Macedonia Daily.org: June 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

RERUN VOTING WITHOUT INCIDENTS

National.

Voters' turnout at Sunday's repeat voting of the election rerun until 13:00h is 25,64% in 15 polling stations in electoral districts 1 and 6, where no serious problems are detected, the State Election Commission-SEC announced.

Incidents have been registered only at two polling stations in Bojane, Saraj municipality. One person threw the ballots away in polling station 2445. In polling station 2446, also in Bojane, voting was halted for an hour after an attempt for proxy voting.

In relation to the voting interruption in Bojane village, MoI arrested A.N. (20) from the same village, employed as driver in the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy. Criminal charges are due to be brought against him.

Voting at both polling stations is currently underway.

14.551 voters are registered in the 15 polling stations, where election rerun is being held, which is 0,82% of the total number of eligible voters in Macedonia. Polling stations on Sunday will be opened from 07:00h to 19:00h.

[Mia]

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

NO COALITION WITH ALBANIAN PARTY YET

National.

No agreement for participation in the government's coalition was reached at this weeks separate meetings between the Prime Minister-Designate Nikola Gruevski and the leaders of DUI and DPA, Ali Ahmeti and Menduh Thaci.

According to the government's spokesman, the negotiations are still at the point of harmonizing the platforms for eventual coalition cooperation.

The talks are due to resume in the course of the next week.

[Makfax]

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

AUSTRALIAN COMPANY IN SEARCH FOR URANIUM

National.

Australian Mining Company "Universal Mining" based in Perth is visiting Macedonia. The company is the largest exporter of Uranium in Western Austrlia.

Honorary Macedonian Consul to Australia, Zoran Kjoseski accompanied the businessmen in Prilep. "Universal Mining's" sole business is mining, specifically uranium. They have already been informed of Uranium presence in Mariovo, however they also believe there is uranium in eastern Macedonia as well. The company has submitted their requests for research to the Ministry of Economy," said Kjoseski.

Mariovo's Uranium rich mountains were popular with the Yugoslav Secret Service back in the 1950's. The Project lasted three years and ended under the veil of secrecy. Macedonian authorities have no knowledge what was discovered and or how much uranium is there. All documentation regarding the project was taken to the "Vinca" Nuclear Institute in Belgrade.

The Australian businessmen have already created a mixed Macedonian - Austrlian Company named "Mak Red River Resources", and have started exploration for various minerals at Sopotnica, near Demir Hisar.

[Mina]

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

Friday, June 27, 2008

CLAUDE LELOUCH IN MACEDONIA

Culture.

Great legend of the French film, Claude Lelouch has confirmed his attendance at the First Festival of French Film that will be held in Ohrid on 1-5 July. The festival will open with “Life in Pink” (The Passionate Life of Edith Piaf) by Olivier Dahan, an extraordinary film dedicated to the great chanson singer Edit Piaf.

An opening of Claude Lelouch’s latest film, “Roman de Gare” (Crossed Tracks) will mark the end of the festival. Lelouch is expected to arrive with the stars of the film, Dominique Pinon and gorgeous Fanny Ardant.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

NIMETZ ARRIVES IN SKOPJE

National.

The UN special envoy on name dispute between Macedonia and Greece, Matthew Nimetz, Friday in Skopje will hold talks with Macedonia's top state officials.

Nimetz will hold separate meetings with President Branko Crvenkovski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

The UN mediator will land in Skopje following his Thursday's visit to Athens, where met with Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

Nimetz, said Thursday in Athens that he presented several proposals to Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis for settling the name dispute, but declined to reveal any details in this respect. Nimetz told reporters that he had heard the views of the Greek side from Bakoyannis, namely about what may and may not be acceptable for Greece.

Today, Nimetz will present the same ideas in Skopje.

President Crvenkovski and PM Gruevski on Monday held coordination meeting prior to Nimetz's visit. Macedonia's well-known position on further active participation in this process was reaffirmed where the top priority is preserving the identity and dignity of the nation.

[Mia]

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

HUGE FIRE NEAR SKOPJE'S BAZAAR

National.

The huge fire that tore through a store at Nikola Karev Boulevard in Skopje, also known as Plastic Alley, sending huge flames and clouds of smoke above the city skyline, was put under control.

The fire broke out in "Marmaris" carpet store and spread onto the house where the store is situated.

There have been no reports on eventual casualties thus far.

Several firefighting vehicles were dispatched at the site to battle the blaze. The firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control.

The police have sealed the blaze site.

[Makfax]

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

Thursday, June 26, 2008

PROVOCATIONS BY THE GREEK ARMY IN LERIN

Regional.

The Greek “Ethnofylaki” or “National Guard” is a military unit, officially and legally integrated into the structures of the Greek Army.

It is a form of state organization, with the task to “protect the state against any form of extraordinary, internal or external, threats”

A few weeks ago the Florina/Lerin Greek National Guard Battalion organized a festive gunfire training for its members and all potentially interested civilians.

The last sentence of the invitation for the event, coming from an official entity of the Greek state, constitutes a flagrant and outrageous provocation against a sovereign state, the Republic of Macedonia, whose borders are only 20 kilometres away from the place the event took place.

Furthermore, yet again it is proof of Greece’s hypocrisy, which on the one hand accuses the Republic of Macedonia of irredentism while on the other hand constantly adopts irredentist policies and fosters provocative acts against this country.

We regret to conclude that Greece will never accept the existence of the Macedonian people, inside and outside of its borders, unless it is forced to do so.

EFA-Rainbow reveals the true face of the Greek “democratic” state, its real intentions, and urges all EU institutions to exercise pressure on our country.

Are we to wonder if the slogan "MACEDONIA IS ONE AND GREEK!" promoted by the Greek government and the Greek army will be used to invade the Republic of Macedonia in times of instability in the Balkans?

Greece must once and for all start acting like a true EU member-state and not like an expansionist totalitarian dictatorship of the past.

[Florina.org]

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

EXHIBITION OF DRAWINGS IN CANADA

Culture.

Macedonian Cultural Centre with St. Nikola Church Municipality in Windsor, Canada opened a grand exhibition of children's drawings, the largest in the Essex County on 20th June. The organizers of the show the topic of which is "Save the Planet" are Mare and Gligor Stefanovski under the auspices of St. Nikola Macedonian Centre.

They announced a competition for children’s drawings and launched a campaign among almost 7000 students in 100 schools. The campaign was educational and included several subject. Besides drawings, the ctudents made research of the environment and its protection, discussed and wrote texts, made joint projects and 3D works of waste etc. The show runs through 2 July.

[Macedonian CCW]

[Culture.in.mk]

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

IVO TRAJKOV HONORARY AMBASSADOR IN CZECH REP.

Culture.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski handed the title Honorary Ambassador of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia in the Czech Republic to director Ivo Trajkov yesterday. Trajkov is a graduate of the famous FAMU Czech Academy in Prague where he also works as the Head of Editing Department. He is the author of a number of films made on current topics that made his recognized and respected in the Czech Republic and elsewhere. His film “The Great Water,” a Macedonian-Czech co-production, was the Macedonian candidate for Oscar.

Having received the title, Trajkov said: “I will continue to do what I have been doing until now only that it is now official. All this is made with the aim of recognition of our identity. That has already started with the Cinema Days workshop which has managed to ensure fantastic cooperation between film workers in the region and confirm our identity in the best possible way.”

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

CYRILLIC, MACEDONIAN GREATEST BRAND

Culture.

“Macedonian Cyrillic script is one of our greatest brand we can be proud of and we should keep and modernize. When we set the basic principles of this campaign, we did not hope for such great support in the public,” Ivo Laurencic, director of Idea Plus Communications and one of the initiator of the project “I Keep What Is Mine – While I Write in Cyrillic, I Exist” in a press conference yesterday.

Ana Jankovska of Idea Plus Communications marketing agency said the project for preservation, use and modernisation of the Macedonian Cyrillic was expected to end on 10th June. However, because of the great public interest and endeavour by the scholarly and expert community, its implementation will resume as of September.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST REPORTERS

National.

Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski continued throwing accusations against some of the reporters from Brussels, asking them where did they get "the false information" about the content of the European Council's conclusions.

"My reactions in the interview were motivated by the interests of the country and citizens," Gruevski says in his media statement released today.

Nevertheless, he expresses regrets in case he hurt the feelings of the journalists who fulfill their duties honorably and professionally.

In the interview given to the state-run agency MIA last weekend, PM Gruevski accused part of the reporters from Brussels of deliberately painting a negative picture about Macedonia by reporting that the European Council voiced objections about the Macedonian elections. According to Gruevski, no remarks of such a nature were included in the final conclusions.

[Makfax]

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

MAJORITY WANTS TO ENTER EU

National.

Majority of Macedonian citizens believe that Macedonia's membership in the European Union will bring benefit to the country.

The poll conducted by Eurobarometer showed that 82 percent of the respondents think that Macedonia would benefit from membership in EU.

As many as 72 percent of those polled gave positive answer to the question whether membership in EU would be a good thing for Macedonia.

[Makfax]

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

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

MACEDONIAN NIGHT IN PORTUGAL

Culture.

Portugal filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira, the legend of the world film, was handed the World Award for Humanism for 2008 at the Serralves Palace in Porto. On behalf of the Ohrid Academy of Humanism, Ambassador of Macedonia and prominent author Jordan Plevnes handed the award to the winner. “Every year, Macedonia and the town of Ohrid remind of the Mediaeval School of Humanism of St. Clement, the patron of Macedonia and founder of one of the first universities in Europe,” Plevnes said.

Accepting Wooden Church, a work by Macedonian artist Zivko Pejovski, Oliviera said his revealing of Macedonia had started in the works of the national poet Luis de Kamoesh from the 16th century, who called the country “Magic Macedonia in Brotherly Europe.”

On that occasion, Honorary Consul of Macedonia Pedro Kudel opened an exhibition “Ohird and Prespa – Treasures of Macedonia” by art photographer Zoran Veljanovski – Letra. The book “Macedonian Language in Global World” and a docymentary with the same title were promoted at the ceremony, which was highly publicized in the Portugal media.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

MACEDONIAN STAMKOS #1 DRAFT PICK IN THE NHL

Sports.

Steven Stamkos is the first Macedonian to be drafted as the #1 Draft Pick in the NHL and will join another Macedonian currently playing in the NHL, Ed Jovanovski.

Steven was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Steve's family comes from Aegean Macedonia.

MD: Very good!! Another succesfull Macedonian sportsman!

[Mina]

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

PRESERVING IDENTITY AND DIGNITY

National.

The position of the Republic of Macedonia in the negotiations over the name differences with Greece has been reaffirmed, and preserving of the identity and dignity of the nation is set as the highest priority.

This was announced after the meeting of the state leadership, which was held Cabinet of the President Branko Crvenkovski and attended also by the PM Nikola Gruevski, Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and the Macedonian negotiator Nikola Dimitrov.

Matthew Nimetz, the mediator in the negotiations, is expected to arrive to Skopje ion Friday to present the new proposal which includes four versions of the name North Macedonia.

Diplomatic sources said Nimetz made it clear that the proposal contains no specific name, but only a concept for settling of the issue.

PM Gruevski remains on his position the Macedonian citizens will have to vote at a referendum on any proposal implying change of the constitutional name.

[Makfax]

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

CRVENKOVSKI GIVES GRUEVSKI MANDATE TO FORM GOVERNMENT

National.

President Branko Crvenkovski Monday gives the mandate for Government's composition to Nikola Gruevski, VMRO-DPMNE President, based on results from early parliamentary elections.

- Now I have 20 days for composition of new Government and for consultations with political parties. Afterwards, I should submit the draft-programme to the Parliament and Government to be elected according to constitutional deadlines, Gruevski said.

After the meeting he pointed out that the new Government will have a lot of work, fulfilment of many projects, much energy and more successes.

On journalist question whether he will use the final deadline for Government's composition Gruevski said that it cannot be foreseen because today he will start the consultations and talks with the political parties.

However, I would like it to end a day earlier, Gruevski said.

PM Nikola Gruevski Monday afternoon held separate meetings with DPA and DUI leaders, Menduh Thaci and Ali Ahmeti.

[Mia]

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

Monday, June 23, 2008

JOURNALIST SUSPECTED OF MURDERING 3 WOMEN

National.

Police arrested a Macedonian journalist on suspicion of murdering at least three elderly women, authorities said Saturday.

Vlado Taneski, a newspaper correspondent, first became a suspect because his newspaper articles included details of the crimes that officials had not released. He has not yet been charged with any crimes. "Police arrested Vlado Taneski, a 56-year-old man from Kicevo, a town about 120 kilometres southwest of the capital, Skopje, as the main suspect in the murder of two elderly women," police spokesman Ivo Kotevski told reporters Saturday.

"He is also suspected of being involved in another murder of a woman and (in the disappearance of) a 78-old female who is still missing." The three women died in 2005,2007 and 2008.

Police alleged that Taneski, a former correspondent from Kicevo for the national daily Utrinski Vesnik (Morning Post), killed the three women in brutal fashion.

"All victims were found naked, strangled, wrapped with phone cables and placed in nylon bags hidden in different locations," Kotevski said. "The women were sexually and physically abused. For example, the last victim, a 65-year old female, was found with 13 deep wounds on her scull and multiple rib fractures."

Police said the victims' lives bore similarities to that of Taneski's late mother, with whom he had a poor relationship. "All victims were elderly females with poor education who had worked as cleaners. They all were from the same neighbourhood of Kicevo," Kotevski said.

The fourth female, who was reported missing in 2003, has the same profile and police suspect that she, too, has been murdered, Kotevski said. Taneski lived in the same neighbourhood as the women who were killed, Kotevski said.

Kotevski said the journalist was arrested Friday afternoon at his home in Kicevo. During a search of the home, police found pornographic videos, the police spokesman said. Police searched Taneski's summer cottage in a nearby village on Saturday, and found "biological material" in the cottage, Kotevski said.

MD: This morning several newspapers said that Taneski has committed suicide in the Tetovo prison. Official statements are yet to be anounced.

[Canadian Press]

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

TURKEY LOBBIES FOR MACEDONIA

National.

Turkey will continue to support the Republic of Macedonia in its drive to join NATO as quick as possible, Turkey's Special Forces Commander, Lt. Gen. Servet Yoruk, said on Friday.

A high-level Turkish military delegation, led by Lt. Gen. Yoruk, kicked off a two-day visit to Macedonia on Friday. The delegation includes eight Generals and an Admiral of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Turkey.

During the visit, the Deputy Chief of Staff of ARM, Lt. Gen. Adyl Gazafer, briefed the Turkey's military delegation on the process of restructuring of ARM and defense reform.

Turkish delegation will visit Kemal Ataturk memorial room in Bitola as well as other cultural-historical sites in Skopje and Ohrid.

[Makfax]

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

US OFFICERS TO TRAIN BORDER POLICE

National.

Six officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement will arrive in Struga on Monday to train the Macedonian Border Police Officers.

The U.S. officers will train the Macedonian border police in methods used to track persons suspected of smuggling and other illegal activities in border areas.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will donate a $40.000 worth of technical equipment to the Macedonian Border Police.

The training is part of U.S. Embassy support for Macedonia's efforts to ensure that its borders are secure against the illegal movement of goods and people. It is a follow-up of the similar training conducted in 2007.

[Makfax]

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

Friday, June 20, 2008

TACI: GREECE BEHIND VIOLENCE

National.

The leader of Macedonia’s Democratic Party of Albanians appears to suggest Greece orchestrated violence during the elections, and not members of his party.

“A neighboring country’s secret service has invested millions in one Macedonian political party in order to destabilise the country with serious election irregularities,” Democratic Party of Albanians leader Menduh Thaci told media.

Thaci refused to mention the name of the country but it was clear he was talking about Greece.

“This helped them to acquire fresh arguments why Macedonia should not get a NATO invitation because the “name” argument is too weak,” Thaci went on to suggest.

Athens-Skopje relations plunged to a new low in April after Greece vetoed Macedonia’s invitation to join NATO. Greece says the name Macedonia implies Skopje's territorial claims on the northern Greek province of the same name and vetoed Macedonia’s NATO bid because of the unresolved dispute.

Thaci did not say whether the political party that he mentioned was the DPA’s bitter ethnic Albanian political rival, the Democratic Union for Integration, DUI, with which they previously exchanged strong accusations over who was behind the violence that left one person dead and several wounded during the June 1 polls.

The DPA leader rebuffed previous claims by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE, poll monitors that DPA members in high police positions are responsible for the violence and irregularities during the election.

On Monday after Sunday’s poll rerun, the OSCE head of Macedonia mission, Robert Barry urged for a “removal of party activists from senior political positions,” directly singling out high police officials from DPA ranks including the Deputy Interior Minister Refet Elmazi.

MD: Many people thought this, and how could we not? But then again, there is no proof, maybe in the future?

[Binsight]

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

GRUEVSKI: NAME REFERENDUM POSSIBLE

National.

Brussels_ Macedonia’s Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski says a referendum on the ‘name’ issue is possible in a bid to settle the row with Greece.

“It (the referendum) is part of our programme, and if we come to a good solution, then yes, we will organise a referendum,” Gruevski said.

Macedonia is under pressure to resolve the dispute that in April stalled its bid to join NATO due to a Greek veto.

If a solution is found by July 9, Macedonia could still catch up with Albania and Croatia, the other two countries that were offered membership of the alliance in April. On July 9 they are set to sign the NATO accession protocol.

Greece says the name Macedonia implies Skopje's territorial claims on the northern Greek province of the same name and vetoed Macedonia’s NATO bid in April because of the unresolved dispute. There is concern that Greece could also block Skopje’s bid to join the European Union.

EU foreign policy Chief Javier Solana, who met Gruevski on Wednesday evening, said he hopes that name dispute will be solved soon, as the issue has raised debates even within the EU – with Slovenia and Greece clashing on Monday on whether Brussels should make a resolution to the dispute a precondition for the start of Macedonia’s EU accession talks.

“These problems have been for a long time waiting to be resolved,” Solana cautioned.

Meanwhile there is growing media speculation in both Greece and Macedonia that the outgoing United States administration led by George Bush is preparing one final push to resolve the issue by July 9.

[Binsight]

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

UNDERAGE MARRIAGES PROBLEM IN DEBAR

National.

Underage marriages are one of the major problems of the Roma community in Debar.

This is the conclusion of today's panel discussion in Debar, set up by the Foundation Open Society Institute–Macedonia (FOSIM) in cooperation with the Center for Community Sustainable Development.

The participants of the discussion said the tough economic situation is one of the main reasons for the marriages between Roma minors.

The consequences of this phenomenon are dropping out of school, health problems in Roma girls that entered marriage, as well as high divorce rate.

[Makfax]

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

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

PROBISTIP TO BE RENAMED INTO ALEXANDRIA?

National.

The non Governmental Organization "Macedonian Civilization" is asking every city in Macedonia to have at least two large structures, streets, boulevards etc that will carry the name of Alexander the Great and Philip II, the Macedonian.

Signature for their initiative will be asked of the new Parliament as well as all City Mayors.

Macedonians can support this initiative by putting their signatures as part of a petition to be announced later this week at different locations accross Macedonia. This initiative by the MC was started yesterday. The goal of the organization is to rename at least one city in Macedonia to Alexandria, Philip and other Macedonian Historical figures.

There is no serious country in this world, that doesn't have a city called Alexandria. Every country who wishes to express any kind of heritage or calls on their roots, or just pays respect to history, has a city with this name. The United States has fifteen of them called Alexandria. 80 km south of Milan, there is a city called Alexandria as well. We are the only ones who doesn't have one, even though his heritage is ours. For example, we can call Alexandria the "Sun City" currently being built on Vodno, or the new city being built for young couples between Miladinovci and Sveti Nikole. Or, we can rename our youngest city, Probistip to Alexandria. If you ask us, Probistip is the perfect choice, because Alexander's gold mines were located in the mountains rising above Probistip, say representatives from the Macedonian Civilization.

MD: Very good idea!! This should have been done earlier, of course the Greeks will be starting making problems as soon as the town gets the name! :)

[Probistip]

[Mina]

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

MACEDONIA NEEDS NEW POLITICAL DIALOGUE

National.

Macedonia now needs a constructive dialogue between all political players as well as consensus for completion of the reforms necessary for the European integration of the country, EU Enlargement Commissioner's spokesperson said today.

Olli Rehn's spokesperson Krisztina Nagy gave this statement in the context of the situation in Macedonia following the parliamentary elections.

"Commissioner Rehn thinks that a new political climate between all political players in the country has to be put in place. The constructive dialogue between all political parties, both the governing and opposition ones, will be of key importance for the consensus on reforms," Nagy said in at a press conference.

She conveyed Commissioner Rehn's expectations that "the new government will take vigorous steps for completion of the reform agenda to the benefit of the citizens and the European aspirations of the country."

"There is still much to be done in other areas highlighted as priorities in out Report from last November. The recommendation for opening of negotiations will depend on the achievements of the country," Nagy said.

[Makfax]

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

US TO PUSH FOR NAME SETTLEMENT

National.

The new government in Skopje will be formed very soon, and this means that Athens will see a big push by Washington for a near-term solution to the name issue, Greek Ta Nea daily said.

The paper quotes unnamed diplomats as saying that the United States is expected to pile pressure for quick settlement of the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece at the upcoming meeting of the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

The same sources say the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz will visit Skopje and Athens soon. He is likely to table a new proposal on the name.

[Makfax]

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

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

FEUD OVER MACEDONIAN ENTRY

National.

European Union foreign ministers clashed on Monday over whether to offer Macedonia the prospect of opening membership talks this year, with Greece leading opposition to its neighbor's hopes, diplomats said.

Reuters agency cited diplomatic sources as saying that a clash erupted behind closed doors over a proposal by the Slovenian presidency that this week's EU summit should declare Macedonia can still start accession talks this year if it meets a series of benchmarks. Greece, which has a long-running dispute with Macedonia over the country's name, denounced the state of democracy in the country and said there could be no question of opening negotiations at this time.

"The issue of the name of the country is still flying like a ghost over the whole discussion," Swedish EU Affairs Minister Cecilia Malmstrom told reporters. EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn offered a toned-down compromise wording but even that met resistance, led by Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

Exchanges became so tense that Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, chairing the meeting, denied Bakoyannis the floor for another riposte, saying he would have to "close Dora's box", one participant reported.

The 27 EU leaders will have to thrash out the issue at a summit on Thursday and Friday after ministers failed to agree on consensus wording for the summit statement, diplomats said. In a statement, the ministers regretted "violent incidents and other serious shortcomings" in the conduct of a June 1 general election and urged the government to investigate and act on all reported serious irregularities.

They reaffirmed their commitment to Skopje's "European perspective" but did not mention the start of negotiations with the Balkan candidate country or the conduct of the partial re-run of the election on Sunday.

"The Council expressed its hope that the new parliament and government will be established soon, enabling the country to achieve rapid and sustainable progress in its further reforms, which are important for its EU integration process," the EU ministers said.

[Makfax]

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

CHILDREN AWARDED BY SWEDISH ART MUSEUM

Culture.

Five Macedonian children are the winners of awards by the International Children Art Museum in Worby, a town in the vicinity of Stockholm, the organizer of an exhibition, “Dreams.”

Around 500 schools were invited to take part in the show on the topic “What do children and youth around the world dream about?” and drawings by David Kostov (6), Frosina Ugrinova (12), Luka Andreev (15), Aleksandra Milanova (15) from Skopje and Vidanka Dimitrievic (16) from the village of Pepeliste, Negotino will be exhibited in the Museum by September.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

94TH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY RESERVES

National.

Macedonia ranks 94th on the list of countries according to foreign currency reserves with $2,15 billion, reports U.S. media and financial concern "Bloomberg".

China has the largest foreign currency reserves ($1.682.180.000.000), followed by Japan ($970.010.000.000), Russia ($549.100.000.000), India ($304.880.000.000), and Taiwan ($290.070.000.000). US reserves stand at $49.970.000.000, Great Britain ($48.640.000.000), and Germany ($44.970.000.000).

From a regional aspect, Bulgaria has largest foreign currency reserves amounting to $17.890.000.000, followed by Croatia ($15.460.000.000).

Total global foreign currency reserves, which include gold reserves, are estimated at $6.822.070.000.000.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Monday, June 16, 2008

OBAMA: MACEDONIA TO STOP BREACHING INTERIM AGREEMENT

National.

Macedonia to stop breaching the Interim Agreement with Greece, to stop all unfriendly activities and to cooperate with Greece to find mutually acceptable solution to the dispute.

The above statement was taken from Greek Daily "Vima" in an interview U.S. Presidential Candidate Barack Husein Obama gave to 'Voice of America', Greek language service.

His statement had made Athens very happy, as "Vima" points out. In its interview Obama has emphasized the good relations between Greece and the U.S, which, at the moment had cooled off because of the Bush Administration.

Obama had issued support on the Cyprus issue as well as called on Turkey to return properties belonging to the Greek Church.

Obama is closely tied to and funded by the Greek Lobby in the U.S.

MD: It's obvious it would be very bad for Macedonia if Obama manages to win the elections. He supports the Greeks and is fully supported by them and their lobby in the US. However, several people are stating that the words of Obama are totaly taken out of its context and somehow made up by the Greek journalist, Mr.Bitsis, who interviewed Obama

[Mina]

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

BICYCLE MARATHON IN HONOUR OF TOSE

National.

Dusan Vodlan from Slovenia will begin 1.400 km. long bicycle marathon at noon in Krusevo from the grave of Tose Proeski to Begunje in Slovenia. Amateur marathon bicyclist will ride this long trip in honour to Tose Proeski, who was very popular both in Slovenia and entire Balkan region.

Vodlan is expected to pass route in four days. The race is organised by the Committee in honor to Tose Proeski and Association for Slovenian and Macedonian Friendship from Ljubljana.

The mother of Dusan Vodlan (53) is Macedonian and his father is Slovenian. His highest bicycle accomplishment is passing 2.000 kilometres for opening the Athens Olympic Games in 2004.

The civic initiative for collection of signatures for construction of commemorative house of Tose Proeski in Gumenje ends today in Krusevo. Over 5.000 signatures were collected so far.

[Mia]

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

POSITIVE AND CORRECT ELECTION PROCESS

National.

The State Election Commission announced Sunday that 43.116 out of 161.669 voters have voted by 13:00 hours and voter turnout is 30,8%. Two weeks ago the voter turnout was 28,28% by 13:00h and 25,56% at 2006 parliamentary elections.

SEC President Jovan Josifovski at the press conference said that the highest voter turnout is 29,35% i.e. 25,660 voters in election district (ED) 6, 9,157 voters i.e. 36,8% in ED 2 and 8,299 voters i.e. 27,82% in ED 2.

SEC assesses the election process as positive and correct. SEC and other institutions created good grounds aimed at citizens to exercise their right to vote, Josifovski.

SEC President said that several persons who stuffed 10 ballots into the ballot boxes in Tetovo region have been arrested and added that there is no danger of misuse because each ballot has the number of the polling station.

He said that the cooperation with the Municipal Election Commission in Saraj has been significantly improved since morning. Five SEC members went in Saraj and misunderstandings between the President and members of Municipal Election Commission have been surpassed.

Josifovski said that election process is being conducted normally in peaceful and democratic atmosphere in Kondovo and voter turnout is high. Polling stations in Tanusevci and Malina Maala where there were irregularities on June 1 have been opened on time today.

He has no information for violation of election process in 26 polling stations in Lipkovo, Kumanovo region. Larger police presence of police guarantees the security of election committees, Josifovski said.

[Mia]

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

Friday, June 13, 2008

LAKE OHRID 3 MILLION YEARS OLD

National.

Lake Ohrid is over three million years old, with three tectonic forces still active.

According to a preliminary study conducted by the Ohrid-based Hydro-Biological Institute and German Institute for Geology and Mineralogy, seated in Cologne, Lake Ohrid has a life span of more than 3 million years.

During the preliminary study, samples were taken from sediments of the lake's bottom at all depths. Further analyses should give an answer to the exceptionally high level of endemism in Lake Ohrid. According to scientists, the large endemism in Lake Ohrid is closely connected to the old age of the lake.

According to Berndt Wagner of the Cologne Institute, further studies on the sediment are expected to reveal the entire history of the Lake Ohrid. Therefore, the research will continue in the next decade, he added.

The research, worth around 4 million euros, will continue in 2009. The Cologne Institute will provide more than 60% of funds though the International Corporation for Research. Macedonian government is expected to contribute 100.000 euros.

MD: Very interesting! This lake is certainly one of the oldest in the world, if not the oldest, and also the deepest in Europe. Lake Ohrid looks more like a sea!

[Makfax]

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

MACEDONIAN STRUGGLE MUSEUM

Culture.

Responsibility to the past and the future are the basic motives for construction of museum complex “Macedonian Struggle”, uniting the VMRO Museum and Museum on Communism Victims, which cornerstone was laid Wednesday in Skopje center.
The Government allocated Denar 9 million (Euro 150,000) for the project, due to be completed in 14 months. According to Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, the museum complex should represent a bridge between Macedonia’s glorious past and the future optimism, commitment and progress.

PM Gruevski said museum complex “Macedonian Struggle” would represent a symbol on the aspiration of the Macedonian people for freedom, its collective zeal for an independent and democratic state, its national and state identity.

“It is our obligation and duty to express our gratitude to all those who sacrificed themselves for these ideals, and wish them eternal glory”, he added.

Gruevski stressed the items displayed in the museum complex would represent the historic turmoil and golgotha of the Macedonian people in realizing its vision of freedom, as well as resistance against the communist dictatorship, and the firm determination for democratic values and ideals.

State Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska said the project represented a moral duty and debt of the current Macedonian generation and state authorities in paying respect and recognition to all those who gave their lives for independent and sovereign Republic of Macedonia.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

LAST CHANCE FOR MACEDONIA

National.

"This is the last chance for Macedonia to prove it has capacity to organize violence-free elections and the party leaders have to understand that every act of violence, of intimidation and each fired shot is an attack on the democratic values of the country and an act that undermines its future," EU Ambassador to Macedonia said.

Ambassador Erwan Fouere met today with the Interior Minister Gordana Jankulovska to discuss Sunday's rerun of the parliamentary elections, A1 TV Station reported.

"Unfortunately, the moment when police reaction is needed marks the moment when the conditions for holding elections have already been violated, and that is exactly why we urge so clearly and explicitly all participants to take do their share and contribute to the election process," Minister Jankulovska said.

MD: Let them finally see that violence is not tolerated!

[Makfax]

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

Thursday, June 12, 2008

UNIQUE INSCRIPTIONS FOUND

Culture.

Archeologists and conservers of the Ohrid and Struga museum revealed unique inscriptions of a Byzantium note letter during excavations at sites in Dolna Prespa near village Tugenec.

According to Ohrid Museum conserver Goce Angelecin-Zura, this is a rare epigraphic monument, written in the Byzantium note letter “nevmi”, unique for the Ohrid-Prespa area, and the Balkan region in general.

Zura reminded that this church singing is famous, originating from the time of educators Kliment and Naum.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

STATE SUPPORT FOR ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN PRILEP

Culture.

The Ministry of Culture will support all projects of national interest, said Tuesday State Secretary Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska while visiting monastery “St. Arhangel Mihail” in Prilep settlement Varos.

Kanceska-Milevska paid a visit to Prilep cultural institutions, in order to select ministry-funded priority projects.

“Reconstruction of shelters within monastery ‘St. Arhangel Mihail’, archaeological research in monastery ‘St. Preobrazenie Zrze’ have already been supported, whereas additional funds will be allocated for archaeological research of the 12-13th century church ‘St. Nikola’ in village Manastir. Ministry’s priorities also include monastery ‘Treskavec’, antique site ‘Stibera’ etc”, confirmed the Ministry State Secretary.

Moreover, the Prilep Museum should develop a project for reconstruction of the icon depot, while center of culture “Marko Cepenkov” an overhaul project.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

28 SCULPTURES TO BE PLACED IN SKOPJE

Culture.

A total of 28 artists have been selected to create sculptures intended to ennoble Skopje’s center and the City Park. The list of authors is diverse, including founders of Macedonian contemporary sculpture, sculptors of the “middle” generation, current professors at the Faculty of Fine Arts, up to young artists.

The selected artists are Natasa Bozarova, Damjan Gjurov, Tome Bundevski, Blagoja Cuskov, Tome Adzievski, Zoran Kostovski, Saso Popovski, Valentina Stefanovska, Zoran Tosevski, Zlatan Trajkov, Angel Nacevski, Branko Jaksic, Angel Dimovski, Vlado Pavlevski, Aleksandar Ivanovski-Karadere, Saso Sazdovski, Darko Dukovski, Elena Dukovska, Riste Stankov, Dimitar Filipovski, Grozdanka Kinikova, Vasil Nikolovski, Ivan Ivanovski, Nina Ninevska, Antoni Maznevski, Iskra Dimitrova, Sinisa Noveski, and Simeon Arnaudov.

According to Ministry of Culture State Secretary Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska, the sculptures will be set at the quay of river Vardar, street and square “Macedonia”, and the City Park.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

NAME TALKS TO RESUME

National.

Greek and Macedonian negotiators in the name row are to meet Thursday in New York with the UN, Macedonian diplomats have told Balkan Insight.

The diplomats who wish to stay anonymous said the meeting with the Greek ambassador to the United Nations, Adamantios Vassilakis and his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Dimitrov would be in preparation for UN envoy Matthew Nimetz’s planned visit to the region soon.

Macedonia’s government spokesman Ivica Bocevski on Monday neither confirmed nor denied the information for Balkan Insight.

The meeting will take place after they were stalled due to the June 1 general elections in Macedonia.

Greek-Macedonia relations hit a new low in April after Athens vetoed Skopje’s invitation to join NATO arguing that the country should change its name first.

Greece says the name Macedonia implies Skopje's territorial claims over Greece's own northern province of the same name. The name row has been ongoing for 17 years. UN-sponsored talks have failed to provide a breakthrough in the dispute so far.

Skopje should solve the row by July 9 if it wishes to catch up with Albania and Croatia who in April secured their NATO invitations. On that date both countries are to sign the accession protocol with the alliance.

But analysts in both countries argue it would be highly unlikely for a quick compromise solution to be reached soon considering the hardline rhetoric of both Skopje and Athens expressed in the last months.

On Friday Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said in Athens that his country’s position towards Macedonia’s name “remains unchanged.”

Previously Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki expressed pessimism about a quick solution, blaming Athens for not recognising Macedonia’s ethnic identity.

[Binsight]

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

BOSKOVSKI, TARCULOVSKI AWAIT ACQUITTAL

National.

Minister of Finance Trajko Slaveski during Monday's meeting in the Scheveningen prison with Ljube Boskoski and Johan Tarculovski conveyed that the Macedonian Government kept on providing all forms of support for their acquittal i.e. to prove their innocence.

- I spent four hours with Boskoski and Tarculovski at separate meetings. Both of them anticipate the verdict, due to be brought in early July, to be an acquittal. They believe justice will prevail, not only because they plead innocent to the accusations, but also because it has been proved that they are not guilty during the trial, stated Slaveski for MIA.

He added that Boskoski and Tarculovski had been well-informed about the developments in Macedonia.

- Both of them were interested in the economic and political situation in Macedonia, but we spent most of the time talking about topic referring to everyday life, noted the Minister.

Minister Slaveski, who pays a visit to the Netherlands where he took part at the Dutch constituency meeting of the World Bank and IMF, also met Monday with Edina Rasidovic, Boskovski's lawyer.

Boskovski and Tarculovsk in Scheveningen are awaiting verdict, which is expected to be brought in July by the Judiciary Council of the Hague Tribunal regarding the Ljuboten case stemming from 2001.

The trial began on April 16 2007, while it ended in May 2008. Boskoski and Tarculovski before the court pleaded innocent on all accounts of the accusation. A total of 64 prosecution and defense witnesses took stand during the trial, whereas about 1,200 exhibits were presented.

The defense asked for acquittal in its closing remarks, opposite the prosecution which urged prison sentences for Boskoski and Tarculovski - 12 and 15 years respectively.

The Judiciary Council is expected to reach a verdict within three months since the closing remarks

[Mia]

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

Monday, June 09, 2008

MACEDONIANS TOLD TO COLLECT GARBAGE AT THE BORDER

National.

Greek police officers had reportedly maltreated Macedonian citizens at Dojrani border crossing, forcing them to clean up the crossing point before they return to Macedonian soil.

The maltreating of Macedonian truck-drivers happened on Friday morning at Dojrani crossing point on Greek side of the border, police sources told Makfax news agency.

The four truck-drivers from Macedonia, with age 26-60, had been allowed to re-enter Macedonia after they cleaned up the site. Greek border police gave the Macedonians brooms, rubber gloves and plastic dumpers and forced them to clean up and collect the entire waste at the border crossing.

Macedonian citizens with initials M. K. (26), A. B. (25), O. M. (36), and M. D. (60) reported the incident to Macedonian police once they entered Macedonian soil.

This is another case of maltreatment of Macedonian citizens in Greece en-route to their homeland.

MD: It's getting more absurd everyday!

[makfax]

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

THEATRE FESTIVAL IN PRILEP

Culture.

A ceremonial parade of orchestra and jugglers from the Macedonian Cultural Center, followed by presentation of life achievement awards to actors Kiril Andonovski of the Macedonian National Theatre, and Lidija Ivanoska and Blagoja Ivceski of the Prilep Theatre marked Friday the opening of the 43rd edition of the biggest Macedonian theatre festival "Vojdan Cernodrinski" in Prilep.

Moreover, Bitola Theatre performance "Dalai Mama" of Ljubisa Georgievski, directed by Dejan Projkovski was played in center of culture "Marko Cepenkov".

This year’s festival edition will include ten performances produced by almost all theatres in the country, selected by artistic director, actor Petar Temelkovski.

"Comedy of Errors" by Shakespeare, produced by Strumica Theatre, will be played on Saturday evening at 19,30h, followed by the host, Prilep Theatre with performance "The Lighthouse", directed by Vlado Cvetanovski at 22,00h. Moreover, "Serdarot-Forever Love" will be performed in the yard of church "St. Nikola" in Prilep settlement Varos at midnight.

The festival will also present performances by the Skopje Drama Theatre, Macedonian National Theatre, Veles Theatre, Albanian Theatre, Stip Theatre, and Turkish Theatre, assessed by jury comprised of Luran Ahmeti, Blagoja Corevski and Vase Mancev.

The festival program also includes debates, roundtables, exhibitions, and promotions. Play "Neighborhood Upside Down" of Drama Theatre, performed in honor of the laureates, will close the festival on June 12

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Saturday, June 07, 2008

FIRST INTERNATIONAL STUDENT POSTER CONTEST

Culture.

Over 300 posters from all over the world have arrived at the first international student poster contest in Macedonia titled “Tolerance-Global Challenge”.An international jury will select the best, which will be displayed in Skopje Museum as of June 20.

The contest is organized by association “Plakart”, which plans to hold the contest as a biennial. The project is realized in cooperation with the Skopje Museum, funded by the Ministry of Culture and the City of Skopje.

Young people at the age of 18-28, students from the fine arts and graphic design academies are entitled to take part. Posters should possess an artistic, and not commercial value, meeting the contest’s goal – moving tolerance from the sidelines of social communication.
They should focus on sociological aspects, such as poor social conditions, social dependence of youth, ethnic and class intolerance, as well as raise the awareness in creating a bridge for cooperation among diverse culture. The contest is also an opportunity for international contest of ideas and creation of posters that represent a powerful took for mass communication.

The best posters will be selected by an international jury, chaired by Lech Mayewsky, president of the Warsaw Poster Biennial, which is first of this kind in the world.

The display in the Skopje Museum will be open until July 5.

[Skopje poster]

[Culture.in.mk]

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

GREECE SLAMMED IN EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

National.

The Slovenian representative in the European Parliament, Jelko Kacin, slammed Greece's attitude toward Macedonia and called for adequate response from the European institutions.

Kacin urged EU institutions to protect the basic principles of the inter-state relations and to take measures against Greek "planned policy of escalation and deliberate provocations", "pouring oil on fire" and "poisoning of the political atmosphere in the region."

"Athens' lame explanations, which came just days after my discussions and public warnings voiced in the European Parliament over the inadmissible discrimination of the airplane passengers and airliner MAT, proved as plane pretending and misleading of the MPs and the public," Kacin announced.

Kacin specifies that Greece's denial to allow overflight of the Macedonian plane caused financial damages to the airliner and constitutes discrimination of the passengers, whose vacation was cut short.

"The same happened with the President of Macedonia - a country with 'unfortunate name'," Jelko Kacin said.

According to him, the decision of Macedonian President to cancel - on the behalf of his country - his participation at an important international meeting in Athens, is "logical and triggered by Greece's planned policy."

"Evidently, these incidents do not occur randomly. We are witnessing a planned policy of escalation and deliberate provocations on the part of Greece, which pour oil on fire of the already strained relations between the two governments," Kacin added.

MD: Finally they are seeing it!

[Makfax]

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

EU URGES TO REGISTER OMO ILINDEN PIRIN

National.

EU urged Bulgaria to change the legislation on public gathering and free expression of thought, which would enable the party of the Macedonian minority OMO Ilinden Pirin to hold public gatherings.

EU Ministerial Committee requested from Bulgaria to deliver a copy of the new draft-law on public gathering and to provide continuous information on developments concerning this law.

In the second decision, the EU Ministerial Committee calls Bulgaria to put efforts into registration of OMO Ilinden Pirin as a political party, in line with the rulings of the European Human Rights Court.

Bulgaria has been notified that a constant monitoring until the December's session of the Committee, will apply for this issue also.

"This represents a major step forward. But, having in mind the stubbornness of the Bulgarian authorities, I don't think that registration will take place immediately," the President of OMO Ilinden-Pirin Stojko Stojkov told A1 TV Station.

[Makfax]

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

Friday, June 06, 2008

CRVENKOVSKI CANCELS TRIP TO ATHENS

National.

Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski has cancelled his participation in a regional summit in Athens, as Greece banned Macedonian official plane to land in Athens, President Crvenkovski's Cabinet said.

"Such a move by authorities in Greece is not in line with the international regulations and principles and it certainly does not contribute to the development of good neighborly relations and the commitment to sharing the common European and democratic values," Macedonian president said.

Crvenkovski's Cabinet said the airliner landing ban coincides with Greece's ban on flights and landings of Macedonian private airliner MAT.

Macedonian president was notified by Greek Liaison Office in Skopje that the official plane is not allowed to land on Greek territory. The Greek Office suggested other types of transport, but President Crvenkovski refused them as unacceptable.

President Crvenkovski was to take part in the UN traditional forum n water resources management in South-East Europe, to be held in Athens next week.

Greek President Carolos Papoulias and the UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura, the co-organizer of the forum, extended an invitation to Macedonian President Crvenkovski. Nonetheless, Crvenkovski cancelled the scheduled trip due to circumstances beyond his control.

MD: Unbelievable! Another absurd action by the Greeks.

[Makfax]

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

MACEDONIAN SCIENCE IN UKRAINE

Culture.

Event “Days of Macedonian Science in Ukraine” will be held in Odessa on June 5-8, organized by Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences, the country’s Ministry of Education and Science, Odessa National University, and the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU).

The event will include an international scientific conference, including MANU representatives, academicians Georgi Stardelov, Gligor Kanevce, Petar Ilievski, Gane Todorovski, Taki Fiti etc.

Moreover, the Macedonian delegation will set a commemorative plate at the house where Krste Petkov Misirkov had lived and worked.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

AWARDS ON BUSSINES CLIMATE REFORMS

National.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski received late Wednesday the award for reforms that Macedonia has implemented, putting it on the fourth spot on the list of 10 most reformatory countries in the world according to report "Doing Business 2008" of the International Financial Corporation (IFC)-World Bank.

Earlier, Gruevski and Stavreski took part at the Reformers Club forum of investors organized by IFC, including ministers and diplomats from seven countries of the top-ten list - Egypt, Croatia, Georgia, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Bulgaria - along with a number of officials from the World Bank, IFC, and large international investment corporations. PM Gruevski and Vice-Premier Stavreski stressed in their addresses Macedonia's advantages, among which reduction of taxes, improvement of cadastre operations, acceleration of the procedure for business start-up, along with other activities for improvement of the business climate.

"Because of the reforms we implemented, Macedonia is seen with much respect, and a country that is interesting for investors", said PM Gruevski after the forum, adding that experiences of the other nine most reformatory countries could be applied in Macedonia. Pertaining to the "Doing Business 2008" report, Gruevski stressed the country would resume with the reform process, improvement of the business climate, which should result in higher economic growth, more investments, increased export and output, and opening of new jobs.

"We are not burdened by the spot we occupy, the important thing is to do the job and move forward. Of course, recognitions are pleasant, because investors talk about them, so it is good to be involved in such an ambiance", underlined Gruevski. Vice Premier Stavreski reiterated that reforms are a continual process, emphasizing the importance of improving business climate in Macedonia.

"This forum, attended by more than 100 most renowned investors from the entire globe, is the best advertisement and recommendation for Macedonia, so that investors can see that good and positive things happen in the country. The Government is mostly focused on the business climate and reforms, which will result in more investments, increased economic growth, more jobs and improved living standard", stated Stavreski.

According to him, the Government's program encompasses about 50 new measures for improvement of the business climate, among which reduction of social benefits, thus decreasing the companies' costs and increasing their competitiveness, introduction of the concept of gross-salary, increase of salaries, electronic court cases for acceleration of judicial procedures, increased flexibility of the labor market etc. Macedonian officials met with a number of US and European companies taking part at the event.

"There is interest for Macedonia, because when a renowned institution such as the World Bank sheds a positive light on the country, investors believe in this, resulting in their interest, whereas some will visit us in the upcoming period and begin talks on concrete investments", added Stavreski. The forum, held at the New York Stock Exchange, was opened by Graeme Wheeler, World Bank Managing Director.

"Today we are here to celebrate the champions of reforms. They contribute to the building of stronger economies and create opportunities for development and employment", said Wheeler. According to "Doing Business 2008", Egypt is the most reformatory country in the world, whereas Croatia is the regional leader. On the general list, Macedonia is ranked 75th, which is a 21-spot improvement from the previous year.

[Mia]

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

Thursday, June 05, 2008

GREEK TROOPS WITH INVALID DOCUMENTS

National.

KFOR Greek contingent, which tried to enter in the Republic of Macedonia on Tuesday, possessed national travel orders in Greek language, and a list of people and equipment which did not correspond to the factual state. This is contrary to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on movement of such NATO military convoys, said Wednesday Foreign Ministry Spokesman Vasko Andonovski.

"According to SOFA, the troops must possess a NATO travel order and appropriate documents, but Macedonian competent bodies determined yesterday that soldiers had national travel orders in Greek language, and a list of people and equipment which did not correspond to the factual state. Therefore, the reactions coming from Greek institutions are surprising", added Andonovski.

Andonovski said, "We expected the Greek reaction, taking into account the neighbor's practice to present Macedonia as the side that initiates problems, even in cases when reality and facts demonstrate the opposite".

He said that a Foreign Ministry official has already informed NATO representatives on the case.

"NATO officials have confirmed this is disrespect of entry procedure. Therefore, the case, which is not even a case, is closed", stressed the Foreign Ministry Spokesman.

The KFOR contingent of Greek troops arrived at the Macedonia-Greece border on Tuesday morning, but was denied entry by authorities. After border officers explained the procedure, the KFOR contingent decided to return to Greece upon consultations with their superiors.

[Makfax]

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

JOINT PATROLLING AT THE LAKE

National.

Members of Macedonian and Albanian border police conducted for the first time Wednesday a joint patrolling at the Lake Ohrid, Makfax correspondent said.

The joint cross-border patrolling was envisioned in the treaty on cooperation between the Macedonian and Albanian police, in line with the SEE Police Cooperation Convention, adopted in May 2006.

The primary goal in launching mixed police patrols is to strengthen the co-operation between Macedonian and Albanian police in the border area in a bid to prevent the cross-border organized crime, said Ohrid Police Station chief Goran Dostinoski, adding that security situation at Ohrid Lake is stable.

The main problem is caused by fish thieves, as no law in Albania bans fishing. Quite often, the fishermen from Albania enter Macedonia's territorial waters. Furthermore, a number of Macedonian citizens accidentally enter Albania's territorial waters during summer holiday season, Dostinoski said.

The launching of mixed police patrols will curb illegal crossing of the border and also curb the trafficking in human beings, said Sali Gorica of Albanian Lake Police.

Another problem is that there is no physical border between the Macedonian and Albanian part of Ohrid Lake. The lake border was disrupted during Albania's riots 10 years ago.

[Makfax]

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