Macedonia Daily.org: October 2009

Friday, October 30, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO UMD!

National.

Today is the 5th Anniversary of the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD)! In such a short period of time, UMD has become the leading global grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO) promoting the interests of Macedonians worldwide. UMD’s strong commitment to promoting these interests is attested to by its achievements. Those achievements were only possible because of the support of UMD’s members, donors, supporters, and volunteers and include:

• The opening of UMD headquarters in Washington, D.C., and the hiring of a full-time staff making UMD the first Macedonian organization with a permanent presence in Washington, D.C.;
• The commencement of UMD operations throughout the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Europe;
• Visiting all 535 Congressional offices to educate members of Congress regarding Macedonian issues while strengthening U.S. support for Macedonia’s name and NATO membership;
• Being the first Macedonian Diaspora NGO to partner with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Academy for Educational Development in the Primary Education Project; co-sponsoring the last concert of the late Macedonian pop singer Tose Proeski raising over $200,000, which was used to renovate over 100 schools in Macedonia;
• Continuously promoting positive international media coverage of Macedonian issues by having articles published or being quoted in The Washington Times, Foreign Policy Association, Globe and Mail, The Australian, Congressional Quarterly, the Canada-based Embassy, The Hill’s Congress Blog, the Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne, The Age, The Star Ledger, and the Sydney Morning Herald;
• Co-sponsoring Macedonia name rally in Melbourne, Australia, bringing over 20,000 Macedonians and friends of Macedonia in front of the Victorian Parliament;
• Holding the 1st Annual UMD Global Conference in Washington, D.C. bringing together guests from more than 14 countries;
• Introducing the first-ever Macedonian affinity credit card program – the UMD Platinum VISA Rewards credit card;
• Being the first-ever Macedonian-American organization to be recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau;
• Organizing a grassroots campaign urging members of the European Parliament to call upon the Bulgarian government to recognize and respect the civil and human rights of the Macedonian minority resulting in over 3 million e-mails, letters, and faxes being sent;
• Co-sponsoring the 1st Australia Macedonia Relations Forum in Australian Parliament in Canberra;
• Leading the non-governmental Macedonia in NATO 2008 Campaign resulting in over 6.8 million e-mails, letters, and faxes being sent to all NATO member states and their Parliaments;
• Coordinating the sending of over 40,000 letters to members of Congress in one month;
• Establishing the Fund for Macedonian Children to undertake effective humanitarian programs to benefit the youth of Macedonia and thereby forging a better future for the entire Balkan region;
• Delivering humanitarian aid in the form of warm clothing and blankets to over 300 orphans in Macedonia;
• Sponsoring Macedonian socio-cultural activities such as the Macedonian Film Festivals in Toronto and London, Macedonian Cultural Festival in New Jersey, 7th North American Conference of Macedonian Studies at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, and Macedonian Folk Performances before the Annual Washington, D.C. Turkish Festival;
• Establishing cooperative relationships with the American Jewish Committee, Assembly of Turkish American Associations, and the Turkish Coalition of America; and;
• Annually awarding six heritage scholarships for Macedonian students.

To continue UMD’s efforts and activities, it is essential for UMD to be financially sound and stable. That is why, as always, UMD relies on contributions from its members, friends, and Macedonian communities worldwide. Therefore, we ask you to continue supporting UMD and donate, join, or renew your membership today.
Please note that you can contribute to UMD by several ways. You can become a member or donate online at https://www.acteva.com/go/united. You can also send your donations to: United Macedonian Diaspora, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004. If you would like to make a monthly recurring donation to UMD, please visit http://www.networkforgood.org and type in “United Macedonian Diaspora” in the search engine.

Finally, you can apply online for the UMD Platinum Visa Credit Card with Rewards at http://www.cardpartner.com/app/united-macedonian-disapora; $50 will be transferred to UMD when you first use this card.

Please note: All U.S. donations are tax-deductible subject to donor eligibility.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with your suggestions and questions.
United, We Can Make a Difference!

Thank you for supporting the important work of UMD!
Regards,
Denis Manevski
Treasurer and Board Member
dmanevski@umdiaspora.org

[UMD]

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

SKYWINGS AIRLINES TO BUILD HOTEL NEAR AIRPORT

National.

Skywings airlines unveiled a EUR 500.000 investment in the construction of a hotel near Skopje's Alexander the Great Airport.

The Chairman of the Skywings Board of Directors, Ajan Dzaferoski, announced the ambitious plan on Monday, during the inaugural flight Skopje-Brussels.

Dzaferoski stressed that the construction of the hotel is set to begin in March next year. Constructions works are scheduled for completion by June 2010.

The project envisages a 20-room hotel, which is to accommodate the Skywings crews. The airline's headquarters will move into the hotel.

On Monday, Skywings in cooperation with Air Lift Service launched new flight Skopje-Brussels. On Sunday, the airline is expected to launch another flight Skopje-Rome. A new flight Skopje-Bergamo (near Milan) will be launched on November 10.

The Skopje-registered airline Skywings is also operating flights to Istanbul, Zurich and Dusseldorf from Skopje.

Skywings initially operates with one Boeing 737-300 aircraft. The airline with operate with two Boeing 737-300 as of December.

[Makfax]

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

MACEDONIA SIGNS SOCIAL INSURANCE DEAL WITH AUSTRALIA

National.

Macedonia has signed a new social security agreement with Australia to make it easer for some people to access pensions.

From 2011, people who have spent part of their adult lives in both countries will have access to pensions from either country.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed the agreement with the Prime Minister of Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski, in Canberra this morning.

"This agreement reflects the close people-to-people links that we have between our countries," he said.

"It is the first formal agreement concluded between our two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations 14 years ago in October 1995."

[Mina]

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

KONJANOVSKI MEETS EHUD BARAK

National.

Defense Minister Zoran Konjanovski, who is paying a visit to Israel, met Monday with counterpart Ehud Barak, reads Ministry press release.

Minister Konjanovski stressed that Macedonia is interested in further enhancement of cooperation in the defense sector, especially in several Israel-supported projects.

DM Konjanovski reiterated Macedonia's determination to join NATO and EU, as well as readiness for signing of a cooperation memorandum between the two ministries.

Interlocutors also referred to developments in the regions surrounding Macedonia and Israel.

Defense Minister Konjanovski is also scheduled to visit defense facilities and institutions, reads the press release.

[Mina]

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

Thursday, October 22, 2009

SKOPJE JAZZ FESTIVAL KICKS OFF

Culture.

The 28th edition of the Skopje Jazz Festival opens Thursday with the live promotion of the project “Hammam” of the Macedonian-Italian trio Skopje Connection in the Army’s Club.

This year, the Festival’s events will take place at four different venues – the Army’s Club, Universal Hall, Macedonian Opera and Ballet House and Hard Rock Club.

The musicians comprising Skopje Connection tri are Dzijan Emin, Georgi Sareski and Luca Aquino. The promotion of their project “Hammam” will be followed by another promotion – the latest edition of the Skopje Jazz Festival label entitled “Jazz from Macedonia”, intended above all for the music markets abroad.

The programme of the following night – 23 October, is dubbed “Women in Jazz”. German. Piano player Aki Takase will play pieces of the jazz piano legend Fats Waller, before Marilyn Mazur Group takes the stage at the Universal Hall.

On 24th October, also in Universal Hall, Brad Mehldau Trio and James Carter Quintet will give their performances.

The night before the last is dedicated to marking of the 40th birthday of the cult jazz label ECM with two special concerts of the truly original Norwegian duo Arve Henriksen & Jan Bang, and of the jazz innovator Jon Hassels wit his project Maarifa Street.

The Festival will wrap up with the real treat for all jazz lovers – the super group Power of Three, whose members are jazz legends in the literal sense of the word - Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White.

In addition to the regular programme, Skopje Jazz Festival offers also some exciting afterhours concerts of contemporary jazz artists: the rising US singing star Jose James, the quartet of the Italian saxophone player Chico Pinheiro and his “Banda” and the Italian saxophone player Michele Ponga.

Macedonian designer Neda Firfova is the author of this year’s poster for the Jazz Festival.

[Makfax]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:00 pm | Permalink | Comments

SMOKING BAN TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR

National.

Total smoking ban will be introduced into Macedonian bars and restaurants as of next year. Current regulations require bar and restaurant owners to allow smoking in only 50 percent of the space, which does not work in practice.

According to a recent survey, the general opinion is that even smokers do not like the smoke in enclosed spaces.

According to the new legislation, smokers caught with a cigarette in a bar or any other catering facility after January 1, 2010, will have to pay a fine of EUR 300, and the owner of the bar will have to pay EUR 2,000 to 4,000. Retailers selling cigarettes to children under the age of 16 will have to pay a fine in the same amount.

[Mina]

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

WORLD GALLERY OF CARICATURES IN SKOPJE

Culture.

After a three-year break, the exhibition “World Gallery of Caricatures” will be put up in Skopje again.

The opening of this year’s 40th jubilee edition, staged by Osten magazine, is scheduled for Thursday at 20:20 hrs.

More than 300 cartoonists from 40 world countries applied with some 600 works after publication of the international public announcement. About 30 authors from Macedonia will also display their caricatures.

The members of the jury commission, chaired by Darko Markovic, a cartoonist from Macedonia, decided to award the Grand Prix to Robert Dandarov from United States.

This year, the “World Gallery of Caricatures” marks the 40th anniversary. The event, staged for the first time in 1969, was conceived as a means to express gratitude toward all those from across the globe, who helped in reconstruction of Skopje that was razed by a disastrous earthquake in 1963.

[Makfax]

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

MACEDONIAN COMPANY ENTERS IRAN

National.

Macedonian civil-engineering company Ading will open a subsidiary in Iran, with headquarters in Teheran, in the next few days, after which a factory will be built.

The creation of the main project for the new factory is in progress and it will be constructed in the industrial zone of Teheran, in the location where the production hall will have an area of 1,200 sqm and an administrative part and laboratory with 2x330 sqm.

The value of the production complex is around EUR 1,500,000, the number of employees will be 15 in production and 10 in the central office in Teheran. The basic activity of Ading is the production and application of additives and other chemical products in construction.

[Mina]

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

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

SALVADOR DALI'S EXHIBITION IN SKOPJE

Culture.

An exhibition of pieces of art created by famous Spanish painter Salvador Dali, one of the most brilliant artists known to mankind, opened Monday at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Skopje.

The exposition will include about 100 watercolor drawings and lithographs interpreting Dante Alighieri’s Devine Comedy, 15 graphics in various techniques, 15 ceramics and six small bronze sculptures. Czech art dealer Zdenek Kocik whose gallery is based in Prague has provided his private collection to the museum to hold this event.

The display will also contain a series of 20 photographs created by Czech photographer Vaclav Chochola in painter’s studio in Paris.

The Museum of Contemporary Arts Director Eliza Sulevska and Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska made address to guests at the opening ceremony on Monday evening.

Among those attending the ceremony was Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Deputy Prime Minister Vasko Naumovski, foreign ambassadors and a number of domestic artists.

The Salvador Dali’s exhibition at Skopje Museum of Contemporary Arts will be open until December 19. The museum will work each day, except for Monday, from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.

[Makfax]

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

CHARGES AGAINST SWEDMILK

National.

Macedonian Financial Police, the Ministry of the Interior and Public Revenue Office have filed criminal charges against the first owners of dairy producer Swedmilk - Roger Oscarson, Ala al Kafagi and Josif Sarzoski.

The criminal charges were filed for suspected criminal activities of causing bankruptcy by fraudulent operation and forgery and destroying of ledgers.

All three persons made an agreement on the construction of a production plant, knowing that they did not have sufficient funds for construction, equipment and start of production. The Financial Police say that the three took out excessive loans, and thus blocked the regular operation of the company.

[Mina]

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

Monday, October 19, 2009

PRESIDENT IVANOV VISITS ISRAEL

National.

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov pays a visit to Israel Monday through Wednesday where he will participate at the international conference "Facing tomorrow 2009."

The meeting, which will be opened by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, will gather President of Czech Republic Vaclav Havel, Croatian President Stipe Mesic, President of East Timor Jose Ramos-Horta, former Ukrainian President Leonid Kucma and former Spanish PM Jose Maria Aznar.

Ivanov will meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres and FM Avigdor Lieberman. He will visit and lay flowers at the Yad Vashem, Holocaust memorial centre. He is also scheduled to meet Jews originating from Macedonia.

[Mia]

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

TOSE CRASH TRIAL RESUMES

National.

The trial on car crash that killed Macedonian pop icon Tose Proeski will resume Monday at Skopje’s criminal court.

The final hearing on the case started a year ago. Gjorgi Gjorgieski, the driver of Tose’s jeep, stands a trial. The trial was postponed for five months as truck driver Slavisa Kuzmanovic didn’t show up in court.

Gjorgieski’s lawyer Silvia Djilvadjieva claims that many dilemmas will be cleared only if truck driver shows up in court to testify.

Macedonian justice minister, however, says it’s up to Kuzmanovic whether he would accept to come to testify in court.

[Makfax]

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

MACEDONIAN STAND AT FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR

Culture.

Promotion of British-language edition of “Macedonian Knot” by the former German Ambassador to Macedonia Hans-Lothar Steppan was the centrepiece event at the Macedonian stand at the weekend. This is about the translated and updated edition which, Steppan explained, he has complemented with data he had not had available in English archives. According to the former Ambassador, “His motivation to write the book was the permanently unjust policy towards Macedonia.”

The promotion of “Macedonian Knot” was preceded by a meeting of the Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska – Milevska with the Secretary of the Greek Writers’ Association. At the Greek stand, the Macedonian Culture Minister accompanied by the Macedonian Ambassador to Germany, Gjorgi Filipov, had a short meeting with the Greek Consul in Germany and members of the Greek Writers’ Association when they exchanged books. Separately, translation projects for "Nisan” by Blaze Minevski and “Rodna zemja” by Miron Dinkov were agreed with a Greek publisher.

The perfectly conceived performance of the Macedonian delegation at Frankfurt resulted in huge interest in and attendance of the Macedonian stand. A call, “Discover Macedonia” confirmed definitely that when you have an idea and good project realization success is inevitable. This was definitely successful presentation of the Republic of Macedonia at Frankfurt. Its goal to be presented as a country of literacy, culture, tourism, natural beauties and, certainly, high quality publishing has been fully achieved.

During the event, Macedonian representative had bilateral meetings where cooperation and distribution of Macedonian books was agreed with publishers in Brazil, United States, Australia and New Zealand, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Hungary.

“What had been announced when we came to Frankfurt was fully materialized,” Dejan Pavleski of Matica makedonska Publisher, the Macedonian Fair Commissioner, says.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

KOSOVO RATIFIES BORDER WITH MACEDONIA

National.

The Kosovo Parliament ratified with 81 votes "for" the agreement on physical demarcation of the Macedonia-Kosovo border in the second attempt.

Kosovo MPs voted for the second time during the day, after the first vote was supported by only 67 deputies, which was insufficient for its ratification. According to the Kosovo constitution, ratification of international agreements needs a two-third majority from the 120-seat parliament

Prior to the first vote, the agreement was deliberated by President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, who assessed it is of Kosovo's state interest.

The second vote was held following a coordination meeting by heads of MP groups called by Parliament Speaker Jakup Krasniqi.

The Macedonian Parliament is scheduled to debate today the agreement's ratification. The Parliament session was scheduled after the Government adopted late Friday the report on the agreement's conclusion, along with the harmonized text of the document and the draft-law on its ratification.

The EU and United States welcomed the border demarcation agreement, saying it is a sign of maturity, responsibility and mutual respect, contributing to good neighborly relations and regional stability.

[Mina]

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

Friday, October 16, 2009

KOUZMANOFF HANDS OVER GLOVE TO HALL OF FAME

Sports.

Kevin Kouzmanoff grinned as he discussed the paradox.

“I don't want to be seen just as a defensive third baseman,” Macedonian-American Major League Baseball player Kevin Kouzmanoff, said on monday after a Petco Park ceremony that saw him turn over his black Rawlings glove to the Hall of Fame.

Kouzmanoff made National League history this season with a .990 fielding percentage, becoming the first third baseman to commit only three errors with more than 300 chances – which led to the call from Cooperstown. However, when he came to the Padres from Cleveland three years ago in a trade for Josh Barfield, Kouzmanoff had a “good hit/no field” reputation.

“I didn't want to be known that way,” Kouzmanoff said. “I have really worked hard on my defense.” The proof goes beyond the fielding percentage. Kouzmanoff didn't make a throwing error this season. And he made great strides charging bunts and topped rollers. “Third is a reaction position,” Kouzmanoff said. “The quicker you react, the more plays you make.”

But third is also a hitting position. And Kouzmanoff knows there is still work to be done in the half of playing third that was considered his forte. “I think the power is there, I think the bat speed is there,” Kouzmanoff said. “I think I can be a 25 (homer), 100 (RBI) player.”

After a third straight slow start with the bat – .214 with one homer and nine RBI after 36 games – Kouzmanoff came on strong over the second half of the season. From July 5 on, Kouzmanoff hit .288 with 20 doubles, eight homers and 48 RBI in 62 games. Almost as importantly, his on-base percentage over the span was .336 compared to .278 – the lowest for any regular position player in the majors – for the first half of the season.

Kouzmanoff had moved ahead of Adrian Gonzalez into the Padres' RBI lead in the first week of September when he suffered a left calf strain that, combined with a lower back injury, forced him to miss 18 of the season's final 22 games.

“I felt like at the point in the season right before the injury, I was starting to feel locked in,” said Kouzmanoff, who was on a 100-RBI pace. “I was seeing the ball really well and had developed a different mind-set. “I'm looking forward to next season.” Not that the 28-year-old Kouzmanoff knows what this offseason will bring.

Kouzmanoff will be one of the first questions facing the Padres' next general manager. The third baseman is arbitration-eligible for the first time, meaning one way or another he'll get a healthy raise over the $432,400 he made this season. But the Padres have an option at third in Chase Headley. With Kouzmanoff having more value than Headley on the trade market, the Padres might even choose to trade Kouzmanoff.

“I have no control,” Kouzmanoff said yesterday. “I want to stay here. I'm excited about how the entire team played over the last two months. But what happens, happens. “I'm just like everyone else, waiting to see what does happen.”

The glove Kouzmanoff gave to the Hall of Fame, which will be displayed in the Padres exhibit at Cooperstown, was one of two he used last season. “I started the season with this glove, which is smaller and lighter than the one I used in the second half,” Kouzmanoff said. “I'm honored because I came into this with a reputation of being a poor fielding third baseman.”

[San Diego Union-Tribune]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 8:21 pm | Permalink | Comments

GREECE WITH A WARNING FOR MACEDONIA

National.

Greece warned Macedonia against raising high hopes about getting a date for start of accession negotiations for membership in EU unless the name row is resolved.

“What I can safely say is that it is clear that FYROM will not be given a date for start of negotiations unless the name issue is resolved,” said the spokesman of the Greek government Georgios Petalotis.

Kathimerini daily writes that for Greece, the ideal scenario would be to find a solution on the issue until December in order to avoid any delay of the beginning of Macedonia-EU negotiations.

The European Commission released the Progress Report on Macedonia on Wednesday and recommended launching of the membership negotiations.

The Report will be delivered to the EU Council, which is due to decide at the summit scheduled for December whether the European Union should start the accession talks with the Republic of Macedonia.

[Makfax]

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

GERMANY: EU ACCESSION TALKS PARALLEL WITH VISA LIBERALIZATION

National.

The recommendation for start of EU membership talks for Macedonia has been qualified by German parliamentarians as an optimistic step, however they consider that date is lacking. They consider that talks should start in parallel with the visa liberalisation.

This is report that brings optimism but lacks date. I expected that Jan. 1, 2010, when visa liberalisation should start, would be date for start of EU accession talks, Walter Colbo, German MP and Chairman of German – Macedonian Association for Cooperation, said.

Colbo for Radio Deutsche Welle – Macedonian Language Programme, said that the progress in Macedonia is noted, EC recognised the achieved progress, implied the start of talks but the term lacks.

Nevertheless, this report brings Macedonia closer to the EU and intensive work on softening Greece’s resistance in relation to name dispute is expected. This is a most important short-term task. I consider that this is serious obligation of the heads of government. First men of the governments should meet soon and try to resolve this problem mutually, Colbo said.

He also said that there are other obligations and the country should continue to work good as previously. He recommended internal political situation and political culture to be achieved, which will confirm implementation of Ohrid Framework Agreement but also the rule of law. So, after resolving the name dispute, the internal political stability will exist which understandably will lead to receiving date for start of EU entry talks, Colbo assessed.

Jürgen Klimke, MP of the Faction of the Social Democratic Party in the Bundestag, said that the report is good signal for Macedonia but pointed out that it cannot be read quite optimistically. The document confirms status quo of the situation. On the other hand it reads that Macedonia is on a good path to be part of the EU, which is confirmed with visa liberalisation and on the other hand it points out that the country must continue to be committed for example on surpassing economic and financial problems. Klimke said that very important improvement which is ascertained by Transparency International is ranking of the country from 105th to 67th position, which means that potential exists which is very important signal.

Olli Rehn once again said very clearly that bilateral difference as name dispute must not and should not be an obstacle for start of EU entry talks, Angelika Beer, former MEP and expert for foreign and security policy, said, pointing out that Macedonia deserves to start EU entry talks in parallel with the visa liberalisation on Jan. 1, 2010.

[Mina]

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

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

IVONA M. GRIMBERG APPOINTED TO UMD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Diaspora.

The Board of Directors of the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) unanimously voted at its most recent meeting to appoint Ivona M. Grimberg to the UMD Board of Directors.
“On behalf of the UMD Board of Directors, it is my great pleasure to welcome Ivona as the newest member to our team,” stated Aleksandar Mitreski, Chairman of the Board and Vice President. “I have known Ivona for several years, and I believe that her character and professional engagement make her an exciting addition to UMD.”
“I am honored that the Board has bestowed upon me the faith and trust to become a more active contributor to the important work of UMD. It is a sincere pleasure and privilege, and I am looking forward to help strengthen UMD” stated Grimberg.

In addition to Board responsibilities, Grimberg will head UMD’s Economic Development Program (UMD EDP). EDP’s mission is to facilitate greater engagement of the Diaspora in Macedonia’s socio-economic development and to promote foreign investments. EDP aims to improve the world’s perception of Macedonia. “Macedonia is a unique business gateway to the Balkans. Macedonia is an emerging economy with plenty of potential for investments,” stated Grimberg. “In the coming months, I will work to build a dedicated team to help me build EDP.”
Grimberg can be reached at igrimberg@umdiaspora.org

Biography
Ivona M. Grimberg is the President of IMG Consulting, LLC, which provides corporate finance and consulting services. Prior to starting IMG Consulting, Ms. Grimberg held numerous positions with global professional services firms throughout the United States. She served as an Account Director at a best practices research firm, where she was responsible for business development and retention of consulting projects with Fortune 500 companies. In this position, she managed a portfolio of over 100 accounts and frequently interacted with senior executives for the purpose of negotiating contracts and developing strategic business projects.

From 2000-2004, Ms. Grimberg worked as a Senior Tax Consultant with Ernst & Young, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia, performing strategic inter-company business planning and financial analyses.

Prior to attending University in the United States, Ms. Grimberg competed on the professional women’s tennis tour and represented Macedonia in numerous international competitions. Ms. Grimberg earned a Masters of Business Administration from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and a Bachelor in Business Administration from University of Mississippi. While at the University of Mississippi, she was nationally ranked among the Top 25 college tennis singles players. Ms. Grimberg was born and raised in Skopje, Macedonia with origins from Shtip.

Founded in 2004, United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) is the leading international non-governmental organization addressing the interests and needs of Macedonians and Macedonian communities throughout the world.

[UMD]

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

NAKED IMAGE SECURITY SCANS NOW? CRAZY!

National.

Although nothing to do with Macedonia, but we do think this news is absurd and important.

Originally, passengers had to remove their jackets when passing through airport security. Then it was belts, and soon shoes had to come off too. But those who feared that losing one's trousers was the next logical step will find scant comfort in the news that an x-ray machine that produces "naked" images of passengers will be introduced at a British international airport today.

As well as enabling staff to instantly spot any hidden weapons or explosives, the full-body scanner being trialled at Manchester airport will leave little to the imagination of airport security staff. It will reveal a clear outline of passengers genitalia, as well as any false limbs, breast enlargements or body piercings.

Travellers can refuse to undergo the virtual strip at Terminal 2 and choose a traditional "pat down" search instead, according to the airport, which admits that some travellers may feel uncomfortable about using the new technology.

The scan's black and white image will be seen by one officer in a remote location before it is deleted, said Sarah Barrett, head of customer experience at the airport.

"Most of our customers do not like the traditional 'pat down' search, they find it too intrusive, but they still want to be kept safe. This scanner completely takes away the hassle of needing to undress. The images are not erotic or pornographic and they cannot be stored or captured in any way," she said.

As passengers will not have to remove their coats, shoes or belts, the scanner will – in theory – speed up the check-in process. Frequent flyers will not be at risk from the low-level radiation, which is 20,000 times less powerful than a dental x-ray, Barrett said.

"Passengers can go through this machine 5,000 times a year each without worrying, it is super safe and the amount of radiation transmitted is tiny," she said.

The scanners, made by the firm RapiScan Systems at a cost of £80,000 each, were trialled at Heathrow airport in 2004. The Department for Transport will decide whether to install them permanently at the end of the trial, which is expected to last for a year.

Electromagnetic waves are beamed on to passengers while they stand in a booth, and a virtual three-dimensional "naked" image is created from the reflected energy. Security officials in the US have pioneered the use of the scanners at New York and Los Angeles airports and they are gradually being introduced at other airports in the country.

MD: This is just going too far, this is absurd and a big violation of privacy. This should not be implemented in airports, we hope more people protest. Are we all going crazy?

[Makfax]

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

32 % SUPPORT VMRO LED GOVERNMENT

National.

The latest poll ranking by the International Republican Institute has shown the ruling VMRO party led by Nikola Gruevski has increased their ratings from the previous poll done in June by 2 percent. According to the survey, 32% of Macedonians would cast their vote for the ruling party should there be new elections tomorrow.

Despite the opposition's promotion of their new program, the SDSM trails three times behind the ruling party with a rating of 11 percent, which is about one percent less than the previous survey in June.

DUI followed with 10 per cent, but has also fallen by 2 percent, and DPA and New Democracy preserved their rating of 3 per cent.

The new party of Ljube Boskovski United Macedonia has a drop from 1 to 0.7 percent rating, according to the IRI poll.

16 percent of the polled citizens were undecided, the same as in June.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski is still a politician with the highest rating, with 25% expressing their confidence in him. IRI claims there is no second place as 22% of the citizens claim they trust no one. SDSM’s leader Branko Crvenkovski has a 7% following, while DUI leader Ahmeti has 6%.

The poll showed that between 94 or 96 percent of citizens would like to see Macedonia in NATO and the EU.

[Mina]

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

MACEDONIA EXPECTS STARTING DATE FOR EU ENTRY TALKS

National.

The European Commission is scheduled to publish Wednesday the 2009 Progress Report for Macedonia, which might recommend a date for start of accession talks.

According to announcements from Brussels and expectations of the Macedonian authorities, the report will be generally positive, noting the country’s progress in meeting the eight benchmarks, but also areas where progress has not been sufficient.
Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Deputy Prime Minister for EU integration Vasko Naumovski hope that EC report will be fair and will valorize the country’s progress regarding the reforms.

The EC is scheduled to adopt the final version of the progress report on Wednesday morning, followed by a press conference of Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn at 12,15h.

Later on, EU Special Representative in Macedonia, Ambassador Erwan Fouere will meet with Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to hand him the report.

According to announcements, Ambassador Fouere will meet Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov and will hold a press conference at 14:15 o’clock.

Since 2005, Macedonia has a status of EU candidate country since 2005, and it expects to be given a starting date for EU accession talks.

[Makfax]

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

Monday, October 12, 2009

MACEDONIA MARKED OCTOBER 11

National.

The Republic of Macedonia marked the 68th anniversary since the start of the Day of People's Uprising against Fascism and National Liberation War on sunday.

The Macedonian people responded to the fascist occupation by organizing an insurrection. At that time the first sabotage units were created. Kumanovo and Prilep detachments were founded, their actions started on October 11 being the beginning of the Macedonian people uprising. During 1942 the partisan movement were also in ascent. Nine detachments were founded acting on a large territory.

During the winter and the spring in 1944, the Macedonian Army has taken important military actions (the February march, the Spring offensive), causing great damage to the Bulgarian occupiers.

During the period of 1944 the network of governmental organs in Macedonia has been spread, over 800 in number. The preparations for convocation of the ASNOM have been taken by the Headquarters General and the Initiative Board.

Thus, by the end of the war, the Macedonian National Liberation Army numbered over 56,000 soldiers, and this part of Macedonia alone provided about 25,000 victims.

The liberation of Macedonia by its own forces was an outstanding military and political accomplishment of the Macedonian people and at the same time it was a significant contribution by a small people to the anti-fascist struggle in the Balkans and Europe.

In the past 18 years overcoming the conflict in 2001 and the Framework Agreement that emerged from it, Macedonia, which is full-fledged member of the United Nations, now walks on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration.

On holiday's occasion, October 11 Award for special and eminent achievements in the areas of science, culture, art and journalism was presented Sunday at the Macedonian Parliament. This year's award recipient is Momir Polenakovic, internist and nephrologist.

PM Nikola Gruevski addressed the formal academy Sunday evening. Deputy PMs Vladimir Pesevski and Abdilakim Ademi and Education Minister Nikola Todorov laid fresh flowers at partisan graves and tomb of General Apostolski.

[Mina]

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

FROM BIOMASS TO ENERGY

National.

Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Nexhati Jakupi promoted Thursday project "From Biomass to Energy" in Kocani-based paper factory.

According to Minister Jakupi, the project aims at replacing the use of crude oil for technical steam in the factory's production process with biomass from the Kocani fields.

"The project provides the opportunity for future technology transfer in amount of about Euro 8 million for replacement of the energy boiler, who would operate through use of agriculture waste", said Jakupi.

Owner of "Hartija" factory Aleksandar Markovic said the project would solve an ecological problem, as well as obtain cheaper energy.

"Agriculture waste in the Kocani fields is burnt, whereas this process will turn it into electricity and heating", added Markovic.

Coordinator of the joint office of the Macedonian and Italian environment ministries, Christian Melit also emphasized the importance of ecological projects.

"Realization of such projects enables access of foreign investments and sustainable development in the environment sector, as well as transfer of technologies that cannot be brought to the country due to the high prices", added Melit.

Project "From Biomass to Energy" will be launched in 2010, whereas the first energy quantities are expected in 2011.

[Mina]

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

BOSKOSKI URGES GRUEVSKI TO STEP DOWN

National.

The United for Macedonia leader Ljube Boskoski urged Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to resign, blaming him of "fake patriotism, collusion to change the country's name, and criminal conduct."

UM leader Boskoski called on the prime minister to tell whether the information hinting at impending change of the country's constitutional name are true or just a speculation. He also asked the prime minister to tell whether the authorities are ready to accept a new name Northern Macedonia.

Boskoski blamed Gruevski of playing a "double role" - he is secretly negotiating a new name abroad and at the same time he acts like a patriot at home.

"Because of your non-transparency and the double role that you are playing, Macedonia is lagging behind and the people's fear that the country is moving towards an abyss is justified," Boskoski said.

He urged the prime minister to "stop dealing with his personal rating and to put his political engagement in the country's interest".

[Makfax]

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

Friday, October 09, 2009

DPA LEADER SLAPPED AND SURPRISED IN TIRANA

National.

Albanian intellectuals attacked the leader of Macedonia’s DPA party in last night’s political debate on Tirana's, popular TV channel Klan.
While speaking about the Encyclopedia, Thaci unexpectedly received a major slap for the behavior of Albanians and ethnic Albanian parties in Macedonia.

”Hatred towards their own contry, extreme Islamism, extremely low culture". These were the qualifications which several Albanian intellectuals used in attacking Thaci, who had come to expect certain political benefits by the Albanian media during his visit.

Thaci’s assessment that the Encyclopedia was a political provocation by the Macedonian Government was met with dismay by the participants in the debate, who sharply attacked Thaci and the Albanians in Macedonia as “ungrateful towards the state in which they live”.
"Macedonia is the only state in the Balkans where there is internal denial. Albanians always deny the state even fought against it. You made war in the middle of Europe and took up arms against your own country. To this day you ambush Macedonian policemen, said Maks Velo," Albanian writer - critic.

According to Mr Velo, there is a frightening, extreme Islamism among the Albanian parties in Macedonia and it is not a coincidence that DPA’s leader Menduh Thaci is on the U.S. blacklist for years.
"The mosques in the villages in Macedonia seem like Iranian missiles. If the Albanians there can not climb to a higher cultural level of social life, not to discriminate against women, to build civil society, you will never be able to go up against the Macedonians in any way, especially not intellectually. With minarets you are not going in Europe. We must achieve greater cultural and economic level," said Velo to Thaci who clearly wished he wasn’t there.

Fatos Lubonja, a critic, however, pointed out that there are two visions of Albanians in the Balkans. The first is for a Greater Albania, which is a vision shared by ethnic Albanian Parties in Macedonia who believe Albania would feed the other territories as Serbia fed Kosovo.

"Europe says Kosovo is a country with six stars, and Macedonia will not be divided. This is where the opposition is born. When will we learn our lesson that divisions do not lead anywhere, but only to war and discontent," said Lubonja. "So I think it is good for you to identify yourself as Macedonian. To live in Yugoslavia and then in Macedonia and to speak and work against the state in which you live, it is a cultural disadvantage, it is wrong".

"The vision of the Balkans must be a European. We won’t enter EU as Albanians rather with Serbia and Macedonia," concluded Fatos Lubonja.

DPA’s leader Thaci appeared flabbergasted wearing a sour smile on his face. He had hoped to gain political points by visiting Tirana. On his last visit to the Albanian capital, Mr. Thaci had lobbied Albanian politicians to be against Macedonia’s admission to NATO.

MD: Watch the vid below

[Mina]

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

BAN KI MOON HOPES FOR SETTLEMENT

National.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon fully hopes for the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece to be settled soon.

“I believe that after Greece’s elections will find a solution. That’s what I hope for and plan to work on in the future”, UN Secretary General said in his interview for “Untrinski Vesnik” newspaper.

Ban Ki-Moon said that there is no time limit regarding the UN cooperation with Macedonia.

UN Secretary General said that besides many options and ideas, they haven’t reached a solution yet.

[Makfax]

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

Thursday, October 08, 2009

MK ROOTS SECTION - FAMOUS MACEDONIANS - DID YOU KNOW?

MD.

As you may know we have written often about famous Macedonians from around the world who very few people know off them having Macedonian roots. We would like to add them all in a list into our 'MK Roots Famous Macedonians section' which you can find at the right side of this page or by clicking on the link or image below.

We will not include historical figures (like Alexander the Great, Aristotel or Cleopatra) to the list, but rather more recent famous Macedonians and less known for their Macedonian roots .

Do you know some celebrity or other famous person with Macedonian ancestry? Send us an email to spotting@macedoniadaily.org and we will add him/her to the list.

[MK Roots - Famous Macedonians]

[MD]

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

TOP JAZZ NAMES AT 28TH SKOPJE FESTIVAL

Culture.

Legendary pianist Chick Corea, accompanied by bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Lenny White will crown the 28th Skopje Jazz Festival, which will be held on October 22-26.

The festival begins with the promotion of “Amam”, album of Macedonian-Italian trio “Skopje Connection”, which includes Georgi Sareski, Dzijan Emin and Italian jazz star Luca Aquino on October 22.

German pianist Aki Takase and the band of popular jazz percussionist Marilyn Mazur will perform within “Women in Jazz” evening on October 23.
The third festival evening (October 24) includes two great names of modern US jazz – saxophonist James Carter and his quintet, as well as the trio of pianist Brad Mehldau.

October 25 program is dedicated to the 40th birthday of cult jazz label “ECM” with two special concerts. The first is by unique Norwegian duo Arve Henriksen and Jan Bang, while the second of renowned trumpeter and jazz-innovator John Hassell and his project “Maarifa Street”.

Besides the regular program, the Skopje Jazz festival also offers exciting midnight performances in club “Hard Rock” by several contemporary jazz names. These are new American jazz-hip-hop-soul star Jose James, Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro, as well as the quartet of Italian saxophonist Michele Polga.

[Skopje jazz fest '09]

[Culture.in.mk]

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

SEMINAR ON EU INTEGRATION AND MACEDONIAN LANGUAGE

National.

A seminar on the impact of terminology arising from the process of translation EU legislation on the Macedonian language will be held in Skopje on October 8-9.

The seminar aims to inform and train the target groups about the modalities and the guidelines to set terminology in line with the standards and the spirit of the Macedonian language. The participants will discuss modes to improve the quality of the translations.

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of EU Integration, Vasko Naumovski, will open the seminar entitled “EU Integration and the Macedonia Language”.

[Makfax]

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

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

MANCEVSKI TO SHOOT FINAL TIMELESS CLIP

Culture.

The shooting of the sixth and final clip for Macedonia’s tourism promotion, written and directed by Milco Mancevski, has started in Skopje.

The clip, which focuses on archaeology in Macedonia, will be shot at several locations in Skopje and throughout the country. The crew involves domestic and foreign professionals.

This is the third clip directed by Mancevski within Government-led cycle Macedonia-Timeless, aimed at promoting country tourism.

The campaign is supported by website www.macedonia-timeless.com, which presents all information related to Macedonia.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

INTERNET PIRACY BIGGEST PROPERTY VIOLATION IN MACEDONIA

National.

Macedonia makes progress in the fight against piracy, but it is still far from the European average, posting a 68-percent rate of forgeries and piracy. Internet piracy, primarily in sectors of music and film, will continue to rule if public awareness is not raised, accompanied by effective penalties, agreed participants at the inter-regional symposium on enforcement of intellectual property rights held Monday in Skopje.

According to the presence of forgeries and piracy in the region, Macedonia lags behind Slovenia and Croatia, has the same level with Bulgaria, and is better ranked than Serbia.

Justice Minister Mihajlo Manevski informed that courts have initiated 42 procedures in the past couple of years related to the protection of intellectual property rights, resulting in 22 fines and 12 alternative penalties.

"We are aware that intellectual property rights are often violated, whereas every country is obliged to protect intellectual labor and innovations", added Manevski.

Economy Minister Fatmir Besimi stressed that respect of intellectual property rights is of exceptional significance, taking into consideration that a significant portion of the commercial exchange relies on their protection, while economic growth and development of states depends from their appropriate management.

A national strategy has recently been adopted as part of the activities to build an efficient system for protection of intellectual property rights.

The two-day international symposium, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization and the State Office of Industrial Property, includes the participation of representatives from 31 countries.

[Mina]

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

MOST SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES OF 2008

National.

Telecommunications are the most profitable sector in Macedonia, while the energy sector employs the biggest workforce, a study of the 200 biggest and most successful companies in Macedonia showed. The study was conducted by the Euro-business Center for the 5th year in a row.

The top 200 list of most successful companies is headed by Macedonian Telecom, followed by Kameni Most komunikacii, T-Mobile Macedonia, the mine SASA and Usje. Biggest employers in Macedonia are OKTA, Makpetrol and EVN-Macedonia.

Due to the crisis, one half of the ten biggest Macedonian companies closed 2008 in the red. Also, Macedonian Telecom and Usje saw their profit before taxation slide in 2008 compared to 2007 by nearly 27 percent.

[Mina]

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

Monday, October 05, 2009

FIGHT FOR WOMEN'S RIGHTS CONFERENCE IN MACEDONIA

National.

More than 100 eminent fighters for women's rights will take part in the international conference "Peace and Security - Feminist Alternative" which opens in Skopje on Monday.

The two-day conference will bring together peace activists, women-politicians, women-experts and representatives of education and government institutions of 23 countries in Europe, Middle East, Caucasus, and the United States.

Among those expected to attend will be the Egyptian feminist writer Nawal El Saadawi, who was imprisoned in 1981 and her books had been banned.

The highlights of the conference will include participation of women in decision-making, religious fundamentalism and women's civic rights, reproductive and sexual rights, the impact of rising militarism on women etc. Lecturers from Palestine, Georgia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Italy and Macedonia are expected to make address.

The conference marks the 10th anniversary of the Women's Civic Association ANTICO. The Association's activities include the campaign for enforcing a law on gender equality, training for strengthening of women's capacity in politics and local government, training of voters, fight against mobbing.

[Makfax]

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

BOSTON UNIVERSITY IT STUDIES TO START NEXT YEAR

National.

Boston University, which is ranked among the 50 leading universities in the globe, will open a program of post-graduate studies in the field of information technologies in Macedonia on January 25, 2010.

The lectures, the marking and the complete education system would be conducted on-line by Boston University professors, but also through visits to Macedonia. Students will have the same treatment and conditions as their colleagues in USA, whereas the diploma would be equivalent to the US post-graduates.

The cost for the MA course is US$22,250, which is by 34 percent lower from the one in USA, since living costs have been deduced.

The program is realized upon the initiative of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, who signed a memorandum of understanding with the Boston University during last year's visit to the US.

Boston University professor Ljubomir Citkusev, who was personally engaged and contributed to the project's realization, presented the post-graduate studies on Friday.

Prime Minister Gruevski stressed the Government's vision to make Macedonia a regional IT center, thus boosting the country's economy.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for all IT experts from Macedonia and the region to obtain the MA degree from the Boston University, meaning an impetus for competitiveness of our university education, larger quality and developed educational programs", stated PM Gruevski.

Minister for Information Society Ivo Ivanovski emphasized that the study program is created in line with US market economy.

"This means that University students will acquire knowledge for the future. This diploma opens many doors", added Ivanovski.

The Boston University was established in 1839 and was the first that opened all departments for female students, all religions and races. It has 33,000 students at over 4,000 faculties. Four Nobel Prize laureates are currently employed as professors at the University

[Mina]

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

EXPLORATION OF MINERALS

National.

Opportunities for exploitation of mineral raw materials will be examined on 40 new locations across Macedonia. Companies that will carry out geological researches signed Friday contracts with the Ministry of Economy. They were selected as bidders through a tender in early 2009.

The single fee paid by companies for research permits will accumulate about Denar 55 million in the state budget.

Depending on the project, researches will be conducted in the next two or four years. If results are positive, companies should obtain exploitation permits in the next stage.

At a signing ceremony, Minister of Economy Fatmir Besimi said companies' projects would enable new jobs to be opened at the economy to grow.

It is extremely important that contracts are signed this year, which has left behind numerous consequences of the global economic crisis. I think this period is behind us, it was said at the G20 summit and there's optimism, Besimi stated.

[Mina]

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

Friday, October 02, 2009

ONLY 16 PEOPLE AT ENCYCLOPEDIA PROTEST

National.

The massive protests announced for two weeks by non parliamentary Albanian parties in reaction to the publishing of the Encyclopedia drew a crowd of 16 today in Skopje, this includes the 4 reporters present in front of the Government building who managed to interview every protester. Talk about easy day on the job.

It seems Albanians are either not interested in the gibberish that came out of Tirana, Prishtina, and numerous Albanian politicians who reacted as if their house is on fire, or they have better things to do, or both.

The Encyclopedia sparked a 'massive' protest that drew 11 people in Tirana (the protest was organized by a football club named 'Ilirida' - sigh) in front of the Macedonian Embassy, and of course, the burning of the Macedonian flag in Prishtina.

Someone purchased a flag, in order to burn it? In this or any other economy, this is just not a smart investment. Even better, you can buy a Macedonian flag in Prishtina?

[Mina]

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

MACEDONIANS IN TIRANA CONDEMN MAJKO'S STATEMENT

National.

The Tirana-based Macedonian Association ILINDEN strongly denounced the statement by Pandeli Majko, who called on Albanians to burn Macedonian flag.

In a statement to media, the ILINDEN Association also condemned the recent incident in Tirana, where Macedonian national flag was set ablaze.

"We are appalled at this vandalistic and uncivilized act which has no place on Europe's soil," the announcement said.

Macedonians in Tirana say it's thoughtless to burn the neighbor's flag, but it takes a lot of hard work and courage to build sincere and amicable relationship between the two nations.

"We appeal for wisdom and responsibility in public statements by Mr. Pandeli Majko. The Balkans should put behind the history of hatred and wars among nations, as wars brought nothing good to anyone," the Ilinden association said in a statement.

[MAKFAX]

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

EARTHQUAKE IN STRUMICA AREA

National.

An earthquake with a magnitude if 3 degrees on the European Macroseismic Scale (EMS) was recorded this morning some 110 kilometers southeast of Skopje.

The Seismological Observatory at the Skopje-Based Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics said the quake occurred at 06:47 hours. The tremor's epicenter was in Strumica area.

The quake was felt in Strumica and its outskirts. There are no reports on eventual damage.

[MAKFAX]

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

Thursday, October 01, 2009

BEST FROM CANNES & BERLIN AT MANAKI FESTIVAL

Culture.

Philippines-French thriller “Butchered” (20,00h) and German “Everyone Else” (22,30h) will be screened Thursday within the official selection of the 30th “Manaki Brothers” cinematographers’ festival.

“Butchered” of director Brillante Mendoza and cinematographer Odyssey Flores won the best director award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It will be preceded by short French film “Cold Chain”.

Croatian short “Party” will be screened before this year’s winner of the Berlin Film Festival “Silver Bear”, Maren Ade’s “Everyone Else”, with Bernhard Keller as cinematographer.

The day will begin with short film “Sinner” and the gala-projection of “Ward No.6” at 15,00h, followed by selection “New Visions” at 18,00h, presenting French-Swiss-Serbian-Dutch co-production “Ordinary People”.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

ICONS SAFE AFTER MONASTRY FIRE

National.

Monks rescued the valuable icons at the St. Jovan Bigorski monastery's gallery after big fire that broke out at the monastery shortly before daybreak Wednesday.

The blaze engulfed the old mansions (night-quarters).

Bishop Timotey of Debar-Kicevo Diocese said in a statement that flames had caused a major loss and extensive damage to the monastery's brotherhood of monks.

The fire scorched two dining rooms, one guest mansion, the kitchen, the library and the monks' homes, the bishop said in the statement.

The church said it opened bank account at Stopanska Banka Bitola, number 500-000000-3835-65, to raise donations for monks who lost their homes.

The cause of the fire is not clear yet.

[MAKFAX]

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

PROTEST AGAINST ENCYCLOPEDIA

National.

A few non-parliamentary Albanian parties will protest today for withdrawal of the Macedonian encyclopedia.

The organizers of the protest said that the encyclopedia is just a "political pamphlet" signed by MANU in the order of the government and should be declared worthless.

We will protest in front of the Government, because we believe that the Government is behind the document, which harmed Albanians, the National Democratic Union (NDU) and the Party for democratic prosperity stated.

The organizers of the protest said that they will urge participants to withdraw from burning the Macedonian flag, because they cannot guarantee that some individuals might do that to express the emotional revolt.

MD: Burning the flag of the country you live in yourself? Ridiculous..

[MAKFAX]

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