A series of ceremonious events dedicated to Third anniversary of the President Boris Trajkovski's death are under way in Macedonia and at the crash site near Mostar.
A delegation of the Macedonian Government laid flowers today at the graves of the President Trajkovski, six state officials and two crew members which died in the plane crash today three years ago.
Macedonian state delegation, led by the Deputy Parliament Speaker, Ivan Atanasovski, accompanied by a Bosnian delegation, are scheduled to lay wreaths this afternoon at the monument placed at the air crash site at Matic Brdo locality near Mostar.
The Second International Political Forum was held in Skopje today in the framework of the anniversary marking, which was attended by numerous politicians, businessmen and religious leaders from Macedonia and abroad.
The patron of the Forum, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, said in his address "we all have to continue the mission of the late President Boris Trajkovski, which is a quest for common well-being".
"President Boris Trajkovski sent at the time a message to the nations that the dialogue is the only way to achieve living together in peace and understanding", Gruevski said.
Members of the Macedonian Cabinet and former foreign leaders recalled their experiences while working with President Trajkovski.
Speaking about his meetings with Trajkovski, the Albanian President, Alfred Mojsiu, pointed out at the respecting of the identity and the views they shared, which coincide with the commitments of the great European family.
The former Bulgarian President, Petar Stojanov, said that Trajkovski was a great leader, which he demonstrated clearly in the period of armed conflict in Macedonia.
"Trajkovski proved his leadership not only by words, but by his actions. He established contacts with all leaders in Macedonia, regardless of their political, ethnic or religious belonging", Stojanov said.
The former Head of State, Boris Trajkovski, was killed on 26 February, 2007 in a plane crash in the vicinity of Mostar.
Six members of the state delegation - Boris Velinov, Anita Krishan-Lozanovska, Dimka Ilkova Boshkovic, Mile Krstevski, Risto Blazevski, Ace Bozinovski and the two pilots - Marko Markovski and Branko Ivanovski, also died in the accident.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Crvenkovski, Moisiu pleased with Macedonia-Albania relations
Presidents of Macedonia and Albania on Monday expressed their "mutual satisfaction" on the relations between the two countries.
Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski and the visiting Albanian President Alfred Moisiu said they are pleased with the high degree of bilateral relations, the commitment to building amicable relations and comprehensive bilateral co-operation, and the commitment to continuing the contacts at all levels.
The interlocutors underscored the need to further boost the economic and cultural cooperation.
They also commended the progress the both countries have made thus far in terms of NATO membership efforts and the co-operation of the Adriatic Charter signatory-countries, which expect to get an invitation for NATO membership at the next Alliance's summit.
Crvenkovski and Moisiu shared the position that both Macedonia and Albania need to invest additional efforts to wrap up the reform. President Crvenkovski spelled out Macedonia's commitment to supporting Albania and shares its own experience on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration, says the official statement released shortly after the talks.
Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski and the visiting Albanian President Alfred Moisiu said they are pleased with the high degree of bilateral relations, the commitment to building amicable relations and comprehensive bilateral co-operation, and the commitment to continuing the contacts at all levels.
The interlocutors underscored the need to further boost the economic and cultural cooperation.
They also commended the progress the both countries have made thus far in terms of NATO membership efforts and the co-operation of the Adriatic Charter signatory-countries, which expect to get an invitation for NATO membership at the next Alliance's summit.
Crvenkovski and Moisiu shared the position that both Macedonia and Albania need to invest additional efforts to wrap up the reform. President Crvenkovski spelled out Macedonia's commitment to supporting Albania and shares its own experience on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration, says the official statement released shortly after the talks.
State Election Commission likely to press charges against political parties
Skopje. The State Election Commission (SEC) of Macedonia received the auditors’ reports on misappropriations of political parties during the election campaign, the Macedonian newspaper Vecer reported. SEC spokesman Zoran Tanevski said that the commission was due to decide whether to press charges against some parties and whether to demand that they be imposed money penalties. In October 2006, SEC demanded that the parties, which had not submitted documents about the financing of their election campaigns, should pay fines between 200 and 300,000 Macedonian denars ( MKD 61 = EUR 1).
World Bank approves $5.5 million grant to Macedonia
The World Bank and the Republic of Macedonia on Monday will sign a $5.5 million grant agreement on sustainable energy project.
The Agreement will be signed by Macedonian Finance Minister Trajko Slavevski and the World Bank's Representative Sandra Blumenkamp.
The World Bank's Board of Directors last week approved the implementation of a Sustainable Energy Project for Macedonia.
The project is funded by a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund of US$5.5 million with expected contributions from private commercial banks and project beneficiaries of about US$24.7 million equivalent.
The overall objective of the project is to develop a sustainable market for energy efficiency and renewable energy by supporting the development of an enabling framework, institutional capacity, and necessary financing mechanisms. This is will help to make Macedonia’s economy more competitive at the same time as reducing its dependence on energy imports. The Project will increase the demand for, and supply of, renewable and energy efficiency projects and services; will improve the affordability of energy services; and will generate employment. It will also encourage less polluting fuel use and improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Agreement will be signed by Macedonian Finance Minister Trajko Slavevski and the World Bank's Representative Sandra Blumenkamp.
The World Bank's Board of Directors last week approved the implementation of a Sustainable Energy Project for Macedonia.
The project is funded by a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund of US$5.5 million with expected contributions from private commercial banks and project beneficiaries of about US$24.7 million equivalent.
The overall objective of the project is to develop a sustainable market for energy efficiency and renewable energy by supporting the development of an enabling framework, institutional capacity, and necessary financing mechanisms. This is will help to make Macedonia’s economy more competitive at the same time as reducing its dependence on energy imports. The Project will increase the demand for, and supply of, renewable and energy efficiency projects and services; will improve the affordability of energy services; and will generate employment. It will also encourage less polluting fuel use and improve air quality by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Romania to open consulate in Bitola next month
Romania plans to open a consulate in the city of Bitola next month, Makfax correspondent said.
Romanian Ambassador to Macedonia Andrei Constantinescu, who visited Bitola on Tuesday, said Romanian President Traian Basesku will personally open the consulate during his visit to Macedonia next month.
Ambassador Constantinescu met with Bitola Mayor Vladimir Taleski and expressed hope that opening of Romanian consulate in Bitola will deepen the economic co-operation between Macedonia and Romania.
Romanian ambassador said the business people from Romania could be interested in investments in car industry, information technology and pharmaceuticals.
Bitola mayor said Bitola will soon become a host of 10 consulates, as Serbia plans to open its consulate there.
Romanian Ambassador to Macedonia Andrei Constantinescu, who visited Bitola on Tuesday, said Romanian President Traian Basesku will personally open the consulate during his visit to Macedonia next month.
Ambassador Constantinescu met with Bitola Mayor Vladimir Taleski and expressed hope that opening of Romanian consulate in Bitola will deepen the economic co-operation between Macedonia and Romania.
Romanian ambassador said the business people from Romania could be interested in investments in car industry, information technology and pharmaceuticals.
Bitola mayor said Bitola will soon become a host of 10 consulates, as Serbia plans to open its consulate there.
Bitola becomes member of European Association of Historic Towns and Regions
As of March 4, Bitola is a full-fledged member of the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions with rich cultural and historic heritage. The decision was passed in Verona, Italy where Bitola mayor Vladimir Taleski is paying a visit.
The full-fledged membership certificate was presented by association president Louis Roppe.
"We presented two local projects before the auditorium. These are 'Follow the Gold Line' and 'Filmland', which are dedicated to our town", said Taleski.
The full-fledged membership certificate was presented by association president Louis Roppe.
"We presented two local projects before the auditorium. These are 'Follow the Gold Line' and 'Filmland', which are dedicated to our town", said Taleski.
Gruevski, Crvenkovski to discuss ambassador posts
A meeting between the Head of State and the Prime Minister dedicated to filing of the vacant posts of Macedonian ambassadors abroad is scheduled for today in Skopje.
Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski is also expected to attend the meeting.
On Tuesday, PM Nikola Gruevski requested from President Branko Crvenkovski to come up with different candidates instead of those the latter had proposed at their last consultation on this issue.
If President Crvenkovski fails to come forward with a new shortlist of candidates, tomorrow's meeting will be sheer waste of time, Gruevski said last night.
Gruevski and Crvenkovski have been wrangling over two candidates proposed by the President - the incumbent Advisor for Security Issues, Stevo Pendarovski, and ex-Prime Minister and incumbent deputy Vlado Buckovski, who, according to Gruevski, won't even be considered for the posts by the Government.
President's Cabinet has not responded to the Gruevski's statement of rejection.
However, the opposition SDSM did respond by saying that Gruevski "should come to his senses and give in to the state's interests".
In the meantime, Macedonia has no appointed Ambassadors to Great Britain, Qatar and Spain, while the Ambassadors in Athens, NATO, Zagreb, Podgorica, Kiev, Sarajevo, Bucharest and Belgrade are due to be replaced soon.
Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski is also expected to attend the meeting.
On Tuesday, PM Nikola Gruevski requested from President Branko Crvenkovski to come up with different candidates instead of those the latter had proposed at their last consultation on this issue.
If President Crvenkovski fails to come forward with a new shortlist of candidates, tomorrow's meeting will be sheer waste of time, Gruevski said last night.
Gruevski and Crvenkovski have been wrangling over two candidates proposed by the President - the incumbent Advisor for Security Issues, Stevo Pendarovski, and ex-Prime Minister and incumbent deputy Vlado Buckovski, who, according to Gruevski, won't even be considered for the posts by the Government.
President's Cabinet has not responded to the Gruevski's statement of rejection.
However, the opposition SDSM did respond by saying that Gruevski "should come to his senses and give in to the state's interests".
In the meantime, Macedonia has no appointed Ambassadors to Great Britain, Qatar and Spain, while the Ambassadors in Athens, NATO, Zagreb, Podgorica, Kiev, Sarajevo, Bucharest and Belgrade are due to be replaced soon.
NATO membership, Kosovo issue to dominate Fried's Skopje visit
NATO membership will be one of the main themes of Thursday's visit of the US Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried.
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried will be holding talks with President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of implementation of the Framework Agreement Imer Aliu and the Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski.
Assistant Secretary Fried will also meet with the opposition SDSM leader Radmila Sekerinska and DUI leader Ali Ahmeti.
Macedonian Foreign Ministry said the interlocutors will discuss modalities to strengthen Macedonia's candidacy for NATO membership and the US commitment to supporting Macedonia's NATO bid.
Shortly before his visit to Skopje, Assistant Secretary Freid gave a message to Macedonian authorities and political leaders, saying NATO membership requires that candidate-countries do their homework and reach a wide national consensus.
NATO will decide about membership this year. My advice is to look at the calendar, define what you should do and just do it. This is my message to Macedonians, Fried said in an interview with the American state radio last Sunday.
One of the themes of discussion is the UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari's blueprint on the future status of Kosovo, including the bilateral relations and co-operation between Macedonia and the United States.
Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried will be holding talks with President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of implementation of the Framework Agreement Imer Aliu and the Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski.
Assistant Secretary Fried will also meet with the opposition SDSM leader Radmila Sekerinska and DUI leader Ali Ahmeti.
Macedonian Foreign Ministry said the interlocutors will discuss modalities to strengthen Macedonia's candidacy for NATO membership and the US commitment to supporting Macedonia's NATO bid.
Shortly before his visit to Skopje, Assistant Secretary Freid gave a message to Macedonian authorities and political leaders, saying NATO membership requires that candidate-countries do their homework and reach a wide national consensus.
NATO will decide about membership this year. My advice is to look at the calendar, define what you should do and just do it. This is my message to Macedonians, Fried said in an interview with the American state radio last Sunday.
One of the themes of discussion is the UN envoy Martti Ahtisaari's blueprint on the future status of Kosovo, including the bilateral relations and co-operation between Macedonia and the United States.
Macedonia urged to overcome inertia in reform process
Over the past two months, Macedonia has been criticised by EU and NATO representatives for lack of political dialogue and a stalemate in the reform process. One of the strongest statements came from EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, who said in February that reforms have come to a dead end.
While Skopje has gained the status of an EU candidate country, its further progress towards membership is not a done deal, Rehn warned. The accession timetable, he said, depends on moving ahead with the requirements.
"The EU is consistent on Macedonia joining the EU, but not as an immediate process, rather a process connected to meeting the membership criteria," Rehn said. "Our expectations had risen after Macedonia received its candidate status."
"You cannot afford to go one step forward and one step back," the commissioner added.
Responding to the criticism, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski pledged that the pace of reforms would accelerate, with new laws to be forwarded to Parliament by July.
At the same time, Gruevski insisted that progress is being made in implementing the Ohrid Framework Agreement. This year alone, he said, the government is going to hire as many minority members as it has in the past four years combined.
He also stressed that each government session devotes at least two hours to the European agenda and a special session on the EU is held once a month.
Both the government and the opposition Social Democrats have come up with similar proposals for acceleration and harmonisation of Macedonia's legislation with that of the EU. These include special sessions dedicated to European laws and limits on parliamentary discussions.
Under a government proposal, bills should only be explained and defended by one government representative. Opposition deputies, however, would be allowed as much speaking time as needed.
According to the National Programme for Adoption of European Legislation, about 320 laws should be adopted by 2010. That amounts to about 80 laws annually, or one new law every five days.
Macedonian MBI Index hits new record high
The value of the stocks at the Macedonian Stock Exchange continue to mark a significant increase as the MBI Index (comprised of 10 most powerful companies in Macedonia) has surpassed the threshold of 5.000 value points for the first time ever.
At the end of Tuesday's trading, MBI Index reached 5.006,17 points, making a daily drive of 158,3972 points, which increased its total value by 3.27 percent.
According to brokers, buyers' interest is mainly focused on the construction, banking and pharmacy companies.
Beton-Skopje's shares were in high demand today. They traded at average of 25.975,00 denars per share, which marks 10% increase compared with yesterday.
The week-long drive of Granit and Karposh's shares resulted today in 9.98% increase compared with last Tuesday.
Today's turnover at the Stock Exchange Market totaled 138.171.300,68 denars generated through as many as 831 transfers.
The explanation offered to Makfax yesterday about the reasons for jump of stocks value especially those of construction companies, suggested it was due to pending and ongoing investment operations of Slovenian and Croatian funds.
At the end of Tuesday's trading, MBI Index reached 5.006,17 points, making a daily drive of 158,3972 points, which increased its total value by 3.27 percent.
According to brokers, buyers' interest is mainly focused on the construction, banking and pharmacy companies.
Beton-Skopje's shares were in high demand today. They traded at average of 25.975,00 denars per share, which marks 10% increase compared with yesterday.
The week-long drive of Granit and Karposh's shares resulted today in 9.98% increase compared with last Tuesday.
Today's turnover at the Stock Exchange Market totaled 138.171.300,68 denars generated through as many as 831 transfers.
The explanation offered to Makfax yesterday about the reasons for jump of stocks value especially those of construction companies, suggested it was due to pending and ongoing investment operations of Slovenian and Croatian funds.
Police detain seven employees in NBM's Bitola treasury
Seven employees in Kumanovo treasury of the National Bank of Macedonia (NBM) have been detained for suspected abuse of power, Makfax correspondent said.
The suspects are beloved to have caused around 1 million euro shortage in treasury's financial account.
Kumanovo police said the latest control on treasury's financial situation indicated a shortage amounting to 600.000 euros. Investigation is underway into additional 400.000 euros.
The action of Kumanovo police, which began two days ago, is ongoing and the list of suspects may be enlarged.
The investigative judge urged the Ministry of Interior to extend the interrogation of suspects for another 48 hours after the expiration of period of lawful custody.
The suspects are beloved to have caused around 1 million euro shortage in treasury's financial account.
Kumanovo police said the latest control on treasury's financial situation indicated a shortage amounting to 600.000 euros. Investigation is underway into additional 400.000 euros.
The action of Kumanovo police, which began two days ago, is ongoing and the list of suspects may be enlarged.
The investigative judge urged the Ministry of Interior to extend the interrogation of suspects for another 48 hours after the expiration of period of lawful custody.
Nikola Gruevski only has influence over the ministers
Skopje. Despite holding firm on the helm of the Government, the Prime Minister of Macedonia Nikola Gruevski is becoming more and more involved in a ineffective battle for a joint existence with the President and the opposition, the Macedonian Utrinski Vesnik reports. According to the evaluations of political observers, the fiasco, which Gruevski had went through at the two fronts was creating more and more a paradox, and his unlimited influence in the Government cannot be transferred to the political life in the country. According to the author of the material, this could be noted as a serious signal that the Prime Minister’s ambitions to accomplish a political and economical turn in the country would fail.
Teen kills schoolmate in Skopje
The 15-year-old Miljaim Shakiri was stabbed to death by a 14-year-old schoolmate at "25 May" primary school yard in Skopje's suburban village of Singelic on Friday.
The murder occurred shortly before the start of morning shift around 8 am. A bitter quarrel between two schoolmates turned fatal when one of them (initials A. A.) took out a knife from his pocket and stabbed his mate to death.
According to initial investigation, the teens started to quarrel yesterday during a football game at the school yard. One of the teens (A. A.) threatened the other with murder.
The teen who committed the murder is now at the premises of the school and is being interviewed by police inspectors in presence of psychologists and parents.
The victim attended the 8th grade, whilst the suspected murderer attended 7th grade at the primary school.
This is a first murder of teen at primary school in Macedonia. Last year, there was a murder in Kumanovo's high school, where a teen killed a schoolmate amid a quarrel over girlfriend.
The murder occurred shortly before the start of morning shift around 8 am. A bitter quarrel between two schoolmates turned fatal when one of them (initials A. A.) took out a knife from his pocket and stabbed his mate to death.
According to initial investigation, the teens started to quarrel yesterday during a football game at the school yard. One of the teens (A. A.) threatened the other with murder.
The teen who committed the murder is now at the premises of the school and is being interviewed by police inspectors in presence of psychologists and parents.
The victim attended the 8th grade, whilst the suspected murderer attended 7th grade at the primary school.
This is a first murder of teen at primary school in Macedonia. Last year, there was a murder in Kumanovo's high school, where a teen killed a schoolmate amid a quarrel over girlfriend.
Does anyone from Sofia want to ban maps of Bulgaria of San Stefano?
Skopje. “History should not change under pressure. Does anyone from Sofia want to withdraw the maps of Bulgaria of San Stefano”, the Macedonian newspaper Vreme writes on its first page.
The reason for the article is a statement by Macedonian journalists, who said that the maps of ancient Macedonia had been removed from the Military Museum in Skopje under the pressure of Greece. The newspaper cites employees of the Museum of History in Skopje as saying that neither the ancient maps of Macedonia, nor the contemporary maps since the time of the Balkan wars will be removed.
The Vreme quotes the newly-appointed director of the Museum of Macedonia, Meri Anicin – Pejovska and focuses on the words of Todor Cepreganov, director of the Institute of History. Pejovska said that if Greece had insisted on the removal of the maps, its demands were “whims which didn’t deserve to be commented”.
Todor Cepreganov expressed an even more extreme view: “Why no one has demanded from Bulgaria to remove the maps showing the borders of the country according to the Treaty of San Stefano, or from Albania to remove the maps of Great Albania. Tomorrow they may demand that we should change the textbooks in history or may order us what to exhibit at museums’.
Macedonian historians think that it is high time that Macedonian politicians took up to solving disputable issues and defended the interests of the country.
The reason for the article is a statement by Macedonian journalists, who said that the maps of ancient Macedonia had been removed from the Military Museum in Skopje under the pressure of Greece. The newspaper cites employees of the Museum of History in Skopje as saying that neither the ancient maps of Macedonia, nor the contemporary maps since the time of the Balkan wars will be removed.
The Vreme quotes the newly-appointed director of the Museum of Macedonia, Meri Anicin – Pejovska and focuses on the words of Todor Cepreganov, director of the Institute of History. Pejovska said that if Greece had insisted on the removal of the maps, its demands were “whims which didn’t deserve to be commented”.
Todor Cepreganov expressed an even more extreme view: “Why no one has demanded from Bulgaria to remove the maps showing the borders of the country according to the Treaty of San Stefano, or from Albania to remove the maps of Great Albania. Tomorrow they may demand that we should change the textbooks in history or may order us what to exhibit at museums’.
Macedonian historians think that it is high time that Macedonian politicians took up to solving disputable issues and defended the interests of the country.
Weapon cache found in Skopje's nearby village
Police officers ran into a weapon cache while tracking down fugitive gunmen who had injured severely an inhabitant of the Skopje's nearby village of Singjelic.
The drive-by shooting incident took place Tuesday afternoon, the police announced.
Three attackers opened fire at four persons that were standing outside a house in Singjelic. R.O., 27, had sustained heavy injuries and was rushed to the Skopje City Hospital, the announcement adds.
A police team inspected the site of the incident and set out an operation for tracking down the attackers, which led them to a weapons cache containing three machine guns, rocket launcher and ammunition.
The weapons were found buried in a field in Singjelic area stashed in a bag and a rucksack.
Police is still after the perpetrators.
The drive-by shooting incident took place Tuesday afternoon, the police announced.
Three attackers opened fire at four persons that were standing outside a house in Singjelic. R.O., 27, had sustained heavy injuries and was rushed to the Skopje City Hospital, the announcement adds.
A police team inspected the site of the incident and set out an operation for tracking down the attackers, which led them to a weapons cache containing three machine guns, rocket launcher and ammunition.
The weapons were found buried in a field in Singjelic area stashed in a bag and a rucksack.
Police is still after the perpetrators.
Macedonian Foreign Ministry proposes agreement with Bulgaria on borderland visa-free regime
Skopje. The Macedonian Foreign Ministry proposed Friday that an agreement should be signed with Bulgaria on establishing visa-free regime in the borderland, which is 50 km away from the border, the correspondent of Focus Agency in Skopje reports.
The Macedonian Foreign Ministry told journalists Macedonia’s negotiations with the European Commission about easing the visa regime are still on. Next week consultations among the member states will be launched.
The Macedonian Foreign Ministry told journalists Macedonia’s negotiations with the European Commission about easing the visa regime are still on. Next week consultations among the member states will be launched.
ProCredit Bank sets up own academy
ProCredit Banks across Eastern Europe cut the ribbon to their own education centre in Skopje, Macedonia, weekly edition Capital reports. The new facility is designed to provide professional training to middle-level managers from all teams of ProCredit banks in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
In its opening year, the new ProCredit Bank academy is scheduled to launch tuition for 100 people, as in the future their annual number is planned to grow up to 400. The training agenda consists of four main panels – philosophy of ProCredit Bank, general practical knowledge, leadership skills and personal abilities development.
In its opening year, the new ProCredit Bank academy is scheduled to launch tuition for 100 people, as in the future their annual number is planned to grow up to 400. The training agenda consists of four main panels – philosophy of ProCredit Bank, general practical knowledge, leadership skills and personal abilities development.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Memorial plate against 'Bulgarian conqueror' destroyed in Ohrid
A memorial plate in Macedonia, placed in memory of a group of communists, who were sentenced by a Bulgarian court martial for organizing a rebellion in 1941 against the Bulgarian rule there, was destroyed last night, the Macedonian Ohrid News reported for FOCUS News Agency.
The plate was located in front of the Trade Union building – one a building of the Bulgarian court partial, referred to in Macedonia as the ‘Bugarski okupator’ /Bulgarian conqueror/.
According to the information of Ohrid News, the plate was destroyed by unknown people. This is the second case of encroachment upon the plate according to the source.
The plate was located in front of the Trade Union building – one a building of the Bulgarian court partial, referred to in Macedonia as the ‘Bugarski okupator’ /Bulgarian conqueror/.
According to the information of Ohrid News, the plate was destroyed by unknown people. This is the second case of encroachment upon the plate according to the source.
EU Enlargement Commissioner visits Macedonia
EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn will visit today Skopje, the Macedonian newspaper Vreme reports. Rehn will take part in a conference on the topic of the Ohrid Framework Agreement – a Step Forward, which will be held in the parliament’s building. During his visit, Olli Rehn will meet with Macedonia’s President Branko Crvenkovski, Parliament Speaker Ljubisa Georgievski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.
Parliament approves government reshuffle
Macedonian parliament on Tuesday approved the reshuffled government after a two-and-half-hour debate.
Xhelal Bajrami of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) took up the post of Minister of Environment & Spatial Planning. He will replace the outgoing Minister Imer Aliu, who was appointed a minister without portfolio.
The government said Aliu will also take up the post of Deputy Prime Minister in charge of implementation of the Framework Agreement. He will succeed Imer Selmani.
"This aims to strengthen the post of deputy prime minister in terms of full dedication to the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement," Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told the lawmakers.
He added that the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Imer Selmani run the post quite well, however, Minister Selmani could not focus on health-care reform while holding two posts at the same time. Therefore, he was relieved of Deputy PM duty.
PM Gruevski's government now includes 14 ministers plus eight ministers without portfolio.
Xhelal Bajrami of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) took up the post of Minister of Environment & Spatial Planning. He will replace the outgoing Minister Imer Aliu, who was appointed a minister without portfolio.
The government said Aliu will also take up the post of Deputy Prime Minister in charge of implementation of the Framework Agreement. He will succeed Imer Selmani.
"This aims to strengthen the post of deputy prime minister in terms of full dedication to the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement," Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told the lawmakers.
He added that the incumbent Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Imer Selmani run the post quite well, however, Minister Selmani could not focus on health-care reform while holding two posts at the same time. Therefore, he was relieved of Deputy PM duty.
PM Gruevski's government now includes 14 ministers plus eight ministers without portfolio.
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