Skopje. The new and most likely the last round of negotiations with the European Commission on facilitation of the visa regime for Macedonian citizens will take place in mid April, Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Shpresa Jusufi told Makfax.
She added that the third round of negotiations will be of technical nature, same as the previous two.
At the beginning of his three-day visit to Macedonia, on Monday, the Director General of the European Commission’s Enlargement Directorate General, Michael Leigh, said that all Western Balkan's countries are due sign agreements on facilitation of the visa regime in May.
Until the launch of the third round of negotiations, the internal consultations among EU member-countries are expected to be completed. EC is seeking for guidelines on the manner of continuation of the negotiations with Skopje's authorities.
Macedonian side set out the negotiations on this issue last November. Macedonia requested mitigation of the requirements for visa issuance for broader category of citizens, issuance of multiple visas with prolonged deadline, canceling of the visa issuance fee and setting a concrete deadline for full liberalization of the visa regime.
According to the announcements, the agreement on facilitation, which is due to come into force by the end of 2007, would be valid for all EU members, except for Great Britain, Ireland and Denmark.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Car crash in SkopjeCar crash in Skopje leaves one dead leaves one dead
One killed and one severely injured is the tragic result of today's heavy traffic accident that took place in Skopje's District of Kisela Voda, the Interior Ministry announced.
The head-on collision involving "Hyundai" operated by Goran Pejkovski, 32, who died on the spot, and a vehicle driven by K.T., 27, both from Skopje, took place in the vicinity of "Supertrade" gas station.
K.T., who sustained severe injuries, was immediately rushed to the Skopje Clinic Center. According to the latest reports, his condition is not critical.
A police team conducted inspection on the site and investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.
The head-on collision involving "Hyundai" operated by Goran Pejkovski, 32, who died on the spot, and a vehicle driven by K.T., 27, both from Skopje, took place in the vicinity of "Supertrade" gas station.
K.T., who sustained severe injuries, was immediately rushed to the Skopje Clinic Center. According to the latest reports, his condition is not critical.
A police team conducted inspection on the site and investigation into the cause of the accident is under way.
Australia appoints new Ambassador for Macedonia
The career diplomat Clare Birgin has been appointed as the new non-resident Ambassador of Australia to Macedonia, Makfax reports.
She will fulfill her ambassadorial duty from the Australian diplomatic office in Belgrade, the Australian Foreign Ministry announced.
The Australian Embassy in Belgrade covers the territory of Macedonia since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1995.
The newly-appointed non-resident Australian Ambassador Clare Birgin will replace John Oliver, whose four-year tenure expires in May this year.
The Australian career diplomat Clare Birgin was holding posts in consulates in Warsaw, Geneva and Washington, and in 2004, she was appointed as Australian Ambassador in Hungary.
She will fulfill her ambassadorial duty from the Australian diplomatic office in Belgrade, the Australian Foreign Ministry announced.
The Australian Embassy in Belgrade covers the territory of Macedonia since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1995.
The newly-appointed non-resident Australian Ambassador Clare Birgin will replace John Oliver, whose four-year tenure expires in May this year.
The Australian career diplomat Clare Birgin was holding posts in consulates in Warsaw, Geneva and Washington, and in 2004, she was appointed as Australian Ambassador in Hungary.
US defense envoy says Macedonia needs faster reforms for NATO membership
SKOPJE, Macedonia: A senior U.S. defense envoy said Macedonia needed to speed up reforms required to become a full NATO member in a new enlargement round expected next year.
"It is apparent that Macedonia has made impressive strides in defense reform and modernization," Daniel Fata, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, said after meeting Defense Minister Lazar Elenovski.
But he added that "not only defense, but every other aspect of reform must be completed" toward that goal. "There have to be democratic, political, economic and military reforms and all that is part of the package of issues to be reviewed."
The U.S. Congress recently sent legislation to President George W. Bush that endorses expansion of NATO to include three more Balkan countries and two former Soviet republics: Albania, Macedonia and Croatia, as well as Georgia and Ukraine.
Macedonia, Croatia and Albania have been working toward joining the alliance with Membership Action Plans since 2002.
"We have spent a considerable amount of resources working with all three ... We are here to talk with Macedonia on how else we can help them to have the best possible candidacy when the allies get together in 2008," Fata said.
Government now calling for 4th mobile operator in Macedonia
n the wake of the successful award of a third mobile licence to Mobilkom of Austria in January this year, the Macedonian government has reportedly announced its intention to license a fourth mobile network operator to further boost competition in the sector. According to a report from Skopje-based Makfax online, the regulator, the Agency for Electronic Communications, will issue a public notice on the introduction of fourth mobile operator, subject to it receiving interest from bidders in the international community. The terms and criteria for the fourth network operator will be specified in due course.
According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski announced plans to license a third mobile operator to compete with the country's two incumbents — T-Mobile Macedonia (formerly MobiMak) a wholly owned subsidiary of national PTO T-Com Macedonia, and Cosmofon, run by Greek telco OTE's mobile arm Cosmote in September 2006. The tender began in December 2006, under the terms and conditions of which the successful bidder was required to pay a one-off upfront payment of at least EUR5 million for rights to the frequency spectrum. Two months later, Mobilkom of Austria's bid to become the country's third mobile operator was approved by the government. The Austrian firm was the sole company to enter a bid, offering EUR10 million (USD13 million) for the ten-year (renewable) GSM licence.
According to TeleGeography’s GlobalComms database, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski announced plans to license a third mobile operator to compete with the country's two incumbents — T-Mobile Macedonia (formerly MobiMak) a wholly owned subsidiary of national PTO T-Com Macedonia, and Cosmofon, run by Greek telco OTE's mobile arm Cosmote in September 2006. The tender began in December 2006, under the terms and conditions of which the successful bidder was required to pay a one-off upfront payment of at least EUR5 million for rights to the frequency spectrum. Two months later, Mobilkom of Austria's bid to become the country's third mobile operator was approved by the government. The Austrian firm was the sole company to enter a bid, offering EUR10 million (USD13 million) for the ten-year (renewable) GSM licence.
World Bank to grant Macedonia USD 30 million
Skopje. The Board of Directors of the World Bank approved Thursday to grant Macedonia USD 30 million, the correspondent of Focus Agency in Skopje reports.
The government will use the resources to improve the country’s investment climate and public sector management. This is the second out of three loans that the World Bank makes to Macedonia in a period of three to four years. The loans are to assist the structural and institutional reforms necessary for Macedonia to join the European Union.
The government will use the resources to improve the country’s investment climate and public sector management. This is the second out of three loans that the World Bank makes to Macedonia in a period of three to four years. The loans are to assist the structural and institutional reforms necessary for Macedonia to join the European Union.
"American Express" credit card promoted in Macedonia
One of the most prominent credit cards in the world "American Express", has been promoted today in Macedonia through the bearer of the exclusive license, Alpha Bank JSC - Skopje.
This bank has the exclusive right to issue American Express in Macedonia as well as to sign agreements with the local vendors for charging, it was announced at today's promotion.
American Express offers several favorable conditions to the Macedonian citizens, including 50-day grace period with 0% interest rate for retail payment and 5% minimum monthly repayment. The active annual interest rate is set to 15.5%.
No membership fee will be required for the first year. Furthermore, those users that would make an annual turnover of 100.000 denars will be freed from paying membership fee in the following years also. Otherwise, the membership fee is set to 1.500 denars.
The card users will have a constant access to as many as 2.200 American Express's branch offices across the world.
American Express will make an entry with eight bank machines installed at Alpha Bank branch offices throughout Macedonia. In addition, the users will be able to use the card at as many as 200 retail shops.
The bank unveiled plans for setting up as many as 1.000 vendor post-terminals and 15-17 bank machines. Alpha Bank also announced concluding agreements with other banks for joint usage of bank machines, copying the successful practice of Greek banks.
This bank has the exclusive right to issue American Express in Macedonia as well as to sign agreements with the local vendors for charging, it was announced at today's promotion.
American Express offers several favorable conditions to the Macedonian citizens, including 50-day grace period with 0% interest rate for retail payment and 5% minimum monthly repayment. The active annual interest rate is set to 15.5%.
No membership fee will be required for the first year. Furthermore, those users that would make an annual turnover of 100.000 denars will be freed from paying membership fee in the following years also. Otherwise, the membership fee is set to 1.500 denars.
The card users will have a constant access to as many as 2.200 American Express's branch offices across the world.
American Express will make an entry with eight bank machines installed at Alpha Bank branch offices throughout Macedonia. In addition, the users will be able to use the card at as many as 200 retail shops.
The bank unveiled plans for setting up as many as 1.000 vendor post-terminals and 15-17 bank machines. Alpha Bank also announced concluding agreements with other banks for joint usage of bank machines, copying the successful practice of Greek banks.
Ideology, which the FYROM state is based on, is crumbling away: Bulgarians from Macedonia
Delegates from Macedonia participated for the first time in a congress of the VMRO-BND, held last weekend. A reporter of FOCUS News Agency spoke with two of them – Save Dimitrieski from the town of Kicevo and Drasko Neseski from the town of Prilep. Dimitrieski and Neseski are members of the VMRO and say for themselves that they are Bulgarians.
‘The state Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia is in serious crisis. Because the ideology this country is based on, the Macedonism, i.e. the story that they are ancestors of Aleksandar of Macedon and that all Bulgarian national revivals are in fact Macedonians is false and is now crumbling away. This gives ground for bad political and economical decisions. This is why the situation is now difficult for both the people with Bulgarian and Macedonian self-awareness. Things are easy only for those, who are in the Government now’, Drasko Neseski.
Among the biggest problems, Nenseki noted, is the fact that Albanians are developing more and more each day – economically and demographically and even territorially.
‘The people who act as if they were Macedonists, cannot see that Albanians are developing more and more. Only we, Bulgarians, see this and Bulgaria should clearly say that Macedonism is bad mostly for Bulgaria, because in a certain period of time the Albanians may reach the town of Kyustendil and we have to stop this Albanism’, Neseski said. He believes that Albanism is a result from Macedoniam.
‘Bulgatia’s first task is to stop the spreading of Macedonism.’, he added.
‘The state Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia is in serious crisis. Because the ideology this country is based on, the Macedonism, i.e. the story that they are ancestors of Aleksandar of Macedon and that all Bulgarian national revivals are in fact Macedonians is false and is now crumbling away. This gives ground for bad political and economical decisions. This is why the situation is now difficult for both the people with Bulgarian and Macedonian self-awareness. Things are easy only for those, who are in the Government now’, Drasko Neseski.
Among the biggest problems, Nenseki noted, is the fact that Albanians are developing more and more each day – economically and demographically and even territorially.
‘The people who act as if they were Macedonists, cannot see that Albanians are developing more and more. Only we, Bulgarians, see this and Bulgaria should clearly say that Macedonism is bad mostly for Bulgaria, because in a certain period of time the Albanians may reach the town of Kyustendil and we have to stop this Albanism’, Neseski said. He believes that Albanism is a result from Macedoniam.
‘Bulgatia’s first task is to stop the spreading of Macedonism.’, he added.
Telekom Austria wins contract to become Macedonia's No. 3 mobile provider
Austrian telecommunications operator Telekom Austria AG said Tuesday it won a contract to become Macedonia's No. 3 mobile phone service provider.
Telekom Austria said it paid €10 million (US$13.3 million) for a 10-year license to operate in the former Yugoslav republic.
The license will be automatically renewed for another 10 years after it expires, the company said.
Sintez Group intends to build the Macedonia-based power plant
Sintez Group is going to build the power plant with of the 230 MW (electric) and 160 MW (heat) capacity in Macedonia, the company informed.
The Group bought the major stake in TE-TO from Itera. The project will demand 138.5mln euro of investments. The subcontractor is GÀÌÀ (Turkey) and ALSTOM (Swiss) Concortium. The power plant will work on gas.
Sintez Group covers now 9 multiprofile companies including Sintezneftegaz, Arcticshelfneftegaz, Negusneft, Sintez Petroleum, Nizhnevartovsky Capital Wells Repair, Sibirtransservice, Industrial Investments, Sintez Development, South Western TETS.
The Group bought the major stake in TE-TO from Itera. The project will demand 138.5mln euro of investments. The subcontractor is GÀÌÀ (Turkey) and ALSTOM (Swiss) Concortium. The power plant will work on gas.
Sintez Group covers now 9 multiprofile companies including Sintezneftegaz, Arcticshelfneftegaz, Negusneft, Sintez Petroleum, Nizhnevartovsky Capital Wells Repair, Sibirtransservice, Industrial Investments, Sintez Development, South Western TETS.
Macedonia makes progress, should work more
On its road to the European Union Macedonia should pay special attention to the Framework Agreement implementation, positive policy for employing ethnic communities, resuming of the power decentralization process, judicial reforms, combat against corruption and organized crime for improving the business climate in the country, Michael Leigh, director general of the European Commission's Enlargement Directorate-General, said Monday in Skopje after his meetings with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Vice-Premier Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska.
- Macedonia has been making progress in many areas, but it should work more, Lee said, adding that the date for EU entry talks depend on the country's readiness.
- I commend the Government's ambitious goals for adopting laws on modernisation and reforms in the country in regard to the EU membership. However, not only quantity but also the quality of the adopted laws and their efficient application are rather significant, Leigh said.
He believed that the negotiations on facilitating the EU visa regime should be completed in May.
Leigh also referred to the EU Economic Aid, under which the Union has allocated about Euro 300 million to Macedonia for the beginning of the new decade.
- It is my responsibility to insure that those funds will be used appropriately and the country will build its capacity to use them by itself, Leigh said.
The Euro-integration process is the main national interest, Konevska-Trajkovska said.
- We wish to meet deadlines we have ambitiously set and we (the Government) see 2010 as a target year when Macedonia's legislation will be fully harmonized with the Union's one, she said, adding that special attention has been paid to the political, economic criteria.
- Macedonia has been making progress in many areas, but it should work more, Lee said, adding that the date for EU entry talks depend on the country's readiness.
- I commend the Government's ambitious goals for adopting laws on modernisation and reforms in the country in regard to the EU membership. However, not only quantity but also the quality of the adopted laws and their efficient application are rather significant, Leigh said.
He believed that the negotiations on facilitating the EU visa regime should be completed in May.
Leigh also referred to the EU Economic Aid, under which the Union has allocated about Euro 300 million to Macedonia for the beginning of the new decade.
- It is my responsibility to insure that those funds will be used appropriately and the country will build its capacity to use them by itself, Leigh said.
The Euro-integration process is the main national interest, Konevska-Trajkovska said.
- We wish to meet deadlines we have ambitiously set and we (the Government) see 2010 as a target year when Macedonia's legislation will be fully harmonized with the Union's one, she said, adding that special attention has been paid to the political, economic criteria.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Tetovo court upholds prison sentence for Nuhiu
The five-member Trial Chamber at the Tetovo District Court upheld the six-year prison sentence for Burhamedin Nuhiu, who was found guilty of attempted murder.
Tetovo's court passed the initial verdict for Nuhiu (41) in absentia on 31 May 2004.
The incident occurred on 29 August 2003 in Poroj, where Nuhiu fired seven bullets from an automatic rifle on a car. Aleksandar Andonovski, Zarko Raicevic and Zoran Ristosvki were aboard the car when the shooting took place. Andonovski suffered severe injuries on the face.
Nuhiu was not present at the first trial and was sentenced to jail in absentia. He was apprehended on 31 January 2005 and demanded a re-trial.
Furthermore, legal proceedings are underway in Skopje District Court, where Nuhiu stands a trial for killing a teen Vanco Josifovski in October 2002 near the city stadium in downtown Tetovo.
Nuhiu faces another trial in Tetovo's court for attempted murder. He is charged with attempted murder of two police inspectors in Poroj in October 2004.
Tetovo's court passed the initial verdict for Nuhiu (41) in absentia on 31 May 2004.
The incident occurred on 29 August 2003 in Poroj, where Nuhiu fired seven bullets from an automatic rifle on a car. Aleksandar Andonovski, Zarko Raicevic and Zoran Ristosvki were aboard the car when the shooting took place. Andonovski suffered severe injuries on the face.
Nuhiu was not present at the first trial and was sentenced to jail in absentia. He was apprehended on 31 January 2005 and demanded a re-trial.
Furthermore, legal proceedings are underway in Skopje District Court, where Nuhiu stands a trial for killing a teen Vanco Josifovski in October 2002 near the city stadium in downtown Tetovo.
Nuhiu faces another trial in Tetovo's court for attempted murder. He is charged with attempted murder of two police inspectors in Poroj in October 2004.
Monday, March 26, 2007
No alternative to success in name issue
Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki stated Sunday in Tetovo that Macedonia is a country with a clear perspective, and the question is not whether Macedonia would become European Union member, but rather when.
"Macedonia is a country that has a clear perspective. If we are committed to the work, we can soon expect a recommendation for beginning of accession talks in 2008. Of course, this will depend on ourselves and how much we can adjust our system and improve it, so that we have a functional market economy and a democracy sustainable within EU", said Milososki.
Pertaining to the use of the country's constitutional name and the dispute with Greece, Milososki stated that nobody in Macedonia had the intention to make any concessions related to the international promotion of the constituional name.
"We do not have any other alternative than success in this dispute. The fact itself that Macedonia is recognized by 114 countries worldwide under its constitutional name, including three UN Security Council members - China, Russia and USA - is an indicator who is winning the battle", underlined Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki during his visit to Tetovo.
"Macedonia is a country that has a clear perspective. If we are committed to the work, we can soon expect a recommendation for beginning of accession talks in 2008. Of course, this will depend on ourselves and how much we can adjust our system and improve it, so that we have a functional market economy and a democracy sustainable within EU", said Milososki.
Pertaining to the use of the country's constitutional name and the dispute with Greece, Milososki stated that nobody in Macedonia had the intention to make any concessions related to the international promotion of the constituional name.
"We do not have any other alternative than success in this dispute. The fact itself that Macedonia is recognized by 114 countries worldwide under its constitutional name, including three UN Security Council members - China, Russia and USA - is an indicator who is winning the battle", underlined Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki during his visit to Tetovo.
CROATIA 2-1 MACEDONIA
CROATIA coach Slaven Bilic was delighted after his side came from behind and scored an 88th-minute winner in Zagreb to pull them five points clear of England at the top of Group E.
"We are glad England were held to a 0-0 draw in Israel, it is a major bonus for us," said former West Ham defender Bilic (above).
"This is a big win for us because the Macedonians have shown once again they are a tough nut to crack. It came down to our character and quality."
Croatia fell behind to a goal from Macedonia captain Goce Sedloski. But Sedloski was sent off for a second bookable offence early in the second half.
Sub Darijo Srna drew level on the hour with a superb free kick and set up Eduardo da Silva to grab the clincher.
"We are glad England were held to a 0-0 draw in Israel, it is a major bonus for us," said former West Ham defender Bilic (above).
"This is a big win for us because the Macedonians have shown once again they are a tough nut to crack. It came down to our character and quality."
Croatia fell behind to a goal from Macedonia captain Goce Sedloski. But Sedloski was sent off for a second bookable offence early in the second half.
Sub Darijo Srna drew level on the hour with a superb free kick and set up Eduardo da Silva to grab the clincher.
Macedonia faces tough sell in efforts to forge ties with U.S.
Mention Macedonia, and most Americans won't know even the basics of the young Balkan country.
It's still seeking an identity in the global marketplace: 2 million residents. Formerly part of Yugoslavia. Landlocked. And now courting business to slash unemployment rates topping 35 percent.
So when Macedonia's foreign investment minister recently visited South Florida to promote ties, the New York-born Cornell University graduate faced a tough sell.
"It's definitely the hardest job I've ever done," said Gligor Tashkovich, 41, who took the post last year under Macedonia's new center-right administration -- partly to honor the memory of his ancestors born there. "It's like surfing a tidal wave perpetually."
Tashkovich said he's working overtime to lure foreign investment to Macedonia. He seeks to draw factories that can use its relatively low-wage labor to export auto parts, processed foods and call-center services to nearby European Union and beyond. And he aims to attract tourism to enjoy the nation's mountains.
The government now offers economic free zones, where export companies get ample tax breaks. It also has cut tax rates overall to some of Europe's lowest levels.
Plus, the administration slashed the time needed to start a new business -- a key gauge of international competitiveness -- from 48 days to three, Tashkovich said.
The efforts are starting to pay off. Johnson Controls of Milwaukee is building an auto parts factory for export, the minister said.
But competition is stiff from better-known nations, with a longer track record for welcoming investment and less of a reputation for corruption.
Macedonia had steered a socialistic course since its independence in 1991. Plus, political tensions with neighboring Greece and its Albanian minority have discouraged business, Tashkovich said.
"My biggest challenge is time," said the globetrotting minister, who aims to visit two countries a month to promote business and hope in Macedonia. "My understanding is the people are giving this government one last chance, after 15 years of being lied to."
It's still seeking an identity in the global marketplace: 2 million residents. Formerly part of Yugoslavia. Landlocked. And now courting business to slash unemployment rates topping 35 percent.
So when Macedonia's foreign investment minister recently visited South Florida to promote ties, the New York-born Cornell University graduate faced a tough sell.
"It's definitely the hardest job I've ever done," said Gligor Tashkovich, 41, who took the post last year under Macedonia's new center-right administration -- partly to honor the memory of his ancestors born there. "It's like surfing a tidal wave perpetually."
Tashkovich said he's working overtime to lure foreign investment to Macedonia. He seeks to draw factories that can use its relatively low-wage labor to export auto parts, processed foods and call-center services to nearby European Union and beyond. And he aims to attract tourism to enjoy the nation's mountains.
The government now offers economic free zones, where export companies get ample tax breaks. It also has cut tax rates overall to some of Europe's lowest levels.
Plus, the administration slashed the time needed to start a new business -- a key gauge of international competitiveness -- from 48 days to three, Tashkovich said.
The efforts are starting to pay off. Johnson Controls of Milwaukee is building an auto parts factory for export, the minister said.
But competition is stiff from better-known nations, with a longer track record for welcoming investment and less of a reputation for corruption.
Macedonia had steered a socialistic course since its independence in 1991. Plus, political tensions with neighboring Greece and its Albanian minority have discouraged business, Tashkovich said.
"My biggest challenge is time," said the globetrotting minister, who aims to visit two countries a month to promote business and hope in Macedonia. "My understanding is the people are giving this government one last chance, after 15 years of being lied to."
VMRO-BND likely to take part in Macedonia’s local elections: leader
Sofia. The Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization – Bulgarian National Movement /VMRO-BND/ stands real chances of taking part in the local elections in Macedonia in 2008, VMRO-BND leader Krasimir Karakachanov said in an interview with FOCUS News Agency. He added that the party was going to expand in Macedonia. He also said that Bulgaria’s support for Macedonia’s NATO integration could not be unconditional unless Macedonia stopped stealing the Bulgarian history.
European anti-laundering experts visit Macedonia
The Council of Europe's experts in the fight against money laundering arrived in Macedonia on Monday.
The experts will be briefed on government's measures to prevent money laundering.
European experts are likely to oversee the operations of banks, broker houses, casinos, courts, public prosecution and corporate houses.
The Council of Europe's experts will stay in Macedonia until March 31. They will evaluate the work of the National Bank, Customs Administration, Anti-Laundering Directorate, Anti-Corruption Commission and several ministries.
The report will be wrapped up by the end of the year. European experts are likely to raise objections on casinos' operations.
The experts will be briefed on government's measures to prevent money laundering.
European experts are likely to oversee the operations of banks, broker houses, casinos, courts, public prosecution and corporate houses.
The Council of Europe's experts will stay in Macedonia until March 31. They will evaluate the work of the National Bank, Customs Administration, Anti-Laundering Directorate, Anti-Corruption Commission and several ministries.
The report will be wrapped up by the end of the year. European experts are likely to raise objections on casinos' operations.
New mobile operator appears in Macedonia today
Skopje. The ‘Nov operator’ /New operator/ of the Austrian Mobilkom will become officially today the third mobile operator in Macedonia, the Macedonian daily Spic reports. Representatives of the Agency for electronic communications will present to the Austrian company today the permission for their activity as a mobile operator. Mobilkom paid USD 10 Million for the license on Friday.
The Macedonian Government is going to form an agency for financial support for agriculture
The Macedonian Government is going to form an agency for financial support for agriculture and its improvement and development, reported Deyan Nikolovski, correspondent from ‘Focus News Agency’. The agency for financial support for agriculture will start working in year at the earliest. Thanks to it agrarians will be ale to use pre-joining funds.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Slovenia supports Macedonia's accession to NATO, EU
Macedonian-Slovene cooperation is excellent, particularly in the sphere of defense, Defense Ministers Lazar Elenovski and Karl Erjavec said after their meeting Thursday in Ljubljana. - Slovenia fully supports Macedonia's accession to NATO and the European Union, Erjavec said, extending gratitude for Macedonia's logistic support of the transportation of Slovene peacekeepers to Kosovo.
The Ministers said that Slovenia and Macedonia shared same positions on developments in the region, Both countries have been supporting the plan of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari on Kosovo final status - as a factor of the region's stability.
Forthcoming accession of Adriatic Charter countries to NATO and the region's integration with the EU will further contribute to the region's stability, Elenovski said.
Taking a journalist question, Erjavec said that Slovenia was interested in the military polygon Krivolak, which was discussed at today's meeting.
Elenovski and Erjavec also talked about the transformation of the armed forces of both countries.
The Ministers said that Slovenia and Macedonia shared same positions on developments in the region, Both countries have been supporting the plan of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari on Kosovo final status - as a factor of the region's stability.
Forthcoming accession of Adriatic Charter countries to NATO and the region's integration with the EU will further contribute to the region's stability, Elenovski said.
Taking a journalist question, Erjavec said that Slovenia was interested in the military polygon Krivolak, which was discussed at today's meeting.
Elenovski and Erjavec also talked about the transformation of the armed forces of both countries.
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