Macedonia Daily.org: February 2009

Saturday, February 28, 2009

PRIEST IN SEX BLACKMAIL SCANDAL

National.

A 68 year-old Macedonian Orthodox priest fell victim to an extortion plot after he was taped having oral sex with a 21-year old masseuse.
The priest said he initially went to the masseuse complaining of back pain. After a few sessions the girl offered him sex in exchange for money, and he accepted. After several intimate meetings, the girl used her mobile to tape them having sex and asked the priest for 5,000 euros in exchange for her silence, police spokesman Ivo Kotevski told media on Thursday.

After the masseuse and a male accomplice threatened to show the footage to his colleagues and family, the priest went to the police to report the plot and ask for help. He showed up and handed over marked bills to the couple in exchange for the tape, with police swooping and arresting them straight after.

Both are now in detention on charges of extortion.

[Vest]

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

PAPADOPOULOU LEFT CONFERENCE

National.

Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Head of Greek liasion office in Macedonia, left a regional conference Friday in Skopje, enraged by the use of the name of the Republic of Macedonia.

Macedonian Culture Minister Elizabeta Kamceska Mileska said that she was surprised by the
reaction of Papadopoule, adding that Greece wanted to prohibit Macedonia to call itself as it wants.

Papadopoulou claims that prior to the conference attended by the culture ministers, an agreement was reached for using state flags and names of the participant and the name of the countries.

[Makfax]

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

PARENTS INSIST ON SEPARATE CLASSES

National.

The Council of Parents of the Macedonian highschool students decided to return their children to attending classes in the Struga's highschool Niko Nestor as of Monday, under condition the schedule is re-drafted to enable holding classes on the basis of ethnically divided shifts.

They request from the competent authorities to respect the Council's decision from last year and to ensure all safety-wise conditions for its implementation are in place.

The decision for introduction of separate lingual shifts for classes attendance is confirmed by the education minister, the mayor and the school's principal, and it should be enforced, said Visnja Duracovska, the President of the Parents' Council of the highschool Niko Nestor.

[Makfax]

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

Thursday, February 26, 2009

MACEDONIA TO ESTABLISH SEA FLEET??

National.

At its last session, the Macedonian Government made a decision to create a sea fleet which will travel to all world destinations under the Macedonian flag, reports Skopje daily "Vest".

Unofficially, Vest states that the Government has narrowed down the 'home' port to two locations. It'll be between Drach and Istanbul. Solun (Thessaloniki), the closest port and former capital of Macedonia, was not mentioned in any of the reports.

The fleet will be formed as a public-private parternship.

In the begining there will be around 10 ships, while the number will increase in the near future. Macedonia aims to become one of the few countries who despite not having sea ports, have developed large sea fleets.

[Mina]

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

ARABS SHOW INTEREST IN BUCEPHALUS

National.

BTR 4 Buchefalus, is a Macedonian - Ukrainian armed personnel carrier (APC), which will be assembled in Macedonia, as proposed by the Ukrainian Government.

Buchefalus is the main attraction at world's largest arms show in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Is produced by Ukrainian company "Ukrpeceksport-Ukrinmas"

This APC is of great importance for us, and Macedonia. It will be our main product for export - says General Vladimir Medved, director of Ukrinmas.

No officials from Macedonia has so far visited the Abu Dhabi show. There are over 100 companies present, including Boing, Dil, Sagem etc.
Most visitors were recorded around Buchefalus. This APC is based on BTR 80. All Arab representative spent the most time reviewing the charactertics of this APC. Their focus was placed at the new command center, which allows soldiers to fire from the inside. Large screen in Abu Dhabi displayed Buchefalus characterisitcs.

We have had excellent relations with Macedonia since 2001. I can't go into what have we provided for the Macedonian Army. I believe the cooperation will continue. Our competition is the Finnish APC "Patria", however is three times more expensive than Buchefalus and its engine is in the front, which makes it very vulnerable to enemy fire.

We have very good chances to sell our APC to countries in the middle east, North Africa and Asia - says General Mihail Borisjuk, director of design bureau HKB of Harkov, one of the firms involved in the design of Buchephalus.

Special interest in this APC was shown by captain Ahmed Al Alsaja, helicopter pilot of the UAE Army.

I am an airman, however, Buchephalus is simply inspiring. I will suggest that UAE test it in the desert, then we'll decide where we stand. I can say UAE is in a need of APC's.- says the captain.

The Macedonian Ukrainian APC was showcased as the first product on all brochures.

The APC was named after Macedonian king, Alexander the Great, his horse, Bucephalus.

[Mina]

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

PARTIALLY RESPECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

National.

Macedonian government generally respected the human rights of its citizens; however, there were problems in some areas, says the State Department Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2008.

The Report says rule of law problems were seen in judicial and police procedures, including criminal detentions.

Enactment of judicial reforms continued to be delayed, and political pressure and intimidation hindered the effectiveness of the judiciary. Harsh government criticism of media coverage viewed as "antipatriotic" negatively impacted freedom of the press.

Tensions between the ethnic Macedonian and Albanian populations continued to impact areas including education, employment, and political participation.

As regards the Macedonian minority in the neighbouring countries, the Country Report on Greece notes that the Greek government did not recognize the existence of a Slavic dialect, called "Macedonian" by its speakers, spoken in the northwestern area of the country. A small number of Slavic speakers insisted on self-identifying as "Macedonian," a designation that generated strong opposition from other Greeks. These Slavic speakers claimed that the government pursued a policy designed to discourage the use of their language. Government officials and the courts denied requests by Slavic groups to identify themselves using the term "Macedonian," stating that approximately 2.2 million ethnic Greek citizens also use the term "Macedonian" to identify themselves.

Country Report on Bulgaria notes that Macedonian minority faced problems related to registration of OMO Ilinden party.

[Makfax]

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

BAKOYANNIS: GRUEVSKI AWAKENS NATIONALISM

National.

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis blamed the Macedonian government of nationalist policy, saying it doesn't want to work out a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue.

In her speech at the Brookings Institution, on the theme "Collective Security in the 21st century: Building New Bridges?" Bakoyannis blamed the government in Skopje of awakening the Balkan ghosts.

"For us there is no doubt that the only way forward is full membership in the EU and NATO for the whole of South East Europe. Greece, as the oldest EU and NATO member in the region, feels a heightened responsibility to assist its neighbors on their road to progress through the necessary change and reform," Bakoyannis said.

"As regards the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in the past couple of years a number of worrying signals have been coming from Skopje. The government of Nikola Gruevski appears to have chosen the road of nationalism, awakening Balkan ghosts. The forthcoming presidential elections this March will be another key test. Particularly since last June’s parliamentary elections were mired with violence and voting irregularities."

"As you probably know, Greece has been in negotiations, under the auspices of the UN, for years with the FYROM over its name. Despite our good will and our sincere efforts, these negotiations have not been successful so far. We hope that the government in Skopje will meet us half-way and agree on a win-win solution," Bakoyannis said.

[Makfax]

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

Friday, February 20, 2009

PRO-GREEK BLOGGER? PART III

National.

After being denied entry into the Psychiatric hospital, the Greek political activists (they prefer "bloggers") descended to the home of Gligorov's family.

Gligorov's family shocked by their visit called the cops. Two policemen from the "Aerodrom" police station appeared at the family's apartment to make a report. By then the Greek activist had already left.

Gligorov's mother was stunned by the whole situation.

These people are incredibly unethical. Who would use an ill men for political gains, and these people came all the way from Greece, for what? I am still shocked they even showed up at my apartment. - says Gligorov's mother.

Because the complaint was launched against foreign citizens, the Ministry of Interiot had been notified which in turn may or may not notify the Greek Communications Office in Skopje. Athens has no Embassy in Macedonia as full diplomatic relations have not been established between the two countries.

MD: These Greeks are really unbelievable, what a joke!! They are fooled by a boy who does not know what he was doing on the internet and who probably has psychological problems. Who do they think they are? The salvation army now?

[Mina]

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

PRO-GREEK BLOGGER? PART II

National.

Around thirty Greek activists for "human rights" arrived at the Psychiatric Clinic "Bardovci" in Skopje to show their support for Vladimir Gligorov.

The elderly Greek activists have said they have no political background despite the information they were sent and supported by every major political party in Athens. Their trip was paid for by the "Political Renaissance" party, whose chief Paptemelis complained in Brussels that the 'founder of Slav-Hellenic Association' was jailed for his pro Greek views. They also took a famous Greek psychiatrist with them to let him have a talk with Vladimir Gligorov and to see wether he was taken by force.

The so called Facebook blogger, Vladimir, for months had been writing Anti Macedonian letters immediately becoming a hit with “Pan Macedonia”, Greek bloggers and Athens media. Upon hearing of the story, two Macedonian newspapers (Nova Makedonija, Dnevnik) investigated the case. The men “arrested”, in fact wasn’t arrested and put in jail as Greece and :Pan Macedonia” claim, rather, the Skopje police took him to a psychiatric ward in the “Bardovci” hospital, after complaints from his family.

His family members were outraged that Greece & “Pan Macedonia” had taken advantage of their ill son.
We called in the police, my son is ill, he was taken to the hospital. This is the first time I hear that someone in Greece reacted that he was sent to hospital because of pro-Greek stand. I don’t know what he does on internet.

The psychiatric hospital Bardovci confirmed Vasil’s arrival. Vasil’s neighbors spoke to the media and explained that police were called in two years ago because of his problems. As Nova Makedonija and Dnevnik inform, the blogger himself had made up the story on Facebook that his apartment was being searched by police and he was being led out in handcuffs by police!?

"This is a psychiatric institution, we don't let anyone, especially a large group of people just come in here. These people need to get permission from the Ministry of Health first." says the head of Bardovci, Pavlina Vaskova.

MD: To be continued.....;)

[PRO-GREEK BLOGGER PART I]

[Mina]

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

OSCE TO MEDIATE IN STRUGA SCHOOL PROBLEM

National.

OSCE Mission will act as a mediator in finding solution for the problems in the Struga highschool center, which caused division between the Macedonian and Albanian students.

This was said at today's meeting of the local Security Council, chaired by the Mayor Ramiz Merko.

"We will talk with the Macedonian and Albanian parents and teaching staff in order to find a quick and efficient solution to the problems," the mayor said.

According to him, the conditions in the highschool center have to be improved. As much as 3,200 students and 300 teachers are attending classes in very limited area space of the center's premises.

Macedonian students continued boycotting classes today, whereas their Albanian schoolmates attended classes according to the schedule.

[Makfax]

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

GREECE WANTS TO AMEND MEYERS REPORT

National.

Athens wants to change the report of MEP Eric Meyer, in particular the paragraph urging Greece not to block Macedonia's EU entry bid, Utrinski Vesnik daily said on Thursday.

The paper says Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yannis Valinakis traveled to Brussels Wednesday to meet MEPs of a relevant committee and other Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who are supportive of Macedonia. He was vying for the support for Greece's stance on the name row.

Valinakis met with Doris Pacque, Ana Ibrisagic and Jelko Kacin, but it's not clear whether he managed to win their support given that the European Parliament is the sole site where Athens was defeated in its diplomatic battle with Macedonia.

Jelko Kacin, Slovenian MEP and rapporteur for Macedonia in shadow, told Valinakis that Meyer's report is a well-balanced, real and good and that Macedonia "must pull itself out of the spiral of populism and nationalism that threaten the country's international position and slow down its road to the EU," alluding that the current situation in Macedonia was prompted by Greek veto.

Kacin told Valinakis that Macedonia's EU accession talks must start as soon as possible, as it's the only way to give a positive signal of support to the country and ensure a different approach to development of good neighborly relations. He also made it clear that Macedonia must conduct flawless elections, otherwise, its EU's entry bid will be frozen.

A permanent lobby group of friends of Macedonia within the European Parliament was established Thursday.

Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Bocevski attended the group founding ceremony.

[Makfax]

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

GREECE SLAMMED ON MINORITY RIGHTS

Regional.

Greece does not respect the rights of ethnic minorities and it refuses to acknowledge the existence of other minority apart from Muslim, says the report of the Council of Europe's Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammeberg.

Commissioner Hammerberg expresses serious concern about the over-restricted practice of Greek courts and non-registration of certain minority associations.

"In particular, in its 2004 Third Report on Greece, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) commented that ‘persons wishing to express their Macedonian, Turkish or other identity incur the hostility of the population. They are targets of prejudices and stereotypes, and sometimes face discrimination, especially in the labour market.

The Commissioner has observed that despite the non recognition of any other national or linguistic minority, Greek authorities have acknowledged that in northern Greece there exist ‘a small number of persons who use, without restrictions, in addition to the Greek language, Slavic oral idioms, confined to family or colloquial use.

According to the authorities, this "Slav-oriented group of Greek citizens in (the Greek region of) Macedonia have been freely participating with their own political party in parliamentary elections in Greece". In fact, in the 2004 elections for the European Parliament this party (‘European Free Alliance – Rainbow’, based in the town of Florina as from 1995) received 6.176 votes, that is a national percentage of 0.10%.

The Commissioner notes that Greece, like all other Council of Europe member states, is an inherently pluralistic society.

"The existence in it of minority groups, be they national, religious or linguistic, should be considered as a major factor, not of division, but of enrichment for the Greek society."

[Makfax]

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

Thursday, February 19, 2009

THE FIRST GLOBAL MACEDONIAN CONFERENCE, BE THERE!

National.

The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is organizing the first global Macedonian conference in the city of Washington, USA from June 11 to 13 of 2009.

Macedonians and friends of Macedonia from throughout the world will come together for three days full of advocacy, discussions, education, fun and networking. UMD has made a full agenda with events such as; meetings with members of congress, ambassador's reception, lunch with Macedonian government official, art exhibition, dance, gala ball, workshops, auction, boat cruise and much more! Children are also welcome, since there are activities especially for the little ones.

Are you able to come? Do you want to be part of this wonderful experience? Register now! You can do so by clicking on the link below. The same link will also provide you much more info on the event and you can have a look at the agenda.

[The 1st UMD Global Conference]

[UMD]

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

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

MACEDONIANS DISSATISFIED WITH STANDARD OF LIVING

National.

Majority of Macedonian are depressed when it comes to their life, moreover many of them fear a new armed conflict, a poll showed.

The survey conducted by the European Fund for Balkans and Gallup Europe in the Western Balkan's countries showed that the Macedonians are dissatisfied with both their life (46% - the highest percentage in the region) and with their standard of living.

However, one-third of Macedonians felt the economy was improving.

Respondents condemned corrupt behaviour and were relatively satisfied with the government’s efforts in fighting organized crime (49% were satisfied).

Three in 10 Macedonians felt there was a likelihood of another armed conflict in the region (29%).

While 70% of the Albanians in Macedonia believed that the Ohrid Agreement provided a good long-term solution for Macedonia’s ethnic problems, only 30% of Macedonians agreed.

According to 69% of the Macedonian Albanians, Macedonia should join NATO and the EU even if it meant losing or changing the official name of the country - a notion that was only supported by 3% of the Macedonians (majority of the population).

The majority of both communities agreed that the country’s membership of the EU would be a good thing - (84% of Albanians, 57% of Macedonians).

[Makfax]

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

THERE ARE NO "SLAV" OR "ANCIENT" MACEDONIANS, THERE ARE ONLY, MACEDONIANS

National.

There are neither ancient nor Slav Macedonians in Macedonia. There are only Macedonians, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told reporters on Tuesday.

We are all Macedonians and should work together on building Macedonia without such divisions. I call on politicians to stop dividing people, which have already been divided on partisan and many other lines, Gruevski said before his meeting with Slovene President Danilo Turk.

Gruevski considers opposition parties (SDSM) to be the main promoters of dividing the citizens on ancient and Slav Macedonians.

I appeal to the opposition to stop dividing citizens in this manner. I understand that we are in a period of campaign and the opposition must work on achieving better results, which is legitimate, but creating a climate for people to argue whether we are ancient or Slav Macedonians is rather inappropriate. These arguments should come to an end. We are all Macedonians, Gruevski said.

Last night, the VMRO party at a press conference described the SDSM as 'having Bakoyannis in our Parliament'.

Taking a journalist's question on abortion, Gruevski said the Government never intended to ban abortion in Macedonia. It launched a campaign on the matter to inform young people on the consequences of such act.

The abortion ban has been invented by opposition cycles, again, who are going public and fighting against fictitious enemy, all in the name of getting better results in the elections- Gruevski said.

[Mina]

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

NO CHANGES IN US POSITION ON MACEDONIA

National.

Macedonia is strategic partner of the United States, and the contacts in the State Department hint no serious change in the U.S. policy on Macedonia, said Georgi Jolevski, Macedonian Ambassador to Washington.

Ambassador Jolevski, who was recently named Macedonian negotiator in the name row with Greece, told Deutsche Welle that cooperation between Macedonia and the US is at high level and much appreciated.

"The cooperation between the two countries is highly appreciated. The recent meetings of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and senior US officials during his trip to Washington reconfirm the excellent bilateral relations," Jolevski said.

When asked to tell whether he expects a negotiated settlement of the name issue during his tenure, Jolevski declined to give a concrete stance.

"Given the fact that I took up a new duty of negotiator, I certainly believe in positive outcome of the process. Certainly, the settlement requires flexibility by the other party involved in the dispute," Jolevski said.

Thought the process, it is vital that identity, dignity and integrity of Macedonian citizens be protected. It's the only way for Macedonia to join EU and NATO, he added.

[Makfax]

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

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

MORLEY'S RETRIAL POSTPONED

National.

The retrial of British citizen Nicholas Morley, which was to open today at Struga District Court, was postponed over defendant's absence.

In 2007, the British driver was given suspended sentence for causing death of two people by dangerous driving in the Gumball Rally.

Bitola-based Court of Appeals upheld the prosecutor's appeal and ordered a retrial.

Morley was taking part in the Gumball Rally, a pan-European race, when his Porsche 911 collided with the Volkswagen Golf of Vladimir Cepulyoski, 67, and his wife Margarita on May 2, killing them both.

The official forensics claimed Morley was driving at 161.6 kmph, while defense attorney claimed that he was driving at 75 kmph.

The Trial Chamber of Struga Court is to decide whether Morley will be tried in absentia.

MD: To refresh your memory, click on the link below

[Gumball 3000 Accident in Macedonia]

[Makfax]

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

GREEK HISTORIANS AGAINST STATUE OF ALEXANDER IN ATHENS

Regional.

Debate in Greece, one that was kept secret for several weeks by Greek media, perhaps not to embarass the Government.

Thanks to Athens based British journalist from The Guardian, the secret is out. Several prominent (older) Greek historians have been disobeying Athens and had voted against erecting a monument of Alexander the Great.

Greek politicians led by nationalist euforia have pushed for the sculpture to be placed in the center of Athens for greater exposure. However, a handful of historians and archeologists in Athens, who together form a powerful lobby, were against putting a sculpture of the ancient hero in the capital.

According to the group, "Alexander came to Athens as a conqueror, an enemy". The parallel would be if the Polish decided to erect a statue of Hitler in Warsaw.

More Greek historians are raising their voices and displeasure with the Greek Government who via numerous policies spanning 80 years have replaced their history with scenes from a disney movie, the facts with myths.

While trying to usurp the history of a whole region, Athens historians and archeologists are worried Greece may lose the history that rightfully belongs to them.

[Mina]

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

MANCEVSKI: ALL ARTIFACTS ARE MACEDONIAN

National.

Greece has enough history, so it is unclear why the hysterical reaction when someone else wants to research, nurture, promote and be proud of its own, says Macedonian director Milco Mancevski regarding Greek accusations that his promotion clip "Macedonia - Timeless" uses artifacts belonging to Greece.

The reaction from producers house "Senki Film" reads that all artifacts seen in the clip were excavated in the Republic of Macedonia, being a testimony of civilizations in this area for thousands of years.

"The clip is the crown of a long-standing research and arduous work. A precise map of the Republic of Macedonia has been made, presenting the places where the artifacts were excavated, along with photos and description of the sites. In order to avoid any misunderstandings, the maps are available at the official website www.macedonia-timeless.com. These facts were presented to the Macedonian and foreign public during the clip's promotion two months ago. Therefore, it is unclear whether the Greek accusations come as a result of misinformation or tendentiousness", underlines "Senki Film".

[Mina]

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

Saturday, February 14, 2009

BRILLIANT PAINTING REVEALED AT VERGINA RESTAURANT IN NAPLES, FL

Diaspora.

An artistic masterpiece was unveiled this week during a cultural celebration at Vergina Restaurant on Fifth Avenue in Naples Florida.

Artist Nedayborshch Volodymyr, a professor at the Academy of Art and Architecture, traveled from Kiev, Ukraine, to be on hand for the unveiling of his work, a massive 7x27-foot painting titled, The Dramatic Battle of Alexander the Great Against the King of Persia, Darius III.

The work took Volodymyr over three years to complete, and was commissioned by Vergina Restaurant owners Risto Gusterov and Lou Vlasho.

“What a tremendous opportunity to bring my heritage of Macedonia to the Naples community,” Vlasho said of event, which was conducted in cooperation of the Council for International Visitors in Collier and the Leadership Collier Foundation.

The event featured Macedonian music by Dragan Dautovski from Skopje, Macedonia. Dautovski performed on a 6,000-year-old Neolithic flute, the only known one of its kind in existence. Vocalist Aleksandar Popovska also performed with Dautovski, singing Macedonian love songs.

Macedonian-born historian Vasil Tupurkovski, author of Macedonian History, addressed a full restaurant of attendees, prior to the unveiling.

“There is tremendous knowledge on Alexander the Great in the world,” he said. “He is defined as a military leader, a commander, and as a conqueror. He rose to the throne and was active during times of tremendous and profound historical, social, political, economical and communicative changes.”

Tupurkovski said Alexander the Great’s father, King Philip II, was responsible for Europization, and Alexander was responsible for the globilization of the Macedonian states and ideas.

“He was somebody who dreamed of a world of nations in communication, nations in corporation, human rights, and that is why we have to take in consideration the great spheres of his activities, of his thinking, and of his philosophy in order to be able to define him as a historic person,” he said.

“He was very innovated,” said Tupurkovski. “He never lost a war. He was able to crush the greatest empire of all times. He was very religious. He had messianic thoughts and wanted to think of the world as very cooperative and innovative. He wanted and believed in universal peace.”

According the Tupurkovski, Alexander the Great did not take power away from the regions he conquered, but let them self-govern, because in peace there is prosperity. The great leader also cared deeply for his soldiers and knew the destiny of each soldier’s family.

Looking on as the painting was unveiled, was Nellie Slaton, who traveled with friends from Cape Coral to.

“I have a friend who is in the Peace Corps in Macedonia,” she said. “I was there for six weeks this past fall. I visited the local villages and the Heraklea ruins. Macedonia is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are very supportive of America and are very open and friendly.”

The painting is available for public viewing in the dining room of Vergina restaurant, located at 700 5th Avenue South in Naples.

[Vergina Restaurant]

[MINA]

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

WINES OF MACEDONIA - SV.TRIFUN

Food and Drinks.

Today it's St.Trifun day, the saint guardian of wine and wine growers, that's why we took this oppurtunity to introduce and tell you something about Macedonian wines.

The rich Macedonian wine tradition began already at the time of Philip II and Alexander the Great of the Macedonian royal family who appreciated good wine. During the Roman Empire this tradition continued, and Macedonia - part of the Eastern Roman Empire until the seventh century - was one of the most important regions for grape cultivation in the Empire. Grape growing continued and was freely developed until the fourteenth century. During the period of the Ottoman Empire (1350-1918), winemaking was kept alive in Macedonia's abundant monasteries.

Macedonia is one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, so what about today? Unfortunately Macedonian wines are not so popular in the world and it is very hard for Macedonia to compete with winemaking countries like France, Italy and all the newcomers like Australia, South Africa and Chile. It's also probably the way we present it or sell it why they are no succes. The winemakers blaim the politicians and the bussinesmen blaim the winemakers, in the meanwhile people are slowly trying to promote our wines with the help of USAID.

Today 4,000 small vine growers with an average holding of 2.3ha dominate the industry. They sell grapes to medium and small size wineries that produce and market wines. There are about 38 wineries in all of Macedonia, 25 of which export on foreign markets in more than 26 countries around the world.
Macedonian wines have done extremely well in competitions in recent years, winning several awards and medals at events such as the International Wine Challenge in England and the Mundus Vini in Germany where Fonko's chardonnay won the gold medal in 2006. These awards are important marketing tools for wine producers, which, at the same time, enable them to see how Macedonian wines fare against other countries' wines on the international market.

MD: Macedonia's wines are indeed great wines. It has improved allready which can be seen in the number of bottles shipped to other countries, such as to Germany, Holland, Japan, the UK, and the US. Currently Macedonia is the fourth largest exporter of wine to Germany. For those of you who haven't tried any Macedonians wine yet; What are you waiting for!? Go to your local wine importer and you will certainly find some Macedonian wines there. Nazdravje!

Have a look here:

[Wine MK]

[Wine shop USA]

(This article has been published before, but we got alot of interesting comments on it, so we want to share it with you again)

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

BATTLE OF LOBBYING

National.

Around 30 Members of U.S. Congress blamed Macedonia of improper behaviour that poses a threat to Greece's territorial integrity.

In a letter posted to President Barack Obama, 32 Congressmen representing Greek-American interests claim that while Greece desires to support Macedonia joining NATO and the EU, it cannot do so as long as the authorities in Skopje indulge in behaviour that threatens the territorial integrity of our NATO ally Greece.

"The recognition by the prior administration of the country as the Republic of Macedonia undermined the negotiations that have been ongoing since the execution of the Interim Agreement and brought about a severe erosion of the relationship between Skopje and Athens," said the letter.

According to Congressmen, Greece has already made a major goodwill gesture by agreeing that the word Macedonia in the future name of its northern neighbor is acceptable so long as it is combined with some geographic qualifier

The letter was obtained by the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD), which kicked off a campaign to mobilize Macedonian community in the United States. UMD appeals to Macedonian sin the US to write letters to Senators and Congressmen in a bid to promote the Macedonian-US relations, support Macedonia's name and Macedonia's NATO membership and resist the attempts to cut the aid for Macedonia

UMD has already garnered technical assistance by the Turkish Coalition of America.

[Makfax]

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

Friday, February 13, 2009

SINGING STATUE?

National.

If a Macedonian mayor has her way, the landmark gracing Skopje's main square would in a novel way bring together two men seen as among the nation's greateast sons: Alexander the Great mounted on a horse, floating in a fountain to tunes of revered late pop star Tose Proeski
The mayor of Skopje’s Centre municipality, Violeta Alarova, came out with the idea as a possible compromise after the Skopje city mayor complained that instead of erecting a statue of Alexander in the prime downtown location, a statue of Proeski would be more appropriate, and also avoid a confrontation with Greece.

“The fountain will be really nice. It will play music including two songs by Tose Proeski”, Alarova said, as quoted by the local Nova Makedonija daily. She mentioned no deadlines for the project.

Most of the people who left comments on Nova Makedonija’s web site were appalled of the Singing Alexander idea, saying it would be unimaginably kitsch. One reader suggested installing a vending machine on the sculpture’s stand to complete the picture.

No plans were ever made public for the statue, but local media reported it would be some 30 meters in height, higher than some neighbouring buildings. No one has yet officially denied or confirmed its dimensions.

“I am the mayor and I hear this for the first time”, Skopje mayor Trifun Kostovski said after Alarova had told media of her plans.

The origin of the ancient conqueror Alexander is part of the 18-year long name row between Athens and Skopje, a dispute that has come to encompass history, geography and genetics and which keeps tripping up Macedonia's NATO and EU ambitions.

Proeski, whose boyish good looks and passionate, pitch-perfect delivery made him a regional favorite in the Balkans, died in a car accident in Croatia in 2007. Readers commenting on Nova Makedonija’s site said any connection to the statue plans would be offending his legacy.

MD: Unbelievable, they were right on the kitsch thing. It would be a total disgrace for our king Alexander. It's not known yet which statue will be placed. Several media have announced that the Alexander statue, which was meant for Skopje's main square in the first place, is still being constructed in Italy and will be shipped to Macedonia very soon.

While constructing and while plans for the alexander statue were already underway, a small group of people suddenly came with the "brilliant"? idea of placing a Tose statue instead. There was held a poll on Skopje's website which statue the people prefer. Tose came out as the winner, but is it realistic such a poll? Probably 90% of the votes came from young teenage girls who are in love with Tose and sitting on the internet all day. We'll see! Oh yeah and miss Violeta? We think you should take a break from working, because such funny statements maybe come from people who are tired of their work and dont know what they say anymore?

[Makfax]

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

180 MILLION INVESTMENT BY TMOBILE

National.

Landline operator T-Home and mobile operator T-Mobile unveiled investments in Macedonia worth 180 million euros over the next three years.

Macedonia Telecom's CEO Nikolai Beckers told a press conference Thursday that both operators plan to invest 80 million euros each.

T-Home's investment plan has been already drawn up, while T-Mobile's plan has entered the final stage.

T-Home's investment strategy includes Fiber-to- the-Home project, network upgrading, creation of auxiliary networks, updates and investment in equipments etc.

The project has been already put in motion. It includes a lot of construction works. Once the construction is complete, it will create new jobs in Macedonia, Beckers said.

T-Home's executives announced new product package, scheduled for release in April, and it will be a real surprise.

Beckers confirmed the decline in landline telephony users. But, the number of internet and IP TV is on the rise.

[Makfax]

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

Thursday, February 12, 2009

NO MACEDONIAN VICTIMS OF AUSTRALIAN WILDFIRES

National.

There are no Macedonians among the victims in the Australia wildfires, said Ico Najdovski, secretary of the Macedonian community in Australian federal state of Victoria.

"Information reported in certain media that a four-member Macedonia family was killed in the fires is not true. There are damages, but no Macedonian casualties thus far", stated Najdovski.

Monastery "St. Kliment Ohridski" in area King Lake was burnt to the ground. Victoria emigrants have already launched activities for reconstruction of the first Macedonian monastery abroad, built in 1973.

Australian federal state of Victoria is almost entirely hit by the wildfires in the past 4-5 days. Temperatures have risen up to 48C, accompanied by strong winds up to 100kmh. The death toll has surpassed 180, along with 750 houses and 400,000 hectares of forests burnt.

[Mina]

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

"DR. KARADZIC" CURED SONJA TARCULOVSKA?

National.

While visiting her husband in the Hague war crimes detention facility, Macedonian folk singer Sonja Tarculovska had her toothache cured with a simple touch from genocide suspect Radovan Karadzic, she told a Macedonian daily.
Tarculovska's husband, Johan, is a Macedonian police commander sentenced for his role in the supposed killings of civilians during the 2001 war with Albanian terrorists in Macedonia. When during the visit she complained of toothache, Johan suggested she try Karadzic, the former wartime leader of the Bosnian Serbs, telling her he was regularly treating other detainees in the prison.

Karadzic spent more than a decade on the run from The Hague, the last few years in Belgrade disguised as a faith healer specialising in 'bio energy'.

“Doctor Karadzic put his hand where I felt pain and held it there for five minutes," Tarculovska told local Vest newspaper on Tuesday. "It’s not a joke. In five minutes all the pain disappeared.”

After healing her, Karadzic allegedly told Tarculovska to put her hand on the same place if the pain reoccurs, and he would send her his energy. The interview did not make clear how she got to meet and interact with Karadzic in the high-security detention unit.

As his alter ego of health guru Dragan Dabic, Karadzic sported a long beard, long hair and thick glasses and was able to make a living from his healing until his arrest last July.

MD: Unbelievable :) This news has been spread around the world since yesterday

[BalkanInsight]

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

EUROCONTROL WITH PRESSURE ON MAT TO CHANGE ITS NAME

National.

Macedonian Airlines (MAT) is under fierce pressure to change its name in order to resolve problems with Eurocontrol, which has banned company's flights to Germany and Italy due to 'interest debts', claims MAT leadership.

They say the Greek lobby is responsible for such pressure, adding the company would never give in.

According to MAT, Eurocontrol's decision to ban flights until interests dating from the 2001 military conflict are paid is irrational and inappropriate in conditions of global economic crisis, which first hit the air traffic sector.

Financial damages would reflect on the employees, whose number is to be reduced by at least 40 percent. Costs will also be reduced through fleet redesign, i.e. use of smaller and more economic planes.

MAT leadership stated that the Greek lobby is obviously too strong, thus neither MAT nor Government's efforts for the problem's settlement have resulted in success.

"Although Macedonia is Eurocontrol member-state, this institution has not responded to the Government's letter of December 18, in which it gives support to MAT in settling the problem", comment airline representatives.

Moreover, MAT hopes for Government support and subsidies obtained as tour operators.

[Mina]

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

MHRMI TO COLLABORATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT

National.

Macedonian Human Rights Movement International (MHRMI) is pleased to announce its collaboration with the government of the Republic of Macedonia in lobbying for international recognition of Macedonia's constitutional name and human rights for the oppressed Macedonian minorities in Greece, Bulgaria, Albania and Serbia.

MHRMI will also work with the Macedonian government in continuing to strengthen ties with the United States and Canada and will continue its lobbying efforts in Washington, Ottawa and throughout the world to ensure Macedonia's entry into NATO and the European Union.

Details were finalized on February 8, 2009 in Toronto, when MHRMI board members met with Macedonian Members of Parliament, Aleksandar Nikoloski and Vlatko Gjorchev.

MHRMI reiterated its position that Macedonia cease all negotiations over its name and thanked the Macedonian government for its efforts involving human rights for Macedonians in the neighbouring countries and specifically, its pressure on Greece to recognize its large Macedonian minority and the right of return for Macedonian political refugees.

[Mina]

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

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

THE TALKS RESUME...

National.

The Macedonia-Greece talks over name row are due to resume Wednesday afternoon in New York.

The newly appointed Macedonian negotiator Zoran Jolevski will seat on the negotiating table across from his Greek counterpart Adamantios Vassilakis, along with the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz.

Diplomatic sources said that the UN mediator is unlikely to come up with any new ideas that would lead to resolving of the dispute. The same sources said that the negotiator Jolevski held consultations with the PM Nikola Gruevski during his recent visit to U.S. and had telephone conversation with the President Branko Crvenkovski.

No breakthrough is expected during this round of talks, especially when having in mind the -previous practice of standstill in the process in the pre-elections period.

[Makfax]

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

ALBANIAN STUDENTS BOYCOTT CLASSES

National.

The students of Albanian nationality boycotted Thuesday's classes in the Struga's high-school Niko Nestor.

Makfax's corresponded said that the town's mayor and the school's principal decided to cancel all classes in this schools.

The principal Mare Saveska said that the second-shift classes, which were due to be attended by the Macedonian students, will not be held out of security reasons.

"There are incidents, but after the meeting of the parents of Albanian students, we found out that Albanian students - who should have been present in the morning shift - might come to attend classes in the afternoon," Saveska said.

Xhejmi Hajredini, the head of the Struga's office of the education ministry, said that the decision for holding classes in separate shifts could not be put into practice because of the opposing stances of the Macedonian and Albanian parents.

He announced an urgent meeting of all relevant factors, aimed at finding a way out of the deadlock.

At the same time, Macedonian students in another Struga's high school boycotted the classes Tuesday morning.

Musa Musai, the principal of Ibrahim Temo high school, accused VMRO DPMNE for the current situation in the Struga's high school center.

"All this events are happening because of a single reason - to put a Macedonian as a Mayor of Struga. But, this game is a very dangerous," Musai said.

[Makfax]

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

PASSENGERS AT ALEXANDER THE GREAT AIRPORT INCREASE

National.

The number of passengers taking flights or landing from and to the Skopje's airport Alexander the Great in 2008 climbed by 4.1 percent compared to 2007, to reach a total of 652,339.

The airport's announcement says that as many as 13,303 flight operations were realized in the course of 2008.

The number of cargo shipments last year totaled 2,777.06, marking 8.9% increase compared with 2007.

The most frequent was the period June-September, when 30,000 passengers had been departing or arriving at and from the Alexander the Great airport by charter flights.

[Mina]

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

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

MACEDONIAN AND ALBANIAN STUDENTS IN SEPERATE ETHNIC CLASSES

National.

As of Tuesday, 10th February, the students in the Struga's high school Niko Nestor will attend classes in two shifts, divided on the basis of their ethnic belonging.

According to media reports, the School Board adopted this decision at the meeting that took place Monday. It was supported by the teachers as well as by representatives of the Parents' Council, of the local self-government and the Education Minister Pero Stojanovski himself.

The decision is of interim nature and will remain effective till the end of this school year.

However, the teachers of Albanian ethnic origin said they were against ethnicity-based divisions in the high-school. The principal Mare Bojcevska-Saveska came forward with similar stance.

The decision followed the latest in the series of massive feast-fights between the Albanian and Macedonian students, which took place on 20 and 21 January.

[Makfax]

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

CANADIAN PM ATTENDS GOCE NIGHT

Diaspora.

Traditional gathering "Goce Night", which included marking of the 50th anniversary from establishment of emigrant organization in Canada "United Macedonians", was held late Sunday in church "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Toronto.

Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper, Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, Ottawa Federal Parliament deputies, as well as a delegation from Macedonia comprised of MPs Vladimir Gjorcev and Aleksandar Nikolovski attended the gathering.

"United Macedonians" president Dragi Stojkovski referred to the jubilee significance. PM Harper, Minister Kenney, MPS Gjorcev and Nikolovski, as well as Macedonia's Consul to Toronto, Martin Trenevski also delivered addresses.

"United Macedonians" president Stojkovski stressed that the organization has always affirmed the Macedonian nation and its values, whereas Macedonia's neighbors should learn a lesson from Canada and its policy of multiculturalism.

He thanked PM Harper and the Canadian Government for the recognition of Macedonia's constitutional name in 2007, as well as the support regarding the Euro-Atlantic integration process. Stojkovski emphasized that Canada could assist Macedonia through investments, adding the necessity for opening an embassy in Skopje.

Stojkovski also read the greeting note of PM Nikola Gruevski to his Canadian counterpart Steven Harper, in which he expressed gratitude for Canada's overall support to Macedonia in the field of the European and Euro-Atlantic integrations.

"For a small country like ours, this support and friendship is of a great importance for us and we attach a special attention and priority to it. Canada is a country with which we had an excellent cooperation in the past period in many fields and good mutual relations, and I hope that in the forthcoming period we will have an opportunity with Prime Minister Harper to exchange opinions towards further intensification and deepening of the relations and cooperation between our two countries", reads the note.

Canadian PM Harper, who saluted the present in Macedonian language, expressed satisfaction from bilateral relations.

MP Vladimir Gjorcev referred to the Government's efforts for stabilization of the country's economy and reduction of the unemployment rate, Euro-Atlantic integration efforts, as well as strengthening of ties with the diaspora and its right to vote at future elections.

[Makfax]

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

Monday, February 09, 2009

MACEDONIAN MONASTERY BURNED DOWN IN AUSTRALIA

Diaspora.

St. Kliment Ohridski monastery in King Lake district burnt to the ground in wildfires that swept through southern Australia.

This is a big tragedy for Macedonian community in Australia, now in shock following the disaster that happened in King Lake in the southern state of Victoria, Vasko Angelovski, ZZZ Radio Melbourne's Macedonian news editor, told Ohridnews portal.

He added that images of charred homes and devastated communities in hardest-hit areas are dreadful.

A series of wildfires, fanned by the hottest temperatures on record, tore through southern Australia over the weekend, killing at least 100 people in the country's deadliest natural disaster. The blazes swallowed at least 750 homes and scorched more than 380.000 hectares of land.

Macedonians in Victoria state are put at jeopardy as wildfires had burnt a number of cities. Thousands of firefighters and troops are battling raging fires.

[Makfax]

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

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

343.363 WITHOUT A JOB

National.

The number of unemployed persons in Macedonia amounted 343.363 in 2008, among them 271.774 persons willing to work were actively looking for a job.

According to figures published on the Employment Agency's web site, 71.589 persons claimed they report to the Agency to get free health insurance.

The number of jobless fell by 13.000 from a year ago, when the number of jobless stood at 357.166.

The vast majority of unemployed were registered in Skopje, followed by Tetovo (30.499), Kumanovo (29.074), Prilep (23.408), and Strumica (19.161).

State Statistical Office has not yet released the 2008 unemployment data. However, the Office's data on unemployment in 2007 did not match the Employment Agency's data.

According to State Statistical Office, the number of jobless amounted 316.905 by the end of 2007. The nations' unemployment rate stood at 34.9% in 2007, down 1.4% compared to 2006.

[Makfax]

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

NEW COINS IN CIRCULATION

National.

New coins of 50 Denars and 10 Denars gone in circulation.

(Photo credit should read Ohridnews)

[MD Network]

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

TRADING OLD PUNTO FOR NEW

National.

Serbian authorities are considering the possibility to offer state subsidies to citizens in the neighboring countries when buying Punto vehicles.

According to B92, the Ministry of Economy is likely to offer the citizens of Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Albania a chance to trade in their old Puntos for new model of Punto, to be manufactured in Zastava plant in Kragujevac.

There are no precise figures on the trade-in although Economy Minister Mladjan Dinkic said Tuesday that Serbian citizens could be entitled to EUR 1.000 subsidy.

News reports said the price for Punto basic model will be set at 7.300 euros. If traded with old Punto, the new model could sell 5.999 euros. Once the new car price is settled, the customer can apply for up to seven year car loan.

[Makfax]

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

TENDER FOR 302 DOUBLE DECKER BUSSES

National.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications will open as soon as possible a new public tender for procurement of 302 double-decker busses as none of the bidders met the requirements of the previous one.

Three bidders failed to submit a bank guarantee along with the original offer. The fourth bidder did not meet the technical, design standards, the Ministry said Tuesday in a press release.

The bidders were 'Zhengzhou Yutong Group Co.Ltd' - China; 'Sanos' - Macedonia; 'King Long Bulgaria' - Bulgaria and 'PRE-OS' - Slovakia.

[Mina]

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

ARREST OF PRO-GREEK BLOGGER?

National.

Thanks to the hyperactive « Greek » lobby when it comes to Macedonia, the fabricated story about an arrest of a Macedonian ‘pro Greek’ blogger went all the way to Brussels.

After a PASOK party member accused Macedonia of ‘extreme nationalism’ using the supposed arrest of a ‘pro Greek” Macedonian citizen as an example, to not be outdone, the Greek “Pan Macedonia” organization sent a letter to Brussels to free up a member of the, as they put it “Slavic Philhellenic Network” in Macedonia and to force the country to put an end in their irredentist behavior towards Greece.

Upon hearing of the story, two Macedonian newspapers (Nova Makedonija, Dnevnik) investigated the case.
The men “arrested”, in fact wasn’t arrested and put in jail as Greece and :Pan Macedonia” claim, rather, the Skopje police took him to a psychiatric ward in the “Bardovci” hospital, after complaints from his family.
The so called Facebook blogger for months had been writing Anti Macedonian letters immediately becoming a hit with “Pan Macedonia”, Greek bloggers and Athens media.

According to the Skopje media, and his family, the blogger uses the following names: Vasko Malinkovski, Vasil Gligorov, Vasko Gligorijevic, Vasko Gligorov, Vasil Gligorievich.

His family members were outraged that Greece & “Pan Macedonia” had taken advantage of their ill son.
- We called in the police, my son is ill, he was taken to the hospital. This is the first time I hear that someone in Greece reacted that he was sent to hospital because of pro-Greek stand. I don’t know what he does on internet.

The psychiatric hospital Bardovci confirmed Vasil’s arrival.
Vasil’s neighbors spoke to the media and explained that police were called in two years ago because of his problems.
As Nova Makedonija and Dnevnik inform, the blogger himself had made up the story on Facebook that his apartment was being searched by police and he was being led out in handcuffs by police!?

It doesn’t end there. The popular social website Facebook is gathering signatures from Greek members asking for his release!
The Ministry of Interior issued a short notice that no blogger has ever been arrested in Macedonia for their views.

[Mina]

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

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

FACEBOOK TABOO!

National.

Macedonian parliament has forbidden access to social website 'Facebook', after the politicians were caught using it day after day.

The Parliament IT sector who regulates network and internet access has restricted access to numerous websites after it was ordered to do so.

So far, no one has accepted responsibility for the restrictions. Zarko Denkovski, who is in charge of Information and Resources at the Parliament, denied any involvement. Parliament speaker Trajko Veljanovski as well denied he had anything to do with the internet restrictions.

Macedonian media sources explained that something had to be done as politicians spent most of their day on Facebook and other social networking sites.

[Mina]

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

KIDNAPPED OHRID MAYOR TELLS POLICE AFTER A MONTH

National.

The police arrested two persons suspected of having kidnapped the Mayor of Ohrid and his driver, who reported the incident a month after it had happened, the Interior Ministry announced Thursday.

According to the same source, neither the Mayor nor the driver explained how come they reported the incident with one-month delay.

The two suspects were taken in late Wednesday, pending questioning aimed at establishing the reasons for the "kidnapping". As to the possible motives, the police's assumptions reportedly range from extortion to unpaid debts.

According to the official report sheet, the kidnapping took place after one of the suspects had demanded from the mayor to pay him 15,000 euros.

Although the suspects refuse to give any testimony relating the case, the police said they had information that the two victims paid a portion of the demanded money to their kidnappers. However, this assumption raises another question, namely, how come the mayor never reported the case to the police and what his connection is to the kidnappers.

[Mina]

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

LAZAROV MAKES HISTORY

National.

Scoring 15 goals in the last match against South Korea, Macedonian handball star Kiril Lazarov brought his total goal tally to 92.

With this, he broke the 23 year old record held by Kjung Shin Yoona who at the 1986 World Championship in Iceland scored 86 goals. Lazarov who had already been voted as the best player at the championship by Danish Media, has branded his name in record books as the top scorer in the history of all World Championship, and will keep his name there for a long time to come.

The Macedonian handball players were welcomed as gods when they returned from Croatia this weekend. A massive crowd of fans and even the prime minister showed up to congratulate them while afterwards there was a big party in Skopje. Macedonia finished 11th but they were welcomed as if they became the world champions, instead of France. It's nice, but maybe a bit overreacted no? What do you think?

[Mina]

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

Sunday, February 01, 2009

MACEDONIA REWARDED AT MIDEM

Culture.

Macedonia took part at the 43rd edition of the largest market of world music industry “MIDEM” in Cannes, winning award “Crystal Cubicle” for successful global presentation of Macedonian music.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Macedonia was presented through propaganda printed and electronic materials.
The stand carrier, publishing house “Third Ear” prepared a collection catalogue especially for the market, presenting all significant music publishing houses, institutions, artists and festivals in Macedonia, along with a compilation CD with traditional, ethno, pop, rock and jazz music.

MIDEM gathers 85 countries with about 8,000 people from the global music business.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

NY TIMES MOVIE REVIEW ON SHADOWS

Culture.

Milcho Manchevski’s quasi-religious ghost story, “Shadows,” is an unwieldy hybrid of historical allegory and supernatural mystery. The historical part deals with suppressed memories of the little-known persecution of Aegean Macedonians in the early 20th century. In this Balkan fusion of “Hamlet” and “Macbeth,” the spirits of persecuted victims return to haunt the living and demand a proper burial.

The mystery is a supernatural romance and detective yarn indebted to “The Sixth Sense,” “The Others” and “Ghost,” embellished with abundant nudity and heavy-breathing sex. If the movies weren’t already inundated with stories of the undead, this fusion of genres might not seem so unintentionally silly. But the history is too sketchy to resonate. We hear of atrocities that were committed, but not who committed them, why or when.

In his director’s statement, Mr. Manchevski, who won international acclaim with his 1994 film, “Before the Rain,” declares that “Shadows” imagines “what would happen if Lady Macbeth had lived today and survived to have a grown-up son, who might try to come to terms with her overbearing presence and her transgressions of the past.”

But Vera Perkova (Sabina Ajrula-Tozija), a famous doctor and the imperious stand-in for Shakespeare’s dragon lady, is only a minor character. And her crimes, when revealed, are not as horrifying as you are led to expect.

“Shadows” begins with a car crash in which Vera’s son, Lazar Perkov (Borce Nacev), a young Macedonian doctor who works in the same hospital as his mother, nearly dies. Lazar (note the deliberate echo of Lazarus) is nicknamed Lucky, not only for his narrow escape but also for his privileged existence. His wealthy parents have a villa in Macedonia’s lake region; he is handsome (Mr. Nacev resembles the young Al Pacino), with a beautiful wife and a young son.

A year after the accident, while his wife and son are on vacation, Lazar comes home from work to discover a wizened crone (Ratka Radmanovic) cleaning his kitchen floor. Speaking in a dialect he cannot understand, she reaches up to touch his face; he panics and ejects her from the house. Gazing anxiously out the window, he sees her on the street, intently peering up at his apartment, a wolf by her side.

The old woman is the first of several otherworldly manifestations who begin stalking Lazar, materializing suddenly, then disappearing, only to return. Another persistent stalker is a scowling, craggy-faced neighbor (Salaetin Bilal) who carries a little boy in his arms and leaves bloody tracks as he wearily trudges up the stairs.

The most mysterious is Menka (Vesna Stanojevska), a seductive young woman with severe bruises on her neck and arms, who shamelessly throws herself at Lazar when he examines her injuries. He resists her, but not for long. Menka, who falsely claims to be the wife of a noted linguist whom Lazar consults while seeking to translate the old woman’s words, explains what they mean: “Return what’s not yours — have respect.” But he has no idea how that dictum might apply to him, since he has no recollection of having stolen anything.

As “Shadows” vacillates between the historical and the occult, you may snicker at the way hackneyed horror movie conventions are redeployed for more serious ends. But you won’t be bored. The movie is well acted (especially by Ms. Stanojevska) and very sexy. Fabio Cianchetti’s opulent cinematography skillfully uses reflections in mirrors and windowpanes to give “Shadows” a surreal dimension.

The story doesn’t culminate in the kind of “gotcha” revelation that ended “The Sixth Sense” and “The Others.” Instead it offers a sentimental dilution of the Orpheus-Eurydice myth. History is forgotten as “Shadows” is overrun by the ghosts of “Ghost,” “Heaven Can Wait” and a hundred other movies in which passion beckons from beyond the grave.

[Culture.in.mk]

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