Macedonia Daily.org: March 2008

Monday, March 31, 2008

ATHENS AND SKOPJE FURIOUS ABOUT BILLBOARD

National.

Greece reacted furiously on Sunday to a billboard seen as a provocation in Macedonia, as several outdoor billboards in the capital of Skopje depicted an adulterated Greek flag, with the blue Cross morphed into a Swastika, and a picture of Begalci(Aegean Macedonian refugees) who fled Greece.

Not only the Greeks, but the Macedonians reacted furiously too, speaking of a disgusting move, that this is going too far, that it's wrong and several newspapers published big articles where they condemn this action. The government has been informed and will investigate the situation and take measures. Charges are expected against the individuals who ordered the bilboards, as well as the company for allowing to publish them. One bilboard costs between 8,000 - 10,000 euros, depending on the location.

"This unacceptable poster, which was circulated via a private initiative and raised on Skopje's streets, directly insults our country's national symbol and our struggle against fascism and Nazism," a foreign ministry spokesman tersely said on Sunday afternoon in response to a press question.

The controversial billboard ads ostensibly promote a photographic exhibition in the city's cultural centre from April 3 to May 3.

MD: This was done by an artist for an exhibition. But it was a wrong move, certainly in these final days before the NATO summit. Macedonians condemn this action, it is simply going too far. Below you can see a Macedonian newspaper, with the words : "SHAME" on the picture

[Greekcity]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 9:04 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN WALK OF FAME

National.

Skopje will get a Hollywood like "walk of fame" street where respect will be given to those who, with their actions have contributed to and promoted Macedonia at home and abroad. The street will be ligned with a red carpet and marble stars.

Individuals eligible for a star can be from virtually any field: Culture, Sports, Arts and others. The voting for who to get a star, will be conducted thru newspapers, tv, radio and the internet.

The first star will probably be given to Tose Proeski.

MD: Interesting idea! But first to see and then believe, there are so many ideas and zero are realized.

[Macedoniaonline]

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

CRVENKOVSKI AND GRUEVSKI MEET ON LATEST PROPOSAL

National.

President Branko Crvenkovski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski will meet Sunday evening for talks on the latest proposal put forward by mediator Matthew Nimetz towards settling the differences with Greece over the use of Macedonia's constitutional name.

The meeting is scheduled for 20:00 hours in the President's cabinet.

Nimetz at the last round of Macedonia-Greek negotiations that took place in New York's UN headquarters suggested a new proposal with geographical determinant.

The mediator failed to reveal the proposal, but the media in Greece citing diplomatic sources, informed that the proposed name was "The Republic of Macedonia (Skopje)".

MD: Few more days to go, the identity of our nation lies in the hands of these politicians, let them make the right solution and that they will not fall for the increasing pressure in these last days.

[Mia]

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

NAME CHANGE CATASTROPHICAL MISTAKE

National.

Gruevski's political partners from the coalition "For better Macedonia" are against any kind of change of the constitutional name.

Same opinion is shared by Socialist Party leader Lubisav Ivanov-Zingo who today, speaking at the forum for the Democratic Alliance with a message "Macedonia should not change the name even if we never become a NATO member"

With similar view is the president of the Democratic Alliance, Pavle Trajanov.

"We are not going to allow the Macedonian name to be changed. Any kind of change would be a historic mistake with major consequences to our identity and our country. I do not agree with the fear mongering out there that if we don't enter NATO, we will fall apart as a country. These are cataclysmic thesis who serve to scare the public." said Pavle Trajanov

[Macedoniaonline]

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

Saturday, March 29, 2008

NIMETZ FINAL PROPOSAL WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION

National.

The last proposal put forward by the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz, which Macedonia considers to be the final one, will be discussed by the Macedonian lawmakers on Monday, Macedonian Foreign Minister said Friday.

Minister Milososki made these remarks after today's meeting of party leaders, dedicated to reviewing of the Nimetz's proposal.

"We reached two conclusions. The first one is that we consider this proposal to be the final in the 15-year long process. The second one is that the process of building position on this final proposal will continue in the following days, to result eventually with a parliamentary debate on Monday, in line with the Constitution and legislation," Milososki said.

VMRO-DPMNE leader Nikola Gruevski, SDSM leader Radmila Sekerinska, DPA leader Menduh Thaci, DUI leader Ali Ahmeti, discussed the name proposal of 'Republic of Macedonia (Skopje)' for international use, i.e. Republic of Macedonia for internal use.

Except for the party leaders, President Branko Crvenkovski and Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki also attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski currently hold talks with the Head of State, which will be followed by meetings with the leaders of the smaller parties represented in the parliament, independent deputies and with the Parliament Speaker.

MD: This should not even be considered, Macedonia is Macedonia! No northern, skopje nor new macedonia, just Macedonia!

[MakFax]

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

RUMSFELD: GREEK INTIMIDATION TACTICS REMINISCENT OF LAST CENTURY

National.

Greece threatens to veto Macedonia's admission to NATO, and the future of the Alliance is too important to be constrained by intimidation tactics more befitting the last century.

These are the remarks by the former U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the author of commentary "NATO Expansion Should Continue", published in Wall Street Journal.

"Greece threatens to issue a sole veto over Macedonia's entry because Macedonia refuses to change the country's name. The future of the trans-Atlantic alliance and its credibility as the pre-eminent political and military instrument of the world's democracies are too important to be constrained by narrow disputes over semantics or to intimidation tactics more befitting the last century," Rumsfeld said.

He underlines there is no better way for NATO to move forward than by extending full membership invitations to Albania, Croatia and Macedonia and by beginning the process to bring Georgia and Ukraine into the alliance in the future through membership action plans (MAPs). At a time when European commitments to the NATO mission in Afghanistan are being questioned, the determination of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia to contribute to tough missions is clear. Collectively, the three Balkan nations have more than 650 troops currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

For the past several years under membership action plans, the governments of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia have been preparing to join the ranks of NATO. They now meet the necessary criteria for membership.

"Perhaps most important in light of NATO's demonstrated shortcomings, Albania, Croatia and Macedonia have made use of those capabilities in Afghanistan and Iraq by taking on the tough missions that several current NATO members are unwilling to carry out."

Expanding NATO to Albania, Croatia and Macedonia and building closer partnerships with Georgia and Ukraine would help to assuage any concerns that the alliance no longer has the collective grit for the tough work necessary to overcome the challenges in Afghanistan. All five non-NATO nations currently under consideration -- in contrast with several full NATO members -- have demonstrated willingness to accept NATO responsibilities.

"Albania, Croatia and Macedonia are today ready to accept those responsibilities. Georgia and Ukraine will likely be ready to accept NATO responsibilities in the coming years if issued membership action plans next week. The Bucharest summit presents an opportunity to advance the interests of all 26 member nations by expanding the NATO alliance. Now is not a time for self-doubt. It is a time for U.S. and European Union leadership."

MD: Exactly Mr.Rumsfeld!

[MakFax]

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

EXHIBITION AGAINST KITSCH

Culture.

A project, “Kitsch!? Yes or No?” that was initiated at the opening of a joint exhibition of Antoni Maznevski and Jovan Sumkovski in Tetovo, is continuing in Gostivar at the ASNOM Culture Centre at 7.00 p.m. today.

Maznevski is presenting sculptures that were exhibited to the Skopje audiences in the Museum of the City of Skopje, which are the result of his year-long research and work. Sumkovski is taking part with works from “Distorted Dimensions” – prints on canvass, a certain continuation and result of his project-installation Р= 1 : 2, Р = 1 : 2000. The idea of the project is to make art work closer to wider audiences rather than let it be a privilege of few art admirers.

The organizers of the project are the Ministry of Culture, the Directorate for Culture and Art, the National Gallery of Macedonia, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in collaboration with partner institutions in Macedonian cities.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Friday, March 28, 2008

WINDMILLS IN MACEDONIA

National.

The government elaborated at the last session a legal framework for construction of wind mills in Macedonia.

Government's spokesman Ivica Bocevski informed today that the government tasked the competent ministers to work out detailed instructions for building of wind power stations and to publish it at the Economy Ministry's website.

"The move is aimed at facilitating the procedure of wind mills construction in Macedonia under the prescribed terms," Bocevski said.

He confirmed that investors are demonstrating increased interest for construction of wind power stations in Macedonia.

Bocevski also said that elaboration of a feasibility studies for a number of regions was under way. The goal is to determine the wind quantities and establish the terms for construction of wind parks.

The spokesman pointed out that the wind mill generated electricity producers will be bind to give advantage to the domestic market over the foreign ones in electricity supply offers.

[MakFax]

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

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS

MD Network.

We had some problems with receiving emails (for banner exchange) recently. We want to ask everyone who sent us an email over the last couple of days, to send it again, we were unable to read them.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience,

MD Admin.

admin@macedoniadaily.org
info@macedoniadaily.org
macedoniadaily@hotmail.com

[MD Network]

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

UNESCO DELEGATION IN MACEDONIA

Culture.

A high-level UNESCO delegation led by the Director-General, Koïchiro Matsuura has been visiting Macedonia on the opening of the Regional Centre for Digitisation with the Museum of Contemporary Art yesterday evening.
The delegation met Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Minister of Culture Arifhikmet Xhemaili where the high-level guest and the leading officials of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe (BRESCE) in Venice were expressed gratitude for their assistance and understanding in implementation of Macedonia’s initiatives within UNESCO. The high-level guests were also introduced with the current activities related to protection projects for cultural heritage.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Culture, representatives of the Managing Board of the Struga Poetry Evenings announced the name of the winner of the International Poetry Award bestowed jointly by UNESCO and the Struga Poetry Evenings. His year, the winner of the prestigious award in “It’s Easy for Me to be Worse” by young poetess Antonija Novakovic.

Matsuura said they discussed ways of strengthening cooperation in the area of culture and cultural heritage between UNESCO and our country with the officials of the Ministry of Culture. Besides UNESCO-protected Ohrid, they have received two more proposals for places that should be put on the protection list, and he pledged assistance of UNESCO and BRESCE experts to our officials in order to carry this through. Matsuura also pointed that he expected from our country to submit proposals for protection of spiritual cultural heritage for some master-pieces that the country has given the preserved heritage.

The Regional Centre for Digitisation of Cultural Heritage will operate to connect all institutions in the area of protection of cultural heritage on national, and later on international level

[Culture.in.mk]

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

USAID 2ND FASE OF SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

National.

The USAID Primary Education Project (PEP) and Municipality of Tetovo marked the launch of the second phase of school renovations at the “Lirija” primary school in Tetovo.

During this phase, PEP will renovate 32 schools in 32 municipalities across Macedonia.

“Lirija” is one of the first beneficiaries of this assistance, receiving over $30,000 to replace old wooden windows. During the ceremony, USAID officials joined the Mayor of Tetovo, PEP team and the School Principal to symbolically mark the launch of renovations by dismantling an old window and installing a new one.

PEP will renovate up to 100 primary schools during its five years of implementation. The project’s renovation component supports the creation of better learning environment and the transfer of responsibilities over school facilities to municipal governments. The project also works to increase the use of information technology, to improve the quality of math and science education, and to strengthen school-based assessment in Macedonian primary schools.

MD: Great project, it was really time for schools in the country to be renovated

[MakFax]

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

Thursday, March 27, 2008

LEADERS ANALYSE NAME PROPOSAL

National.

Macedonian state leadership carried out a preliminary analysis of the UN mediator's latest proposal for resolving of the name differences.

President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki reviewed the proposal, which according to Matthew Nimetz, contains a geographical reference to the name.

"Having in mind the importance of the proposal, and especially the significance of every detail of the same, we will wait for the Ambassador Nikola Dimitrov to return from New York and give a thorough briefing to the political factors in the Republic of Macedonia on the course of the talks and the specifics of the proposal," government's spokesman Ivica Bocevski said.

He added that the consultations will go on in the following days.

Although Nimetz himself did not specify anything, the media said that he most likely proposed the name "Republic of Macedonia (Skopje)".

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said today that the new proposal is long way off Greece's goals. Previously, Washington reiterated the stance that the negotiated settlement of the name difference should be reached before the NATO Summit in Bucharest.

MD: Again the same proposal as a while ago... The story continues...

[MakFax]

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

MACEDONIA DRAWS IN ZENICA

Sports.

The Macedonian national football team played Bosnia-Hercegovina in Zenica, BiH yesterday. The exciting friendly match ended in a 2-2 draw.

The Bosnians took the early lead with 2 quick goals by Dario Damjanovic. This made the Macedonians push forward and Macedonian attacker, Goran Maznov grabbed his chance and scored 2 goals for Macedonia, which were also the final goals.

MD: Great game, even though it was a friendly and the pitch was awfull! Macedonia's next opponent will be Poland in another friendly.

[Macedonianfootball.com]

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

NACOSKI: "THE JAPANESE RECOGNIZE US AS A BIBLICAL COUNTRY"

Culture.

After the excellent performances in Japan and upcoming performances in Canada, Blagoj Nacoski has confirmed himself as the “most renowned Macedonian opera singer and best Macedonian tenor of all times,” as Wikipedia puts it.
Nacoski is the only Macedonian whose name is has been written on the wall of the Concert Hall in Niigata, Japan. His signature is accompanies with the Macedonian flag and this hall is where Nacoski was recently greeted with ovations and called back on stage for six times.

What are your impressions from the most recent performance in Japan? Do the Japanese know anything about Macedonia and our artists?

- This was my second performance in Japan after my role in “Traviata” in Tokyo in 2004. It is a great feeling to sing to the Japanese audience. They are great classical music lovers and they know how to truly award what they like. To sing in Japanese halls is magnificent because of the perfect acoustics. Their halls are really enormous, but that is not a problem at all because the “voice” travels to the last seat. Macedonia is not unknown in this distant country.

The Japanese often tell me that they have read about Macedonia in the Bible, which I am especially happy about, and they have never forgotten the success of our football coach Gjoko Hadzievski in Japan a few years ago. As for the Macedonian artists, Simon Trpceski’s and my CDs can be found in stores throughout Japan. (Excerpt from a larger interview.)

MD: Again the same proposal as a while ago... The story continues...

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

NAME TALKS ENTER FINALE

National.

Diplomats from Athens and Skopje are to meet Tuesday in New York on what appears to be the last round of UN-sponsored talks in the Macedonia “name” dispute ahead of the key NATO summit. A quick solution to the dispute would enable Macedonia to avoid a Greek veto of its bid to receive an invitation to join NATO at the alliance's forthcoming summit in Bucharest, which is set to commence on April 2.

After having final consultations with leaders in Skopje, Macedonia’s negotiator in the talks, Nikola Dimitrov, did not specify the instructions given to him on Sunday and simply said that he is travelling to New York with “precise directions.” “We are still not at a point where a single name is on the table for consideration,” Greek Foreign Minnister Dora Bakoyannis told media the same day, after similar consultations ended in Athens.

On Friday after a meeting in Brussels hosted by the U.S. Under-Secretary of State Daniel Fried, the Foreign Ministers from both countries declared their readiness to stay committed to finding a solution to the dispute.

A similar meeting between Greek and Macedonian Foreign Ministers is scheduled for Friday in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana.

Media in Skopje and Athens have speculated that U.S. President George Bush might bring the leaders of the two countries together for a personal last-ditch attempt to resolve the issue. They say this could even happen at the NATO summit but only if considerable progress is made in the ongoing talks by then.

The talks between Athens and Skopje on the long-running row, started after Macedonia agreed to enter the UN under the provisional name, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM. Both sides agreed to stay in talks pending a permanent solution. Greece is obliged not to block its neighbour’s bid to join international institutions such as NATO and the European Union as long as it uses its provisional name.

MD: And the battle continues into it's last days before the NATO summit, will there be a solution?

[Binsight]

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

SEVERE WEATHER HITS SOUTHWEST MACEDONIA

National.

Severe weather with strong winds hit southwestern parts of Macedonia, damaging roofing constructions, uprooting polls and leaving one person injured.

Large portion of the Ohrid General Hospital's roofing construction has been torn up by the wind gusts reaching 10-15 meters per second. The strong winds threaten to tear up the remaining part of the roof.

The Otorynolaryngology Department which is situated at the top floor of the hospital, has been evacuated, the Crisis Management Center announced.

In Kicevo, the roof of the Culture Center and the building of the District Court have been damaged, while the local branch of the Electric Power Company has reported toppled polls.

MD: Strange weather, while a couple of days ago, the sun was shining and it looked like summer was coming.

[Makfax]

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

SERGEJ ANDREEVSKI EXHIBITS IN THE USA

Culture.

Exhibition of Sergej Andreevski titled “Animal Speech” will be opened in Pittsboro, North Carolina on Friday evening. The display includes Andreevski’s latest cycle of paintings and drawings, at which the author experiments with the movement and character of animals.

Media have shown an enormous interest for Andreevski’s exhibition, which was further increased following the text by renowned publicist and chronicler Sam Vaknin published in several U.S. newspapers, such as “California Chronicle”, “Los Angeles Chronicle”, “San Francisco Chronicle”.

The text reads that Sergej is blessed by synaestesy, meaning that when he paints, he uses music and possesses the capability to see notes as colors.

Vaknin quotes Andreevski, who believers that painting is an impulse, not a message.

“The viewer is free to disagree with the artist on his work, but the important thing is to have a reaction. I strongly believe in the power of art, which can refine even the simplest man”, stresses Andreevski.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Monday, March 24, 2008

GREEK INVESTORS PRESSURING GREECE OVER MACEDONIA

National.

Greek investors are uneasy about their investments in Macedonia and have started to pressure the Karamanlis Government. They want to make sure their money is safe and sound and do not like the "name game" between Greece and Macedonia.

Greek mobile phone giant Cosmote and the Greek National Bank are just a few of the large investors who have purchased Macedonian companies. Currently the Greek capital have entered in almost every economy sector; Construction, Textile industry, Oil, Finances etc. Cosmote was the latest company based in Greece to invest in Macedonia. It payed the 10 million euros license fee to operate a mobile phone company. It invested much more to open up it's stores.

Goran Popovski works for a Marble company, the majority owned by a Greek company. "We have no issues here, we are mostly worried about the economy, though the Greeks are a bit uneasy about the name negotiations and how they may be perceived here in Macedonia" said Goran.

Besides the large coprorations, there are hundreds of small Greek businesses in Macedonia, especially in the textile industry where there has been numerous employee complaints of abuses from the Greek owners.

The investment picture is clear, the Greek investments have increased from year to year. Greek business owners in Macedonia prefer Macedonia to enter NATO, so they can further increase their investments.

MD: In the end, everything is about money :)

[mkonline]

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

IRELAND TOLD TO CHANGE IT'S SONG BECAUSE OF MACEDONIA

Culture.

The Eurovision song of the Irish representative Dustin the turkey, must be changed because the name Macedonia is mentioned in it's lyrics. This was the note the Irish representative received from the EU Radio Comission. The EU Radio Comission did not want to confirm if the pressure came from Greece.
"We did not mean to offend Macedonia or Greece with our song. Geography is not our strong side. You probably noticed that because in our song we claim the Danube river goes through France." said the Irish Eurovision representative Dustin the turkey.

The "problematic" verse, that the EU Radio Commision thinks must be changed, below:

Eastern Europe we love you
Do you like Irish stew?
Or goulash as it is to you?
Shake your feathers
Listen Bulgaria we love you
Belarus, Georgia, Montenegro,
Moldavia, Albania, Croatia,
Poland, Russia, Ukraine,
Macedonia, Love you Turkey
Hungary, Estonia, Slovakia,
Armenia, Bosnia Herzegovina
And don’t forget the Swiss!

MD: This is absurd!!!!!!! For how long will this comedy continue??

[mkonline]

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

CATHOLICS IN MACEDONIA CELEBRATE EASTER

National.

Catholic believers Sunday celebrate the Easter - the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this occasion the Bishop of Skopje and Apostolic Exarch of Macedonia Kiro Stojanov in Saturday's holy mass delivered Easter message in the Catholic Church in Skopje.

- Dear brothers and sisters we live in a world that concerns us a lot. We know that in this world the human is the least valued. There were many difficult times in the history of the Christianity but in all those the human was the most important. The fact that many Christians lost their faith is difficult to understand. The Easter secret is the only answer to the humanity and the only cornerstone of hope for the victory of truth and love. This victory of the truth and love is in fact for the new human: Resurrection.

Today the Christian should be the witness not only to the hope before him but also to the hope, which is in him: believing in resurrection of the dead and life in the future century. The suffering is not God’s punishment because Jesus Christ taken our guilt on the Cross and reconcile the world with the God, the suffering is only our cooperation with the Christ the Sufferer.

Our suffering is our chance to build the world and to open the heart to justice, mercy, truth and love. Dear believers, you brother clerks, nuns I sincerely ask you to be witnesses of the hope.

Let this Easter be an important call for all of us to joyfully witness the fact that the God has not left us, that we are saved in the Christ and that we have only one mission: The Jesus is among us – praised and resurrected. Let this God encourage you and bless you in this Easter! Amen! Christ is Risen!, reads the Easter message of the Bishop of Skopje and Apostolic Exarch of Macedonia Kiro Stojanov.

MD: Happy easter to all the catholics!!

[Mia]

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

Saturday, March 22, 2008

OLDEST HUMAN ON THE BALKANS UNEARTHED IN MACEDONIA

Culture.

Macedonian archeologists unearthed a skeleton of a human dating from 7,000 B.C. yesterday, suspected of being the oldest neolithic inhabitant on the Balkans.

The skeleton has been uncovered at the archeological site Grncarica, at the Stip's nearby village of Krupiste.

"Having in mind that the settlement is one of the oldest on the Balkans, it is only normal to assume that the oldest man that lived on the Balkans is in question," said the archeologist Trajanka Jovcevska.

The skeleton has been found in a position that is typical for the neolithic era burials.

"The body was laid with the left side down in a contracted position with the knees reaching up to the head level and with the arms clenched," Jovcevska said.

The neolithic skeleton was transported to Skopje for further anthropological analysis.

Grncarica, the oldest neolithic settlement in Macedonia, was discovered accidentally last year by a team of archeologists who are exploring the sites along the hydro-system Zletovica's pipeline.

MD: Very interesting, such a rich soil, we are looking forward to the next findings in our country!

[MakFax]

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

TRPCESKI TO PERFORM IN THE USA

Culture.

Macedonian piano virtuoso Simon Trpceski is scheduled to perform in Los Angeles, USA on March 28, 29, 30 as soloist at the concerts of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Under the baton of world-renowned conductor and the next musical director of this orchestra, Gustavo Dudamel, Trpceski will play the First Concerto for Piano and Orchestra by Prokofiev.

Tickets for all three concerts in the prestigious hall “Walt Disney” have been sold out.

Moreover, Canadian daily “Toronto Star” published these days a review by renowned critic John Terauds regarding Trpceski’s concert in the city, in which he says:“The Macedonian artist’s program was all 20th century, also based heavily on the creations of composers who were star pianists: Sergey Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev, as well as Claude Debussy.

Trpceski may have been wearing a plain, black suit and sitting at the Jane Mallett’s old Steinway that can no longer stay in tune through an entire program. But the music he produced during the second half of his recital was pure gold.

There were five sparkling, short pieces by Rachmaninov followed by an electrifying interpretation of Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 7, which was written during the height of World War II. The pianist shaped the ugly piles of notes into towering edifices of rhythm and counterpoint, while making the reflective middle movement sound almost romantic.

Here was a young artist not only possessed with phenomenal technique, but with an iron will that could bend these steely, spiky shapes into awe-inspiring sonic sculptures.

As a bonus for someone who missed his Children’s Corner by Debussy earlier in the evening, all three encores were by the French composer”.

MD: Well done! His popularity keeps rising internationally a great example of a succesfull Macedonian, putting Macedonia on the map around the world!

[Simon Trpceski]

[Culture.in.mk]

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

CHINA WANTS TO BE INVOLVED IN NAME DISPUTE

National.

The Chinese Authorities insisted to be debriefed on the details of the negotiations between Macedonia and Greece. It is expected the Chinese mission to the UN to formally request China to be part of the negotiations between Dimitrov and Vasilakis, arranged for Tuesday in New York.

According to Diplomats, this move would allow for the return of the Russian position at the NATO Summit, the source said.

"Macedonian and the Chinese Government have very good relations after Skopje decided to cut ties with Taiwan. The trip made to China by Macedonia's president confirms China's support to Macedonia at the UN, where togethere with Russia and USA has recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name." concluded the Diplomat.

MD: This is no longer only a issue between Macedonia and Greece. China's involvement could be positive for Macedonia, since Macedonia and China have very good relations and China has recognized Macedonia under it's constitutional name.

[Makfax]

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

TSAR SAMUEL DIED OF INJURIES AT AGE 70

Culture.

Tsar Samuil died at the age of 70 as a consequence of a severe injury of the left temple, Bulgarian scientists said Thursday after the reconstruction of the skull of the 11th century Macedonian emperor.

"While in battle, Tsar Samuil probably tried to protect himself by lifting his arms to the head level, when both of hi supper limbs were broken," said Professor Jordan Jordanov, the head of the Anthropology Institute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

According to Bulgarian scientists, the fact that the fractured bones grew in incorrectly suggests that Samuil received no treatment after sustaining severe injuries.

In addition, it is almost certain that Samuil could not feed because the function of his lower jaw was heavily impaired, Jordanov said

The scalp of the Macedonian Tsar was uncovered in a coffin in the southern coast of the Prespa Lake in 1969, in Aegean Macedonia.

Tsar Samuil ruled the great Samuil's empire covering the territories of current Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, the northwest of Greece and northern and western Bulgaria between the 10th and 11th century.

[MakFax]

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

Thursday, March 20, 2008

GREG HOPKINS IN SKOPJE

Culture.

Renowned U.S. trumpeter and composer Greg Hopkins comes to Skopje again. He will perform alongside the Macedonian Philharmonic and the trio of guitarist Toni Kitanovski in the Army Hall on Thursday evening.

The concert is the third of cycle “Jazz-Symphonic Concerts”, which the Macedonian Philharmonic launched by the end of 2007. The series has already included the concerts of pipe player Teodosij Spasov, and acoustic band “Project Zlust”.
Under the baton of Dorian Wilson from USA, five compositions will be performed. These are “Oblivion” by Astor Piazzola, “Round Midnight” by Telonius Monk, “Alaska Ritual” and “Symphonic Spiral” by Greg Hopkins, and “Island Katihank” by Toni Kitanovski. Concert’s special guest is singer Eva Lemisievitz, who is Hopkins’ wife.

Hopkins and Kitanovski have cooperated since 1991. Their joint interests, arranging and composing aspirations, coming from their specific relation towards the trumpet, result in interesting collaborations that are presented at a number of stages throughout Europe.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

REEKER TO BE NEW AMBASSADOR TO MACEDONIA

National.

US President George Bush announced his intention to nominate Philip T. Reeker to be Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of Macedonia, the White House said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Mr. Reeker currently serves as Counselor for Public Affairs at the United States Embassy in Iraq. Prior to this, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Hungary. Previously, he served as a Deputy Spokesman at the State Department.

Earlier in his career, Reeker served as the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje.

MD: The current ambassador to Macedonia is Gillian Milovanovic since june 2005.

[Makfax]

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

NEAR HALF OF MACEDONIA AGAINST RECOGNIZING KOSOVO

National.

As many as 45 percent of the Macedonian citizens are against recognition of Kosovo's independence, while 35 percent are in favour, showed the results of the poll conducted by the Skopje-based Research and Policies Creation Center.

The survey carried out in early March showed that as many as 95 percent of the Albanians living in Macedonia support recognition of Kosovo as an independent state, while 60 percent of the Macedonia are opposing such a move.

Asked if marking of the border should precede the eventual recogntion of independence, 55 percent of those polled answered that the border demarcation is a priority.

The respondents have divided stances on how would eventual recognition reflect on the security situation in Macedonia. About 28 percent said that the security would improve, 25 percent answered it would get worse and 25 percent believe it would remain unchaged.

MD: Macedonia has still not recognized Kosovo, they will probably do so, but are awaiting and first want the border issues to be solved.

[Makfax]

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

NATO UNCERTAINTY HURTS MACEDONIAN ECONOMY

National.

If Macedonia fails to get an invitation to join NATO at the alliance's forthcoming summit because of a Greek veto, the country's already weak economy will suffer greatly, local economists argue.

Investors in the country will be more reluctant, the stock market index would continue to fall and the solvency of the market would decrease, local economists claim.

“We are entering a time with many uncertainties and all of the factors and expectations that were optimistic could stagnate,” economy expert and university professor, Abdulmenaf Bexheti told local A1 TV on Wednesday.

Blagoja Spirkovski, an economy expert from Skopje University argues that Macedonia, as a small country with a fragile economy has no alternative to its NATO and European Union perspective.

“Either it will be a dark zone, or it will enter global integration and adjust its economy accordingly,” Spirkovski told media.

Macedonia’s foreign trade deficit reached around $180 million in January, nearly 45% more than the same month last year, the State Statistical Office announced in early March.

The country is already tackling increasing annual inflation that reached more than 9% in January.

Despite the increase in foreign investment in the first two months of 2008, the country remains behind its neighbours and continues to experience severe unemployment which stands at a staggering 35%.

MD: The name of your country, identity is more important in this matter, let's hope our government sticks to that position.

[BalkanInsight]

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

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

INVESTING IN TENNIS

Sports.

One hundred tennis courts are to be built in Macedonia over the next three years, the government’s Agency for Youth and Sports announced on Tuesday.

It said the object of the building program would be to boost interest in tennis, particularly among youngsters.

“A total of 25 tennis centers, each containing four tennis courts intended for domestic and international contests are envisaged,” the agency`s director Ivica Georgievski told local media during the official presentation of the project.

He said construction of the tennis centers, one for each municipality in the country, would be worth €5 million.

The tender to select construction contractors will be announced soon, the agency said.

Macedonia is not a big hitter in the tennis world. The country's most successful tennis players, Predrag Rusevski and Lazar Magdincev, are not among the top 100 in the ATP rankings.

The Agency is already running a project under which 35 multipurpose sport halls are being built.

MD: Wonderfull! Let's hope this invest will lead to more succesfull Macedonian tennisplayers, so we can compete with the rest of the world in this beautifull sport

[BalkanInsight]

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

SYNTHESIS TO PERFORM IN BELGRADE

Culture.

Renowned Macedonian ethno-band “Synthesis” will perform in the prestigious concert hall “Sava” in Belgrade on Wednesday evening.

The concert is the first promotion of the material from the latest album outside of Macedonia. Famous Serbian ethno-singer Biljana Krstic will be the band’s concert guest.

“This is an important concert for us, because the Sava center is one of the most prestigious Balkan concert spaces. This performance should mark the beginning of our conquering of the Balkan region”, said “Synthesis” member Radoslav Sutevski-Sute.

[Synthesis]

[Culture.in.mk]

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

NEW ROUND OF TALKS SCHEDULED FOR 24 MARCH

National.

The new meeting dedicated to the differences on the name between Athens and Skopje will take place on 24 March in New York, Greek Radio Sky reported, citing unofficial information.

Greek and Macedonian negotiators Adamantios Vassilakis and Nikola Dimitrov will take part at the meeting hosted by the mediator Matthew Nimetz.

After yesterday's meeting in Vienna, Nimetz said that he was more optimistic now, adding that he expected from the both sides to acknowledge the risks that might arise from failure to reach a solution.

MD: These will probably the last talks before the NATO summit in Bucharest where Croatia, Macedonia and Albania are expected to be invited to join NATO, if Greece will not use it's veto.

[Makfax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:10 am | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

GRUEVSKI AND CRVENKOVSKI AT A TECHNO PARTY

National.

The president Branko Crvenkovski and prime minister, Nikola Gruevski both visited the famous Skopje night club "Colosseum" last saturday. There was a performance of the Brittish DJ Missy Jay going on at the event. Under strong security, the prime minister and the president were sitting in the VIP section of the club, crossing eachother.

The president was accompanied by some friends, while the prime minister was there together with his wife, Borkica and the chef of his cabinet, Martin Protuger.

"Eve, i came to relax a bit among the youngsters" , Branko said.

The partner of the prime minister, Borkica said that they hardly go out, but when they get the chance to find someone to take care of their little daughter, Anastasia, and the work of the premier, they go to the disco sometimes.

Even though they almost sat next to eachother, they haven't greeted eachother, nor went dancing.

MD: :) Good, they can enjoy a bit in times when they have alot of problems on their heads.

[Vest]

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

VOLKSWAGEN INTERESTED IN SERVICES OF MACEDONIAN SUPPLIERS

National.

The German car giant Volkswagen expressed interest for using services of several Macedonian automotive suppliers.

To this end, a conference will be set up in the following days, at which 11 automotive parts manufactures from Macedonia and Volkswagen will look into the possibilities for doing business and forging strategic partnership, USAID Skopje office announced.

"Through the Competitiveness Project, USIAD supports initiatives like this conference with an aim to provide assistance to the Macedonian companies to integrate in the global chains of automotive suppliers," said Marcia Wong, the USAID Macedonia Economic Growth Director

The event is organized by the Macedonian Minister for Attracting Foreign Investments, Vele Samak, who believes that "the Macedonian automotive parts manufacturers have an opportunity to become suppliers of Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat."

Macedonian companies that will take part at the conference (Vesna SAP, IZO Staklo, Amak, SIPO, Velemaks, Ruen, TT Plast, Niche Aurora, Pruteks, MZT Learnica and TCG Learnica) were picked by Volkswagen on the basis of specific criteria.

Once they undergo a detailed evaluation by Volkswagen, the Macedonian companies will be granted a direct access to their supplying chains, USAID announcement says.

MD: Nice, keep the investments coming!

[Makfax]

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

AGAIN PROTESTS AT STRUGA HIGH SCHOOL

National.

The students from the Struga's high-schools Niko Nestor and Ibraim Temo staged fresh protests today, demanding for introduction of ethnic shifts.

According to them, it is the only way to calm down the tensions that broke out after massive fights between Macedonian and Albanian students, Makfax' correspondent reported.

Instead of attending classes, they took to the Struga streets Monday morning. They stopped outside the municipal building, requesting a meeting with the Struga Mayor Ramiz Merko.

Since the Mayor was absent, the head of the municipality's education sector, Xhejmi Hajredini, addressed the students, informing them to send the request for introduction of ethnic shifts to the Education Ministry and the High-School Boards as they were responsible to bring such a decision.

The peaceful protests continued at the Struga promenade, and shortly after, the students dispersed. Macedonian students said they would stay adamant in their demand for ethnic shifts and announced to continue the protests until their demand is met.

[Makfax]

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

Monday, March 17, 2008

WELCOME OUR NEW LOGO!

MD Network.

Say welcome to the new Macedonia Daily logo! A new fresh but simple look for this website. The new logo stands for what MD actually is and does. The eye, also known as the "Evil eye" is an ancient symbol used in Macedonia and the rest of the Balkans to keep the evil out.

We chose for this symbol since we only want and of course try to write the most positive things about Macedonia, and keep the evil out even though Macedonia faces difficult times currently. Also an eye is obviously used to look, which MD is doing everyday by finding Macedonian news and interesting topics from all over the world to serve you your 'daily dose of Macedonia'.

We hope you like it!

[MD Network]

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

MACEDONIA OFFERS HELP TO ALBANIA

National.

Macedonia`s government has offered the Albania authorities help in the aftrmath of the tragic explosion at an Albania army depot that has left at least four dead and over 200 injured.

"Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski spoke on the phone to his counterpart Sali Berisha to express condolences and immidiately offer all possible help from Macedonia. Other Macedonian officials also contacted their colleagues in Albania," said government spokesman Ivica Bocevski.

The explosion struck the army depot in the village of Gerdec, near the town of Vora, 10 kilometres outside Tirana. Several detonations were also heard in Macedonia.

Bocevski added that all necessary preparations have been put in place at medical facilities in case Tirana has need for additional blood. Local media reported that hospitals had started to set up points for blood donations.

The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry told local media that Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki had already travelled to Albania by helicopter.

"In Tirana, Milososki will meet with his counterpart Lulzim Basha and donate blood for the wounded," said spokesman Vasko Andonovski.

MD: Tragic accident what happened in Albania! They say that the sound of the blast was even heared as far as Skopje

[Balkaninsight]

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

MACEDONIAN TENOR TO PERFORM IN JAPAN

Culture.

Macedonian tenor Blagoja Nacoski, along with Italian colleagues Fabio Andreotti and Andrea Benetti, will perform at the gala-concert "Three Tenors", which is taking place Saturday evening in Niigata, Japan.

Japan's top soprano Ryoko Sunakawa will be the guest of the concert.

The event is organized in cooperation with Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and will be attended by its General Director Francesco Ernani. This is the second Nacoski's performance in Japan, following the first one in 2004.

It is a great pleasure to sing in Japan, considering the interest on the audience and their reception, Nacoski says.

After this concert, Nacoski is heading to Toronto for rehearsing the The Barber of Seville, which is to have its premiere on April 16.

[Mia]

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

Saturday, March 15, 2008

MACEDONIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE IN URUGUAY

Culture.

“Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Macedonia” is the topic of Pance Velkov’s lecture in the city council of Uruguay’s metropolis Montevideo, attended by the mayor of Montevideo.

In the framework of the presentation of Macedonia’s cultural heritage, Velkov has already held a lecture on protection of cultural heritage in Macedonia.

Photograph exhibition “Holy Time”, which Velkov took at several cultural-historic sites in Macedonia, was also opened in the National Museum for Art History on Wednesday.

The presentation of Macedonia and its cultural heritage and art in Uruguay is held under the auspices of the local authorities and French Alliance in Montevideo, Uruguay’s Museum of Contemporary Art in the city, and the Macedonian civic association “Makedonida”.

MD: Nice! Macedonia should increase their cultural activities in South America, and strengthening ties with the Macedonians living in Uruguay as well as Argentina.

[elpais.com.uy]

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

THE BOYS OF '09

Diaspora.

We came upon this very interesting article on the Macedonian Patriotic Organization website about the adventures and thoughts of a group of Macedonian young boys from Aegean Macedonia who took the big step to the United States in 1909, to work on railroads in St.Louis.

The story is written by Mitchell Pedroff, about the experiences of his father, Mitcho, who was one of the boys.

Take a bit of time to read this interesting story by clicking on the link below:

[Detsi of '09]

[macedonian.org]

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

MINORITY GOVERNMENT UNTILL NATO SUMMIT

National.

Macedonia's main political parties agreed on Friday to keep the minority government intact until a NATO summit next month, when the country is expected to be invited to join the alliance, the foreign minister said.

"The government of Macedonia will keep functioning as a minority government during the next two or three weeks, till the (NATO) summit in Bucharest," Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki told reporters after a meeting called by President Branko Crvenkovski.

The coalition government led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski came on the verge of collapsing after one of the partners, the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA), decided to pull out of the cabinet as its demand that Macedonia recognise Kosovo's independence was not met.

"We agreed that the (minority) government will be supported by the parliament," Milososki said. Two main opposition parties, SDSM and DUI, have supported the accord, officials said.

The DPA's defection on Thursday means the Gruevski government, in power since August 2006, has lost a slim parliamentary majority, but it is expected to remain in power unless the assembly votes for its dismissal.

The European Commission on Friday urged Macedonian political parties to set aside differences and to "work in the spirit of consensus, and engage in continuous dialogue in order to ensure success of the reform process." "We are following the situation in Skopje as it evolves," said a commission spokeswoman, adding: "We expect the government to remain focused on the EU reform process."

[MakFax]

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

MACEDONIA ABLE TO TACKLE CHALLENGES

National.

Macedonia has potential to tackle the serious challenges it faces, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said in a statement given to the media.

"These are serious times, in which Macedonia has a potential to tackle all challenges wisely, reasonably, responsibly, proudly and with dignity," Gruevski said after the meeting with the parties of the ruling coalition "For Better Macedonia.'

He added that he won't allow for "any politician or party to violate the interests of Macedonia."

PM Gruevski just read out the statement, declining to answer journalists' questions.

The meeting of the Prime Minister with the leaders of the coalition "For Better Macedonia" is part of the intensive consultations between the state leadership and political parties, which were taking place in Skopje on Friday.

[MakFax]

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

Friday, March 14, 2008

A BEAR CONVICTED IN MACEDONIA?

National.

A Macedonian court has convicted a bear of theft and damage for stealing honey from a beekeeper who fought off the attacks with thumping "turbo-folk" music.

"I tried to distract the bear with lights and music because I heard bears are afraid of that," Zoran Kiseloski told top-selling daily Dnevnik after the year-long case of the bear versus the beekeeper ended in the beekeeper's favour.

"So I bought a generator, lit up the area and put on songs of Ceca."

The bear stayed away for a few weeks, but came back when the generator ran out of power and the music fell silent, Kiseloski said, adding, "it attacked the beehives again".

A court in the city of Bitola found the bear guilty, and since it had no owner and belonged to a protected species, ordered the state to pay the 140,000 denars ($3696) damage it caused to the hives.

There was no information on the whereabouts of the bear.

MD: Unbelievable :) This is more likely to be a April first joke, but we're still in March ?! ;)

[Reuters]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:28 am | Permalink | Comments

EARLIEST MACEDONIAN IMMIGRANTS IN THE US, IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Diaspora.

The first records of people who had declared ethnic Macedonians immigrating to America occurred in the late 19th century, according to American archive documents.

These historical facts give an answer to Greek, Bulgarian and other propagandas denying the Macedonian nation, saying that it was a Tito's creation after the World War II.

An incomplete list containing names and surnames of 7.821 ethnic Macedonians who had immigrated to America in the period 1897-1924 was released today by Rainbow, a party founded by Macedonian minority in Greece. The list is entitled "Members of a 'non-existing' nation with names and surnames... (when Tito was a child...).

The data in this list of emigrants have been obtained from the Ellis Island Museum Archive. In the late 19th and early 20th century, many immigrants came to New York through an immigration station called Ellis Island, near the southern tip of New York's City Manhattan Island.

"The number of persons who had declared themselves Macedonians when arriving in America could be much higher given the number of archive's passenger search combinations," Rainbow leader Pavle Voscopoulos.

Emigrants from Macedonia declared themselves Macedonians - ethnicity Macedonian - which differs from Bulgarian, Serbian and Greek.

[MakFax]

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

USA: GREECE STILL DOES NOT RECOGNIZE MACEDONIAN MINORITY

Regional.

Greece continues to deny the existence of Macedonian minority on its territory and to pressurize that members of Greek society. This is stated in the Report of the US State Department on human right practices in 190 countries across the world in 2007, publicized late Tuesday.

The report for Greece states existence of citizens that identify themselves as Macedonians, Turks, Pomaks (Slavic speaking Muslims), Vlachs, Roma, Arvanites (Orthodox Christians who speak a dialect of Albanian). Many individuals who defined themselves as members of a "minority" found it difficult to express their identity freely and maintain their culture, State Department says.

The report states that persons that identify themselves as ethnic Macedonians are victims to the application of the law, which allows taking away citizenship from "persons who commit acts contrary to the interests of the country for the benefit of a foreign state".

"The governments enforces the law in virtually all cases against persons who identified themselves as ethnic Macedonians, whereas the number of such cases has never been revealed, is said in the report. The government did not recognize the Slavic dialect spoken by persons in the northwestern area of the country as Macedonian, or as a language distinct from Bulgarian. Most speakers of the dialect referred to themselves as "natives," while a small number of Slavic speakers insisted on using the term "Macedonian," a designation that generated strong opposition from the ethnic Greek population," the report states.

This population claims that Greek authorities for many years pursued a policy designed to discourage use of their language.

Government officials and the courts denied their requests to identify themselves using the term "Macedonian," because approximately '2.2 million ethnic (and linguistically) Greek citizens already use the term to identify themselves'.

[MakFax]

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

GRUEVSKI - BAKOYANNIS UNANOUNCED MEETING

National.

"There is still no progress for the name, nor flexibility from the Greek side", said Macedonian prime minister, Nikola Gruevski after meeting Dora Bakoyannis yesterday.

This first meeting between Gruevski and Bakoyannis was held at the meeting of European national parties in Brussels, Belgium.

"There was no progress, but we can say that the fact that we have met, is allready a progress", Gruevski said.

He added that he anounced the Macedonian position to Bakoyannis, which the Greeks find unacceptable, while Bakoyannis explained him the Greek position, which is unacceptable for Macedonia.

The meeting was also attended by the American ambassador in NATO, Viktoria Nuland, who pointed out to Gruevski and Bakoyannis that there has to be a solution before the 2nd of April.

MD: Will this issue ever end? Probably not, since Macedonians have problems with Greeks thousands of years, but the chance to see Greece taking a step back is increasing more and more everyday. Also a high US think-thank has stated that Greece should moderate its unreasonable stance and reach a compromise with Macedonia.

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:10 am | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, March 13, 2008

PLANT A TREE, PLANT A FUTURE CAMPAIGN

National.

Athletes, pop stars, actors, politicians and police in Macedonia took part in a massive tree planting campaign on Wednesday.

Thousands of people poured in to various pick up points from where they were transported on buses, leaving every two hours, to 63 locations around the country where tree planting is underway.

The campaign, under the slogan “plant your future”, was initially launched by local and international non-governmental organisations but has gained in momentum after the government gave its backing to the project at the beginning of the month.

The aim is to plant some 2.1 million trees across Macedonia- one to match each citizen residing in the country.

The start of the campaign was marked with a symbolic planting of a cherry tree, near the grave of the recently deceased pop icon, Tose Proeski who was killed in a car accident in Croatia on October 16 last year. His death shocked the country and there was a outpouring of emotion for several days after the tragedy.

The Jewish community has also announced it will plant 7200 trees to mach the number of Jews that perished during the fascist regime which occupied Macedonia during the Second World War.

In a sign of friendship, the country’s border police together with colleagues from neighbouring states will plant trees along the main border crossings.

“We want to see Macedonia as a small oasis of forest,” government spokesman Ivica Bocevski told media two weeks ago when he announced backing for the campaign.

The campaign is part of a bigger programme that envisages planting some 10 million trees by the end of 2008. Macedonia was hit by a series of wildfires that raged across the whole Balkans region during the summer of 2007.

The government has previously calculated a damage of over 60 million euros, but ecologists claim that the harm to the environment is in fact incalculable.

Organisers have said they would like to see this campaign in other Balkan countries as well.

MD: Great initiative!

[Balkaninsight]

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

SEVENTY FILMS AT SKOPJE FILM FESTIVAL

Culture.

The eleventh edition of theSkopje Film Festival will be held on March 29-April 6 under motto “Full Film Treatment”.
Over 70 films in six programs will be screened in the course of the nine festival days. These are world film hits in the framework of the main festival program, program author’s film, “Sound and Fury” for film and music, anima program, selection of short films, and retrospective program of Italian films.

The films will be projected in cinemas “Millennium” and “Ramstore”, and the Macedonian Cinematheque, which will also host an exhibition of posters and photographs from prior festival editions.

“Nase Maalo” production house organizes the event, announcing about 30 additional activities, such as workshops, lectures at universities, presentations of latest technologies and products in the film and TV industry, as well as concerts and parties.
Tanja Janevska is the program selector, whereas this year’s festival edition is supported by the Ministry of Culture.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

MACEDONIA GENERALLY RESPECTS HUMAN RIGHTS

National.

The Macedonian government generally respects the human rights of its citizens, however police abuse of suspects and human trafficking continued to be a problem, says the State Department's report on human rights practices.

The annual report on human right practices, which covers 190 countries around the world, was released on Tuesday.

The report notes the allegations on police abuse of detainees and police harassment of ethnic minorities even though the authorities took the necessary steps to strengthen control on police.

The report says corruption and political pressure in the interior and justice ministries, the courts and the public prosecutor's office impeded the investigation of some human rights abuse allegations and the process of bringing the accused to trial.

The country continued to be a transit and destination country for victims of trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation and labor. Societal discrimination against ethnic minorities, particularly Roma, continued to be a problem.

Macedonia continued to be a transit and destination country for victims of trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation and labor.

Societal discrimination against ethnic minorities, particularly Roma, continued to be a problem.

There was a slight overall improvement in the human rights situation compared to the previous year, including improved internal controls and professionalism of security forces and a decrease in the prevalence of interethnic discrimination.

The government generally respects the freedom of speech and of the press even though there are allegations on threats against media not reporting in favor of the government, including a subtle pressure by the government.

[Makfax]

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