Macedonia Daily.org: December 2008

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

WELCOME 2009, GOODBYE 2008

Dear MD readers,

Another year has gone by, the time goes so fast, last christmas seems like a month ago. 2008 was again a wonderfull year, many things happened, especially for Macedonia. Of course we will continue like this and even better in the new year 2009 and hopefully many more years to come.

We would like to thank you again, for supporting and visiting our site, for the positive comments but also the negative comments and we will ask you to keep visiting the site and to be involved in the Macedonia Daily Spotters Network.

For now we would like to wish you a very happy new year and all the best wishes for 2009! It's time for a little break, we will be back on Monday and hopefully you will too!

Yours Sincerely,

Macedonia Daily

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 1:54 am | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, December 25, 2008

TANEC RECEIVES ORDER OF MERITS FOR MACEDONIA

Culture.

Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski awarded the ensemble for traditional dances and songs "Tanec" with an Order of Merits for Macedonia.

The Decoration is awarded for special merits in preservation and fostering of the Macedonian folklore legacy and long-standing successful presentation of the artistic values of the traditional dances and songs in the country and throughout the world. By doing this, Tanec gave an exceptional contribution to affirmation of the Macedonian cultural legacy.

President Crvenkovski also awarded an Order of Merits for Macedonia to the civil association "Life Spark" for outstanding contribution in prevention of malignant diseases and especially for carrying out activities for improvement of the women's health and raising the awareness for timely diagnosing and modern treatment of breast cancer.

The President will hand over the State Decoration at a special ceremony scheduled for Friday in Skopje.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

EUROPEAN FUNDS FOR CULTURE OPEN TO MACEDONIA

Culture.

A seminar and a workshop on the European Union Programme for Culture 2007 – 2013, held in organization of the Ministry of Culture and KKT (Cultural and Contact Point of Macedonia), promoted a guide-manual intended for cultural institutions. The guide is a European Union paper, a manual describing the procedure of applying with the European funds in the area of culture.

According to Biljana Prentoska of KKT, the new guide 2007-2013 is much simplified because the European Commission made effort last year to simplify the procedure for application and the application itself. Cultural operators, not only national and local but the non-governmental secrot and private profit-earning organization in the area of culture (on condition that they do not profit from the particular project) may apply within the Programme 2007-2013 with projects with European dimension and values.

Three projects were selected within the application invitation for 2008. Macedonia became the full-fledged member of the network of cultural points in January by signing a memorandum. However, the country was involved in the Programme even before as an associated member country. So far, the invitation for 2009 has seen two non-governmental organizations applying with projects.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

BAKOYANNIS: HAGUE LAWSUIT IS GRUEVSKI'S TACTICAL MOVE

Regional.

The lawsuit lodged by Skopje in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, is just another tactical move of the Macedonian PM Nikola Gruevski, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said in an interview with the "Army" magazine.

Bakoyannis underlined that Athens had strong political and legal arguments, which will be presented at the Court.

Commenting Macedonia's position in the negotiations over the name, the Greek minister said that it was consisted of tasteless rhetoric typical for the dark past of the Balkans and a tactics for internal purposes.

[MakFax]

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

MACEDONIA TIMELESS

National.

A video, “Macedonia – Timeless,” the first in a series advertising videos aimed at promoting Macedonia in the world as a tourist destination, will be promoted in the Museum of Contemporary Art at 12.00 p.m. today.

Authored and directed by Milcho Manchevski, the video is starting its promotional journey on 25 December on CNN and CNN International only to resume it in a dozen of countries in eight more languages. A web page, www.macedonia-timeless.com, has been created to support the campaign.

MD: Simply; WOW!!! Great video, it took our breath away for a second. This video represents Macedonia at it's best. What else should we have expected of Milco Mancevski, he is a great artist!! Lovely to see how he added ancient macedonia in the clips, how he used the beautifull song "uci me majko, karaj me" and that he added NY Times articles about Macedonia on the site.

[Macedonia Timeless]

[Culture.in.mk]

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

TURKEY TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN MACEDONIA

National.

Turkey will encourage its companies to invest in Macedonia and ensure that the level of economic relations match that of excellent political and overall cooperation.

The visiting Turkish Parliament President Koksal Toptan made the statement in Skopje today, reaffirming Turkey's strong support to Macedonia's NATO bid.

Toptan met with his Macedonian counterpart Trajko Veljanovski and the PM Nikola Gruevski and gave an address before the parliament.

In his address to the Macedonian lawmakers, Toptan reiterated Turkey's disappointment of the "great injustice" inflicted to Macedonia at the NATO Summit in Bucharest.

He conveyed the stance of the Turkish government about seeing Macedonia as a part of NATO, as the country had already met all the necessary criteria.

[MakFax]

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

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

FRCKOVSKI TO PAY 30.000 EUROS

National.

A court in Skopje convicted Ljubomir Frckovski, a professor at Law Faculty, of defamation and ordered him to pay 30.000 euros as civil reparation to Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

The case stems from defamation suit brought forward by Gruevski, who claimed Frckovski had defamed him and seriously hurt his reputation in a column published in Dnevnik daily in 2007.

A1 TV said the criminal court ruled that Frckovski also must pay 2.500 euros in damages within next three months.

In closing statement, the prosecutor demanded that the defendant be convicted of slander and libel and that he be fined 6 million denars.

The defendant claimed that the column was a stance to shed a light on the work of current authorities and politicians in the Okta sellout.

MD: Gruevski has already stated that the money will be given to charity

[MakFax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:21 am | Permalink | Comments

FIRTST NEW CHURCH IN 80 YEARS TO BE BUILT IN TETOVO

National.

A new church will be built in Tetovo, the first one after 80 years, Makfax's correspondent reported.

The new religious object will be constructed in the north part of the town, at a 3,000 square meter-site located near the sports hall.

The total investment is estimated at about 1 million euros. The funds will be provided through citizens' donations, and a portion of the needed resources will be allocated by the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

The announcement of the tender for the architecture design and the execution of the construction works of the new church building is expected to be published after New Year's holidays.

The idea for the new church was initiated by the citizens of the Tetovo's District of Boris Kidric with support of the Tetovo's clergy, under blessing of the Metropolitan Kiril.

Tetovo's local authorities have already adopted the decision for building of the new religious temple.

[MakFax]

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

NEW INCIDENT AT MACEDONIA - KOSOVO BORDER

National.

Discontent with the manner of demarcation of the border at the locality Kodra Fura, the inhabitants of the border village of Debalde smashed the border stones of the recently marked Kosovo-Macedonia borderline, Alsat-M cited Kosovo's TV Station RTK as saying Monday evening.

RTK conveyed statements of the local population, saying that the Macedonian Commission failed to respect the agreement for refraining from intrusion into the properties of the inhabitants. According to them, 12 to 15 hectares of land are in question.

The deputy head of the Kosovo's Commission for the Border Demarcation, Murat Meha, told RTK that the two commissions are working together to find a solution for this sensitive part of the border, which would be acceptable for both sides, and of course, for the inhabitants of Debalde.

[MakFax]

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

Monday, December 22, 2008

POSSIBLE MOVIE ABOUT MACEDONIAN SOLDIERS IN IRAQ

National.

Three famous US film studious are in talks of creating a movie about the first Macedonian contingent in Iraq. The movie will be action packed, based on true events, for which a book has been written.

The book had been written first as a diary by Metodi Hadzi Janev, a professional soldier in the ARM, but was later transformed into a book.

The film has strong support among the US film studios, though their names are not released by the Macedonian side because of the sensitivity in the talks.

The focus will be on the Macedonian contingent arriving on Iraqi soil in 2003, with the time frame being from June 2003 to December 2003. During this period, the Macedonian contingent was engaged in half a dozen ferocious battles with Iraqi insurgents who had either cornered or surrounded US troops.

The Macedonian elite soldiers, popularly known as "Wolves", had managed to save the US troops during each engagement, without taking any casualties. For their bravery, the US Government had issued several "Wolves" a Federal Medal, the Bronze Star, normally reserved for US soldiers.

The film studios had said that 5 battle scenes will be used in the movie. All battles occurred during the last quarter of 2003. The Macedonian soldiers will be played by US actors, who will learn Macedonian for the movie.

There had been a running joke with the Macedonian soldiers in Iraq who instead of learning English, they preferred to teach the Americans to speak Macedonian.

[MINA]

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

MAYOR THREE YEARS IN PRISON

National.

Kiril Todorovski, the Mayor of the Skopje's Municipality of Aerodrom has been sentenced to three years in prison for receiving 100,000 euros bribery.

Besides Todorovski, two more municipal officials got prison terms of three, i.e. one year.

The Police arrested the Mayor last April under suspicions of receiving kickbacks totaling 100,000 euros. During the trial, he claimed he received the money as a donation for building a church.

After the trial, Todorovski - who had been elected as Mayor as a candidate of the ruling VMRO DPMNE - said that the accusations against him were of political background.

[MakFax]

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

15 NEW INTERNET CAFES TO BE OPENED BY THE GOVERNMENT

National.

Government will open new, free Internet clubs in 15 cities across Macedonia in order to bring the information technologies closer to citizens, IT Minister Ivo Ivanovski told reporters on Saturday.

- Opening of the new and functioning of the existing free Internet clubs will improve the access to information, thus bringing benefit to the society in general. The aim is to increase the Internet access for citizens, i.e. the so-called e-inclusion, Ivanovski said.

The new free clubs will be opened in Veles, Strumica, Debar, Probistip, Berovo, Makedonski Brod, Sveti Nikole, Radovis, Kratovo, Delcevo, Valandovo, Stip, Krusevo, Struga i Vinica.

Budget funds of Denar 20 million have been earmarked for initial financing of the new Internet clubs, Ivanovski said.

Last year, the Government opened 15 clubs, which according to analyses have been mostly visited by young people (from seven to 26 years of age).

The free Internet clubs are part of two projects - 'World in Your Palm' and 'Internet Access for Citizens', incorporated in the Government's strategy for development of IT society.

[MINA]

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

Saturday, December 13, 2008

AMERICAN WILL SWIM FOR MACEDONIA

Sports.

Alexander the Great, King of Macedon, initiated the Jewish people's integration in Europe with his conquests in the East back in the fourth century BCE.

More than 2,300 years later modern day Macedonia is hoping it can show that it is still a force to be reckoned with when the country makes its Maccabiah Games debut next year.

US-born Macedonian Rob Williams is trying to build up a delegation to represent the Republic of Macedonia at the 18th Maccabiah Games in July.

The 29-year-old swimmer has Macedonian citizenship and, after recent success, is being considered for the Macedonian National Team having narrowly missed out on selection for Beijing.

The main obstacle to assembling the delegation is money. Currently the team is entirely self-funded, which has already deterred two potential members from Canada and Australia from joining due to the high costs involved in travelling.

Even so, Williams, who made aliya in 2001 but now lives in London, insisted "my expectations are still extremely high."

"I am trying to look into ways to find funding so that if other athletes are interested, we could bring them," he told The Jerusalem Post.

He is equally optimistic in terms of personal objectives. "A goal wouldn't be a goal without a gold medal set in sight," he said. "However, my aim is to better all my current personal bests and to be the best delegate I can be. Given results from past Games, medals are possible for me in the 400 freestyle, 200 breaststroke and 200 butterfly."

Although eligible to represent Great Britain at the Maccabiah, Williams is going to such lengths to form the new delegation because "it would bring new focus to a very small, but very important, Jewish community in a country I consider a second home. We will be an amazing and dynamic addition to the Maccabiah family."

Of the 2-million-strong population of Macedonia, only around 200 are Jews.

This would not only be Macedonia's first appearance at the so-called Jewish Olympics, but also Williams's Jewish international debut. Competing has always been a dream of his, however, "as the Games represent to me such a triumph of the Jewish spirit, uniting communities on every continent. I loved being a spectator, and I know I will cherish being an athlete."

In the meantime, he spoke enthusiastically of the advantages of fielding a Macedonian delegation.

"The Maccabiah experience will not only use sport to bring together the Macedonian community, but help introduce the Macedonian community to the world," he said.

While the search for athletes continues, Williams has been in contact with Stuart Lustigman, of the European Maccabi Confederation, to build up Maccabi activity within Macedonia.

Rob Williams can be contacted at rob@maccabimk.org

[JerusalemPost.com]

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

US CONTINUES NATO SUPPORT

National.

The new U.S. administration will continue to support Macedonia's efforts to become a member of NATO, US official said on Thursday.

The U.S. support to Macedonia and Macedonia's participation in international peacekeeping missions were the main themes at the meeting of Macedonian Defense Minister Zoran Konjanovski and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England.

"We reiterated that Macedonian troops alongside U.S. troops and all NATO partners stand ready to participate in the fight against terrorism, and to contribute to global peacekeeping missions," Konjanovski said.

Konjanovski told Radio Voice of America's Macedonian news that Macedonia, after successfully fulfilling its mission in Iraq, is set to boost its military presence in Afghanistan.

[Makfax]

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

Friday, December 12, 2008

MACEDONIA FINISHES 7TH

National.

Macedonian women's handball team defeated Belarus national team 29:24 on Thursday to secure 7th place.

Macedonian handball players dominated the terrain throughout the match, driven by chants of about 6.000 enthusiastic spectators at Boris Trajkovski hall in Skopje.

Built on a string defense and goalkeeper performance, the host pushed ahead goal by goal. One counter attack after another at the Belarus goal and Macedonia extended the lead from 9:8 to 16:11 in ten minutes. After 30 minutes, the gap was still five goals with the score 17:12.

Macedonia fought for every ball. It took five minutes after the break, before the host was in front with six goals. The host kept strong and increased the lead to 24:16 and decided the match in the 46th minute.

Twelve minutes before the end the spectators rose from their seats and celebrated their team’s performance, that kept the distance to more than six or seven goals in a tough match.

In the final stage of the game the hosts had the greater reserves than Belarus and scored some very impressive goals especially from the wing positions.

Germany, Russia, Norway and Spain will compete this weekend to win the title of European women's handball champion.

[Makfax]

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

PROMOTION OF MACEDONIA'S MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS

National.

A two-day manifestation for promotion of four mountainous regions in Macedonia will open Friday in Mala Stanica.

The event is aimed at promoting the tourism capacities, including traditional handcrafts and local cuisine.

As many as 100 exhibitors will present the traditional food and beverages, milk and meat products and handmade souvenirs. The presentation will include also the tourism capacities and cultural activities in these regions.

[Makfax]

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

FORUM ON PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Culture.

Forum on topics “Four Years Since Enforcement of Law on Cultural Heritage Protection”, and “Situation with Staff in Institutions for Protection of Cultural and Natural Heritage in Macedonia” will be held in the Museum of Macedonia on Friday at 11,30h, organized by Macedonian national committees of ICOM, ICOMOS and “Blue Shield”.

Committee members will review the four-year practical implementation of the law, its positive and negative implications, as well as refer to the alarming state with expert personnel in competent institutions.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Thursday, December 11, 2008

MACEDONIA HANGS ON TO TITO'S MERCEDES

National.

The Macedonian government is holding on to a luxury handmade Mercedes car that once belonged to former Yugoslav communist leader Josip Broz Tito and refuses to sell it back to the manufacturer.

German company Mercedes Benz has offered the government three cars from its latest series in exchange for the limousine.

Known for his passion for luxury, Tito had ordered a specially made Mercedes to be stationed in each of the six Yugoslav republics.

He also had Rolls Royces and Cadillacs, yachts and luxury villas in different locations across Yugoslavia.

MD: The car pictured is not the actual car

[Express.co.uk]

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

GRUEVSKI TO ATTEND EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY SUMMIT

National.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski will take part in the European People's Party (EPP) summit, to be held in Brussels on Thursday ahead of the European Council meetings.

A number of European leaders are expected to attend the meeting of EPP Heads of State and Government along with the President of European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso, and the President of European Parliament Hans-Gert Poettering.

EPP Heads of State and Government further include Francois Fillon (France), Angela Merkel (Germany), Jan-Peter Balkenende (The Netherlands), Jean-Claude Juncker (Luxembourg), Silvio Berlusconi (Italy), Kostas Karamanlis (Greece), Donald Tusk (Poland), Yves Leterme (Belgium), Ivo Sanader (Croatia).

Gruevski will take the opportunity to present his counterparts fresh information about Macedonia's progress in reforms and the process of integration into the European Union, including the visa liberalization process.

[Makfax]

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

VINICA TERRACOTTA IN UTRECHT MUSEUM

Culture.

Presentation of the renowned terracotta icons from the Vinica Kale, which date from the 4-6 century, will be realized in the Utrecht Museum, the Netherlands in 2009.

The terracotta icons will be displayed alongside other items from Macedonian cultural heritage.

Representatives from the Utrecht Museum have visited the Vinica “Terracotta” museum, acquainting with the collection and the archaeological excavations at the Vinica Kale.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

BUCKO BEHIND BARS

National.

The former defense minister and prime minister Vlado Buckovski was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, after a court found him guilty on the charge of power abuse.

The ex-Chief of General Staff of ARM, Metodi Stamboliski, received the same sentence

The remaining three co-defendants in the case of army tanks spare parts, Aco Gjurcevski, Nelko Menkinovski and Mitre Petkovski, got three-year prison term each.

"The verdict is scandalous, to put it mildly. We have won the legal battle in the courthouse. Over the past 13 months, we have proved our innocence. However, the correctness of the judge was impaired in the last couple of days," said Vlado Buckovski.

"This verdict showed that the court rulings are being made out of courts," Buckovski said after pronouncement of the verdicts.

Metodi Stamboliski also said that the verdicts had been rendered out of the court.

"This serves as another indicator for the court's impartiality and the influence of politics on the judicial authorities. The ruling was rendered in advance, nevertheless, I hope that we will be able to reach justice at courts of higher instance," Stamboliski said.

MD: They didn't get him when he was attacked in Struga 4 years ago, when he had to be carried away with a helicopter. No helicopter this time for Bucko. Many people are happy with this news.

[Makfax]

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

BEFORE THE RAIN AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Culture.

"Before the Rain" by director Milcho Manchevski is a subject of a lecture at Columbia University in New York. Within the event, legendary film curator and the founder of the New York Film Festival, Richard Peña will have a public interview with Manchevski.

Manchevski’s latest film, “The Shadows,” has been presented in festivals in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria these days. The film has been included in the regular repertoire in many countries in Asia, South America, and Europe.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

ST.CLEMENT OF OHRID AWARDS 2008

Culture.

State awards "St. Clement of Ohrid" were presented Monday in the Parliament to this year's recipients for their life-long achievements in education, culture and health-care. The International Seminar on Macedonian Language, Literature and Culture and professor of mathematics from Kumanovo Agim Rushiti were awarded in the sphere of education, archeologist Vera Bitrakova-Grozdanova PhD and librarian Mile Bosevski in the sphere of culture, while the award for health-care was allocated to Dr Samuel Sadikario, an endocrinologist from Skopje.

- This awards links our collective memory with the universal values of St. Clement of Ohird, the first bishop amongst the Slavic people and his great body of work in the development of literature, education, art, culture and spirituality, stated academic Krum Tomovski, president of the board for allocation of the St. Clement of Ohrid awards.

The Seminar on Macedonian Language, Literature and Culture, which has been established within the Skopje University, is credited for affirming and developing the science of Macedonian language here and throughout the world for four decades.

Prof. Agim Rusiti has written over 200 articles on mathematics and publishes the only magazine on maths and IT in Albanian for the primary schools in Macedonia.

Vera Bitrakova-Grozdanova PhD has dedicated her career to studying the Macedonian ancient cultural legacy, thus becoming a leader on the matter not only in Macedonia, but also in the Balkans.

Mile Boseski is the most responsible for the development of country's libraries. He prepared and developed the Library Information System, a social information system in the country.

Endocrinologist Dr Samuel Sadikario is one of the pioneers for neuroendocrinology in Macedonia, as well as the founder of the center for diabetes.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Monday, December 08, 2008

FIRST MACEDONIAN CREDITCARD

Diaspora.

There's a new, convenient way for people who support United Macedonian Diaspora (http://www.umdiaspora.org) to fund the nonprofit group's work. It fits in a wallet or purse and it does not cost anything.

United Macedonian Diaspora and CardPartner, Inc. (http://www.cardpartner.com) have joined forces to launch the United Macedonian Diaspora Visa Affinity Credit Card. When a cardholder activates the card, United Macedonian Diaspora receives $50. Then once a month for the life of the program, United Macedonian Diaspora receives a check for a portion of every dollar that every cardholder charges.

"Using the United Macedonian Diaspora Affinity Credit Card for everyday purchases is an easy way for supporters to help further the Macedonian cause," said Denis Manevski, UMD Treasurer.

The United Macedonian Diaspora Visa Affinity Credit Card offers qualified cardholders exceptional benefits:

· No annual fee
· 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months
· Purchase protection
· Zero liability protection for unauthorized purchases
· Emergency cash and card replacement
· Lost/stolen card reporting service
· 24-hour roadside assistance
· Warranty manager service
· Lost luggage replacement

. Find out more by clicking here

MD: They sure look cool! Who doesnt want a credit card with Aleksandar Makedonski on it? The Greeks are allready protesting: protesting ;) Such a comedians they are. Anyway, you should get the card because it looks lovely, you have a new creditcard and you are supporting the UMD!

[United Macedonian Diaspora]

[UMD]

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

ST.CLEMENT OF OHRID DAY CELEBRATIONS

Culture.

For a second year in a row, the Day of St. Kliment Ohirdski (St. Clement of Ohrid), December 8, is celebrated as a national holiday in Macedonia. Dec. 8 aims to celebrate the life of the first original author and educator, the first bishop and founder of the Ohrid Literary School. Together with Naum of Ohrid, he is the most renowned disciple of Ss. Cyril and Methodius and is considered to be their most loyal follower.

Observing the holiday, a St. Clement of Ohrid award, the highest recognition for life-long achievements in the field of education, culture, art, health-care, sports and environment, will be presented Monday in the Parliament. On the same day in Ohrid, the city under the patronage of St. Clement of Ohrid, the Museum on Water will be formally opened. In the eve of the holiday, Skopje-based National and University Library, which bears his name, organised on Friday a second scientific meeting "The Literary Works of St. Clement of Ohrid".

Clement of Ohrid (835-916) is one of Macedonia's greatest educators and the first writer in the history of Macedonian literature. His works played a significant role in the development of the Macedonian culture and literacy. Especially important was the Ohrid Literary School, which he founded and had about 3.500 students. He is also credited for being one of the founders of the Cyrillic alphabet.

Nowadays, many churches, institutions, schools and associations are bearing his name. St.Clement is the patron saint of the city of Ohrid.

[Mia]

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

Saturday, December 06, 2008

TIMES REVIVE AT THE BAY OF BONES

Culture.

Ohrid is to be enriched with another cultural and historical landmark as well as with a tourist attraction - Museum on Water - an exceptional archaeological complex, which is one of a kind in the region.

On the southern coast of Gradiste Peninsula in the Bay of Bones, a pile-dwelling settlement has been erected, which in the past was spreading at a total surface of 8.500 m2. It is an authentic reconstruction of a part of the pile-dwelling settlement, dating back between 1200 and 700 BC.

A Roman military fortification (Gradiste) has been reconstructed on the hill above the Bay of Bones simultaneously with constructing the pile-dwelling settlement and the Water Museum. The walls of the fortification that once had protected the Roman Empire from its enemies, are once again lifted up on the hill near Gradiste.

The Roman fortress is connected with the settlement in order tourists and visitors to be given an extraordinary opportunity to experience time travel, from prehistoric to ancient times and vice versa.

The reconstruction of these two facilities was carried out under a project financed by the Government i.e. the Culture Ministry. Even on the onset of the construction works, the site was visited by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski who said the Museum on Water would represent not only a new tourist attraction, but also a testimony for an ancient civilisation.

It was a civilisation that was ahead of its time compared to other countries and continents, proving that Macedonia is an ancient country that has many things to offer before the world, said Gruevski.

The Museum on Water is set to be formally opened on Monday (Dec. 8) on the Day of St. Clement of Ohrid. The ceremony, which will be opened by PM Nikola Gruevski, is expected to be attended by numerous public figures.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Friday, December 05, 2008

MACEDONIAN ELECTED AS MAYOR

Diaspora.

Trajce (Troy) Atanasovski is the first Macedonian elected as a municipal mayor in Australia. Atanasovski has been elected today as Mayor of Brimbank, West Melbourne in the state of Victoria.

The election of Trajce Atanasovski is of great importance to the Macedonian community and stands as an imperative for greater inclusion of Macedonian in Australia's political life in order to have more say when it comes to matters concerning Macedonians.

MD: Congratulations!!

[Mina]

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

WELL KNOWN GERMAN WINERY TO SELL BOVIN WINES

National.

Gallier, a well-known German winery, will add Macedonia's Bovin wines to its list of high-quality wines.

Macedonian wine Alewander Cuvee alongside Vranec, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon will be put on sale in 33 Gallier's wineries across Germany as of December 11.

Macedonian wines will be displayed along with famous wines made in Chile, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Portugal, Austria and Germany.

[Makfax]

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

MACEDONIA REPRESENTED IN MALAYSIA

Culture.

Macedonian artists Gjorgi Culakovski – Giotto and Ilina Arsova represented Macedonia in a recently closed (26-30 November) art fair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Artists from more than 20 countries took part in the event through their galleries or as individual representatives. The Art Expo Festival took place in 140 exhibiting rooms.

Giotto, who is well known to the Malaysian art public, presented compositions in aquatint that received very praising reviews. His participation in the show was on special invitation of the organizer.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Thursday, December 04, 2008

BAKOYANNIS: NO GREEKS IN MACEDONIA

National.

There are no Greeks in Macedonia, but there is mistreatment of Greek citizens after the Bucharest Summit, says Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

This was the response of the Greek FM to a question posed by LAOS member Kostis Ajvaliotis who in Parliament asked "How is Greece protecting the Greek minority in Macedonia".

In letter obtained by the Macedonian media, Bakoyannis negates the existence of Greek minority in Macedonia, as requested by a radical group in North America that goes by the name of "Pan Macedonian Association".

The group has stated that Athens ought to protect so called "Greeks" in Krushevo, when referring to the Macedonian Vlachs. The Krushevo residents had responded to the protection offered by the group that 'Athens should look for Greeks in Greece, not in Macedonia', adding that there were 2.5 million Vlachs in Greece who are forbidden to speak their language and fighting for their properties to be returned

The Greek FM goes on to say that in Macedonia there are 422 registered Greeks, most of them Greek citizens. These people live in Skopje, Bitola, Gevgelija, Pehcevo, says FM Bakoyannis.

Despite official Greek ban for Macedonians in Greece to use Macedonian names, the Greek Foreign Minister used Greek names for the Macedonain cities throughout the letter.

While Macedonia has given up on their minority in Greece by changing the Constitution and signing the Interim Agreement, Bakoyannis did not hide the fact that Athens is working hard to make a connection with anyone in Macedonia who 'feels Greek'.

MD: Oops!! Miss Dora is not backing the Pan Macedonian Association in it's absurd claims?! That's a big blow to them ;) They even held a so called 'protest' in New York for rights of the Greek minority in Macedonia which does not even exists. But then again the protest was attended by 10 or even less people !

[Makfax]

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

MACEDONIA INFORMS TURKEY ABOUT INTERNATIONAL COURT CASE

National.

The foreign minister of Macedonia, Antonio Milososki, has sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart, Ali Babacan, personally notifying him of a file Macedonia referred to an international court against Greece, it has been revealed.

Macedonia lodged the complaint Nov. 17 at the International Court of Justice at The Hague after Athens blocked its bid to join NATO due to an ongoing dispute over naming rights. It was not immediately clear when the court would hear the case.

"The difference over the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia is not the subject matter of our application with the International Court of Justice. The Republic of Macedonia remains strongly committed to the process of negotiations with Greece, mediated by the special envoy of the U.N. Secretary-General," Milososki told Babacan in the letter, learned the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review.

"I strongly believe that the full respect of the Interim Accord would be in the interest of both countries and would positively influence development of friendly and good-neighborly relations," he said to Babacan.

Macedonia says Greece has violated a 1995 interim accord obliging Athens not to object to its membership in NATO or any other international organizations. Greece wants Macedonia to change its name on the grounds the name implies a territorial claim against the Greek region of Macedonia. Negotiations between the two countries are deadlocked at the United Nations.

At the last NATO summit in April, Greece blocked Macedonia's bid to join the alliance, while Albania and Croatia were invited to enter. Turkey, the first country to recognize Macedonia and to assign an ambassador to Skopje, is one of the strongest advocates of the country's membership in NATO.

A Turkish diplomat told the Daily News that Macedonia must be subjected to the same criteria as other candidates. "Bilateral disputes should not hijack Macedonia's participation in international organizations," said the diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous.

Turkey recognizes Macedonia by its constitutional name.

[Hurriyet]

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

KRANEV: NO BULGARIAN POLITICIAN WILL ACKNOWLEDGE MACEDONIAN MINORITY

National.

There is no politician in Bulgaria that will acknowledge existence of Macedonian minority in Bulgaria, whose rights have to be respected, said Krasimir Tanev, the President of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC).

"No human rights activist can be satisfied with the treatment of the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria. This minority is unrecognized in Bulgaria and the government is systematically denying the identity of the Macedonians living in Bulgaria and even of those living in their native country Macedonia. This stance results in discrimination of all those who declare themselves as Macedonians, by denying them the right of gathering , association, education in mother tongue, etc," Kanev said in an interview with Deutsche Welle.

He added that it is impossible to say how many rulings of the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg are needed to make Sofia government to register OMO Ilinden-Pirin, the party of Macedonians living in Bulgaria.

According to Kanev, this hostile attitude toward Macedonians has historic roots, as official Sofia considers the citizens of Macedonia as having Bulgarian origin.

The head of BHC specified that the latest census showed that 5,000 Macedonians are living in Bulgaria. These people are subject of constant pressures not to declare themselves as such, which is why the real number of Macedonians remains unknown.

"The government restored to repressive methods in the course of the last census, sending a clear signal that it would better not to declare oneself as Macedonian," Kanev said.

In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Kanev noted that at the time of pre-accession preparations, even the Union did not pay any special attention on the minority rights protection in Bulgaria.

[Makfax]

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

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

NO PROGRESS IN INVESTIGATION OF GLIGOROV ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

National.

No progress has been made in the investigation of the 1995 assassination attempt on the ex-President Kiro Gligorov as the Prosecution Office rejected today the allegations of involvement of the State Security Service.

The investigation found that the controversial photo of the car-bomb used in the assassination was taken by a German Professor who had come to Macedonia for a visit, and not by the witness - an ex-member of the State Security Service, the Public Prosecutor Ljupco Shvrgovski informed today.

The Prosecution Office confirmed they got hold of the film negative and the pictures taken by the German Professor.

The supplementary investigation failed to confirm witness's allegations that an employee of the State Security Service had bought the car bomb from Serbia. The car sellers did not recognize the person that was indicated as the buyer.

[Makfax]

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

VICE PREMIER BOCEVSKI AT EU PARLIAMENT SESSION

National.

"I am from Macedonia and I won't define myself in any other way than being Macedonian, stressed Vice Premier responsible for EU affairs Ivica Bocevski, responding to a Greek MEP at a session of European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs."

Responding to MEP's remark that Macedonia should demonstrate greater willingness for compromise with regard to the name row, Bocevski said the country thus far had made several concessions on the matter.

- Macedonia has accepted to be called under an acronym, it was under economic blockades, changed its flag, the Constitution and in spite of all that Macedonia remains dedicated to the EU integration. One should ask which country is more willing to make a compromise and to make progress, said the Vice PM, who delivered an address on Tuesday before the Committee.

He noted the word consensus meant finding fair and mutually acceptable solution that wouldn't harm the country's identity.

- The Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to the EU integration process and the country has political and administrative capacity to kick off membership talks, stressed Bocevski.
German MEP Bernd Posselt had an opening statement on Macedonia's progress in the EU. He expressed his disappointment and disbelief by the way Macedonia had been treated by the European Union.

-I am not happy with the work of the European Council. If I were to summarize any activities I would say I am disappointed with three things. I strongly disagree with the European Council's report on Macedonia's election. In 99% of Macedonia's electoral votes, the voting passed European standards, yet the country was given harsh report because of incidents among minorities in few tiny villages. Because of few villages we are punishing the whole country, says Bernd Posselt.

Posselt made a note on the way the European Union behaves towards the Macedonian Government. "An overwhelming majority of Macedonians and minorities support the Government, yet for any single individual from the opposition who boycotts parliament we go up in arms? Are we looking for something, anything to punish Macedonia?" asked Posselt.

The German MEP also expressed strong disagreement with the EC report on Macedonia's progress towards the EU. Bernd Posselt saw the progress as 'not realistic' and 'very harsh', adding that Macedonia is more fit to be a EU member than some current EU members. The leader of the Greens, Angelika Beer agreed with Posselt, accusing nationalistic Greece of causing problems in the region.

Slovenian MEP Jelko Kacin stated that EU had double standards given the fact that when it came to the status of any Western Balkans candidate country, deadlines were being set when something needed to be completed, whereas for Macedonia "it is impossible to set a date when something needs to start."

He stressed both Macedonia and Greece were very close to reaching a resolution, emphasizing that no one had the right to condition someone about his/hers national identity.

- When I talk about the language, I have the right for self-determination, when I talk about my affiliation I have the sole right to say who I am, what I am and how I feel. If someone wants to debate the name of my country that's fine, but the other two issues cannot be a subject of a debate, noted Kacin.

According to the MEP, a concrete date must be set for resolving the name dispute. He said that the best option was a date to be set by the three international subjects - the United Nations, EU and NATO, whereas the affected sides - Macedonia and Greece - to accept it, which is unlikely in near future.

[Makfax]

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

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

EUROPEAN HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS KICKS OFF TODAY

National.

The top European 16 women's national teams will compete for the title of Champion at the 8th European Women's Handball Championship which kicks off Tuesday in Macedonia.

The matches will be played at two venues - sports halls Boris Trajkovski in Skopje and Biljanini Izvori in Ohrid.

The sixteen teams playing in the European Championship are split in to a total of four groups, with four teams in each group. Macedonia plays in Group D, along with Germany, Croatia and Serbia.

The opening match Croatia-Serbia is scheduled to begin at 17:45 hrs, which will be followed by Macedonia-Germany in 20:15 hrs.

Group A is comprised of France, Hungary, Denmark and Romania, Group B - Norway, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine, and Group C - Russia, Sweden, Austria and Belarus.

Macedonian national team has no high ambitions, aiming to qualify for the second stage of the competition.

"Our objective is to pass the group matches. There are many strong teams, but there are many with changed line-up, so it's hard to predict their performance at the Championship," Dragana Pecevska, one of Macedonia's best players, told "Makedonski Sport" daily.

The organizing committee previously said they wrapped up all necessary preparations for successful hosting of the European Championship.

[Watch the games online!]

[MKD '09 EHF website]

[Official website]

[Makfax]

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

SIGHTS OF MACEDONIA

National.

International handball players are being welcomed into Macedonia with some sweets at the beginning of the European Handball Championships 2009 in Skopje and Ohrid, Macedonia.

(Photo credit should read Macedonian Handball Federation)

[MD Network]

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

BAN ON CIGARETTE ADVERTISING

National.

Full ban on advertising tobacco products in Macedonia has come into force today.

Pursuant to the alterations to the Law on Smoking, all advertisements on tobacco products have to be removed from the bars and restaurants, retail and service shops.

The ban applies also to indirect advertising of cigarettes by displaying a logo, specific lettering, signs, symbols and slogans, which were used in advertising, or raise associations on those products.

The vendors are allowed to display cigarettes in the original packaging along with price tags.

The fines for violation of the ban on cigarettes advertisements range from 2,000 to 4,500 euros.

MD: Well, it probably wont take so long untill they ban smoking in public places entirely, like they did in several EU countries. However, since Macedonians are one of the top smokers in the world, it would be very hard for the people to stick by these rules.

[Makfax]

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

AHMETI OPENS ILLEGAL UCK MUSEUM

National.

Leader of the National Liberation Army, Ali Ahmeti, opened an illegal museum of the National Liberation Army, Macedonians Vecer newspaper writes on Saturday.

At the presence of all Albanian ministers, MPs of the Democratic Union for Integration, and guest from Albania and Kosovo, Ahmeti announced the Museum of Freedom (more popular as the National Liberation Army Museum) officially open.
The ceremony was held on the Day of the Albanian Flag. Earlier, Ahmeti and Albanian historians took part in a celebration at the Albanian theatre in Skopje.

Ahmeti also referred to Macedonia as 'Dardania'. The government did not want to react on Ahmeti's remarks. Ahmeti and his party are part of the coalition of prime minister Nikola Gruevski.

FOCUS News Agency reminds: the National Liberation Army was closed down after the signing of an agreement, which put an end to the conflicts in Macedonia in 2001. The National Liberation Army was transformed into a political party. Its leader Ali Ahmeti is now at the helm of the biggest party of the ethnic Albanians in Macedonia – Democratic Union for Integration.
[Makfax]

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

Monday, December 01, 2008

ME AND MY IPOD: KRISTIJAN

MD Network

This week the iPod top 5 of Kristijan from Newark, New Jersey, United States.

1- Bruce Springsteen - Glory days
2- Journey - Don't stop believing
3- Tose Proeski - Hardest thing
4- Bon Jovi - Wanted dead or alive
5- Eagles - How long

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

[MD Network]

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

ZORAN JOLEVSKI APPOINTED AS NEW NEGOTIATOR

National.

Macedonia's Ambassador to the US Zoran Jolevski is nominated for the new negotiator in the UN sponsored name talks with neighbouring Greece, Government Spokesperson Duraki confirmed today.

PM Nikola Gruevski called Saturday President Branko Crvenkovski on the phone and informed him on proposal Jolevski to replace the former Macedonia’s name negotiator Nikola Dimitrov.

Crvenkovski who replaced Dimitrov, agreed Jolevski to be the new name negotiator, his Cabinet informed.

At Ambassador Jolevski’s request Nikola Dimitrov and Martin Protuger, Chief of Gruevski’s Cabinet, will stay in his team that will represent Macedonia in name talks with Greece.

[Mina]

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

8 NEW HIV-AIDS CASES REPORTED IN MACEDONIA

National.

Seven new AIDS cases and one new HIV case have been reported in Macedonia this year.

On the occasion of the World AIDS Day, the National Health Care Institute (RZZ) said there are 110 HIV/AIDS cases in Macedonia.

Three patients died from the deadly virus this year. The total number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths is 60.

The first HIV case in Macedonia was registered in 1987. The vast majority of those infected are males. The most frequent mode of transmission is sexual intercourse.

[Makfax]

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

KRSTEVSKI EXHIBITS IN UKRAINE

Culture.

Macedonian artist Zlatko Krstevski is part of the international artistic project held in the Museum of History and Religions in Ukraine.

“I am trying to visually promote a kind of anti-militaristic vision about the Balkans as an integrated open society, through demystification of the nationalistic spirits of the crisis”, says Krstevski about his work.

[Culture.in.mk]

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