Macedonia Daily.org: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

IVANOV ANNOUNCES PROJECTS FOR COOPERATION WITH QATAR

National.

President Gjorge Ivanov on the sidelines of 10th Doha Forum, Monday met with Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Satisfaction from strengthening friendly relations and continuation of the dialogue at highest level between the two countries was expressed at the meeting.

They agreed that economic cooperation is what the countries should put an accent on and to maximize efforts in this direction in the following period, MIA correspondent reports.

Ivanov said that he remains committed to determination in creating more favourable environment through attraction of foreign investments. He announced that around 20 concrete projects for investing in Macedonia will be submitted to the cabinet of Emir of State of Qatar by end of this month. It is about projects for investment in hotels, malls, gas stations, gasoline storage terminals and other opportunities for direct investments of Qatar.

Emir of State of Qatar expressed satisfaction from such announcements and promised to personally urge Qatar Investment Authority to focus on opportunities for investments in the Republic of Macedonia. In context to deepening the excellent political relations as well as development of economic relations, the Emir of State of Qatar assured Ivanov that Embassy of Qatar to Skopje is planned to be opened in the following period.

Ivanov at the meeting pointed out that without political stability and security there is no economic prosperity, topic at which he will deliver an address at the Doha Forum 2010.

Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar will give a welcoming speech. Also Finnish President Tarja Halonen, Secretary General of the League of the Arab States Amr Moussa and Chairman of World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab will also deliver addresses.

Ivanov on Tuesday is scheduled to meet officials of the agency Qatar Investment Authority, which is global investor in all spheres and manages an estimated $65 billion.

[Mia]

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

VICE PREMIER: MACEDONIA'S ECONOMY IS STABLE

National.

Macedonia's economy is stable in general, despite the fact that the crisis' effects are still present, Vice-Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski told reporters on Sunday.

The shortage of budget revenues will be addressed with a rebalance Pesevski said, pointing out that the upcoming budget rebalance would not have any influence on ongoing projects, but only coordinate the pace of spending and inflow of revenues.

The Government's economic policy is on the right track, which has been also confirmed by international financial institutions that rank the country among the best in the region, Pesevski said.

[Idividi]

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

Friday, May 28, 2010

AFFIRMATION OF MACEDONIAN LITERATURE IN EGYPT

Culture.

Two new editions from the poetry work of contemporary Macedonian authors Trajan Petrovski and Branko Cvetkoski will be promoted May 28-29 in Egypt’s capital Cairo.

The poetry collections are translated by contemporary Egyptian poet and former participant at the Struga Poetry Evenings, Saed Gouda.

The books, published by “Nadvah Press”, will be promoted by renowned Egyptian poets, followed by a reception for our poets at the Egyptian Culture Council.

[Culture.in.mk]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 3:42 pm | Permalink | Comments

EXHIBITION OF SULAJKOVSKI IN BERLIN

Culture.

Painting exhibition of academic painter Toni Sulajkovski will open in Berlin-based gallery “Prima Center Berlin” on Friday evening at 20,00h.

Sulajkovski’s latest project titled “Intergalactic Reactions” contains 35 artworks in technique acrylic on canvass, with 24 displayed in Berlin.

This is Sulajkovski’s 44th solo show, inspired by the effects of changes occurring in space. The exhibition will be open until June 10.

[Culture.in.mk]

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

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

MACEDONIAN JEWS ERECT WORLD-CLASS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

National.

The construction cranes, heavy machinery and plumes of dust in Skopje’s city center herald the final chapter in one of the Balkans’ saddest tales. After years of delays, Macedonia’s Jews are building a world-class museum to remember their near-extinction in the Holocaust.

“The highest percentage of Jews destroyed anywhere in the world — including Poland — was in Macedonia,” said Rahamin Mizrahi, vice president of the Jewish Community, a nonprofit overseeing the project. “It was 98 percent of the Jews. From our people, no one came back. At least with this museum they will have a grave, not ashes spread around the fields.”

“Final solutions don’t exist,” said Mizrahi. “You remember the war in Bosnia. You’ve seen what happened in Kosovo. This museum will teach the next generation — not us, because we know — that there is no final solution.”

The Holocaust Center also illustrates a recent trend in Macedonia to more strongly assert the country’s identity as an independent nation. The project dovetails conveniently, for example, with Skopje 2014, the government’s controversial, $273 million plan to transform the city from a provincial seat into a full-fledged European capital.

The center and Skopje 2014 are technically unrelated. But if the center is completed next year, as expected, and Skopje 2014 remains on schedule, the new center will eventually stand in a radically redesigned downtown, near a new Macedonian history museum, new national theater, a massive triumphal arch and other proposed monuments.

Taxpayers are footing the bill for Skopje 2014, making it a subject for public debate. The center’s costs, alternatively, are covered by a special fund created in 2000 from the assets of Macedonian Jewish families who perished in the Holocaust and left no heirs. But critics within the Jewish community nonetheless link the two, arguing the center’s backers are overreaching in the same way the government is trying to do too much with Skopje 2014.

“It’s become big, maybe too big,” said Samuel Sadikario, a former president of the Holocaust Fund, a quasi-public organization that administers the center’s budget. “Maybe such a project should be done in Poland.”

Located on a 30,000-square-foot parcel near the River Vardar, in Skopje’s former Jewish quarter, the Holocaust Memorial Center will commemorate the 7,200 souls sent to the Treblinka death camp in 1943, when Nazi-ally Bulgaria occupied Macedonia, then part of Yugoslavia. The $23-million center is slated to contain a museum, arts center and hotel.

About 220 Jews remain in Macedonia, too few to merit a grand center, said Sadikario. He thought the millions invested in the project might be better spent on Macedonia’s crumbling universities. He also noted that construction was supposed to finish two years ago, but has been repeatedly delayed by the Jewish leaders struggling to manage the project.

“There is no capacity,” Sadikario said. “Judaism is actually dying out in Macedonia. It’s not too much to say its dead.”

Despite their small numbers, Macedonian Jews keep alive a simmering dispute between them and Bulgaria, whose fascist government rounded up their relatives and neighbors on Adolf Hitler’s command.

The irony of that tragedy is that Bulgaria’s elite during World War II convinced the country’s then-king, Boris, to save Bulgaria’s 50,000 Jews from extermination, while Bulgarian troops sent about 11,300 Jews from Macedonia, northern Greece and south Serbia to concentration camps in Poland.

Today, Mizrahi is careful to make clear he has nothing personal against Bulgarians. “The Bulgarian Orthodox Church and intelligentsia rose and said ‘You are not going to deport our people,’” he said. “I want to make a difference between present-day Bulgarians and fascist Bulgaria under Tsar Boris.”

Bulgaria has yet to formally apologize for its actions. But Mizrahi hopes the buzz generated once the Holocaust Center is completed will persuade Bulgaria’s leaders to change their minds. That would bring an end to the last indignity Macedonian Jews continue to endure from the Holocaust, he said.

In an email, Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Vessela Tcherneva said Macedonia has not filed an official request for an apology. But that wasn’t the point, she added.

“It is … a question that is often discussed here in the light of Bulgaria’s moral responsibility for the tragic fate of the Macedonian Jews,” she wrote. “The Bulgarian state could not achieve what it did with its own Jewish population.”

[GlobalPost]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:08 pm | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, May 23, 2010

MACEDONIAN GORAN PANDEV WINS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Sports.

Goran Pandev is the new Macedonian hero, the third Macedonian ever that has won the Champions League after his Inter defeated Bayern München with 2:0 at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid. Pandev played until the 78th minute.

After 45 years of waiting, Inter Milano is again on the top of the European football, and together with the rest of the Nerazzurri there is one Macedonian, the one and only Goran Pandev.

José Mourinho decided to put Pandev to play from the beggining and he did the right thing. Pandev played his new role on the left side with many difensive tasks, doubling Arjen Robben together with Cristian Chivu, but also being useful in the attack. He had one attemp on goal in the 47th minute when Hans-Jörg Butt saved his great shot. He suffered five fouls and together with Robben he was the most fouled player in the final. In the 78th minute he was substituited with Suley Muntari.

With the win in this Champions League final, Pandev became the third Macedonian with the title Champions League winner since legendary Darko Pancev and Ilija Najdoski did the same in 1991 with Serbian side Crvena Zvezda.

Since he joined Inter in January, this is his third trophy since in the past weeks he also won the Serie A and the Coppa Italia. Next season Pandev will have a chance to win another three trophies as Inter will play the UEFA Super Cup, the Supercoppa Italiana and the FIFA Clubs World Cup.

"I arrived here in January and it has been a marvellous season for me. I have settled in very well and I thank everyone. We played a great match tonight and we deserved to win this Champions League after knocking out Barcelona and Chelsea. Let's enjoy this trophy now and let's hope that Mourinho stays so we can win it again." - said Pandev for Rai Sport.

[MacedonianFootball]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 10:30 pm | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, May 22, 2010

CANADIAN PM STEPHEN HARPER TO RECEIVE UMD'S HIGHEST HONOR, THE GOCE DELCHEV AWARD

Diaspora.

It is with distinct pleasure and privilege that the United Macedonian Diaspora announce it will honour The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, with UMD’s highest honour – the Goce Delchev Award – at the 2nd Annual UMD Global Conference Gala on June 5, 2010 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel.

The Canadian-Macedonian community is extremely grateful for Prime Minister Harper’s bold and honourable leadership in international affairs. The high values and integrity of his policies are evident in Canada’s recognition of Macedonia’s constitutional name, the Republic of Macedonia on September 19, 2007, and have solidified the relationship between Canada and Macedonia.

The first Macedonians immigrated to Canada over 100 years ago. They enriched Canada’s cultural mosaic with their hard work and their cultural legacy. Prime Minister Harper’s recognition of this history has earned our notice and commanded our respect. It is our community’s solemn wish to honour his accomplishments on June 5, 2010 as a token of our esteem and appreciation for his great contributions.

The Goce Delchev Award is UMD’s highest honor and the recipient of this award is selected based on the impact that they have had on Macedonians around the world, their record of public service, and their advancement of justice, peace, democracy, personal freedom and economic opportunity. The Goce Delchev Award is named after the famous 19th century Macedonian leader Goce Delchev who fought for Macedonian independence from the Ottoman Empire. Goce Delchev held views that are epitomized by his well-known quote, "I understand the world solely as a field for cultural competition among the peoples.”

The UMD Board of Directors unanimously nominated Prime Minister Harper as the first recipient of this award for his impact on Macedonia and Macedonians globally.

[United Macedonian Diaspora]

[UMD Global Conference Toronto 2010]

[UMD]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 2:30 pm | Permalink | Comments

UMD GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2010 TORONTO COMING UP

National.

Over 1,000 Macedonians and friends of Macedonia from 25 countries are expected to attend the 2nd UMD Global Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Will you be there?

This year's venue, the Sheraton Center Toronto Hotel, is where to be from June 3-5, 2010! The CAA/AAA Four Diamond Sheraton is in the center of it all, located in the financial and entertainment districts of Toronto and connected to the PATH - a 16-mile underground network of shops and services.

Here are a few highlights:

Discover Macedonia and its amazing tourism potentials
Learn how and why to do business in Macedonia
Hear experts discuss the role of the United Nations in Macedonia and human rights issues in Southeast Europe
Help preserve the Macedonian identity and language in today's modern global community
Watch a screening of A Name is A Name followed by a Q&A with the Director Sigurjon Einarsson and Producer Jason Miko
Honor Macedonians who are making a difference in the world
Enjoy a Cultural Evening featuring Macedonian artists from around the world
Connect, Network, and Build Partnerships with Macedonians and friends of Macedonia

Speakers:

All this and much more...at the 2nd UMD Global Conference in Toronto!

Register now!

The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M9
(416) 361-1000

[United Macedonian Diaspora]

[UMD Global Conference Toronto 2010]

[UMD]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 1:00 pm | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN DELEGATION TO HONOUR ST.CYRIL IN ROME

National.

A Macedonian state delegation led by Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski headed for Rome on Friday to attend the traditional manifestation “Macedonia Honouring St. Cyril.”

The official delegation includes coordinator of the representative group of VMRO-DPMNE, Silvana Boneva, deputy coordinator of the representative group of DUI, Safet Neziri, deputy coordinator of the representative group of SDSM, Marijanco Nikolov, deputy coordinator of the representative group of NSDP, LP and NA, Goran Misovski, Deputy FM Zoran Petrov, Deputy Culture Minister Dragan Nedeljkovic, Director of Commission for Religious Communities and Religious Groups in Macedonia, Valentina Bozinovska.

Veljanoski and members of the delegation Saturday will have an audience with the Pope Benedict XVI and will meet with State Secretary of the Holy See, the Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Delegation will participate at the prayer at the tomb of St. Cyril in San Clemente basilica in Rome.

Veljanoski in the frames of the visit to Rome on May 25 will hold a meeting with the President of the Italian Parliament, Gianfranco Fini.

[Mia]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 11:28 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS IN SWEDEN INCREASES

National.

A total of 188 Macedonian nationals sought asylum in Sweden this year, MIA reports from Goteborg.

This trend was expected after Macedonia's EU visa-free regime entered into force on January 1.

This number represents a vast increase from the 86 asylum requests in 2009.

[Mia]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 11:26 am | Permalink | Comments

Monday, May 17, 2010

MACEDONIA AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

National.

Macedonia has it's own stand on the Cannes film festival this year where the country, her potential and Macedonian films are promoted.

Macedonia as a destination for filming of movie scenes will be the direction towards which the Macedonian film funds, wants to offer our country. The stand is located in the pavilion together with the stands of other southeast european countries.

On tuesday there will a 'Day of Macedonia', when Macedonian movies will be shown and promotional commercials about the country.

A film project by Darko Mitrevski, 'Treto poluvreme (Third half)' was presented at the festival as part of the 42nd co-production forum, organised by the European Producers Club. The film was presented by producers, Robert Naskov and Gorjan Tozija and got a lot of attention of producers, agents and distributors from Germany, Italy, Finland, Argentina and Sweden.

[Kirilica]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 1:00 pm | Permalink | Comments

Saturday, May 15, 2010

MARRIOTT COMING TO SKOPJE

National.

Marriott international company will build a “Marriott Skopje” hotel at Macedonia Square, an investment worth EUR 37 million.

Aleksandar Ivanovski, general manager of Develop Group and Erwin K. Carlton, chief manager for development for Europe of Marriott Hotels will sign Friday the agreement for building of the hotel.

The hotel, which will be build at an area of 20.000sqm, will have 180 rooms and 16 suites and one presidential suite, two lunch bars, spa centre and garden at the top floor.

The opening of Marriott Skopje is scheduled for 2013.

US Ambassador Phillip Reeker, Deputy PM Vladimir Pesevski and Skopje Mayor Koce Trajanovski will attend agreement-signing ceremony.

The construction of the hotel in Skopje is first investment of Marriott International in the Balkans. The company has 3.400 hotels in 70 countries.

[Mina]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:48 pm | Permalink | Comments

US EXPECTS NAME ISSUE TO BE SOLVED BY OCTOBER

National.

Washington is strongly interested in the maintenance of Macedonia's political and security stability, its successful integration to NATO and the launch of accession talks with the EU.

This was pledged Thursday by US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Gordon, who met with SDSM leader Branko Crvenkovski. Gordon is also scheduled to meet with President Gjorge Ivanov and DUI leader Ali Ahmeti later in the day.

The United States deems that it is high time the name row with Greece involving the constitutional name of Macedonia to be overcome, which will contribute to the unblocking of country's Euro-Atlantic integration.

According to Crvenkovski, the period left till June was very short to settle the name issue and the process only needed to be kicked off.

- From the point of view of US, the next event which is probably is far more important is the NATO summit in October and early November in Portugal. By then, the process should finish, which means it has to start these days, said Crvenkovski.

Interlocutors at the meeting also discussed the multi-ethnic relations and the latest two police actions in which a significant amount of weapons had been seized.

[Idividi]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:47 pm | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, May 13, 2010

4 DEATHS IN POLICE ACTION AGAINST WEAPON SMUGGLING GANG

National.

Here pictured is the Mercedes Sprinter van, heavily damaged by bullets, in which yesterday was used to transport weapons from Kosovo to Macedonia. The weapons were smuggled thru the illegal border crossing at the village of Dvorce on the way to Radusa by a gang of four criminals from Grcec, Merovo and Pristina.

The four men who were wearing black uniforms and automatic rifles did not manage to bring the weapons to the planned destination. They all died in a heavy shooting with the Macedonian police.

"The driver of the van did not follow the orders of the police and even before the criminals started shooting at the police so the police returned and in the shootout the four criminals have lost their lives", said Gordana Jankulovska, Minister of Interior Affairs.

The Police was informed that a group of criminals would pass by and transport guns. The police was searching vehicles and then the van passed by with registration plates of Prilep. They did not follow the police orders and started firing at the police.

"Last night around 2 am we heard gunfire, it lasted for about 5 minutes. It came from the side of the mountain at Svilare. We also heard a helicopter", said a citizen from the surrounding villages.

In the van, the police found a larger amount of grenades, automatic rifles, snipers, TNT explosives, hand bombs, mines, anti tank mines, boots, a map and emblems of the UCK.

3 of the 4 criminals have been identified. One of them has a international warrant for assault and was convicted to nine years for shooting at the police back in 2004 when he tried to help a terrorist escape.

[A1]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 11:40 am | Permalink | Comments

GOLDEN COINS FOUND AT SKOPJE FORTRESS

Culture.

Archaeologists have unearthed at the Skopje Fortress a jug with 46 gold coins from the 13th century - when Skopje was ruled by John III Doukas - and 77 Venetian silver coins from periods of various rulers.

Manager of the excavations Dragi Mitrevski said the discovery was one of the most luxurious findings at the fortress and its importance laid in the fact that it determined the periods of rule in Skopje.

The coins determine the historical moment of the demolition of the Byzantine city and the moment when Serbs conquered Skopje and ruled it in the next 110 years. The artifact is the most beautiful illustration of the moment from the history of the city. Now, we are researching the residues of these layers where the jug was found. Women's jewelry worn probably by the highest class in the Byzantine aristocracy was also excavated today. It depicts the specific historic moment in late 13th century, which is now being excavated, said Mitreski.

Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska visited Wednesday the archaeological site, which is being researched for three years in a row.

This is a crucial site and one of those that contain the entire cultural and historical tradition of the Republic of Macedonia, she said.

[Mina]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 10:00 am | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

NEW FIGHT BETWEEN POLICE AND ARMED GANG

National.

A new firefight occurred this morning near the Macedonian - Kosovo border. Once again Macedonian police patrol was fired upon by an ethnic Albanian criminal unit operating in the area.

Macedonian police has reported that four persons have died in the clash.

The Macedonian police acted on tips that a criminal unit is smuggling large amounts of weapons across Macedonia's borders. On its way to intercept what appeared to be uniformed men, the gang opened fire.

The police acted swiftly and the group was eliminated, with the remainder fleeing back to Kosovo. The Ministry of Interior has not released information, as they are still preparing the report.

Just last week there was a similar firefight between Macedonian police and uniformed ethnic Albanians who guarded large weapons stash. In both incidents Macedonian police confiscated large amounts of various weapons.

[Mina]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 11:15 am | Permalink | Comments

MACEDONIA AND MOROCCO NOURISH EXCELLENT RELATIONS

National.

Macedonia and Morocco have been nourishing excellent relations, but should work on bolstering the economic cooperation and trade exchange, say Prime Ministers of both countries Nikola Gruevski and Abas el-Fassi respectively.

Two Premiers signed Tuesday in Rabat an agreement on avoiding double taxation and protection of investments.

The Moroccan Premier underlined the need of investing additional efforts in the development of the cooperation in the spheres of culture, education, trade. In this respect both Premiers offered scholarships for Macedonian, Moroccan citizens to study at the universities of the two countries.

- Morocco and Macedonia have been nourishing excellent relations, without any open issue. Macedonia is an official candidate for the EU membership, while Morocco enjoys a unique status in its relations with the Union, Gruevski said.

He gave credit to Morocco for being one of 130 countries that recognized Macedonia's constitutional name.

Earlier today, Gruevski laid flowers on the tombs of kings Mohammed V and Hassan II in Rabat.

During the two-day visit, Gruevski is scheduled to meet the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abdelwahed Radi and President of the Assembly of Councillors Mohamed Seik Bijadila.

Tomorrow, the business opportunities in Macedonia will be presented to representatives of Moroccan companies.

The Republic of Macedonia and Kingdom of Morocco established diplomatic relations on 18 September, 2002.

[Idividi]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 11:00 am | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

MACEDONIA TAKES OVER COUNCIL OF EUROPE CHAIRMANSHIP

National.

The Republic of Macedonia Tuesday takes over the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Macedonia will take over the chairmanship from Switzerland for the next six months and will hand over to Turkey on November.

Macedonian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be officially presented Tuesday in Strasbourg at the 120th session, MIA reports.

Micheline Calmy-Rey, Head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, will chair the official session informing the ministers and officials of CoE member states on realised activities in the past six months, and FM Antonio Milososki will present the priorities of his country’s programme.

Milososki will symbolically rap of the gavel, which will officially mark handing over of the chairmanship.

The Committee of Ministers accepted the logo and naming of “Macedonian Chairmanship 2010” as it was proposed in the official document submitted by the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on priorities of the Macedonian presiding over the Committee of Ministers. The document was followed by cover page at which provisional reference of the country is found in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 817 from 1993.

Around of 20 ministers of the CoE ministers are expected to participate at the 120th session among whom is Swedish FM Carl Bildt, Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu, Serbian FM Vuk Jeremic and Greek alternate FM Dimitris Droutsas.

Milososki organised dinner for Balkan foreign ministers late Monday in Strasbourg. Foreign ministers of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, Vuk Jeremic, Sven Alkalaj and Milan Roken respectively, as well as Croatian state secretary for political affairs Davor Bozinovic and Milososki discussed about intensification of regional cooperation within the frames of the activities of the Council of Europe.

An exhibition of the Macedonian artist Robert Jankuloski entitled “Shared Temples” will be opened at CoE headquarters in Strasbourg on the occasion of the Macedonian Chairmanship over the Council of Europe.

[Idividi]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 4:50 pm | Permalink | Comments

GRUEVSKI IN MOROCCO

National.

PM Nikola Gruevski Tuesday kicks off his first official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco.

During the two-day visit Gruevski is to hold tête-à-tête meeting with his Moroccan colleague Abbas El Fassi as well as meetings with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abdelwahed Radi and President of the Assembly of Councillors Mohamed Seik Bijadila.

Gruevski is also scheduled to sign agreements on cooperation in several spheres.

Gruevski will meet with Moroccan businessmen at the second day of his visit.

The visit is focused on strengthening the economic cooperation and trade exchange between the two countries.

Gruevski will visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and will lay flowers on tombs of kings Mohammed V and Hassan II in Rabat.

Abdulkadar Mehmeti, state secretary in the Ministry of Interior and Martin Protuger, Chief of Prime Minister's Cabinet are included in the Macedonian delegation.

The Republic of Macedonia and Kingdom of Morocco established diplomatic relations on Sept. 18, 2002.

[Idividi]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 9:00 am | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, May 06, 2010

'NOVA ZORA' FIRST MACEDONIAN NEWSPAPER IN GREECE

National.

Today is an historic day for the Macedonian movement, but for all Greek citizens who want a truly European, democratic Greece. Starts first circulating means for mass information in our country that contains news, articles and comments in Macedonian language. A language that according to Greece officially does not exist, but unofficially speak or understand more than half a million people, mainly in northern Greece, - said in a statement today the editorial board of the newspaper in Macedonian, New Dawn.

New Dawn is the newspaper that addresses primarily the Macedonians who want to keep contact with their native language, who want to learn better and they and their children who wish to seek their rights to learn about their history and culture. The message is clear: the times of fear there. Our country could not be hiding behind the finger. You agree and adapt to what is happening in other European countries.

Simultaneously, the paper addresses and the general public, to those who can no longer suffer uninformed plot in which us condemn other major Greek media and journalists. Therefore, New Dawn will offer readers of topics not found elsewhere. Unknown pages of famous events that have deliberately left in the dark for decades, ordinary everyday stories, analysis and opinion without masks, and depending on settings. This is our legacy.

Quite positive that the New Dawn circulation coincides with perhaps the deepest crisis since the creation of new Greek state, a period which we hope will make a lot of Greek citizens to make a thorough review that they believe in and seek a new beginning. This is necessary now to Greece: to bezizleznoto aside past which has led to economic, political and social bankruptcy, to re-examine its relations with citizens who have different national and linguistic background, but to do the same and neighboring countries.

This is sometimes the only way to go in the ascending direction. This paper, taking full sense of uniqueness and its mission, will do the necessary in trying to change Greece. We know that will support all Macedonians and we hope the support of all Greeks Democrats. We know also that the state and paradrzhavata will try to shut our mouth. But it would be a lonely attempt doomed to fail. New Dawn may be a little late, but came to stay - published editorial board of the New Dawn and her editor, Dimitri Ioannu said.

MD: This is wonderful! A huge step forward for all Macedonians in Greece. This is also a message that Macedonians will never give up and never let anyway step you in the way. Congratulations!

[Nova Zora website]

[Nova Zora]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 1:51 pm | Permalink | Comments

GREEK TURMOIL WILL NOT EFFECT MACEDONIA

National.

Problems in neighbouring Greece will not hurt the economy of European Union candidate Macedonia, where growth is seen this year and expanding in 2011, the International Monetary Fund said on Wednesday.

"The economy appears to be recovering, with growth of about 2 percent likely in 2010," Wes McGrew, the head of the IMF mission to Macedonia, told a news conference.

The official added that the banking system of Macedonia, where two out of 18 banks with large or full Greek ownership, were well capitalized, as "they do not hold Greek government debt and have very limited reliance on their parent banks for financing."

His remarks came as policymakers have warned of looming financial contagion to other countries unless the euro zone debt crisis is stopped in Greece.

Athens has major influence over Macedonia's political future as a dispute over the former Yugoslav republic's name has blocked the country of two million from joining NATO and the EU.

Macedonia was seen emerging from the global financial downturn, after economic contraction of 0.7 percent in 2009.

"As the rebound of growth in the world economy gathers pace and global financial conditions normalize further, Macedonia can look forward to a more robust recovery next year," McGrew said.

Zoran Stavreski, Macedonia's finance minister, also said the country will issue eurobonds "by the end of the second quarter."

Macedonia has contracted two banks -- HSBC and Credit Suisse -- "for the realization of that transaction," he said.

In 2009 Macedonia successfully issued 175 million euros ($238 million) in eurobonds with a four-year maturity.

Greece's crisis, which has led to an unprecedented EU and IMF bailout, has hit the eurobond plans of other neighbours.

Albania has delayed a 400 million eurobond expected last week until possibly next week, a source at one of the lead managers said. Among the issues facing the market is how to price such a first-timing offering in tumultuous markets.

Montenegro, until recently seen issuing its debut 200 million eurobond as early as this month, has pushed back its likely issue date until late June, according to a government official and banker familiar with the deal.

Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro have not sought IMF help in the latest world financial crisis, opting for more costly but less restrictive commercial credit and eurobonds.

[Reuters]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 1:43 pm | Permalink | Comments

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

CNN i-LIST REPORTS ON MACEDONIA

National.

Get involved in CNN’s new series i-List, which takes you to a different country each month, highlighting innovation and influence. We will showcase interesting and intelligent places that have the potential to impact our world.

Coming up in May, CNN takes a look at Macedonia, in southeastern Europe. A small landlocked country bordering Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo and Serbia.

Have you visited the country or do you live there? Share your experiences of what sights and sounds give people a true flavor of the country. What are your favorite things about Macedonia? Tell CNN what you want the world to know about Macedonia.

Last month CNN looked at the country of Georgia, in southwestern Asia -- check out the great photos and videos iReporters sent in.

Why not send YOUR photos from Macedonia or put yourself on video and teach CNN about your culture. The best stories and videos will be featured on ilist .

Watch CNN's special week of programming on Macedonia and anchor Anna Coren live in Macedonia from May 10.

MD: This is great for representing our country in the world. Check out CNN regularly as of May 10, check out the i-List Macedonia website below for updates and make sure you watch the videos made by CNN correspondent Nic Robertson, we've reported about recently. You can do so by clicking on the 3 video links below.

[i-List Macedonia]

[Macedonia's forgotten gem video]

[A new Napa valley video]

[Macedonia's high-tech investment video]

[CNN]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 10:20 pm | Permalink | Comments

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

MACEDONIA TIMELESS - ARCHAEOLOGY

National.

Have a look at the newest Macedonia timeless commercial about Macedonian archaeology:

[Macedonia Timeless]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 1:11 pm | Permalink | Comments

BILLY IDOL COMING TO MACEDONIA

National.

After Lenny Kravitz, another rock star - Billy Idol is coming to Macedonia.

The man with countless hits like "White weeding, Flesh for fantasy, Sweet sixteen, Speed, LA Woman, Dancing with myself... will be holding a concert on the 20th of June at Skopsko lizgalishte.

On the tour Billy Idol will be performing a best of program and will be accompanied by the legendary guitarist Steve Stevens.

After the concert in Skopje, Billy will perform at the Belgrade Arena and afterwards he will be a headliner at InMusic festival in Zagreb.

Stay tuned at Macedonia Daily, more info closer to date...

[Vest]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 12:51 pm | Permalink | Comments

Monday, May 03, 2010

NEW STATUES OF DELCHEV AND GRUEV HAVE BEEN PLACED

Diaspora.

The sculptures of the Macedonian revolutionaries Goce Delchev and Dame Gruev have been placed at Makedonia square on both sides of the Stone Bridge in Skopje. Two other statues are planned to be placed soon.

These two statues are the first of 17 planned statues as part of the Skopje 2014 campaing, in the centre of Skopje with the biggest being the Alexander the Great statue, which will be placed in the middle of the square.

The artist who made the statues is Zarko Basevski and they are made in the Italian city of Firenza.

[Kirilica]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 2:22 pm | Permalink | Comments

Sunday, May 02, 2010

MACEDONIAN PAVILION AT EXPO 2010 IN SHANGHAI OPENED

Diaspora.

Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski formally opened Saturday Macedonia's pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai, accompanied by country's national Expo commissioner, Deputy-Economy Minister Metodij Hadzi Vaskov and members of the parliamentary group for Macedonia-China cooperation, Silvana Boneva, Cvetanka Ivanova and Xhevat Ademi.

National commissioner Hadzi Vaskov presented the pavilion, which is designed in the form of a honeycomb, interwoven with motives from urban environments and landscapes from Macedonia, complementing with Expo's motto "Better City, Better Life".

Speaker Veljanoski met with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping in Shanghai. The Chinese official voiced satisfaction from the excellent level of bilateral relations, characterized by friendship and mutual understanding.

"I am convinced bilateral cooperation will enhance in all fields, contributing to intensification of, primarily, economic collaboration", stressed Veljanoski.

Vice President Jinping said Macedonia's participation at Expo 2010 Shanghai demonstrated its respect towards China, which hosts this exceptionally large and significant event.

"I hope your pavilion will be a success, showing Macedonia's charm and beauties before the world public", he emphasized, adding that Macedonian and Chinese people were tied by traditional friendship, whereas relations develop in diverse areas of mutual interest.

Moreover, Veljanoski took part at the formal dinner arranged by Chinese President Hu Jintao on occasion of the Expo 2010 opening, attended by about 50 heads of state, parliament and government.

[Mia]

Posted by Macedonia Daily at 8:15 pm | Permalink | Comments

Monday, May 31, 2010

IVANOV ANNOUNCES PROJECTS FOR COOPERATION WITH QATAR

VICE PREMIER: MACEDONIA'S ECONOMY IS STABLE

Friday, May 28, 2010

AFFIRMATION OF MACEDONIAN LITERATURE IN EGYPT

EXHIBITION OF SULAJKOVSKI IN BERLIN

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

MACEDONIAN JEWS ERECT WORLD-CLASS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

Sunday, May 23, 2010

MACEDONIAN GORAN PANDEV WINS THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Saturday, May 22, 2010

CANADIAN PM STEPHEN HARPER TO RECEIVE UMD'S HIGHEST HONOR, THE GOCE DELCHEV AWARD

UMD GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2010 TORONTO COMING UP

MACEDONIAN DELEGATION TO HONOUR ST.CYRIL IN ROME

MACEDONIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS IN SWEDEN INCREASES

Monday, May 17, 2010

MACEDONIA AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Saturday, May 15, 2010

MARRIOTT COMING TO SKOPJE

US EXPECTS NAME ISSUE TO BE SOLVED BY OCTOBER

Thursday, May 13, 2010

4 DEATHS IN POLICE ACTION AGAINST WEAPON SMUGGLING GANG

GOLDEN COINS FOUND AT SKOPJE FORTRESS

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

NEW FIGHT BETWEEN POLICE AND ARMED GANG

MACEDONIA AND MOROCCO NOURISH EXCELLENT RELATIONS

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

MACEDONIA TAKES OVER COUNCIL OF EUROPE CHAIRMANSHIP

GRUEVSKI IN MOROCCO

Thursday, May 06, 2010

'NOVA ZORA' FIRST MACEDONIAN NEWSPAPER IN GREECE

GREEK TURMOIL WILL NOT EFFECT MACEDONIA

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

CNN i-LIST REPORTS ON MACEDONIA

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

MACEDONIA TIMELESS - ARCHAEOLOGY

BILLY IDOL COMING TO MACEDONIA

Monday, May 03, 2010

NEW STATUES OF DELCHEV AND GRUEV HAVE BEEN PLACED

Sunday, May 02, 2010

MACEDONIAN PAVILION AT EXPO 2010 IN SHANGHAI OPENED

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