Macedonia Daily.org: June 2009

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

MD @ TWITTER - POLL

National.

Dear readers! So far we got some positive feedback on Macedoniadaily @ Twitter, but of course also negative feedback. Let us all remind you of our Poll at the right sidebar of this page. Show your opinion there and vote!

Follow us @ Twitter and have a nice day!

[MD @ Twitter]

(Photo credit should read MD)

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:42 pm | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIA TIMELESS IN WHY WE TRAVEL SECTION OF NY TIMES

National.

A story about the first of a series of commercials "Macedonia Timeless", directed by Milco Mancevski, was published in the New York Times' Travel Guide.

In the section Why We Travel, the author Will Rosenthal writes about a film shoot in Konjsko, Macedonia. Rosenthal, a Brooklyn social worker, photographs the actress Ana Lukic on the set of a commercial along the edge of Lake Prespa.

"I'm a social worker, but in previous life I was a filmmaker. My undergraduate degree was in film. I was in Macedonia watching an old friend of mine from film school shoot a commercial promoting travel to Macedonia. So they were shooting different locations around the country, and I just tagged long to all these beautiful places."

"It reminded me maybe what Italy was like in the '50s, where it's underdeveloped but has this fascinating culture," the author said.

"It seems like every major civilization has marched through there and conquered it at one time or another.They've all left their mark. It's much more intriguing than Western Europe. It's the Balkans."

"It's rich, and it's complicated, and it has this real rugged beauty to it. It's in flux, so that's interesting to see. It hasn't achieved some end state of developed stasis."

The New York Times sees Macedonia as a newly discovered travel destination.

It is one of the effects of the commercial video "Macedonia Timeless". This spring, Milco Mancevski's video was praised by Bradt Travel Guide. "Mancevski's advertisement being showed by CNN is finally placing Macedonia as equal among many other perfect advertisements of top travel destinations," the Bradt travel guide said.

Last month, this video won the first prize for best video clip at the International Festival on Tourism Films and Clips in Poland.

[Makfax]

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

DAUTOVSKI'S NEW PROJECT

Culture.

“Key” is a historical time machine – a new Macedonian story expressed through a series of authentic, specially made instruments. This is in short about the latest music project by the Macedonian multi-instrumentalist Dragan Dautovski, entitled “Key,” which is having its promotion at the monastery compound of St. Mark at 8.30 p.m. tomorrow evening within the Skopje Summer. Wider promotion of the project is expected at the Antique Theatre in Ohrid on 2nd August (Ilinden) within the Ohrid Summer.

The concert tomorrow is entitled “Hidden Place” where the Dautovski Quartet will play their own way, Dautovski said in a press conference yesterday. Besides on the kaval, pipe and tambura, Dautovski will play on the recently unearthed 6000-year old ball-like flute (Okarina) together with his quartet including Aleksandra Popovska, vocal and keyboards, Basja Arifovska, kaval and tambura and Ratko Dautovski, percussion, drums and tarabuka.

The Monastery of St. Mark area is limited to 200 seats and there will be free transportation organized starting from Drvo Dekor at 7.00 p.m.
At the press conference yesterday, Dautovski promoted a new video from “Key,” with "Si zaljubiv edno mome” (I fell in love with a girl) played on the ball-like flute. Finally, the melody of the song has found its instrument, Dautovski said. The song is supported with a harp, which has divine symbolism and is audio logistics to the ocarina because its roots date back to the times of myths.

“Key” will have its world premiere at the Ohrid Fest. According to Dautovski, the concert will be a sublimate of what is called a brand, identity of our area.

[Makfax]

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

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

National.

A national conference aimed at discussing the steps and measures to be taken for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPD), will be held in Skopje today.

The United Nations Office and with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and lead organizations of the persons with disabilities are organizing the event.

The main objective of the conference is to contribute to the formal process for the ratification of the convention and to increase the understanding of national actors of its key features and the requirements and avenues for ratification and domestic implementation.

Macedonia is among the first group of countries which signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPD) on 30 March 2007, the day it opened for signature.

The country is committed to CPD principles and is making efforts to advance the rights of the persons with disabilities in accordance with the international standards.

[Makfax]

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

Monday, June 29, 2009

FEMFEST IN PRILEP

Culture.

Femfest, a festival of art, music and workshops made by women or dedicated to women will roll out in Macedonia this week.

The Femfest, to be held in Prilep and Skopje, also features concerts of female and mixed bands from Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and the Czech Republic.

The workshops attendees will debate female themes that are often ignored in public discussions, such as discrimination of women at labor market in Macedonia, family violence, beauty ideals and myths, disciplining the female body, the situation of female Roma in Macedonia, women and technology.

[Makfax]

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

BAKOYANNIS AND MILOSOSKI FAIL TO MEET IN CORFU

National.

At the sidelines of the OSCE informal ministerial meeting at Greek island of Corfu, Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki held Sunday bilateral meetings with colleagues from Great Britain, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland and Belgium.

The meeting with Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyiannis was not held, due to "overcrowded schedule".

"Unfortunately, due to the overcrowded schedule, as announced from the Greek side, the meeting with counterpart Bakoyiannis was not held, but nonetheless, we expressed our readiness and reiterated our invitation for a meeting in Skopje, during the visit to the OSCE Mission in Macedonia", said FM Milososki, adding this would be an opportunity for debates on bilateral topics, MIA reports.

He stated that Bakoyiannis gladly accepted the invitation, expressing hope that the meeting would be held soon.

"We are ready for dialogue and the visit could be a good opportunity for its resumption", added Milososki.

In response to Macedonian journalists at the Corfu press conference, Greek FM Bakoyiannis said she wanted a meeting with Milososki, but her agenda was full.

"I wanted to hold a bilateral meeting with Minister Milososki, but unfortunately my agenda was full. I said in the course of the Kosovo visit that I would come to Skopje once my schedule allows it. Being the OSCE chairperson, I will have the opportunity to see the mission, but also talk to your leadership on the open issues between the two countries", added Bakoyiannis.

According to diplomatic sources, PM Kostas Karamanlis personally placed a ban on a bilateral meeting with Milososki due to the November 2004 decision by the Greek government, which is still into force, on ceasing all bilateral meetings with Macedonian officials, as well as due to the concern that the meeting would get large media attention, thus "macedonizing" the OSCE conference and overshadowing the Greek hosts.

[Mina]

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

ENROLMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEGINS

National.

Enrollment into secondary schools across Macedonia will roll out on Wednesday and Thursday, with a total of 37.530 vacant places.

This year, the Ministry of Education and Science increased the number of vacant places in secondary schools by 38% from a year ago. The move aims to give the applicants a chance to complete enrollment forms for the secondary school of their choice.

A total of 27.160 primary school graduates are eligible to attend secondary school for the 2009/2010 school year. The results will be made public on June 19.

The applicants seeking enrollment in secondary school within the first enrollment period could also submit applications on June 29-30. The results of the second term will be made public on July 1.

The second enrollment period is slated for August 19, and the schools are to release the results on August 20.

As of 2008, the secondary education is mandatory in Macedonia. The parents who failed to send their kids to secondary school will pay a 1.000 euro fine.

[Makfax]

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

Friday, June 26, 2009

MACEDONIA DAILY @ TWITTER! FOLLOW NOW!

National.

Dear Readers! We have to keep up with new technology and abilities. So as of today you can now follow us on Twitter. The twitter page will be updated daily, with a short text version of your daily dose of Macedonia. News, stories, interesting facts, just like you are used to on here! Also have a look at our poll at the right side of this page, let us know what you think of MD @ Twitter.

[MD @ Twitter]

(Photo credit should read MD)

[MD Network]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 6:04 pm | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN AVERAGE SALARY CLIMBS

National.

The average net salary in Macedonia stood at 20.167 denars (approx. 328 euros) in April 2009, the country's State Statistical Office said.

The Office said the average take-home salary in Macedonia rose by 29.2% in April from a year ago.

The highest increase of salaries was recorded in the sectors Health and Social Works (46.7%), Public Administration and Defense, Mandatory Social Protection (39%) and Power and Water Supply (38.9%).

A total of 3.9% of employed people in Macedonia did not receive the April salary.

The gross salary per employee in April 2009 averaged 30.139 denars.

As of January 2009, by applying the concept of gross-salary, there are structural changes in the data on gross wages due to the inclusion of allowances for food and transport in the salary. Because of these changes, when comparing the data for salaries on annual level, this fact should be taken into consideration as well, the Office said.

[Makfax]

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

GREEK POSITION FAR FROM COMPROMISE

National.

Greece's position on the name issue in numerous segments is far from a compromise solution, Foreign Minister Antonio Milosoki said late Thursday after a coordination meeting of state leadership on the course of talks for settling the problem Greece has been having with Macedonia's constitutional name.

Milososki said the President's special representative to the name negotiations, Ambassador Zoran Jolevski, briefed the country's leadership on the Geneva round of talks. He however, denied to present more details, saying that 'it will be unfavorable for the entire process'.

- It was good to have such a meeting. Tomorrow, Ambassador Jolevski will also brief the leaders of main political parties in Macedonia about the course of the negotiations and the positions of both countries. He will present the real Greek position, which in numerous segments is far from a compromise, Milososki said.

He also welcomed the forthcoming visit of UN mediator Matthew Nimetz to Macedonia 'as it offers an opportunity to present our stands.'

Milososki said there were no announcements that Nimetz would present new proposal.

The meeting, conveyed by President Gjorge Ivanov, brought together Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Vice-Premier Abdulakim Ademi, FM Milososki and Ambassador Jolevski.

[Mina]

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

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

COCA-COLA: MACEDONIA MAKES THE BEST COCA COLA

National.

The best Coca Cola in the world is made in Macedonia's capital, Skopje.

The Skopje Brewery received today the award "Best Bottling Company", out of a total of 178 companies across the world, from the representatives of Coca Cola Company.

In addition to this award, Skopje Brewery's was also recognized by the Coca Cola Hellenic Group for its exceptional quality of products.

"The quality of our products is the top priority of the Coca Cola Company, and our colleagues from Skopje Brewery achieved the highest results in this area. This stands as a proof of their extraordinary professionalism and dedication," said Tim Brett, the Business Unit President at Coca-Cola, congratulating the 85th anniversary of the Skopje Brewery.

"This marks the first time for Coca-Cola Hellenic to award a high recognition for quality of products to some of the companies that are part of our group," said Gary Brewster, the quality, audit and compliance director for Coca-Cola Hellenic, a company which is currently present in 28 countries.

[Mina]

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

DROPPING COMMUNIST HISTORY BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS

National.

Macedonians had to wait 68 years for the country to finally remove its communist history books, created by the then pro Yugoslavia circles.

While Macedonia's neighbors worked 60 years carefully crafting their history books, redefining and rewriting each sentence to serve their agenda and myths (look up Greece), others spent 5 days to come up with their history - claim Goce Delcev, Pitu Guli, Czar Samoil, Cyril and Methodius, Kliment Ohridski (look up Bulgaria), Macedonia had finally managed to free itself from communist ghosts who are still lurking, though in smaller numbers.

Today the book "History of the Macedonian People" was launched that will serve as a guide in all schools.

The book was written by numerous authors. One of them, Mr. Mitko Panov held a press conference and took questions from journalists.

MINA had a chance to review the book, albeit for few minutes. It is interesting and perhaps expected that Macedonia's slavic connection was not removed. After all every Balkan country, even Germany has Slavic connections.

Mr Panov explains that the Slavs who came to the Balkans, did not come in large numbers as to overturn the demographic footprint of the Macedonians who were already established on the land. Clear proof of this is the dozen DNA studies conducted by Spanish, British and Swiss Institutions of not just the Macedonians, but all Balkan peoples.

In the book, one can note the removal of the terms Hellenism and Hellenic who were coined by Historian (Politician) Johann Gustav Droysen, hired by the then Greek ruler Prince Otto. The reason for the term "Hellenism" (1836) was for Prince Otto to unite as he called the "dangerous mixture of Albanians, Macedonians, Vlachs, Turks in Greece".

Mr Panov's book uses the terms Macedonianism and Alexandrism instead. The author was asked by a pesky A1 journalist who kept interrupting why Mr Panov omitted the term 'Hellenic'!

Mr Panov said the term was incorrect, was created 150 years ago for political, not historical purposes.

The book establishes the connection of today's Macedonians with the Ancients.

'The History of the Macedonian People' is published by the Institute of National History and is available in Macedonian and English, to be distributed to foreign organizations worldwide.

[Mina]

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

DIASPORA VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE COUNTRY

National.

The Republic of Macedonia is proud of its Diaspora. American, Canadian and Australian-Macedonians, as well as the Macedonians living throughout Europe are the most important link between their old country and their new homeland, President Gjorge Ivanov said addressing the first UMD Global Conference.

In his speech, which was read Saturday at the conference in his absence, Ivanov said that Macedonia today is a shining example of an open and multicultural society. It has courageously faced the challenges of the Balkan past, creating its own functional model, which unites its citizens and ensures a common and prosperous future.

- The Republic of Macedonia has a clear strategic agenda. We strive to see Macedonia as a member of NATO and of the European Union, a country that is strong and respected, with proud, prosperous and happy citizens. In attaining these goals the Republic of Macedonia continues to persevere resolutely on the path to Euro-Atlantic integration, and to pursue a responsible domestic and foreign policy, he said.

- Our country is faced with a large challenge. Its goal of Euro-Atlantic integration is challenged by an irrational problem imposed by a single member state of NATO and the EU. We are encouraged by the support of the USA, Canada and many other nations in discussions on overcoming this problem that continue under the auspices of the United Nations. I am personally grateful to the Macedonian Diaspora, and through organizations such as the United Macedonian Diaspora, for being Ambassadors for their homeland, Macedonia, he said.

Therefore, the Macedonian people call upon you, dear friends to continue and intensify your efforts for spreading truth and fighting for a more just world. A world in which all people will have the right to freely express their name, identity, language and culture, wherever they live.

- The USA is a strategic ally of the Republic of Macedonia. Our partnership has deep roots, and generations of leaders in politics, civil society, the arts, the armed services, both men and women, have made an invaluable contribution towards this. Many of these people are here in Washington today. I would especially like to thank Senator Richard Lugar, Congresswoman Candice Miller, Congressman Harry Mitchell, Congressman Bill Pascrell, Congressman Earl Pomeroy, Congressman Mark Souder, Major General Michael Dubie, Ambassador Philip Reeker and the many other men and women for their hard work in bringing our two nations closer together in the aim to achieve victory for the ideals we share, President Gjorge Ivanov said addressing the first UMD Global Conference in Washington.

[Mina]

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

MD @ TWITTER - POLL

MACEDONIA TIMELESS IN WHY WE TRAVEL SECTION OF NY TIMES

DAUTOVSKI'S NEW PROJECT

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Monday, June 29, 2009

FEMFEST IN PRILEP

BAKOYANNIS AND MILOSOSKI FAIL TO MEET IN CORFU

ENROLMENT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEGINS

Friday, June 26, 2009

MACEDONIA DAILY @ TWITTER! FOLLOW NOW!

MACEDONIAN AVERAGE SALARY CLIMBS

GREEK POSITION FAR FROM COMPROMISE

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

COCA-COLA: MACEDONIA MAKES THE BEST COCA COLA

DROPPING COMMUNIST HISTORY BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS

DIASPORA VERY IMPORTANT FOR THE COUNTRY

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