosovo issue. Nevertheless, such incidents do not contribute to peaceful resolution of the province's status, said EU Ambassador.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

Friday, October 26, 2007

GREECE DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MACEDONIA IN THE 80's

National.

Greece did not have any problem with the name Macedonia in before the nineties and the independency of the Republic of Macedonia. As seen in official Greek governmental documents 1988 untill 1991.
The documents are diplomatic anouncements between Greece and the then Socialist Republic of Macedonia in which is described that the general Greek consul in Macedonia has been changed.

On the documents it is clearly visible that official Athens did not have any problem with the name Macedonia.

MD: At the right you can see the document of 2 March 1988.

[Vest Newspaper]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

SIGHTS OF MACEDONIA

National.

The Macedonian delegation presented the latest images of the Boris Trajkovski Sports Hall that is currently under construction in Skopje. This splendid arena will be the venue of the final of the European championship in womens handball 2008 held in Macedonia. Once completed – the official inauguration will take place in March 2008 – it will be the biggest sports hall in Macedonia.

(Photo credit should read Eurohandball.com)

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:16 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN STATE UNITED IN DEFENDING CONSTITUTIONAL NAME

National.

Macedonian top officials confirmed they stand united in the commitment to preserve and defend the constitutional name and the international use of the same as it represents a fundamental element of the identity and dignity of the nation, an official announcement says.

The press release was issued after the coordination meeting on the name issue, attended by the President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski and the Special Envoy on the Name Issue Nikola Dimitrov.

The meeting was convoked ahead of the Macedonia-Greece talks scheduled for 1 November in New York. UN mediator Matthew Nimetz initiated the meeting.

"Macedonia will remain committed and will step up the efforts for overcoming the bilateral differences with Greece over the name with an aim to strengthen the good neighborly relations... and compatible interests of the two countries for a stabile and prosperous region," the announcement says.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, October 25, 2007

POLICE SPECIAL UNIT DEPLOYED AT NORTHERN BORDER

National.

Members of the Macedonian police's special task unit have stepped up controls at the country's northern border, after one policeman was killed and two were wounded in an armed attack on a patrolling border police vehicle.

The member of the border police Igor D, 24, from Skopje died, and Trajce R. from Probistip and Xhemaleti S, 23, from Skopje were wounded in the attack carried out by unidentified armed group, TELMA TV station reported tonight.

The policemen were on board of a four-wheel vehicle en route Kodra Fura - Brest and Malino Malo, situated at the Macedonia-Kosovo border, Interior Ministry announced.

The attack took place at about 13:00 hrs.

"We have no information about the identity or the number of the attackers as yet," said Ministry's spokesman Ivo Kotevski.

The same source said that the Police are suspecting the group might have entered on the Macedonian territory from Kosovo, adding that "nothing can be confirmed at the moment".

The two injured policemen have been rushed to the Urgent Care Center in Skopje. One of them is in critical condition.

MD: Many are fearing another conflict soon, especially with the upcoming status of Kosovo to be anounced..

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

NEW PORTAL FOR OHRID

National.

The local self-government presented today a new internet portal aimed at tourist presentation of Ohrid, Makfax's correspondent reported.

Skopje-based Target Communications created the portal http://www.ohrid.com.mk/ , containing information on the cultural and historic heritage and the natural beauties of Ohrid area as well as on the accommodation capacities.

The five-lingual site (English, German, French, Russian and Macedonian) includes also an info-center and photo galleries.

Ohrid's Mayor Aleksandar Petreski said that the local authorities wanted to contribute to further development of the tourism by setting up of the portal.

MD: Nice job! Let's hope it will help increase tourism a bit.

Ohrid Portal

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS UP TO $350 MILLION IN 2006

National.

Foreign direct investments (FDIs) into Macedonia surged to $350.7 million in 2006, bringing an increase of $234.5 million comparing with the previous year.

According to State Statistical Office, the net inflow of largest foreign direct investments into the country amounting $315.2 million were made by developed countries of which $295.8 million are from the European Union countries and $1.2 million are from the EFTA countries.

The major direct investments in 2006 fueled in electricity, gas and water supply - $226.0 million; $50.5 million were invested in manufacturing. The share of these sectors in the overall foreign direct investments (FDIs) makes up 78.8% of the overall foreign direct investments (FDIs).

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

BOOK ON ANCIENT MACEDONIA PRESENTED

Culture.

A book opus on ancient Macedonia by Angelina Markus was presented at the Institute and Museum in Bitola.

“I wrote my first book eight years ago. It was dedicated to the roots of famous Macedonians, and so I continued with Macedonian ancient values. So, that book was a key for my further writing," Markus said at the promotion yesterday.

MD: Markus is the author of a poem dedicated to Krali Marko, “Macedonia of Macedonians”(Macedonian Ancient Theatres, 2005), and “Aristotle the Macedonian,” her latest work.

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:18 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIA MARKS DAY OF REVOLUTIONARY FIGHT

National.

The Republic of Macedonia marked the Day of Revolutionary Fight for the first time yesterday.

On the occasion, the state award "October 23" for achievements in science, culture, education, protection of state interests and promotion of state priorities, values and cultural heritage were presented at the Macedonian Parliament.

This year the award went to Dr. Tanas Vrazinovski - ethnologist and Prof. Dr. Tahir Zajazi for achievements in the spheres of science and education, and academician Gane Todorovski for achievements in culture. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski attended the award presentation ceremony.

On October 23, 1893 at the house of Ivan Hadzi Nikolov in Solun, Hristo Tatarchev, Dame Gruev, Petar Pop Arsov, Anton Dimitrov and Hristo Botandziev established the Macedonian Revolutionary Committee, which later on became the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO) or Internal Macedono-Adrianople Revolutionary Organization (VMORO). The organization was fighting for Macedonia's liberation with own forces without any help from outsiders.

The establishing of VMRO marked the beginning of Macedonian revolutionary movement, which after the Ilinden Uprising in 1903, Krusevo Republic and National Liberation War, resulted in creating a modern, independent Macedonian state.

[Mia]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

GREECE CONFIRMS TAKING PART IN NAME TALKS

National.

Greece will take part in the talks about the name of Macedonia to be held under the patronage of the UN on November 1 in New York, a spokesman of the Greek foreign ministry announced, as cited by Macedonian television A1.

Greek Kathimerini newspaper writes citing officials that the talks between Greece and Macedonia will be hard and the position of the US will be of key importance.

[Focus]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

SIMON TRPCESKI PROMOTES NEW PIANO IN STRUMICA

Culture.

Macedonian world renowned pianist Simon Trpceski promoted a new piano at Boro Dzoni Junior Music School in Strumica on Saturday. He had a half-hour concert on the Yamaha piano when he performed pieces by Claude Debussy.

The piano is donation by the Strumica local self-government. In Strumica, Trpceski performed immediately after his grand concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
“I welcome wholeheartedly the initiative of the music school and Strumica Mayor to buy a new piano. It will enable generations of children to practice and educate themselves musically,” maestro Trpceski said not hiding his pleasure with the opportunity to perform in his mother’s native town.

Trpceski dedicated his latest concert in London to Tose Proeski, the Macedonian pop icon who was killed in a car crash in Croatia, and said Tose was a man who had created the history of Macedonia.

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:16 am | Permalink | Comments

GREECE EXERTS PRESSURE ON MACEDONIA THROUGH CORRIDOR 10

National.

Greece piles pressure on Macedonia through the project on the construction of Corridor 10 in the Demir Kapija-Smokvica section, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said.

The remarks were made during the late Sunday's open session of the Macedonian government, after the PM Gruevski was notified by transport and communications minister that the construction of this section of the highway has been delayed because of Greeks, who were to work out a feasibility study and also to provide funds for the projects.

Asked by PM Gruevski to brief on the construction of Demir Kapija-Smokvica section, the Transport and Communications Minister Mile Janakieski said there was a delay due to Greece's non-compliance with its obligations. The delay is underway since March this year, he added.

PM Gruevski qualified the move as Greek "pressure on the country".

News reports, citing sources in Macedonian Roads Fund, said earlier that the government discussed this issue several months ago and decided that the highway be constructed on the right side of Vardar river.

The same source says the state budget and loans from EU and Greece will cover the expenses for the construction of this section of the highway.

MD: Corridor 10 is a trans-European corridor which links Solun and Salzburg.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

Monday, October 22, 2007

MACEDONIAN DELEGATION LEAVES YOUTH GAMES IN SOLUN

Sports.

Macedonian sports delegation comprised of 133 athletes, competing in six sports at the "Southeast Europe Youth Games" in Thessaloniki on October 15-21, left the games on Friday in sign of protest, because the organizer did not want to use name Macedonia in any form, director of Youth and Sports Agency Ivica Georgievski told MIA on Sunday.

According to Georgievski, the organizer and the Macedonian Sports Federation agreed in May that Macedonian athletes bear abbreviation MKD at their shirts, or that full reference "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" is used when announcing the national team.

Georgievski says that following the replacement of the Greek Deputy-Minister of Culture and Sports, the Macedonian delegation was offered that shirts read either FYROM or remain blank, something which was not accepted by the Macedonian athletes.

At the Games' opening, the organizer stressed that reference "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" would be used, along with shirts reading MKD.

Still, this was not the case when the Macedonian delegation was announced, but was afterwards observed upon Georgievski's reaction.

The Macedonian athletes took part in all sports, but during the taekwondo competition on Friday, the official commentator did not want to pronounce name Macedonia in any way, which resulted in the delegation's departure.

"We will not allow these young Macedonian athletes to be humiliated, and they will always compete with pride and dignity in the future, representing Macedonia in the best possible way", underlined director Georgievski.

MD: The Macedonian sports delegation was comprised of athletes in taekwondo, volleyball, basketball, football, swimming and wrestling. They did the right thing!

[Mia]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:18 am | Permalink | Comments

MOSAIC FLOORS UNEARTHED AT PLAOSNIK

Culture.

Lavishing mosaic floors from the Late Roman Imperial period have been unearthed in a structure archaeologists believe was the temple of Dionisius at Plaosnik. The mosaics are marvelous and are so compact and made almost without space between the small stones they were made of.

They form fantastic images such we have not had in this site so far - some geometrical motifs of fortresses, unusually presented motifs of the flora and fauna etc., Pasko Kuzman, director of the Directorate for Protection of Cultural Heritage said quoted by the Vreme.

MD: Very interesting, they keep finding new treasures more and more

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

SIGHTS OF MACEDONIA

National.

Macedonian national football team wearing shirts with Tose Proeski at last week's Euro 2008 qualifying game against Andorra which ended 3-0.

(Photo credit should read MIA Photo)

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:00 am | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, October 20, 2007

REMAINS OF FOSSIL ELEPHANT UNEARHTED

National.

A team of experts of the Museum of Science of Macedonia has found bones of a mastodon, or a fossil elephant at the village of Stamer site, Delcevo Area.

The team has started work at the pre-historical tomb Stamer last week and it was in the initial days of the excavation that they unearthed the lower jaw of the mastodon, a finding that initiated a search for the ivories of this pre-historical elephant.

Scholars believe the fossil remains date back to 4 to 7 million years ago, lose to the period man was developed.

MD: Wow, that's really cool! Some Dutch archeologist found one last July in Aegean Macedonia (Northern Greece) too.

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:18 am | Permalink | Comments

RALLY FOR INDEPENDENT KOSOVO IN TETOVO

National.

Over 5.000 people carrying banners saying "Division results in new division", "Together for better future", "Independence of Kosovo - stabile region", "Macedonia in NATO - our perspective" massed at a rally in downtown Tetovo on Friday staged by the parties DPA and PDP.

"What Serbia did to the Kosovar people motivates all Albanians to commit themselves to the goal of independent Kosovo. We voice our protests against all those who seek to destabilize and divide Kosovo, thus hampering Macedonia's entry in NATO", said DPA's leader Menduh Thaci.

He urged for support of the Martti Ahtisaari's plan, which he described as "Kosovo's way to achieve independence".

PDP's leader Abduladi Vejseli said that the rally was not aimed at sending a message to Russia and Serbia, but at giving a moral support to the international community to complete the process of granting independence to Kosovo as soon as possible.

"I pray to God to wise up those who opposed this rally and prevent them from hampering our efforts to achieve the goals of independence of Kosovo and Macedonia's entry in NATO", Vejseli said.

Representatives of the Students' Union of both Tetovo Universities and of the Islamic Religious Community also addressed the attendants.

MD: also Kosovo's negotiating team in talks on the future status of the province ruled out continuation of negotiations after December 10, a deadline set by the international community.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

ELENOVSKI: MACEDONIA'S BORDERS ARE SAFE

National.

Macedonian Defense Minister Lazar Elenovski rejected allegations of the Serbian Government that armed groups are deployed in the northern part of the country, Makfax's Tirana correspondent reported.

"The territory of the Republic of Macedonia and its borders are under full control", Minister Elenovski said today at the summit of the Adriatic Charter member-countries in Tirana.

He added that the Macedonian Government won't allow any deployment of armed groups, which, according to the Serbian Government, have plans to penetrate in Kosovo and southern Serbia, once the independence of the province is declared.

Elenovski held talks in Tirana today with his Albanian and Croatian counterparts Fatmir Mediu and Mate Raboteg. The interlocutors discussed the modalities of stepping up the activities aimed at receiving an invitation for membership in NATO.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

Friday, October 19, 2007

SKOPJE JAZZ FESTIVAL OPENED

Culture.

The Norwegian duo Susanna & The Magical Orchestra opened the 26th Skopje Jazz Festival with last night's performance at the Macedonian Opera and Ballet House.

Susanna & The Magical Orchestra were followed by the renowned Norwegian Sidsel Endersen and the Norwegian band In the Country.

The venues of this year's edition of the Festival include also the Universal Hall, Hard Rock club and Military Club.

The programme of the Festival that will last until 22 October includes Juan Carmona Grupo, Miguel Poveda Quartet, Jean-Michel Pilc Trio, Brazilian Girls, ICP Orchestra, Butch Morris' Nublu Orchestra, and other acts.

The price of the tickets ranges 200-900 denars. The Festival will close with performances of the Italian jazz pianist Stefano Bollano, the German Monk's Casino and Derek Trucks Band.

MD: Great event! For more info look at the link below

[Skopje JazzFest '07]

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

TOSE'S DRIVER TO BE TRIED IN MACEDONIA

National.

The trial of Gjorgji Gjorgjievski, the driver of the late Tose Proeski, will take place in Macedonia, the Croatian internet portal Index cited the District Public Prosecutor Stjepan Haramustek as saying.

According to him, the entire case will be transferred to the Macedonia judicial authorities, and Gjorgjievski will be released once his medical condition is improved.

Although previous reports suggested that the Macedonian citizen would be tried in Croatia, Haramustek said that after reviewing the documentation, it was concluded to leave the case to the Macedonian authorities.

"Given the fact that both of them are Macedonian citizens, we concluded it would be best to give up competencies over Gjorgjievski and to hand him over to Macedonian authorities once he is released from the hospital", Haramustek said.

MD: The Police raised formal accusations for causing a traffic accident against Gjorgjievski, who drove the jeep in which Tose Proeski was killed.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

UK URGES MACEDONIA TO SHOW POLITICAL MATURITY

National.

Political criteria and cooperation between the government and opposition are essential for the speed rate of the Euro-Atlantic integrations of Macedonia, official London stated today.

At the meeting with the Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, who is paying the first official visit to UK, the British Minister for Europe Jim Murphy said: "I expressed clearly our hopes that the Government and all parties in Macedonia would work together in a spirit of political maturity to allow accelerated progress in the Euro-Atlantic integrations. This will be essential if Macedonia wants to achieve its ambition and receive an early date for start of accession negotiations and join NATO at the Bucharest Summit in spring 2008".

Murphy expressed content of the meeting with Milososki, adding that Great Britain remains a strong supporter of the Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integrations "once all necessary requirements are met".

The two Ministers discussed also some regional issues, including the resolution of the final status of Kosovo.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, October 18, 2007

MACEDONIA BADE FAREWELL TO TOSE

National.

Macedonians bade farewell to his fellow-citizen Tose Proeski with tears and applauses before his remains were buried at the Krusevo cemetery.

The mega-popular singer, musician, song-writer and humanist Tose Proeski died at the age of 26 in a car crash in Croatia on Tuesday, and his body was transported last night to Macedonia.

Proeski was buried shortly after 14:00 hrs with highest state and church honors. As many as 10.000 citizens attended the funeral. Earlier today, a religious service took place at the St Virgin Mary Mother of God in Krusevo, which was followed by placing the casket with Proeski's remains in front of the Makedonium monument.

Citizens of all parts of Macedonia, his colleagues from Macedonia and abroad, Ambassadors, representatives of political parties and the entire state leadership bowed at the bier to pay respect.

The Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stefan, conducted the funeral ceremony.

Bishop Petar, Tose's friends, a representative of the Macedonian Red Cross, a representative of the Krusevo Municipality, the actress and popular talk-show host Vesna Petrusevska, who called the attendants to send off Tose by applause, the PM Nikola Gruevski, were among the last to bow at his grave, before Proeski's family and girlfriend Andriana Budimir, bid him the last farewell.

Yesterday, Tose Proeski was awarded with the title Honorable Citizen of Macedonia.

MD: Notable attendants at the funeral were also Serbian singer Ceca Raznatovic, Zeljko Joksimovic, Toni Cetinski, Karolina and many other regional famous people. Honoring Tose continued at the football game against Andorra. Also many fans outside Macedonia showed their feelings of course from the Balkans and Greece but also Poland, Germany, England, Holland and others.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:18 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIA WINS IN EMOTIONAL MATCH AGAINST ANDORRA

Sports.

Also last night, the Macedonian national football team played a qualification match against tiny Andorra in the Skopje city stadium. In what was a very emotional and interesting match, the Macedonians managed to win as expected over Andorra with 3-0.
Naumoski scored the first goal in the 30th minute. After he made the goal he runned to a big poster of Tose Proeski pointing and kissing it. Sedloski scored the 2-0 and Lazio star Goran Pandev scored the third and last goal in the 59th minute.

The atmosphere was really great, the whole stadium was in the sign of pop-icon Tose Proeski. This was one of the best visited football games of Macedonia ever, the stadium was full of people who really created a great atmosphere by cheering for the national team but also singing Tose Proeski's song for the new proposed sports anthem he made recently before his dead. All over the stadium were banners for Tose and the whole stadium was yelling; Tose!, Tose!.

MD: Great match, the players gave everything, even if it was against a team such as Andorra, they were so motivated, if only they could play like this in every match.

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

EC PRESENTED OUTLINES OF REPORT ON MACEDONIA

National.

The outlines of the European Commission's Progress Report on Macedonia were presented to a high Macedonian official in Brussels today, the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA) with the Macedonian Government announced.

Deputy Prime Minister Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska met Wednesday with the EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn and with European Commission Director for Enlargement Michael Lee, the announcement says, revealing no details as to the contents of the EC's draft-report.

"The highlights of the talks included exchange of opinions on the achieved progress in meeting of the political and economic criteria for membership as well as in harmonization of the national with the EU legislation", SEA announced after the meetings.

"Macedonia expects from the European Commission to come up with an objective report that will reflect the situation realistically and will point out at the areas that need further improvement", SEA announced.

On 6 November, the European Commission is due to adopt the package of documents including enlargement strategy, individual reports on the progress of the country-candidates and potential candidates for membership, a new accession partnership and indication document on planning of EU assistance.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

MACEDONIA CRIES FOR TOŠE

National.

Macedonia is shrouded in weeping and grief for the pop-icon Tose Proeski, who died on Tuesday at the age of 26.

The State Television is airing live broadcast from the Skopje's Macedonia Square, where thousands of citizens are gathering to light candles in front of the posters and photographs of Tose. The classes in most of the primary and secondary schools were disrupted as the schoolchildren and students burst out in a collective cry.

According to the information Makfax has obtained via its corresponding network, a sorrowful atmosphere is hovering over the other towns in Macedonia, and the accident is in the focus of conversations. State Television as well as the private TV stations are all airing recorded concert performances of Tose. Tose's CDs are played in all restaurants and cafes, and the general impression is that the whole nation is in agonizing grief.

The news about the death of Tose Proeski was published by the biggest news agencies Reuters and DPA and media like BBC, describing him as a Macedonian and Balkan pop icon and one of the greatest stars on the Balkans or Elvis Presley of the Balkans.

The Republic of Croatia sent off the remains of the tragically killed Macedonian singer with highest Croatian state honors. And Macedonia will bid the last farewell to Tose today, when he will be buried in his native town of Krusevo at 13:00 hrs with highest state honors.

MD: Also many Macedonian embassy's around the world are open for people who feel the need to write something in the condolence book. For more info contact your closest embassy by looking it up at the link below. Or you can do it online here.

[Macedonian embassy list]

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

SWEDEN INVESTIGATE BORDER INCIDENT

National.

Swedish authorities were investigating circumstances concerning an incident at the Macedonian border involving a Swedish diplomat, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Sofia Karlberg said Tuesday.
Earlier accounts from Skopje suggested that the diplomat and some soldiers from the NATO-led Kosovo force (KFOR) had tried to assist five Kosovo Albanians enter Macedonia but that the Albanians lacked entry visas.

Karlberg said "an administrative error" appeared to have been made but ruled out trafficking, adding that Swedish authorities were cooperating with Macedonia over the incident that took place over the weekend.

[Earthtimes.org]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

TOŠE PROESKI DIED IN CAR CRASH

Regional.

The famous Macedonian singer Toše Proeski(26) died in a tragic road accident in Croatia early this morning.

Croatian TV Nova and Jutarnji List daily said on Tuesday that the accident happened Tuesday morning around 06:30 near Nova Gradiska, when his Volkswagen Touareg collided with a truck.

The same source says besides Proeski, who was sleeping at the front seat, his manager Ljiljana Petrovic (1958) and Gjorgji Gjorgjevski (1975) - driver, were also aboard the vehicle at the time of the crash.

The Macedonian government has marked Wednesday 17 October as a day of sorrow. Macedonia's Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski has ordered the Ministry of Foreign affairs to research all the details about the accident.

Gruevski also sent a telegramm to the family of Toše Proeski. And the government informed that they are willing to organise a ceremonial funeral.

MD: Unbelievable what a tragedy. Macedonia's best and probably most known singer to end like this. May he rest in peace.

[Toše @ Wiki]

[Toše official website]

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 11:35 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN TOURISTS SURPRISED IN GREECE

Regional.

"For the Skopians with the MK sticker. Be ashamed! You are criminals who steal the history of other people! You are slav's who don't have a history! Macedonia is and was always Greek! Go home! You are not welcome and don't return!"

Vest newspaper informs that this message written on photocopied A4 papers was sticked to almost every car with Macedonian licence plates which were parked at the parking lot in front of the IKEA shopping center in Solun (Thessaloniki) last weekend. At the other side of the paper there was printed a map of Macedonia written "Vardarska Banovina" over it.

"I'm sick and tired of the xenophobic and paranoia behavior of some of the Greeks. We come here as tourists, spend money and we don't provocate the Greeks with any of this nationalistic stuff. It's obvious the Greeks don't want good neighbourly relations." said a tourist from Skopje, who himself found such a paper on his vehicle. He added that even if the tourists were angry, they have not complained about it at the Greek authorities.

Macedonian police said that only last thursday and friday about 20.000 people entered Greece at the Bogorodica border crossing. The biggest part of the Macedonians stayed in Greece untill Sunday evening to use their connected holiday days to the maximum.

MD: Besides the tension between these two countries, it seems that only the Greeks have problems, not the Macedonians. We don't think such thing ever happened to Greek tourists in Macedonia. They are always welcomed with open arms. But we must say, that we're glad not all Greeks are like this.

[Vest]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

CROATIAN HOTELIERS SET TO COOPERATE WITH MACEDONIA

National.

Croatian hoteliers today will present the opportunities for cooperation with Macedonia.

Representatives of Croatia's Ugo Hotels, seated in Opatia, will brief on the negotiations with representatives of Macedonia's travel agencies as well as with government officials.

MD: This is a good initiative, Croatia is very experienced in tourism so they can advice Macedonia and lift up the tourism in our country.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

GOVERNMENT TO TAKE SUGGESTIONS FROM CITIZENS

National.

Next weekend, the Macedonian citizens will have a rare opportunity to set forth to the Government their ideas on the economic and democratic development of the country.

To this end, an event dubbed "Day of Ideas" will be staged at the plateau outside the Government's building on 20 October, Government's spokesman Ivica Bocevski said.

He announced that the Prime Minister, Cabinet members, State Secretaries and other officials will attend the event and hear out the ideas of the citizens related to the areas spanning economy, education, healthcare, culture, infrastructure and every-day life.

The Government made a public appeal to the citizens to take part and seize the chance to address directly to the Government at the "Day of Ideas" that will be organized in other cities as well.

"Except for the direct conversion, the citizens will be able to put forth their ideas in a written form, for which aim boxes will be placed throughout Macedonia, and the Government will process all the suggestions", Bocevski announced.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Monday, October 15, 2007

BAKOYANNIS: SOLUTION TO NAME DISPUTE MUST NOT INCLUDE WORD MACEDONIA

National.

For Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis a mutually acceptable solution to Athens-Skopje name dispute is a term that does not include the word Macedonia.

- Greece does not accept the name of our northern neighbor to contain the word Macedonia or its modifications, Bakoyannis says in an interview with the Greek daily Kathimerini.

Athens will accept various names as possible solutions that only link "FYROM with the name Macedonia as a geographical region", the Greek Foreign Minister says.

The time for resolving the name dispute is running out, Kathimerini says, pointing out that Greece is ready for a 'fair compromise' on the matter.

- Athens is also determined to exercise its veto right within NATO if Skopje holds on its stance, the daily says.

MD: And another desperate statement. The Greeks are getting nervous, now they know that they are losing this battle.

[MIA]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT RECONSTRUCTION OF 400 SCHOOLS

National.

The Government will allocate about Euro 6,5 million from the 2008 Budget for reconstruction of sanitary knots in schools across Macedonia and procurement of 95,000 benches for students.

- The Government has decided to realize a project for complete reconstruction of the sanitary knots and toilets in about 400 schools. It will also invest in procurement of 95,000 benches for students in primary, secondary schools, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said Sunday at a press conference.

In the last few years equipping of schools with benches and chairs was not considered as a significant element for running of a normal education process, Gruevski said.

- On the other hand, the situation with sanitary knots in schools has been alarming and does not meet the fundamental standards, according to the State Sanitary Inspectorate, which has banned their use to prevent an outbreak of contagious diseases, Gruevski says.

The Prime Minister blames the former governments' inferior politics of setting priorities for this poor situation in schools.

- Our children have studied in pitiful environment, while the sanitary knots were a disgrace for the public education system and source of contagious diseases. Our children used several-decade-old benches, while politicians and government talked about an education system of the 21st century, Gruevski said.

MD: Good initiative, the PM also reminded the introduction of a nine-year primary school system, the "Computer for each child" project and the construction of 145 sport halls.

[MIA]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

NATO INVITATION IN 2008

National.

Albania, Croatia and Macedonia expect to be invited to join the NATO military alliance in April next year, the Croatian foreign minister said after a meeting here on Saturday.

The three countries "expect an invitation for NATO membership in Bucharest," Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic told journalists, referring to a NATO summit to be held in the Romanian capital in April 2008.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Rosemary DiCarlo, also at the two-day meeting, stressed Washington's strong support for the three countries' bids to join the alliance.

"We will do our utmost to make them the best possible candidates by April of 2008," DiCarlo said, stressing that region's integration into both NATO and the European Union were important for its long-term stability.

Albania, Croatia and Macedonia signed the so-called Adriatic charter with the United States, aimed at facilitating their integration into NATO, in May 2003.

They are members of the alliance's Partnership for Peace programme, set up after the collapse of the Soviet Union to establish military cooperation between former Soviet bloc states and NATO countries, together with European neutrals.

[Turkishpress.com]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, October 14, 2007

MD'S FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

MD Network.

Today it's Macedonia Daily's birthday! MD started exactly one year ago. A year full of interesting news, facts and interviews about Macedonia and the Macedonians worldwide.

We want to thank you, the visitors for supporting and visiting this website. We hope you will continue to do so and to see MD and you heading with us to the upcoming years!

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, October 13, 2007

DANI NEW SOUND OF EUROPE

Culture.

Macedonian singer Dani Dimitrovska has won the regional MTV Adria contest - New Sound of Europe. She will represent the MTV Adria region at the MTV European music awards contest. Now she will be competing against 15 other European contestants. Three of them will go to the MTV European music awards in Munchen at November 1 competing for the award in a new category called "New sounds of europe".

Everyone can vote for Dani as well as for the other contestants untill the 28th of October on the website of the MTV European Music Awards. As of the 14th of October contestants with the least votes will fall out of the contest, remaining only 3 who will go thru and have a live performance at the EMA's.

MD: Everyone should vote for Dani, she allready won the Adria contest, so maybe she is one of the lucky 3! You can do so by clicking on the link below.

[Vote for Dani]

[MMM]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:17 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN TELEVISION

MD Network.

Tired of going to someone else to watch Macedonian tv? Tired of watching football in pubs? Tired of searching Macedonian streams? Well we are happy to inform you that there is a new great solution for all Macedonians worldwide.

It's called, MyHomeTv. This Macedonian-Canadian company is providing the Macedonians with online Macedonian television. They've started with showing 2 channels, A1 television and Kanal 5. There is also a time zone option in which people in various time zones can select the one which they are in, but it's also possible to watch the channels live, as it is shown in Europe.

MD: Enjoy! And more channels will follow soon!

[MyHomeTV]

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:15 am | Permalink | Comments

MITKO PANOV WINS AWARD IN HUNGARY

Culture.

Macedonian director Mitko Panov has won the first award for project “Witness” at the Central-European Pitching Forum in city Pecs, Hungary.

This is the first edition of the training forum and script market, presenting 11 projects from entire Europe.

“Witness” is an action drama located on the Balkans. The script follows the story of a Hague Tribunal representative, who arrives at the Balkans with the intention to convince a former soldier to testify against a war criminal. However, a bloody drama follows, because the local population does not agree with the testimony.

MD: Bravo to Mr.Panov!

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:13 am | Permalink | Comments

Friday, October 12, 2007

DEPOT WITH VENETIAN SILVER COINS UNEARTHED

Culture.

A depot with 2,383 Venetian silver 14th century coins, al put in a ceramic dish, is the latest excavation of archaeologists at Plaosnik in Ohrid.
Excavation manager Pasko Kuzman says that the coins are of exceptional significance, because they show the commercial link between Ohrid, i.e. monastery “St. Kliment” and Venice in that period.

Mosaic floors have also been revealed at Plaosnik recently. They are located in the northeast part of the complex, and according to Kuzman, they probably belong to an Episcopal court of the 5th century, at the time when town Lihnidos was the Episcopal center of province New Epirus.

The Government has allocated Euro six million for revival of the St. Kliment’s University in the next three years. Excavations include about 200 archaeologists, ethnologists, archaeology and art students, who should reveal the remains of the first university in Europe, active in the 9th and 10th centuries, educating about 3,500 students.

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:18 am | Permalink | Comments