Macedonia Daily.org: November 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

KATANEC NEEDS TIME...

Sports.

Srecko Katanec will make public his decision on the offer to retain the post of selector of the Macedonian national football team until 20 December.

This is the result of the talks between the President of the Macedonian Football Federation (FFM) Haralampie Hadzi-Risteski and the current selector of the national team Srecko Katanec, says the announcement published at the FFM's webapge.

According to the same source, "both sides expressed satisfaction of the previous cooperation and readiness for continuation of the same."

Katanec, whose contract with FFM expires in late November, "asked for additional time to go through the offers he received in the meantime from other national federations and give the final answer not later than 20 December."

Hadzi-Risteski said that in case Katanec refuses to accept extension of engagement, "there is enough time to find alternative solution" for the post of selector that will lead Macedonia through the qualifications for World Cup 2010.

MD: Katanec got many critics by Macedonian fans over the last months, we'll see what happens. Who else should be our coach?

[MD Network]

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

ARCHEOLOGICAL EXHIBITION IN SKOPJE

Culture.

Archaeological items excavated at Kale fortress, dating from the prehistory up to the Ottoman period, will be displayed at a grand exhibition in the Skopje Museum on December 8.

A huge number of items made of iron, jewelry, weapons, coins of different periods, parts of frescos, luxury ceramics and other findings were excavated during the seven-month research at the Skopje fortress.

Archaeologist Dragi Mitrevski, who is the exhibition author and excavation manager, said that the goal is to present research results before the public.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

NAME COULD POSE AS OBSTACLE FOR ADMISSION OF MACEDONIA IN NATO

National.

It is hard to say whether will Greece use the right of veto, but the name issue might impede the invitation for Macedonia's membership in NATO, German Ambassador Ralf Andreas Breth said.

"It is hard to say at the moment whether Greece will use this dispute as an instrument ahead of the NATO Summit. The following weeks and the visit of the mediator Nimetz should be used to lead serious negotiations in this sense. We hope that things won't develop in this direction, however Germany cannot assume a decisive role in terms of this issue," the German Ambassador to Macedonia said in an interview for Alsat TV Station.

"This issue burdens the ongoing talks. Even if all other requirements are met, in the case the name dispute remains unresolved, the invitation for membership might not come. One cannot rule out such a possibility," Breth said.

The German Ambassador described as ungrounded the statements of the PM Nikola Gruevski that NATO might conceal Greece's obstacles under pretext of Macedonia's failure to carry out the necessary reforms.

Macedonia should now focus on full implementation of the judicial reforms, completion of the Judicial Council, adoption of the bill on prosecutors, execution of the police reforms, "and the matters discussed on 29 May, while the government must not let up in the battle against corruption," the German Ambassador Ralf Andreas Breth said in interview for Alsat.

MD: They don't even know, one day they say it has nothing to do with it, and the next day they say i could be an obstacle.

[MakFax]

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

Thursday, November 29, 2007

MUSEUM OF MACEDONIA IN CROATIA

Culture.

The Museum of Macedonia exhibition "Prehistoric Ladies of Macedonia" was opened in the Zagreb Archaeological Museum on Tuesday evening.

The display includes the results of a six-decade research in the field of archaeology through the prism of spiritual and aesthetic expression of the ancient population that had lived in the region of today's Republic of Macedonia.

A total of 94 neolithic and eneolithic ladies from the 6th up to the 3rd millennium B.C. will be presented. The items are taken from the collection of the Museum of Macedonia and several museums throughout the country.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

SIGHTS OF MACEDONIA

National.

A Macedonian flag hold outside a Stretch Hummer H2 limousine. (Photo credit should read JOVAN MITRESKI)

[MD Network]

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

UEFA: EVENTUAL SANCTIONS AGAINST MAKEDONIJA GP

Sports.

UEFA wrapped up the investigation into the match between Macedonian club Makedonija Gjorce Petrov and Bulgaria's Cherno More Varna, and both teams are likely to face sanctions, UEFA's official told Makfax news agency.

"The investigation is complete and the UEFA's control and disciplinary body will make the final decision on Thursday," UEFA's disciplinary commission representative said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The same source said the final decision will be announced on 5 December.

Asked whether "Makedonija Gjorce Petrov" will be punished, UEFA's representative said "it's would be better to wait for final decision".

UEFA's disciplinary panel launched a probe four month ago into alleged the match-fixing during an Intertoto Cup game between Makedonija Gjorce Petrov and Bulgaria's Cherno More in Skopje on 7 July. The match ended 0:4 with all goals coming in the second half.

The probe was prompted by Bulgarian mach-fixing allegations. European soccer's governing body has been alerted to heavy and unusual betting on the first leg on the second round tie.

MD: Bad situation, if these speculations will be proved, Makedonija GP can expect a five year ban from European football.

[MD Network]

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

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

AVERAGE MACEDONIAN SALARY 15.066 MKD

National.

In September, the average monthly net-paid salary per employee stood at 15.066 denars (245 euros), State Statistical Office said.

The September net-paid salary marks a 4.3 percent nominal increase and 3.4 percent increase in real terms comparing to August net-paid salary.

The average gross salary in September totals 24.971 denars (406 euros).

In September 2007, 11.6 percent of employees in Macedonia didn't receive any pay.

MD: In September of this year 11.6 % of the employees in Macedonia haven't received any payment. That's still a very high number, it's really a priority to solve that problem.

[MakFax]

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

WORKERS PROTEST OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT

National.

The post-bankruptcy workers who kicked off massive protests early Tuesday continued demonstrating outside the government's building.

The decision for "moving" of the protests was made after the Parliament Speaker Ljubisha Georgievski explained to the workers' representative Stojan Stojanov that the issue of the ex-workers of the bankrupted companies could not be put at the parliament's agenda due to the overburdened schedule.

The workers then decided to resume protests in front of the government's building, hoping to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Stavreski.

The ex-workers demand adoption of legislation regulating their status, including benefits until retirement.

Several hundreds of ex-workers attended today's protests outside the parliament, blocking the traffic flow in downtown Skopje.

The workers set up a makeshift tent site near the parliament building and they live there since March 5. They have been living in tents in the past nine months and many of them got sick. St. Petka church and a small number of humane citizens bring food to protesting workers.

MD: Many of the workers have set up tents near the parliament building and they have been living there since March 5, nine months. Humane organizations bring help to the protesting workers. Many them also got sick.

[MakFax]

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

DUKAT TO TAKE OVER IDEAL SHIPKA

National.

Croatia's leading dairy producer Dukat, majority-owned by French Lactalis, said on Tuesday it will take over the Macedonian dairy Ideal Shipka.

Dukat gave no details on the value of the transaction. The take-over will be complete as soon as the necessary acquisition terms are met. The acquisition is subject to approval by Macedonian Competitiveness Council.

Dukat is second largest importer of dairy products in Macedonia. As of May 2007, French Lactalis acquired a majority stake in Dukat.

MD: Ideal Shipka is the second largest dairy in Macedonia, established in 1997. It processes about 30 million liters of milk a year, and is a leading cheese producer in Macedonia.

[MakFax]

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

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

KOKINO ARTIFACTS DISPLAYED

Culture.

Six years after the uncovering of megalith observatory Kokino, the Kumanovo Museum presented for the first time site artifacts, along with an exhibition of art-photographs by Ljupco Ilievski.

“The exhibition has few artifacts, but they are enormous according to their significance, because the astronomic analysis needs to be supported by archaeology”, said manager of Kokino project, Gjorgji Cenev.

The display represents a completion of the project by the Kumanovo Museum and U.S. Embassy, worth US$ 30,000.
“The project encompassed a number of elements, such as internal arrangement of the site, information boards, road signs, geodetic recording of the site, conservation of archaeological material, as well as the exhibition”, says Museum director Jovica Stankovski.

MD: The Kokino site is really something special, it was discovered in 2002 and since then it was declared as fourth place in the importancy rating list of old megalithic observatories in the world released by NASA.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

"MACEDONIA, LAND OF IT EXPERTS"

National.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski formally presented Sunday 125 of the planned 500 IT fellowships within a four-year period as part of Government's program "Macedonia, Land of IT Experts". In the attendance of fellowship recipients, university rectors and professors, as well as Minister for Information Society Ivo Ivanovski, PM Gruevski stressed that education is the basic catalyst of society and country's economic development.

"University-educated staff is the main capital of a country, representing the generator of society's progress and prosperity, but also increasing state's competitiveness in attraction of foreign investments", said Gruevski.

According to him, it is very important for students to learn during studies.

"The diploma itself is not that important, it is possessed by many. Market competitiveness requires knowledge, creative spirit, research and constant learning", underlined Prime Minister Gruevski.

MD: Young Macedonians are allready known worldwide for their knowledge in the field of IT. Seems like a good programm.

[MRT]

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

BORDER MUNICIPALITIES SIGN COOPERATION MEMO

Culture.

Border municipalities Strumica and Petrich from Bulgaria have signed a memorandum for cultural cooperation in period 2008-2013.

These border towns jointly apply before European funds. Strumica has already received such grant worth Euro 500,000.

[Strumica]

[Petrich]

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Monday, November 26, 2007

MACEDONIA AT WC2010 QUALIFIERS

Sports.

The Macedonian national football team has ended up in Group 9 of the Fifa World Cup 2010 Qualifiers. The drawing was held yesterday in Durban, South Africa.
The group Macedonia has to play in looks like this:

Group 9
- Iceland
- Macedonia
- Norway
- Scotland
- Netherlands

All other groups consist of 6 teams, but this group has 5. The number one is qualified for the WC automatically and the number 2 has a chance for qualifying if better than number 2's from other groups.

MD: Well, that's not bad, it could have been much worse. Macedonia does have a chance here. But first the Euro 2008 and after that these qualifiers will begin next year.

[MD Network]

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

SIGHTS OF MACEDONIA

National.

A horse cart pulls two old-fashioned stagecoaches through the centre of Skopje, 15 November 2007. The stagecoach is virtually unknown in Macedonia, except from the movies. AFP PHOTO / ROBERT ATANASOVSKI (Photo credit should read ROBERT ATANASOVSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

[MD Network]

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

LAWMAKERS TABLE AMENDMENTS TO LAW ON INTERETHNIC COMMITTEE

National.

Macedonian Parliament kicked off the debate on the amendments to the Law on the Committee for Inter-Ethnic Relations, which was already approved by parliament.

The Representatives of parliamentary majority upheld two amendments tabled by opposition Liberal-Democratic Party (LDP). The lawmakers now review the rest of the amendments submitted by opposition parties.

According to these two amendments that won legislative approval, the prime minister is no longer empowered to convoke a session of the Committee for Interethnic Relations. The amendments envisage a one-year rotating presidency of the Committee.

Also subject to debate is an amendment tabled by opposition DUI, demanding that the law on use of languages be added to the list of laws to be voted in line with Badinter principle, i.e. double majority vote.

Government allies VMRO-DPPMNE and DPA said recently that the law on languages has not yet been adjusted by the governing coalition, and therefore, it was not added to the list of laws that require double majority vote.

[MakFax]

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

Saturday, November 24, 2007

MACEDONIA SMOKES AT THE TOP

National.

According to The Economist's 2008 World Rankings Book, the average Macedonian (man, woman, and child) smokes 7.1 cigarettes per day, ranking our country on the Second place in the list of the Most Smoking Countries on Earth. That is very much!

Only our southern neighbours, the Greeks, smoke more than the Macedonians, they are ranked first with an average of 8.4 cigarettes per day. Russia is third and all other Balkan countries seem to score very high too.

It's obvious that smoking is most popular in this part of the world. Why? Are there any reasons for that behaviour? Or are the people on the Balkans just not serious enough about the dangers smoking carries? Or they just don't give a damn, and it has to do with our mentality, which is pretty much the same all over the Balkans.

Many countries start making campaign against smoking, banning it in public areas and even restaurants and night clubs. That's unthinkable for Macedonia. It is still far behind with such activities. Since Macedonians even smoke in Hospitals!

If you ask a Macedonian; Smoking or health? You will hear; 'Smoking!' without a doubt.

MD: Well, at least one thing we're good at! :)

[MD Network]

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

MACEDONIA JOINS TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN

National.

Macedonia today will join the worldwide tree planting campaign, launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Under the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign, people, communities, business and industry, civil society organizations and governments are encouraged to the objective of planting at least one billion trees worldwide during 2007.

In the course of national campaign against climate change "Our climate changes - We must change too!" 28.000 trees will be planted - 1.000 trees in areas surrounding 28 cities in Macedonia.

Tree planting will be carried out on Friday near the village of Volkovo, along Skopje by-pass road.

The planting was initiated by civic association Front 21/42, in co-operation with the Blue Sky youth network, through financial assistance of the British Embassy in Macedonia.

MD: Nice campaign! The British Ambassador Andrew Key and the Environment Minister Xhelil Bajrami will be the first to plant trees.

[MakFax]

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

DAUTOVSKI AWARDED BY ECONOMIC CHAMBERS

Culture.

Macedonian musician Dragan Dautovski has been awarded a prestigious award bestowed by Economic chambers of SEE countries. A curiosity is that the award is first given to a man in culture, not in economy. Dautovski was handed the award in Timişoara, Romania.

The musician says he received the award in a special ceremony where he expressed gratitude to businessmen and diplomats, and also spoke on the importance of culture in a period when non-culture has penetrated deep every part of the living, politics, economy and culture itself. The gesture of awarding an artist, Dautovski believes, is the need of economy to attach to culture as the pillar of the human and spiritual existence.

At an invitation of UNESCO, Dautovski is leaving for Paris today. With a group of artists he is then leaving for New York where he is performing at the Lincoln Centre on 3rd December. Dautovski will play for the diplomatic corps in the United States and the Macedonian Embassy in Washington. In the two events, he will promote a pre-historic ball flute, ocarina from Macedonia, with the approval of the Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Friday, November 23, 2007

NEW PHILHARMONIC CONCERT HALL

Culture.

Construction of a modern symphonic concert hall is one of the several capital structures in culture the Ministry of Culture plans to construct by 2010. The start of construction work for the new Philharmonic hall is planned for May 2008.
The winner of the tender for conceptual design of the Macedonian Philharmonic, architect Viktor Mihajlov, is expected to hand the master design for the building at the Ministry of Culture.

“Since it was general conclusion that Mihajlov’s conceptual design was very good, we decided to assign the author to make the master design as well. After some legal matters - announcement of tenders for a designing company and a construction company are carried out, a start of construction of the Philharmonic is planned in May next year,” State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Elizabeta Kanceva Milevska says.

The new Macedonian Phiharmonic will be located between the Macedonian Opera and Ballet House and the Faculty of Music Art in Skopje. The building, which is planned to be completed by early 2009, will have two concert halls - a grand one with 1000 to 1200 seats, and a small 300-seat concert hall intended for chamber music and specific music concerts such as jazz or ethno music concerts.

MD: And another project to be realized soon, look's good!

[Culture.in.mk]

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

MACEDONIAN SERBIAN SECURITY COOPERATION

National.

Macedonia-Serbia bilateral relations, security situation in the region and negotiations on the future status of Kosovo were the main topics of discussion between the Macedonian and Serbian Presidents in Belgrade today.

During their talks, Macedonian Head of State Branko Crvenkovski and his Serbian counterpart Boris Tadic put special emphasis on the armed intervention of the Macedonian security forces in the Macedonian village of Brodec in early November, RTS reported.

The interlocutors shared the position that stepping up of cooperation between the security forces of the two countries would be to the benefit of the regional security.

Tadic conveyed to Crvenkovski the Belgrade's adamant stance of pursuing a compromise solution on Kosovo status, aimed at preserving the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

[MakFax]

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

''UPSIDE DOWN'' SHOWN IN SOLUN

Culture.

Film “Upside Down” of Igor Ivanov-Izi was shown at the international film festival in Solun (Thessaloniki), within program “Balkan Research” on Tuesday.

The film’s world premiere occurred at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, while the Macedonian premiere was held at Bitola cinematographers festival “Manaki Brothers”.
Moreover, “Upside Down” participated at the film festival in Braunschweig, Germany in the course of November.

MD: After the Solun tour, “Upside Down” will take part at the Cairo Film Festival in Egypt.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Thursday, November 22, 2007

CZAR LAZAR GUARD CALLS FOR FIGHTING FOR KOSOVO

Regional.

The leader of the self-proclaimed Czar Lazar Guard, Hadzi Andrej Milic, has sent invitations to Serbian MPs to fight for the defense of Kosovo, local media reported.

Explaining that he did not expect any of the MPs to respond to the invitations, Milic said that the move was aimed at informing the Serbian Orthodox Church and the authorities about future plans of the organization, for which he claims it is not a paramilitary formation.

He called the police and army to return to Kosovo and announced that the members of the Guard would gather on November 28 at Merdare, the administrative border crossing to Kosovo, to set up their “headquarters”.

According to Milic, the organization had at least 5,000 members in every municipality in Serbia and possessed weapons that “can launch rockets at Pristina from 80-km distance.”

MD: As expected tensions are rising at the end of the talks on the situation of Kosovo. Will this mean another war on the balkans?

[MakFax]

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

ISRAEL - MACEDONIA 1-0

Sports.

The Macedonian national football team lost to Israel in the last game of this Euro 2008 qualification.

The game wasn't of real significance for both of the teams, since they had no chances for qualifying anymore. But Israel needed these points for the drawing for the World Cup 2010 Qualifications in South Africa which will be held on sunday. Macedonia did have a chance to get some points and go into pot 3 for the drawing but will now most likely stay in pot 4 which is good too, because if it wasn't for the win against Croatia they would probably end up in pot 5.

MD: Well, that was it, again no qualifying for us. The qualifications went as expected for Macedonia however we did not expected Israel to be placed in front of us in the poule.

[MD Network]

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

SKOPJE JAZZ FESTIVAL POSTER WINS AWARD

Culture.

The poster of the Skopje Jazz festival of last year has won the prestigious Brumen Award at the 3rd Biennial of Visual Communications in Slovenia.

The author of the minimalist poster is designer Slavimir Stojanovic. The award was given in the category best artistic placard for the exceptional poster that uses very successfully the classical, minimalist composition.

An international jury consisting of Chairman William Drenttel, and Pierre Bernard, Jessica Helfand and Koscielniak decided on the award.

MD: Congratulations! it is a nice poster!

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:14 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN STUDENT DIES IN SLOVENIA

Diaspora.

23-year-old Nikolce Murgovski, who studied IT technology at Slovenian college, was killed after falling from the top of a Cathedral Church in Maribor.

The accident took place last Saturday, while Murgovski worked on renovation of the Cathedral as a part-time employee.

Pathology examination of the body established that the lung and head injuries Murgovski sustained in the fall proved fatal for him.

"Macedonian Embassy in Ljubljana received a notification on the case from the Slovenian Interior Ministry. After conducting inspection at the site and receiving the pathologist's report, the police found the death was accidental, " said Saso Kokalanov from the Macedonian Foreign Ministry.

The remains of Nikolce Murgovski's were transported to Bitola today and the funeral will take place at Bitola's cemetery on Thursday.

[MakFax]

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

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

CASE OF TOSE DEATH HANDED OVER TO MACEDONIA

National.

Croatia has sent to Macedonia the documentation necessary for taking over of the criminal prosecution against Gjorgji Georgievski, suspected of having caused the traffic accident in which Tose Proeski was killed.

The Croatian Justice Ministry handed over to the Macedonian Justice Ministry the entire documentation necessary for further criminal proceeding against the suspect Georgievski, says an announcement released in Skopje.

Once the documentation is translated, the Justice Ministry will deliver it to the Public Prosecution Office in Skopje.

The traffic accident that took place on 16 October near Nova Gradiska occurred as a result of unadjusted speed and not keeping distance between the vehicles, the Croatian authorities announced after the investigation.

According to the findings of the Croatian authorities, Georgievski was rushing down the road with 171 km/h at the moment he crashed into the truck.

MD: The crash left Georgievski heavily injured and Tose Proeski's manager Liljana Petrovic sustained some light injuries. Also there will be a huge concert for Tose in Serbia soon organized by Liljana and with performances of Ceca and many other famous singers.

[MakFax]

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

NEW NATIONAL THEATRE CONSTRUCTION TO START IN 10 DAYS

Culture.

Construction of a new building of the Macedonian National Theatre, which has been designed on the old Skopje theatre’s design and is located at the very place the old theatre was located before the disastrous 1963 earthquake in Skopje, is starting later this month, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture Elizabeta Kancevska Milevska announced.

The Detail Urban Plan for the “Small Ring” has been adopted and the ownership rights have to be regulated when the Republic of Macedonia waives the land to the Ministry of Culture. The whole legal procedure and the procedure of issuing authorization to build should take one week so construction can start immediately, before this month ends, Kancevska Milevska said.

MD: This is a nice initiative and it looks good, let's hope the construction will go as plannen and without problems.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

TRIGLAV MAKES PUBLIC TAKE OVER OF VARDAR OSIGURUVANJE

National.

Slovenian insurance company Triglav announced officially that it owns 70.36 percent of the Macedonian company Vardar Osiguruvanje's stake.

The announcement published at the webpage of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange Market says that Triglav paid 2.625,28 euros per share to acquire the majority stake in Vardar Osiguruvanje.

It further says that Vardar is the biggest insurance company in Macedonia with market share of 27 % and the insurance premium of around 25 million euros.

[MakFax]

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

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

NEOLITHIC SETTLEMENT UNEARTHED NEAR STIP

Culture.

A settlement from the earliest Neolithic phase, the only of the kind in Macedonia, has been unearthed near Stip.

A team of archaeologists working in the field near the village of Krupiste has found the settlement at the Grncarica locality.

"We were lucky to find a locality that is extremely important for the archaeological science, a rare finding in our area. The field is muddy and hard to work on because of the heavy rains in the past period, and the archaeological material is not found on the surface but in lower layers," archaeologist Trajanka Jovcevska, the head of the project says.

Jovcevska adds that probing the field where the archaeological finding was found has shown that it is about the oldest settlement from the Neolithic in our country. It is a part of the first phase of Amzabegovo-Vrsnik group, which archaeologists have not been able to capture so far. Jovcevska claims that it is the reason for which this site is extremely important for the archaeological science.

"Despite poor conditions in the field we are working on, we are trying to dig out as much material as we can and through it we obtain data on connecting all the phases that are important for the Amzabegovo-Vrsnik group. We have found ceramic items that precisely define the settlement as one from the early Neolithic. Setting our probes, we have been lucky to come to a settlement and we have already entered the structure-a dwelling home with supporting walls, so we have some indication about the way houses were built,” Jovcevska says.

MD: And again...

[Mia]

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

ME AND MY IPOD: IRENA

MD Network

This week the iPod top 5 of Irena from Florida, United States.

1- Alphaville - Forever young
2- Tose Proeski - Soba za taga
3- Rihanna - Don't stop the music
4- Yves LaRock - Rise up
5- Sunblock ft. Robin Beck - First time

Do you want to share your iPod top 5?
Mail your top 5 to: songs@macedoniadaily.org

[MD Network]

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

ISRAEL WITH INTEREST FOR INVESTING IN AGRICULTURE

National.

Exploring the possibilities for investments in the agriculture sector in Macedonia was in the focus of today's meeting between the Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister Zivko Jankulovski and Israeli businessmen.

The representatives of the Agresco company, one of the world leaders in exporting agricultural products, showed interest for purchase and distribution of Macedonian produces.

"We presented our agro-food sector to the Israeli businessmen as well as the great potential for production of organic food," Jankulovski said.

Amira Arnon, the non-resident Israeli Ambassador to Macedonia, Albania and BiH, said that although the Macedonia-Israel economic relations were good, the trade exchange was not very well developed.

MD: The Israeli delegation will meet with Prime Minister Gruevski tomorrow as well as with the Ministers of Economy and Agriculture.

[MakFax]

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

NEW CASES OF EXCESSIVE FORCE BY ALFA UNIT

National.

Macedonia's Helsinki Committee pinpoints new cases of indicated use of physical force against citizens, with alleged involvement of special police unit Alfa.

In its monthly report, the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Macedonia says the cases are grounded on complaints and physicians' findings presented by persons claiming to have been physically maltreated in police stations.

Helsinki Committee says the increased number of such cases is quite worrisome and it calls on the Interior Ministry to conduct an impartial internal investigation in order to establish eventual accountability of police officers.

As regards judicial reform in Macedonia, the Committee underscores the slow pace and a number of shortcomings in the functioning of judiciary.

The Committee also comments the President Branko Crvenkovski's decision to pardon Aleksandar Verusevski, comparing the case with the refusal to grant pardon to Ibraim Sulejmani, a prisoner at Idrizovo penitentiary convicted of war crimes against civilians during 2001 conflict.

The Committee expresses "concern at dual standards in decision-making and it has an impression that unhidden hypocrisy lies beneath the head of state's commitment to respecting the human rights".

[MakFax]

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

Monday, November 19, 2007

GILDED MARBLE HEAD UNEARTHED AT STOBI

Culture.

Archaeologists working in the Roman Forum at the Stobi archaeological site have unearthed a gilded marble head. The head was found overturned beside a domed niche in the structure. Although it is fragmented in several parts, it can be fully reconstructed. Archaeologist Mila Surbanoska, the head of the excavations, says this is a unique finding in the wider area. It speaks of Rome’s importance in these areas at the times.

According to initial evidence, the archaeologists can only confirm that the sculpture was made in the 2nd century of white granulated marble. The image and hair are precizely carved and smoothed. Parts of the cheeks, lips and the nose are black, probably from a fire that took place in the ancient times, when the sculpture was probably broken. This was when the whole Forum was likely burnt down.

Because other elements of the sculpture have not been found, it is not known who it was dedicated to. After it was created, it was coated with red colour and thin film of gold. Researchers expect to find other parts of the sculpture because the area where they fgound the head has not been examined in detail yet.

Excavations of the ancient site of Stobi are running through mid December. The excavations have been taking place for three years and have shown that the Forum, a 2nd and 3rd century structure, had a monumental entrance consisting of three 7-meter high columns connceted with arcades on the top.

MD: Cool, what a find! The excavations are operated by Archaeological and Tourist Valorization of the Ancient Town of Stobi Project funded by the Italian Foreign Ministry in collaboration with CISS NGO in Palermo and the Museum of Macedonia.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

MACEDONIAN COMMUNITY IN CROATIA

Diaspora.

The Macedonian Community in the Republic of Croatia is organizing a cultural event, White Dawn (Beli mugri) Racin Day in the Samobor Museum on 23rd November.

The event is organized to mark the publishing of Racin’s book of poetry “White Dawn” in Croatia and will include a wreath laying ceremony at the bust of the Macedonian poet, reference to Koco Racin’s life and work, recital of a selection of Racin’s poetry, and performance of Momi Biserni Singing Group and Ohridski Biser Macedonian Folk Ensemble from Zagreb.

MD: For those of you in Croatia, this event is worth a visit!

[Culture.in.mk]

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

GRUEVSKI VISITS ORPHAN'S HOME

National.

Fifty out of 102 social apartments constructed by the Government will be intended for the orphans who have left 11 October orphanage in the last five years. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, who paid a visit to the orphan's home on Sunday, said the decision is due to be adopted at Tuesday's Government session.

The construction of the apartments started four months ago and the PM said it is expected to be finalised in late 2008 or early 2009. Speaking to the media, Gruevski said the Government approved additional assistance in amount of Euro 30,000 for the orphanage, same as last year, adding it would resume practicing it in the future. The funds will be used for overhaul of the orphanage, children's pocket money and other necessities.

Fresh Government measure will kick off as of Jan. 1 which will foresee significant increase of the severance pay for each child who'll leave the orphanage - from the current amount of two Macedonian average salaries to Euro 3,000.

- I believe that 18,000 or 30,000 denars is a very small amount since the children are facing with great problems in order to survive. The 3,000 euros will enable them to find their way in a new world at least during the first year, because here they are within a different world. They will need a time to adjust out there, stated Gruevski.

During the meeting with institution's director, they discussed the possibility of expanding the number of children who would enroll at universities because "high education will provide them with bigger chances for employment and greater profits".

He said he had been visiting the orphanage for several years and had been helping as much as possible. During his term as finance minister, Gruevski employed 12 orphanages from the institute and submitted motions for additional funds.

- I visit the orphanage once in a while and I'll keep on doing it in the future. As long as I have the opportunity I'll help as a prime minister, as a human being, as a Government and as a party, Gruevski said.

[Mia]

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

Sunday, November 18, 2007

MACEDONIA - CROATIA 2-0

Sports.

The Macedonian nationall football surprisingly managed to defeat Croatia with 2-0 in the Gradski stadium in Skopje last night.

In what was an exciting game on a horrible muddy field, Macedonia scored twice. the first in the 71st minute by Maznov and again in the 83d minute by Naumoski.

This match wasnt of real significance for Macedonia in the qualifying and Croatia has already qualified for the Euro 2008 tournament. Next wednesday Macedonia will take on Israel away in the last game of the qualification cyclus.

MD: It feels so good to win sometime! Let's hope we can do the same in Israel to end this qualification with a bit of Macedonian sunshine!

[MD Network]

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

Saturday, November 17, 2007

BRACING FOR ATTACKS IN KOSOVO

Regional.

The Albanian extremists are preparing attacks in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica and against the members of the international forces once the last round of negotiations on Kosovo are over.

The ex-Head of the Counter-Intelligence Service of the Serbian Army, Momir Stojanovic, said this today, citing Kosovar Albanian sources.

According to Stojanovic, some information suggest that the veterans of the former Kosovo Liberation Army are paying visits to homes of Albanians in Metohija and Central Kosovo, supplying men of full age with weapons and uniforms.

"This suggests that the extremists will try to drive the international community to the wall instead of waiting for Dec 10, when the negotiating process is due to wrap up," Stojanovic said.

MD: Also people in Bosnia are stockpiling staple food because of fear for a new conflict soon, and Macedonians are afraid of a new conflict too. All awaiting the outcome of the final talks and status on Kosovo.

[MakFax]

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

FOUERE: SITUATION IN PARLIAMENT IS DISSAPOINTING

National.

The situation in the Macedonian Parliament is disappointing, European Ambassador Erwan Fouere said in Skopje today.

"The quicker the progress they (the deputies) make, the quicker the country gets closer to the European Union," Fouere said.

He expressed hopes that all leaders of the political parties, starting with those who are part of the ruling coalition, should demonstrate an example and work together in order to promote the reforms.

As regards the case of the Deputy Interior Minister Refet Elmazi, and non-acceptance of the parliamentary majority of his recommendation regarding the political accountability, Fouere said that the Investigation Panel's Report made it very clear who is to blame for each of the incidents.

"I am hopeful the Government and the Parliament will undertake the necessary consequences of the incidents. That's what political accountability means," Fouere said.

"I believe that all political parties need to work together. It was very disappointing to hear the distorted, non-parliamentary language, particularly from the leaders of the parties that are part of the coalition Government," he added.

According to Fouere, the ruling coalition has to assume the leading role and set an example to all the other parties that working together is the only way to achieve success in the reforms lying ahead of the country.

"We reiterate our plea to all political to work together, and the Government to take the leading role in encouraging greater efforts for building consensus between all of them," Fouere said.

[MakFax]

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

Friday, November 16, 2007

COLUMBIA, OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE WITH PAVILLIONS AT PLAOSNIK

Culture.

The University of St. Kliment, which should be restored at Plaosnik in Ohrid, will get its pavillions of world renowned universities such as Columbia, Oxford and Cambridge by the end of 2009, Director of the Directorate for Protection of Cultural Heritage Pasko Kuzman said.

"The idea is that these large university centres get a kind of their branches, pavillions, rooms where their professors, scholars, and why not students, will stay, work and make research. We will be especially interested in those we can attract in terms of exloring our history, culture and tradition. It means that we want to make such pleasant areas within the restored university where these people can feel good, and on the other hand, we will increase the importance of their respective universities, Kuzman said, adding that they have already had talks with Columbia University on this topic and they have agreed.

Archaeological excavations at Plaosnik, that were expected to find remains of monastery dormitories or of the university complex, started last spring. After all excavations are completed, construction of the complex, a certain reminiscence of the 9th and 10th century university where about 3500 students of Kliment and Naum became literate, will start. The basic function, according to Kuzman's initial idea, is to set cultural, scientific centres, galleries of icons in the newly restored university, and a library with a large literary stock and a collection of preserved old manuscripts would be established.

MD: Good initiative, the government will invest about 6 million euros in this project.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

DAYS OF MACEDONIAN CREATIVITY

Culture.

The event "Days of Macedonian Creativity" was opened late Wednesday in Belgrade at the Serbian Writers' Association in presence of Macedonian Ambassador to Serbia and numerous representatives of culture.

Serbian Deputy Minister of Culture Ivana Stefanovic opened the event pointing out that the manifestation is a possibility for systematic and overall presentation of creativity of artists from Macedonia and Macedonians living in Serbia.

Stefanovic said that besides the poetry caravan which will travel starting Wednesday evening until Dec. 20, throughout the cities in Serbia, "Days of Macedonian Creativity" will also include meetings with art and national creativity in places where Macedonians in Serbia live and create.

Macedonian Ambassador to Serbia Kire Ilioski said that this is significant opportunity Macedonian essayists, writers and authors who live in Serbia and authors from Macedonia to be represented as a confirmation that real cultural values has no borders.

Zafir Hadzimanov, first honorary ambassador of culture of the Republic of Macedonia to Serbia, opened the poetry caravan.

The academician Risto Vasilevski, Editor in Chief of the Macedonian Information and Publishing Centre and promoter of the event, said that the Macedonian poetry caravan besides Belgrade will visit the cities of Novi Sad, Subotica, Pancevo, Smederevo, Nis, Leskovac, Vranje and Krusevac.

Seventy literary authors - 22 Macedonian poets who live in Serbia, 20 Serbian poets whose poetry is translated in Macedonian language, ten poets from national minorities and ten University Professors, essayists and literary critics showing interest for the Macedonian literature.

[MIA]

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

Thursday, November 15, 2007

CRUCIAL MONTHS FOR MACEDONIAN NATO ENTRY

National.

The next couple of months are crucial for Macedonia's aspiration to become a member of NATO, a high-ranking official of the Alliance said in Skopje today.

The Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Martin Erdman, said after meeting with PM Nikola Gruevski that Macedonia is walking the last mile ahead of the NATO Summit in Bucharest next year.

"Before making the decision, NATO members will take into consideration the following issues," Erdman said, enumerating the status of the reform agenda implementation and its sustainability, implementation of the Framework Agreement, inter-ethnic relations, inter-party dialogue and cooperation, political stability, good-neighborly relations, functional and independent institutions and results from fighting corruption.

He pointed out that the invitation for membership in NATO is not intended for the Defense Ministry or the armed forces, or even the Government.

"It is an invitation to the entire nation to join the European family of 26 member-countries," Erdman said. He is leading a NATO expert team that arrived in Macedonia to review the country's preparedness to join the Alliance.

The Assistant Secretary General extended gratitude on the behalf of NATO for Macedonia's logistics support to KFOR mission and for Macedonia's participation in ISAF mission in Afghanistan, underlying that the NATO member-countries are well aware of the progress the country had made in the fields spanning defense and economy.

Answering a journalist's question, Erdman said that there was no such thing as a ranking list of the Adriatic Charter member-countries and explained that the situation is being followed in each of the three countries (Macedonia, Albania and Croatia).

PM Gruevski on his part said that the main tasks Macedonia is facing include judiciary reforms and fulfilling of the obligations stemming from the May Agreement with DUI, i.e. working out the bill on commission of ethnic communities, changing of the commission's composition and the legislation that require double majority for adoption. Gruevski stressed that all of these projects have already entered a parliamentary procedure.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 11:16 pm | Permalink | Comments

ANOTHER GREEK BISHOP WANTS A PIECE OF MACEDONIA

National.

Just days after the scandalous statement of the Metropolitan Bishop of Thessaloniki Anthimos, another Greek Bishop - the Metropolitan of Galabryta Ambrosios, said that parts of Macedonia actually belonged to Greece.

"Since the attack is the best defence, the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki did very well. Skopje citizens rip the benefits of Monastery (Bitola) region, which is part of the Greek territory," the Greek media cited Ambrosios as saying.

"If Anthimos is a nationalist, then why is it improbable that some 'have sold' themselves to act in favor of foreign plans and interests," said the Greek Metropolitan's in his rhetorical question.

MD: Yeah, like they haven't taken enough of Macedonia. Unbelievable :)

[MakFax]

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

EARTHQUAKE HITS KICEVO

National.

An earthquake measuring 3-4 degrees on the European Macroseismic Scale was registered Wednesday morning in Kicevo area.

The quake, epicentered 80 kilometers southwest of Skopje, was registered last night at 03 hrs in Kicevo and its suburbs, the Skopje-based Seismology Observatory said.

The quake was registered with telemetric network of seismological stations in Valandovo, Ohrid, Bitola, Stip, Krusevo, Kriva Palanka as well as the of hydro-power plant Kozjak network stations.

[MakFax]

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

SIGHTS OF MACEDONIA

National.

Monument dedicated to the Macedonian defenders from the 2001 conflict was unveiled on the occasion of Gjorce Petrov municipality's liberation day

(Photo credit should read MIA)

[MD Network]

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