Tuesday, December 26, 2006
VMRO-People’s Party Has no Data about Bulgarian Involvement in Illegal Trafficking in Weapons with Macedonia
Skopje. VMRO-People’s Party doesn’t have any information of whether Bulgarian institutions are involved in illegal trafficking in weapons between Macedonia and Bulgaria, the party’s spokesman Alexander Georgiev told FOCUS News Agency. Earlier today, the party, which is headed by Ljubco Gerogievski, said it had information about illegal trafficking. Alexander Georgiev stressed that the information of the party was related to the Republic of Macedonia and didn't concern any Bulgarian institutions. Georgievski added that VMRO-People’s Party would present more details about the issue after a meeting with the Interior Minister Gordana Jankulovska.
Protesters demand end to 'abuses' of Macedonians in Bulgaria
Demonstrators in the Macedonian capital demanded on Friday that Bulgaria end alleged abuses and respect the rights of Macedonians living in the Balkan country.
Around 100 people protested in front of the European Union Mission office and the Macedonian Parliament in Skopje following allegations of police torture and threats against leaders and members of the political party of Macedonians in Bulgaria, OMO Ilinden-Pirin.
Organizers of the protest condemned what they called the "intimidation, illegal detentions, and police raids on apartments without court orders" against OMO Ilinden members. They also called on the parliament and European organizations to condemn Bulgaria.
Reports in the Macedonian media accused the Bulgarian authorities of abuses after the European Court for Human Rights ruled, in Oct. 2005, that Macedonians in Bulgaria were entitled to register their own political party.
Bulgaria, along with Romania, joins the EU on January 1. Macedonia is an EU candidate country but has yet to open accession negotiations.
The Macedonian Foreign Ministry has also called on Bulgaria to register the party and respect its rights.
Later on Friday, Bulgarian officials sharply criticized the demonstration and said it was harming bilateral relations.
"There still are certain circles in Skopje, which do not want any development of relations with Bulgaria, which continue to be slaves to past stereotypes and refuse to accept European values and standards," said foreign ministry spokesman Dimitar Tsantchev.
"The whole logic of the EU enlargement process unambiguously shows that the future cannot be built on dividing lines," he said.
Branko Crvenkovski Gives Positive Assessment of Macedonian National Security
Skopje. Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski gave a positive assessment of Macedonian national security after receiving data from Intelligence Agency on December 13th, the Macedonian A1 TV channel reports.
According to the President Kosovo is not a threat to Macedonian security for now, but there is such a possibility in the future. Crvenkovski stated everything depended on the final Kosovo status that is to be determined by the member states of the Working Group.
Crvenkovski does not take as serious the Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica’s threats of economic embargo if Skopje recognizes region’s independence.
According to the President Kosovo is not a threat to Macedonian security for now, but there is such a possibility in the future. Crvenkovski stated everything depended on the final Kosovo status that is to be determined by the member states of the Working Group.
Crvenkovski does not take as serious the Serbian PM Vojislav Kostunica’s threats of economic embargo if Skopje recognizes region’s independence.
Arrested Bulgarian Drivers Get through to Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje
Skopje. Part of the weapons found in the Bulgarian trucks that were seized in Skopje were new, although under a contract between the Ministry of Defense and the metal-processing plant Tito they should be old, director of Macedonia’s Director of the Bureau of Public Security Ljupco Todorovski said cited by the Macedonian agency Makfax. Todorovski explained that the police would continue investigating the case to find out the source and final destination of the weapons. The Interior Ministry confirmed that an executory officer had imposed a thirty-day arrest on four Bulgarians, who drove the trucks. They were allowed to get through to the Bulgarian embassy in Skopje and to brief a lawyer. The police demanded a meeting with representatives of the General Staff of Macedonia’s Armed Forces and the metal-processing plant Tito.
Macedonian and Bulgarian Transport Ministers Signed Cooperation Protocol
Skopje. Macedonian and Bulgarian Transport Ministers Mile Janakievski and Petar Mutafchiev signed a cooperation protocol between the two countries in several areas, the Macedonian Vecer
Macedonia and Bulgaria are to build the road infrastructure of Corridor 8, open three new border checkpoints, bring the railways construction to an end, and set up regular airlines. The Ministers agreed on the establishment of four working groups that are to start the preparation for the joint projects in the area of EU integration, road infrastructure, and railway and air transports in January. After concurring on the projects the two countries will apply for finance under EU funds. newspaper writes.
Macedonia and Bulgaria are to build the road infrastructure of Corridor 8, open three new border checkpoints, bring the railways construction to an end, and set up regular airlines. The Ministers agreed on the establishment of four working groups that are to start the preparation for the joint projects in the area of EU integration, road infrastructure, and railway and air transports in January. After concurring on the projects the two countries will apply for finance under EU funds. newspaper writes.
4 Bulgarians arrested for arms smuggling in Macedonia
Police seized three trucks loaded with weapons and arrested four Bulgarian men on smuggling charges, authorities said Saturday.
The four suspects — aged between 26 to 48 — were taken into custody late Thursday after police searched the unescorted trucks with Bulgarian license plates on a highway near the capital, Skopje. They found 300 new German-made MG-3 machine guns and 33 M-43 mine-throwers.
Police did not disclose the destination of the convoy.
The suspects carried no documents for the cargo. They said they had been transporting arms as part of an agreement between a Bulgarian and Macedonian metal companies involving repaired weapons decommissioned by the Macedonian army.
But the seized weapons were new, said Ljupco Todorovski, director of the National Bureau for public security.
"This is a very odd case and we will continue investigations," Todorovski said.
The four suspects — aged between 26 to 48 — were taken into custody late Thursday after police searched the unescorted trucks with Bulgarian license plates on a highway near the capital, Skopje. They found 300 new German-made MG-3 machine guns and 33 M-43 mine-throwers.
Police did not disclose the destination of the convoy.
The suspects carried no documents for the cargo. They said they had been transporting arms as part of an agreement between a Bulgarian and Macedonian metal companies involving repaired weapons decommissioned by the Macedonian army.
But the seized weapons were new, said Ljupco Todorovski, director of the National Bureau for public security.
"This is a very odd case and we will continue investigations," Todorovski said.
Macedonia police finds new weapons in seized arms
New weapons have been found in three trucks loaded with arms which were supposed to be decommissioned ones, Macedonian police said on Saturday.
Police found 300 new German-made MG-3 machine guns and 33 M-43 mine-throwers, news reaching here from Skopje reported.
"Some of them are new, although the contract between the Macedonian ministry of defense and the metal processing plant Tito makes clear that they should be old ones," Liupco Todorovski, director of the Bureau for Public Security, told the local press.
Macedonian police seized the three Bulgarian trucks loaded with mortals, machine guns, assault rifles and pistols, outside Skopje on Thursday night, claiming that there were neither proper escorts for the shipment nor adequate documents to go with the cargo.
The Macedonian army later confirmed that the arms shipment belongs to the army, but refuted the claims for arms trafficking, saying that the weapons had been decommissioned by the army.
Macedonian police have arrested four Bulgarian men on arms smuggling charges, and promised to continue the investigation of the case.
Skopje Protest Participants’ Meeting with Macedonian Parliament Speaker Fails
Sofia. Between 150 – 200 people took part in today’s protest in Skopje, which was organized by the World Macedonian Congress (WMC) in support of the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria, the WMC chairman Todor Petrov told FOCUS News Agency.
According to Petrov the protest, which continued for two hours, had passed “peacefully and befittingly”.
The initial intentions of the protest organizers to hand a declaration with their demands to the Chairman of the Macedonian Parliament Ljubisa Gjorgievski have failed because Gjorgievski had had and “important meeting”.
“We handed the declaration of the EU Special Representative to Macedonia Erwan Fouere with the demand EU to put pressure on the Bulgarian authorities and make them register OMO Ilinden Pirin”, Petrov pointed out. Fouere has promised to forward the declaration and to inform them after he receives some answer on the demand.
WMC chairman added that the protest has ended after the depositing a declaration to the archive of the Macedonian parliament.
Due to the engagement of the parliament speaker Mr Gjorgievski, protesters representatives have met with the head of Gjorgievksi’s cabinet.
“Now we will start lobbying for the declaration’s inclusion in the parliament’s agenda”, Petrov said.
According to Petrov the protest, which continued for two hours, had passed “peacefully and befittingly”.
The initial intentions of the protest organizers to hand a declaration with their demands to the Chairman of the Macedonian Parliament Ljubisa Gjorgievski have failed because Gjorgievski had had and “important meeting”.
“We handed the declaration of the EU Special Representative to Macedonia Erwan Fouere with the demand EU to put pressure on the Bulgarian authorities and make them register OMO Ilinden Pirin”, Petrov pointed out. Fouere has promised to forward the declaration and to inform them after he receives some answer on the demand.
WMC chairman added that the protest has ended after the depositing a declaration to the archive of the Macedonian parliament.
Due to the engagement of the parliament speaker Mr Gjorgievski, protesters representatives have met with the head of Gjorgievksi’s cabinet.
“Now we will start lobbying for the declaration’s inclusion in the parliament’s agenda”, Petrov said.
Army says arms belong to ARM, shipment is legal
The General Staff of the Army of Republic of Macedonia confirmed late Friday that the arms shipment that was seized by the Police belongs to ARM.
The General Staff also dismissed Police's allegations that no adequate transportation documentation existed, and denied claiming that the shipment was seized at Skopje's outskirts. The Army does not mention any involvement of Bulgaria and calls the media to restrain from releasing unconfirmed information.
"Pursuant to the Decision of the Government of RM, adopted upon proposal of the Defense Ministry and ARM General Staff, the Defense Ministry and MZT - Vehicles for Special Purposes signed an agreement for compensation of the non-perspective arms of ARM", the latest ARM's announcement says.
On the basis of the agreement and the accompanying documentation, MZT "takes over the non-perspective arms from ARM's warehouses, hiring a transportation company of their choice".
The three trucks were intercepted by the Police "in the premises of MZT - Vehicles for Special Purposes Repair Shop, and not on the Skopje-Kumanovo highway".
After carried out inspection, the Police "found that all papers were in order and that load of arms is compliant with the enclosed documentation", ARM General Staff said in the announcement.
This is confirmed in the record sheet rendered by the Ministry of Interior's Department for Illegal Trade and signed by representatives of ARM and MZT - Vehicles for Special Purposes Repair Shop, concludes the announcement.
The General Staff also dismissed Police's allegations that no adequate transportation documentation existed, and denied claiming that the shipment was seized at Skopje's outskirts. The Army does not mention any involvement of Bulgaria and calls the media to restrain from releasing unconfirmed information.
"Pursuant to the Decision of the Government of RM, adopted upon proposal of the Defense Ministry and ARM General Staff, the Defense Ministry and MZT - Vehicles for Special Purposes signed an agreement for compensation of the non-perspective arms of ARM", the latest ARM's announcement says.
On the basis of the agreement and the accompanying documentation, MZT "takes over the non-perspective arms from ARM's warehouses, hiring a transportation company of their choice".
The three trucks were intercepted by the Police "in the premises of MZT - Vehicles for Special Purposes Repair Shop, and not on the Skopje-Kumanovo highway".
After carried out inspection, the Police "found that all papers were in order and that load of arms is compliant with the enclosed documentation", ARM General Staff said in the announcement.
This is confirmed in the record sheet rendered by the Ministry of Interior's Department for Illegal Trade and signed by representatives of ARM and MZT - Vehicles for Special Purposes Repair Shop, concludes the announcement.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
US Peace Corps program swearing-in ceremony
US Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic is due swear-in 49 new Peace Corps Volunteers in Macedonia today.
The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski, is among the dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony that will take place at the Lozar Restaurant on Lake Mladost, near Veles.
The ceremony marks the successful completion of a three-month intensive training program, in which the new Volunteers received language instruction, cross-cultural orientation, and technical training.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Peace Corps Volunteers will begin their two-year tour of service in Macedonia.
The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski, is among the dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony that will take place at the Lozar Restaurant on Lake Mladost, near Veles.
The ceremony marks the successful completion of a three-month intensive training program, in which the new Volunteers received language instruction, cross-cultural orientation, and technical training.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Peace Corps Volunteers will begin their two-year tour of service in Macedonia.
Business community's recommendations over draft-budget
The Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Macedonia will hand-in to the Finance Minister Trajko Slavevski its recommendations over the draft-budget for 2007.
Representatives of 130 companies - the largest tax payers - including the members of the decision-making bodies of the Chamber of Commerce, will have a working breakfast with the Finance Minister Slavevski.
The Chamber of Commerce hopes that the government will take its recommendations under serious consideration.
Representatives of 130 companies - the largest tax payers - including the members of the decision-making bodies of the Chamber of Commerce, will have a working breakfast with the Finance Minister Slavevski.
The Chamber of Commerce hopes that the government will take its recommendations under serious consideration.
European Council Reaffirms Macedonia’s Candidate Country Status
Brussels/Sofia. The European Council reaffirms Macedonia’s candidate member state status, concludes the final declaration of the EU summit meeting which is held in Brussels, FOCUS News Agency learned.
“The European Council notes that the candidate country status of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was recognition of the country's reform achievements. The European Council calls for accelerating the pace of reforms in key areas in order to progress towards the goal of moving ahead in the accession process”, the document reads.
“The European Council reaffirms that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union. It reiterates that each country's progress towards the European Union depends on its individual efforts to comply with the Copenhagen criteria and the conditionality of the Stabilisation and Association Process. A country's satisfactory track-record in implementing its obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements, including trade related provisions, is an essential element for the EU to consider any membership application”, the declaration states further.
“The European Council notes that the candidate country status of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was recognition of the country's reform achievements. The European Council calls for accelerating the pace of reforms in key areas in order to progress towards the goal of moving ahead in the accession process”, the document reads.
“The European Council reaffirms that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union. It reiterates that each country's progress towards the European Union depends on its individual efforts to comply with the Copenhagen criteria and the conditionality of the Stabilisation and Association Process. A country's satisfactory track-record in implementing its obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements, including trade related provisions, is an essential element for the EU to consider any membership application”, the declaration states further.
Macedonia seized Bulgaria-bound arms
SKOPJE, Macedonia, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Macedonian authorities seized three trucks loaded with weaponry apparently being smuggled into neighboring Bulgaria, Skopje police said.
The weapons included mortars, machine guns, assault rifles and pistols, Macedonia's Kanal-5 television reported Friday. The equipment had been property of the army of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and had been decommissioned.
The Macedonian Interior Ministry confirmed the trucks were seized Thursday outside Skopje and an investigation was under way.
The Macedonian Defense Ministry said its own investigation was opened to establish who permitted taking out the arms from the Skopje factory compound where the weapons were refurbished.
The army said the arms were a legal shipment within a compensation treaty between the Bulgarian and Macedonian armed forces, the Skopje Maxfax online newspaper said. But, the Macedonian police ministry said the trucks lacked transportation documents and had no proper escort.Monday, December 18, 2006
Vandals damaged tombstones at Orthodox cemetery near Tetovo
Two vertical tombstones were knocked down and ten more were damaged at the Orthodox cemetery in the Tetovo's nearby village of Dobroshte.
Macedonian Government Against Buckovski’s Appointment As Ambassador in NATO
Skopje. The President - government consultation talks on the appointment of ambassadors may be blocked if speculations on the names of the candidates are spread among the population. The information was provided by high-standing sources from the cabinet for the Macedonian Dnevnik newspaper.
The newspaper’s sources conceder the information, that former Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski was nominated for Macedonian ambassador in NATO, rather as a “game”.
“We cannot afford to appoint the MP who we used for setting up our election campaign and critics”, the newspaper’s sources declared. According to them, the Buckovski - President Branko Crvenkovski relation have caused the spread of such information, as well as the relations in the Social-democratic Union in Macedonia.
The newspaper’s sources conceder the information, that former Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski was nominated for Macedonian ambassador in NATO, rather as a “game”.
“We cannot afford to appoint the MP who we used for setting up our election campaign and critics”, the newspaper’s sources declared. According to them, the Buckovski - President Branko Crvenkovski relation have caused the spread of such information, as well as the relations in the Social-democratic Union in Macedonia.
Three New Border Checkpoints Between Bulgaria and Macedonia to be Opened Next Year
Skopje. Three new border Ccheckpoints between Bulgaria and Macedonia will be opened next year, BNR announced. The checkpoints will be between Berovo and Stoumyani, Pestevo-Simitli and delcevo-Kyustendil, the Bulgarian and Macedonian transport ministers Petar Mutafchiev and Mile Janakievski decided at their meeting today. The projects are ready, the places are agreed. The checkpoints will be necessary since Bulgaria becomes EU outer border. The both ministers agreed also for three airlines between Sofia and Skopje, between Sofia, Skopje and Ohrid and direct line between Ohrid and Varna. Other priority of the talks was the construction of the railway and road infrastructure of Corridor 8.
Macedonia Has Medium-Term Perspective for EU Membership: Merkel
Berlin. Macedonia "has a prospect" for membership in the European Union but that perspective is a medium-term one, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the eve of the EU Summit, the Macedonian Makfax reports.
Merkel said that countries such as Albania, Bosnia, Serbia and Macedonia have a "prospect of membership ... but we know that the perspective is a medium-term one."
She added that "a great many preparations" would be needed before it becomes reality, AP reported.
Merkel also said the EU was conducting "successful negotiations" with Croatia but that it was too early to set a date for it to join the bloc.
"We all know that the perspective of joining is no guarantee for later membership, but that the criteria must be fulfilled," she said. "I don't say this as a threat, but rather as an encouragement to the countries that want to join".
Merkel said that countries such as Albania, Bosnia, Serbia and Macedonia have a "prospect of membership ... but we know that the perspective is a medium-term one."
She added that "a great many preparations" would be needed before it becomes reality, AP reported.
Merkel also said the EU was conducting "successful negotiations" with Croatia but that it was too early to set a date for it to join the bloc.
"We all know that the perspective of joining is no guarantee for later membership, but that the criteria must be fulfilled," she said. "I don't say this as a threat, but rather as an encouragement to the countries that want to join".
30% of Macedonians Live on the Verge of Poverty
Skopje. 30% of the population in Macedonia live on the verge of poverty, there is great unemployment and many children do not visit school, Nova Macedonia reports citing UN evaluation. The discussion is organized on the occasion of 10th December – the Day of Human Rights and it was pointed out that the fight for human rights was connected with fight against poverty. All issues around unemployment, poverty, equal opportunities and human rights are mutually connected.
The Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ljupco Meskov said that the ministry will do everything necessary for extermination of poverty in Macedonia. The ministry had prepared special operational plan for active policy of employment in which the target groups are the disabled people, lonely parents, parents of disabled children, the newspaper wrote.
The Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ljupco Meskov said that the ministry will do everything necessary for extermination of poverty in Macedonia. The ministry had prepared special operational plan for active policy of employment in which the target groups are the disabled people, lonely parents, parents of disabled children, the newspaper wrote.
Bulgaria specifies visa regime with Macedonia
Bulgarian government on Thursday defined the visa regime with Macedonia, due to be introduced as of 1st January 2007, once Bulgaria joins the European Union.
The entry visas for Macedonian citizens will be free of charge, in accordance with the Treaty signed by the governments of the two countries in early November.
The naval and aircraft crew members including rescue team members do not need a visa to enter the country.
Macedonian business people, haulers and bus drivers with pre-defined routes and destinations, including the employees in railway and mail traffic will be entitled to simplified visa issuance procedures. They will be issued multiple entry visas with one-year validity.
Also entitled to simplified visa issuance will be the applicants who travel to Bulgaria to visit a sick family member, including the tourists traveling with travel agencies.
The holders of Schengen visas, holders of visas issued by countries of visa-free Schengen zone, can transit through the territory of Bulgaria in a period not longer than five days.
Once the EU regulations on free movement of the EU nations with third parties comes in force, Bulgaria and Macedonia will have to sign a separate treaty to define the movement of the population in border areas between the two countries.
Based on the bilateral treaty on visa regime, Bulgarian citizens do not need visas to enter Macedonia for short stay. They will be entitled to single, double or multiple entries into the country where neither a single uninterrupted stay nor the collective duration of a number of successive stays may exceed 90 days within a period of six months, starting from the day of first entry.
The entry visas for Macedonian citizens will be free of charge, in accordance with the Treaty signed by the governments of the two countries in early November.
The naval and aircraft crew members including rescue team members do not need a visa to enter the country.
Macedonian business people, haulers and bus drivers with pre-defined routes and destinations, including the employees in railway and mail traffic will be entitled to simplified visa issuance procedures. They will be issued multiple entry visas with one-year validity.
Also entitled to simplified visa issuance will be the applicants who travel to Bulgaria to visit a sick family member, including the tourists traveling with travel agencies.
The holders of Schengen visas, holders of visas issued by countries of visa-free Schengen zone, can transit through the territory of Bulgaria in a period not longer than five days.
Once the EU regulations on free movement of the EU nations with third parties comes in force, Bulgaria and Macedonia will have to sign a separate treaty to define the movement of the population in border areas between the two countries.
Based on the bilateral treaty on visa regime, Bulgarian citizens do not need visas to enter Macedonia for short stay. They will be entitled to single, double or multiple entries into the country where neither a single uninterrupted stay nor the collective duration of a number of successive stays may exceed 90 days within a period of six months, starting from the day of first entry.
Kosovo Endangers Territorial Integrity of Macedonia, Macedonian Agents Think
Skopje. Macedonian Intelligence Agency conceders that Kosovo bears a threat for the territorial integrity of the whole country, Macedonian Vecer newspaper published today. Secret service agents reported the information to the Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski on December 13th.
At present, there are no threats for the security and the territorial integrity of Macedonia, however, as the date for making the decision on Kosovo’s status approaches, a certain risk occurs, Crvenkovski said after his visit at the Intelligence Agency. There the President was assured that the agency “carefully and alertly” observes the events that take place in the region and it is ready to take the preventive measures needed.
Crvenkovski, himself, has not expressed any concern in relation to the statements made by the Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, that Belgrade will lay an economic embargo on Macedonia, if Skopje recognizes Kosovo’s independence.
The Macedonian President believes that Kostunica’s statements are pre-election marketing. Crvenkovski has reiterated yet another time that Macedonia will declare its position on Kosovo when the United Nations Security Council determines the region’s status.
At present, there are no threats for the security and the territorial integrity of Macedonia, however, as the date for making the decision on Kosovo’s status approaches, a certain risk occurs, Crvenkovski said after his visit at the Intelligence Agency. There the President was assured that the agency “carefully and alertly” observes the events that take place in the region and it is ready to take the preventive measures needed.
Crvenkovski, himself, has not expressed any concern in relation to the statements made by the Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, that Belgrade will lay an economic embargo on Macedonia, if Skopje recognizes Kosovo’s independence.
The Macedonian President believes that Kostunica’s statements are pre-election marketing. Crvenkovski has reiterated yet another time that Macedonia will declare its position on Kosovo when the United Nations Security Council determines the region’s status.
Gruevski says Macedonia open for region investments
Reduced taxes, simplified operation procedures and security are the main advantages Macedonia has to offer to foreign investors, PM Nikola Gruevski said today.
At the meeting of the International Council of Foreign Investors in Macedonia that took place today, he pointed out the country expected investment inflow to be focused in the fields spanning energy, telecommunication, etc.
More than a hundred respectable businessmen and representatives of the diplomatic corps in the country attended the fourth annual meeting of the International Council of Foreign Investors in Macedonia.
At the meeting of the International Council of Foreign Investors in Macedonia that took place today, he pointed out the country expected investment inflow to be focused in the fields spanning energy, telecommunication, etc.
More than a hundred respectable businessmen and representatives of the diplomatic corps in the country attended the fourth annual meeting of the International Council of Foreign Investors in Macedonia.
Government Promises Computer for Every Pupil in Macedonia
Computer for every child is the name of the project with which the Macedonian Government is planning to renew primary and secondary schools in the following two years. The Government is planning to purchase 150.000 computers for the pupils in primary and secondary schools together with free training and internet, as well as scholarships for IT students.
9 million euros are projected in the 2007 Budget, and additional 9 million euros will be provided with 2008 Budget.
“From the beginning of the next school year each child in the school will have a computer. The purchase will be performed in two stages, with public bidding. Each citizen will have the opportunity to purchase computer for 100 US dollars, or to pay for it on 12 installments,” said Zoran Stavrevski, vice prime minister, at the promotion of the new projects for ICT development held on December 10, 2006.
Total amount just for the first project is expected to reach 20 to 22 million euros.
“In the first half of 2007 we will announce international tender for purchasing half of the computers. We have not yet defined the final number of computers, but we know that we need from 150.000 to 180.000 computers. We have contacted with the UNDP office. There is a “One Laptop per Child” project going on in the world, within which a company produces laptops for $100. We have contacted with producers to find out who can produce that number of computers for a favourable price,” said Stavrevski.
Within the second project planned for May 2007 all the citizens will have the opportunity to be trained for basic computer skills free of cost in partnership with private sector.
The third project projected for 2007 and 2008 will provide free internet for the citizens. With the fourth project planned to start in 2007 the Government plans to financially support 5.000 students that will study information technologies at some of the faculties in Macedonia. The amount that the students are to receive from the Government is not yet determined, but it is certain that about 500 students will receive four-year scholarship of 5.000 denars per month.
Statistically in Macedonia there is one computer per 56 children.
“Equipping will be simultaneous, both in the urban and rural areas. Currently, there are about 5.000 computers in the schools that were donated by the People’s Republic of China,” said Jovan Lazarov, deputy minister of education.
9 million euros are projected in the 2007 Budget, and additional 9 million euros will be provided with 2008 Budget.
“From the beginning of the next school year each child in the school will have a computer. The purchase will be performed in two stages, with public bidding. Each citizen will have the opportunity to purchase computer for 100 US dollars, or to pay for it on 12 installments,” said Zoran Stavrevski, vice prime minister, at the promotion of the new projects for ICT development held on December 10, 2006.
Total amount just for the first project is expected to reach 20 to 22 million euros.
“In the first half of 2007 we will announce international tender for purchasing half of the computers. We have not yet defined the final number of computers, but we know that we need from 150.000 to 180.000 computers. We have contacted with the UNDP office. There is a “One Laptop per Child” project going on in the world, within which a company produces laptops for $100. We have contacted with producers to find out who can produce that number of computers for a favourable price,” said Stavrevski.
Within the second project planned for May 2007 all the citizens will have the opportunity to be trained for basic computer skills free of cost in partnership with private sector.
The third project projected for 2007 and 2008 will provide free internet for the citizens. With the fourth project planned to start in 2007 the Government plans to financially support 5.000 students that will study information technologies at some of the faculties in Macedonia. The amount that the students are to receive from the Government is not yet determined, but it is certain that about 500 students will receive four-year scholarship of 5.000 denars per month.
Statistically in Macedonia there is one computer per 56 children.
“Equipping will be simultaneous, both in the urban and rural areas. Currently, there are about 5.000 computers in the schools that were donated by the People’s Republic of China,” said Jovan Lazarov, deputy minister of education.
NATO set to induct Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro into pre-membership program
NATO is set to induct Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia into its pre-membership program as part of a wider effort to draw all former antagonists of the Yugoslav wars into the alliance.
NATO leaders agreed to bring the three nations into the Partnership for Peace at their summit last month in Riga, Latvia. On Thursday, they will formally be accepted into the program which is considered a stepping stone to full alliance membership.
Three other PFP nations in the western Balkans — Croatia, Macedonia and Albania — are expected to join the alliance in 2008. Slovenia became a full NATO member in 2004.
Thursday's signing ceremony will bring into the NATO orbit all six countries that gained independence after the violent breakup of the former Yugoslav federation in the early 1990s. The hope is that membership in the alliance — and eventually in the European Union — will permanently defuse nationalist and religious tensions that caused a series of wars in which more than 200,000 people perished.
Paradoxically, the former Yugoslavia was an associate member of NATO during the 1950s and 60s, when it joined a defensive pact against Soviet aggression with NATO members Greece and Turkey. But Yugoslavia eventually drifted into the neutralist camp, and the treaty expired in 1974 amid growing tensions between Greece and Turkey over Cyprus.
Despite some resistance in Riga against inviting Serbia into PFP due to its failure to apprehend indicted war crimes suspects from the conflict in Bosnia, NATO leaders decided to include it due to concerns that isolating Belgrade could encourage hard-line nationalists at a time when tensions are running high over the future of Serbia's Kosovo province.
Serbia's moderate President Boris Tadic, who will be signing his country's accession to PFP on Thursday, described the program as a "first step" to Serbia's eventual membership in both NATO and the European Union.
Over the past year, the Serbian military has been working on a "Strategic Defense Review" aimed at reforming and reducing the armed forces. Plans drawn up in cooperation with the Ohio National Guard — which is advising the Serbian high command — call for an end to conscription and a cut in the standing army from 45,000 troops to 30,000.
"This will entail a transformation into a modern and more efficient army," said Branko Mlinkovic, Serbia's ambassador to NATO.
Tiny Montenegro, Europe's newest nation, also is working closely with a U.S. National Guard unit — this time from Maine — to set up an armed force based entirely on NATO standards.
Montenegro, with a population of just over 600,000 people, plans a 2,500-strong force that would include a helicopter squadron and a small coast guard element.
"Adapting the new Montenegrin military to alliance standards will be easy because the army is actually being formed in association with our NATO partners," said Bojan Sarkic, Montenegro's envoy to the alliance.
NATO leaders say Bosnia, which emerged from its 1992-95 civil war with three ethnically divided armies that fought each other, has made the most remarkable transformation so far by merging the Bosnian Serb, Croat and Bosniak forces into a single, 13,000-strong military under a joint command.
"Membership in the partnership represents recognition that Bosnia has achieved much, but it is also an impetus to fulfill all remaining obligations on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration," said Nebojsa Radmanovic, who heads Bosnia's three-man presidency.
Crvenkovski says no direct threat against Macedonia is present
There are no direct security threats against Macedonia, President Branko Crvenkovski said on Wednesday.
Macedonia is facing no direct security threat at the moment, however, the very fact that the period of resolving of the Kosovo's status is approaching, implicates a certain risk, Crvenkovski said after his visit to the Intelligence Agency, which is under his direct competence.
As regards the current stands of Belgrade and Pristina over Kosovo, Crvenkovski said "the both sides are looking to build up as favorable negotiating position as possible ahead of the final proposal on the status".
"Nonetheless, it is clear that the international community will play the decisive role on this issue", Crvenkovski said.
Macedonia is facing no direct security threat at the moment, however, the very fact that the period of resolving of the Kosovo's status is approaching, implicates a certain risk, Crvenkovski said after his visit to the Intelligence Agency, which is under his direct competence.
As regards the current stands of Belgrade and Pristina over Kosovo, Crvenkovski said "the both sides are looking to build up as favorable negotiating position as possible ahead of the final proposal on the status".
"Nonetheless, it is clear that the international community will play the decisive role on this issue", Crvenkovski said.
Turks Want to Build Poultry Farm in Macedonia
Skopje. Turkish businessmen want to build poultry farms in Macedonia and are interested in investing in other sectors, Macedonian Vecer reports. The businessmen arrived in the country yesterday together with representatives of the Ankara’s Stock Exchange that deals with agricultural products. They will seek possibilities for increase of co-operation between the two countries in the agro sector. The representatives of the Economic Chamber of Macedonia claim that there is not enough co-operation with Turkey although the good relations between the two states.
Transport Minister Petar Mutafchiev to Visit Macedonia
Sofia. The Minister of Transport Petar Mutafchiev will make an official visit in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia from 14 till 16 December 2006 on invitation of his Bulgarian colleague Mile Janakevski, the press center of the ministry announced.
The minister will have talks with the President Branko Crvenkovski, with the Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and with the Transport Minister Mile Janakevski. The aim of the present visit will be to increase the co-operation with the Macedonian side in sphere of transport and the transport infrastructure.
The minister will have talks with the President Branko Crvenkovski, with the Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and with the Transport Minister Mile Janakevski. The aim of the present visit will be to increase the co-operation with the Macedonian side in sphere of transport and the transport infrastructure.
Macedonia, Greece to explore archeological landscapes
Greek and Macedonian archeologists will kick off cross-border archeological exploring in southern Pelagonia Valley and northern Greece, Makfax correspondent reported.
The project is of crossboundary nature and it was co-organized by Bitola's Institute and Museum, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Macedonian Museum. Four representatives of the two countries will be included in the project.
The outmost objective of archeological exploring, which will be getting underway in sites near Bitola's villages Karamani and Radobor, including the sites near Janica, northern Greece, is to collect data on the Bronze Age.
"There will be no archeological excavations or direct conservations in the course of the research on Bronze Age," said the archeologist Engin Nasuh of the Bitola's Museum. He added that there will be access routes to archeological sites, project promotion and marketing.
A Web site will be created, including CDs and catalogue once the data are obtained from Macedonia and Greece.
The project, which will run in the next 18 months, is financially supported by the Council of Europe.
The project is of crossboundary nature and it was co-organized by Bitola's Institute and Museum, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Macedonian Museum. Four representatives of the two countries will be included in the project.
The outmost objective of archeological exploring, which will be getting underway in sites near Bitola's villages Karamani and Radobor, including the sites near Janica, northern Greece, is to collect data on the Bronze Age.
"There will be no archeological excavations or direct conservations in the course of the research on Bronze Age," said the archeologist Engin Nasuh of the Bitola's Museum. He added that there will be access routes to archeological sites, project promotion and marketing.
A Web site will be created, including CDs and catalogue once the data are obtained from Macedonia and Greece.
The project, which will run in the next 18 months, is financially supported by the Council of Europe.
Association of Private News Agencies headquartered in Skopje
The Association of Private News Agencies (APNA), comprising 13 private news agencies of the wider region, was registered Tuesday in Skopje.
The decision on establishing the Association of Private News Agencies (APNA) was made by representatives of private news agencies of nine countries in the wider region, who gathered for a conference in Skopje in late October.
At a conference in Skopje supported by the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), the private news agencies vowed to step up the professional co-operation and reiterated their commitment for joint approach to the international institutions.
Through the Association, the private news agencies will make an appeal to the European and other relevant international institutions to ensure that their countries be granted equal access to information and market alike.
APNA will seek support and assistance from the European and other international institutions to avert state interference in media market.
The APNA members are the news agencies Beta and Fonet from Belgrade, Bgnes from Sofia, Eurolang from Athens, Kosovalife and Kosovapress from Pristina, Onasa from Sarajevo, Sita from Bratislava, Pressetext from Vienna, Stina from Split, Makfax from Skopje, including the soon-to-be established Alpa from Tirana and EPH from Zagreb.
The decision on establishing the Association of Private News Agencies (APNA) was made by representatives of private news agencies of nine countries in the wider region, who gathered for a conference in Skopje in late October.
At a conference in Skopje supported by the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), the private news agencies vowed to step up the professional co-operation and reiterated their commitment for joint approach to the international institutions.
Through the Association, the private news agencies will make an appeal to the European and other relevant international institutions to ensure that their countries be granted equal access to information and market alike.
APNA will seek support and assistance from the European and other international institutions to avert state interference in media market.
The APNA members are the news agencies Beta and Fonet from Belgrade, Bgnes from Sofia, Eurolang from Athens, Kosovalife and Kosovapress from Pristina, Onasa from Sarajevo, Sita from Bratislava, Pressetext from Vienna, Stina from Split, Makfax from Skopje, including the soon-to-be established Alpa from Tirana and EPH from Zagreb.
Skopje hosts seminar on EU Funds
Organization, management and control over the European Union's Funds is put on the agenda of the two-day seminar taking place in Skopje, says an official announcement.
The organizer of the event is the Macedonian Secretariat for European Issues in cooperation with the Spain's Agency for International Cooperation and the International Foundation for Iberoamerica on Administration and Public Policies. (FIIAPP).
The seminar is aimed at conveying the Spanish experiences related to management and utilization of the EU Funds in the context of Macedonia's accession to the European Union, the announcement says.
Experts from Spain, representatives of the Macedonian civil servants and of several institutions involved in the process of preparations for receiving IPA Funds are taking part at the seminar.
The organizer of the event is the Macedonian Secretariat for European Issues in cooperation with the Spain's Agency for International Cooperation and the International Foundation for Iberoamerica on Administration and Public Policies. (FIIAPP).
The seminar is aimed at conveying the Spanish experiences related to management and utilization of the EU Funds in the context of Macedonia's accession to the European Union, the announcement says.
Experts from Spain, representatives of the Macedonian civil servants and of several institutions involved in the process of preparations for receiving IPA Funds are taking part at the seminar.
MACEDONIAN CULTURE AND CULINARY FESTIVAL IN CANBERRA
The st. Kliment Ohridski church in Canberra, Australia marked it's anniversary with a festival of Macedonian Culture and Food, where folklore embroidery, traditional clothes, elements from Macedonian cuisine, terra-cotta icons from Macedonia and paintings from Macedonian artists from Canberra were presented, Mia news agency reports.
Several Macedonian culture societies from the Australian cities of Rockdale, Queanbeyan, Wollongong and Sydney held performances, while Macedonian traditional clothes were presented in a fashion show. Also, the Macedonian traditional instruments were displayed before the Australian audiences, as well as specialties from the Macedonian cuisine.
MD: While this was going on the Australian tv channel 7 was broadcasting the traditional christmas and new year carnival in Perth, where the Macedonian community played a big part, in presenting folklore clothes and providing an overview of the history of the Macedonians in West Australia.
Several Macedonian culture societies from the Australian cities of Rockdale, Queanbeyan, Wollongong and Sydney held performances, while Macedonian traditional clothes were presented in a fashion show. Also, the Macedonian traditional instruments were displayed before the Australian audiences, as well as specialties from the Macedonian cuisine.
MD: While this was going on the Australian tv channel 7 was broadcasting the traditional christmas and new year carnival in Perth, where the Macedonian community played a big part, in presenting folklore clothes and providing an overview of the history of the Macedonians in West Australia.
Macedonia Needs National Strategy for Protection of Human Rights
On the occasion of December 10, the International Human Rights Day, the Defenders of Human Rights Group issued a public appeal to the authorities of the Republic of Macedonia, demanding from the Parliament to adopt the Declaration on Defenders of Human Rights.
They also asked the Government to adopt official policies and strategy for implementation of the Declaration by all relevant bodies and institutions on national and local levels, and to improve the implementation of international documents and treaties as source of national law, as provided by the Constitution.
The newly established “Defenders of Human Rights Group” works in the field of promotion and protection of the universally recognized human rights and freedoms and contributes to the development of democratic society, institutions and processes.
The Group achieves its tasks and goals through a series of activities, including collection and publication of information and knowledge on all human rights and freedoms, promotion of debate on new ideas and principles in the area of human rights, providing legal assistance and advise in defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Group was established by several individuals, members of non-governmental organizations working in the field of improvement and protection of human rights.
The Civil Society Research Centre (CSRC) also used the International Human Rights Day to remind the state of its obligation to protect and improve human rights and secure the citizens unimpeded access to their rights.
CSRC also reminded that the fight against corruption is an obligation that the state should not understand as charitable work, demanding from the institutions to deal with that obligation and not to expect from the civil sector to take over the state’s functions and offices.
CSRC published the book “Constitutionalist”, a miscellany of Constitutional Court rulings on initiatives submitted by Stamen Filipov, the man who has filed the most submissions to check the constitutionality of legal texts and other regulations in the country.
They also asked the Government to adopt official policies and strategy for implementation of the Declaration by all relevant bodies and institutions on national and local levels, and to improve the implementation of international documents and treaties as source of national law, as provided by the Constitution.
The newly established “Defenders of Human Rights Group” works in the field of promotion and protection of the universally recognized human rights and freedoms and contributes to the development of democratic society, institutions and processes.
The Group achieves its tasks and goals through a series of activities, including collection and publication of information and knowledge on all human rights and freedoms, promotion of debate on new ideas and principles in the area of human rights, providing legal assistance and advise in defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The Group was established by several individuals, members of non-governmental organizations working in the field of improvement and protection of human rights.
The Civil Society Research Centre (CSRC) also used the International Human Rights Day to remind the state of its obligation to protect and improve human rights and secure the citizens unimpeded access to their rights.
CSRC also reminded that the fight against corruption is an obligation that the state should not understand as charitable work, demanding from the institutions to deal with that obligation and not to expect from the civil sector to take over the state’s functions and offices.
CSRC published the book “Constitutionalist”, a miscellany of Constitutional Court rulings on initiatives submitted by Stamen Filipov, the man who has filed the most submissions to check the constitutionality of legal texts and other regulations in the country.
Macedonia to share Euro-Atlantic Experience with Montenegro
Skopje. Macedonia will share its Euro-Atlantic experience with Montenegro, said Macedonia’s President Branko Crvenkovski after receiving credentials of the newly appointed Montenegrin Ambassador Dusko Lalicevic, the Macedonian Makfax reports.
"The new spirit of friendship, co-operation and mutual backing unfolding in the South-East European region, the joint commitment to accelerated integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures, as well as the perspectives of the countries in the regions that were upheld through the Riga enlargement signal, oblige us not only to promote the bilateral but also to intensify the regional co-operation to ensure further prosperity and the wellbeing of the region," Crvenkovski said.
Ambassador Lalicevic expressed gratitude to Macedonia, as the country was among the first to recognize the sovereignty and the independence of Montenegro.
"We are confident that the political dialogue gives solid grounds to foster the bilateral ties, in particular the economic cooperation. We are looking forward to furthering the dynamic co-operation on the regional and the multilateral plan, particularly in the process of integration of our countries in the Euro-Atlantic community, which is a common goal," Ambassador Lalicevic said.
"The new spirit of friendship, co-operation and mutual backing unfolding in the South-East European region, the joint commitment to accelerated integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures, as well as the perspectives of the countries in the regions that were upheld through the Riga enlargement signal, oblige us not only to promote the bilateral but also to intensify the regional co-operation to ensure further prosperity and the wellbeing of the region," Crvenkovski said.
Ambassador Lalicevic expressed gratitude to Macedonia, as the country was among the first to recognize the sovereignty and the independence of Montenegro.
"We are confident that the political dialogue gives solid grounds to foster the bilateral ties, in particular the economic cooperation. We are looking forward to furthering the dynamic co-operation on the regional and the multilateral plan, particularly in the process of integration of our countries in the Euro-Atlantic community, which is a common goal," Ambassador Lalicevic said.
Balkan defense ministers meet to discuss joining NATO
Defense ministers from six Balkan countries on Tuesday in Tirana started a two-day meeting to discuss their countries' bid to join the NATO.
The defense ministers from Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia are also expected to focus on promoting military cooperation, as well as their joint efforts in stepping up security in the region and beyond.
Albania, Croatia and Macedonia signed the U.S.-backed Adriatic Charter in May 2003 to facilitate their entry into the NATO, hoping to join the club by 2008.
Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia are to join the NATO's Partnership for Peace program this week, the first step toward a possible membership in the military alliance.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
JAT office in Skopje shows best results
The Skopje office of Serbian airline company JAT Airways is the company's most lucrative office with solid business results, JAT Airways HQ said.
According to official data, in the January-September 2006 period, JAT Airways marked a 54-percent jump in ticket sale and a 21-percent jump in revenue.
In the January-September 2006 period, JAT Airways' office on Skopje in co-operation with Macedonian authorized agents had sold 9.215 tickets, bringing the income to 1.2 million euros.
"Financial results achieved in Skopje indicate that Serbian airliner could turn into region's leader given the traffic network it maintains," the company said in a statement.
In the past 11 months, JAT Airways carried 1.131.177 passengers. Compared to the same period last year, the number of passengers rose 18 percent.
According to official data, in the January-September 2006 period, JAT Airways marked a 54-percent jump in ticket sale and a 21-percent jump in revenue.
In the January-September 2006 period, JAT Airways' office on Skopje in co-operation with Macedonian authorized agents had sold 9.215 tickets, bringing the income to 1.2 million euros.
"Financial results achieved in Skopje indicate that Serbian airliner could turn into region's leader given the traffic network it maintains," the company said in a statement.
In the past 11 months, JAT Airways carried 1.131.177 passengers. Compared to the same period last year, the number of passengers rose 18 percent.
Presentation of Serbian views on Kosovo in Skopje
The chief of the Serbian Government's economic team on Kosovo, Nenad Popovic, will hold a presentation on the topic "Kosovo and the region's perspectives" in Skopje on Tuesday, Belgrade's Economic Center announced.
"A positive perspective for Kosovo and Metohija and the entire Western Balkan is possible only upon a permanent mutual dialogue and consultations aimed at finding solutions for the problems", Popovic's written statement says.
The representative of the Serbian Government will also attend the panel discussion "High Noon", set up by the Strategic Research and Documentation Center of the "Forum" weekly magazine. The event is aimed at approximation of the different stands on the conflict in Kosovo and Metohija.
"This s good opportunity for the attendants and Macedonian public to get familiarized with the official stands and activities of the Serbian Government and the Economic Team on Kosovo", said Popovic.
"A positive perspective for Kosovo and Metohija and the entire Western Balkan is possible only upon a permanent mutual dialogue and consultations aimed at finding solutions for the problems", Popovic's written statement says.
The representative of the Serbian Government will also attend the panel discussion "High Noon", set up by the Strategic Research and Documentation Center of the "Forum" weekly magazine. The event is aimed at approximation of the different stands on the conflict in Kosovo and Metohija.
"This s good opportunity for the attendants and Macedonian public to get familiarized with the official stands and activities of the Serbian Government and the Economic Team on Kosovo", said Popovic.
Protest of Bitola's cabbies
Enraged cab drivers from Bitola staged protest today outside the City House's building, demanding increased number of licenses, Makfax's correspondent reported.
The protest came in the wake of the action for removal of the non-licensed cab drivers from the Bitola's traffic circulation, conducted over the last weekend by the police and the local authorities.
A total of 50 cabbies lost their driver licenses and number plates of their vehicles.
"There are over 500 taxi vehicles in Bitola, which is by far too much for a city of this size. Those 350 of them who have operating licenses are sufficient to satisfy the needs of the Bitola residents", said Vladimir Prckov, a public utilities inspector.
The Public Utilities Inspectorate promised to the protesting cabbies they will come up with response to their demand for increase of the number of licenses until Wednesday.
The protest came in the wake of the action for removal of the non-licensed cab drivers from the Bitola's traffic circulation, conducted over the last weekend by the police and the local authorities.
A total of 50 cabbies lost their driver licenses and number plates of their vehicles.
"There are over 500 taxi vehicles in Bitola, which is by far too much for a city of this size. Those 350 of them who have operating licenses are sufficient to satisfy the needs of the Bitola residents", said Vladimir Prckov, a public utilities inspector.
The Public Utilities Inspectorate promised to the protesting cabbies they will come up with response to their demand for increase of the number of licenses until Wednesday.
Scheffer says reforms hold key to Macedonia's NATO bid
Macedonia's results in reforms implementation are of key importance in terms of granting an invitation for membership in NATO at the 2008 Summit.
NATO’s Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, said this in the course of the meeting with the Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels.
Miloshoski briefed Scheffer on the ongoing and future government's activities aimed at meeting the membership requirements, particularly in the fields spanning the rule of law, judicial system and battle against organized crime and corruption, Macedonian Foreign Ministry announced.
Miloshoski also pledged for further participation of Macedonian soldiers in NATO-led peacekeeping operations and unveiled plans for lifting the national limits on the number of troops deployed in missions abroad.
NATO's Secretary General, on his part, said that Alliance values highly the positive role Macedonia plays in the region, as well as the country's participation in NATO-led operations and hailed the announced lifting of national limit on the number of troops.
In the course of his visit to Brussels, Minister Miloshoski attended the working lunch set up by the Manfred Werner Foundation, at which he gave an address on the topic "2008 - the Year of Inclusion of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO"
NATO’s Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, said this in the course of the meeting with the Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels.
Miloshoski briefed Scheffer on the ongoing and future government's activities aimed at meeting the membership requirements, particularly in the fields spanning the rule of law, judicial system and battle against organized crime and corruption, Macedonian Foreign Ministry announced.
Miloshoski also pledged for further participation of Macedonian soldiers in NATO-led peacekeeping operations and unveiled plans for lifting the national limits on the number of troops deployed in missions abroad.
NATO's Secretary General, on his part, said that Alliance values highly the positive role Macedonia plays in the region, as well as the country's participation in NATO-led operations and hailed the announced lifting of national limit on the number of troops.
In the course of his visit to Brussels, Minister Miloshoski attended the working lunch set up by the Manfred Werner Foundation, at which he gave an address on the topic "2008 - the Year of Inclusion of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO"
Electricity ImporElectricity Import to Macedonia Doubles Each Yeart to Macedonia Doubles Each Year
Skopje. Electricity import to Macedonia doubles each year. In 2006 it will reach 26% of the country’s entire consumption, the Macedonian Vecer newspaper writes.
The Director of the state company Electric Power Plants in Macedonia Vlatko Cingovski said that this was a very high percentage. That’s why the government should work out a national energy strategy for developing mid- and long-term energy capacities.
“Most electric power units are old. They were built in 1990s and have 20% loss. In the recent years the continuity when constructing new plants was broken up,” Cingovski stated.
In his words what influenced country’s general situation was electricity theft and application of old measuring methods.
The Director of the state company Electric Power Plants in Macedonia Vlatko Cingovski said that this was a very high percentage. That’s why the government should work out a national energy strategy for developing mid- and long-term energy capacities.
“Most electric power units are old. They were built in 1990s and have 20% loss. In the recent years the continuity when constructing new plants was broken up,” Cingovski stated.
In his words what influenced country’s general situation was electricity theft and application of old measuring methods.
Milovanovich says decentralization is Macedonia's main challenge
The successful completion of the decentralization process was and still is one of the main challenges in implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.
US Ambassador to Macedonia, Gillian Milovanovich, said this at the third session of the General Assembly of the Association of the Local Self-Government Units (ZELS).
"A significant progress has been made in the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement over the past year and a half, which is very good news in terms of Macedonia's aspirations for NATO and EU membership. One can rightly expect such accomplishments to be rewarded in the future", Milovanovich said.
According to the US Ambassador, the municipalities have to find a way to increase their economic growth. In that sense, Milovanovich underscored the importance of transferring the competence on the count ruction land from central to local authorities.
Ralf Andreas Brett, the German Ambassador to Macedonia briefed that he is keeping close cooperation with large number of municipalities and mayors.
"Decentralization is a long and complicated process, requiring persistence and strong cooperation between the local and central authorities", Brett said.
Presenting the activities of the Steering Board, ZELS's President Andrej Petrov pointed out that "all problems have to be solved through a permanent dialogue between the central and local authorities".
Petrov expressed concerns over the government move to cut taxes, arguing it is likely to have a grave impact on the municipalities' revenues.
"Alterations to the Law on Construction Land is of paramount priority", Petrov said, urging for prompt transfer of competitions over the construction land.
US Ambassador to Macedonia, Gillian Milovanovich, said this at the third session of the General Assembly of the Association of the Local Self-Government Units (ZELS).
"A significant progress has been made in the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement over the past year and a half, which is very good news in terms of Macedonia's aspirations for NATO and EU membership. One can rightly expect such accomplishments to be rewarded in the future", Milovanovich said.
According to the US Ambassador, the municipalities have to find a way to increase their economic growth. In that sense, Milovanovich underscored the importance of transferring the competence on the count ruction land from central to local authorities.
Ralf Andreas Brett, the German Ambassador to Macedonia briefed that he is keeping close cooperation with large number of municipalities and mayors.
"Decentralization is a long and complicated process, requiring persistence and strong cooperation between the local and central authorities", Brett said.
Presenting the activities of the Steering Board, ZELS's President Andrej Petrov pointed out that "all problems have to be solved through a permanent dialogue between the central and local authorities".
Petrov expressed concerns over the government move to cut taxes, arguing it is likely to have a grave impact on the municipalities' revenues.
"Alterations to the Law on Construction Land is of paramount priority", Petrov said, urging for prompt transfer of competitions over the construction land.
EU calls Macedonia to press ahead with reforms
The Council of the European Union "welcomed the continued progress made by the Republic of Macedonia but regretted that the pace of reforms has slowed down in 2006", says the Council's announcement released late Monday from Brussels.
The Council's conclusions on Western Balkan include reference to Macedonia, saying that "the country needs to intensify its efforts in implementing the reforms of the police and judiciary, the fight against organized crime and corruption".
It also urges for securing "the independence and capacity of the public administration".
Furthermore, the EU Council urges Macedonia "to sustain its efforts in implementing the Ohrid framework agreement and in complying with the obligations of the Stabilization and Association Agreement".
The Council welcomed the political dialogue recently resumed by the government and the opposition, and encouraged the parties to step up their cooperation in order to further implement reforms.
The agenda of the external relations meeting of the Council of Europe, taking place on 11 and 12 December in Brussels, is based on the European Commission's Progress Reports covering Western Balkan's countries.
The Council's conclusions on Western Balkan include reference to Macedonia, saying that "the country needs to intensify its efforts in implementing the reforms of the police and judiciary, the fight against organized crime and corruption".
It also urges for securing "the independence and capacity of the public administration".
Furthermore, the EU Council urges Macedonia "to sustain its efforts in implementing the Ohrid framework agreement and in complying with the obligations of the Stabilization and Association Agreement".
The Council welcomed the political dialogue recently resumed by the government and the opposition, and encouraged the parties to step up their cooperation in order to further implement reforms.
The agenda of the external relations meeting of the Council of Europe, taking place on 11 and 12 December in Brussels, is based on the European Commission's Progress Reports covering Western Balkan's countries.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Macedonian Ambassador to Switzerland Could be Recalled
Skopje. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia Antonio Milosovski stated that the Macedonian Ambassador to Switzerland could be recalled if in the final report of the audit is proved that he had participated in embezzlements, A1 announced. The initial report of the audit claims that there were CHF 20,000 spent illegally. If that is proved HE Mahmud Ibraimi will be changed with a nominee from the Democratic party of Albanians (DPA).
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Macedonian Daily Accuses Bulgaria in Fascism
Skopje. The anti-Bulgarian hysteria in Macedonian media continued with new strength today. An comment of Milan Banov, published in the Forum column of the Dnevnik daily is entitled ‘Bulgarian Crystal night'*, the correspondent of FOCUS News Agency in Skopje reports.
The comment, apart from mentioning lies, accuses Bulgaria of fascism.
‘One just cannot believe that an European country, which counts the days to its EU accession, is capable of using methods, typical for totalitarian regimes, which we thought, were in the past. Unfortunately, however, Bulgaria with its fascisoid attitude towards its citizens Macedonians is getting the time of some authentic 'Crystal night' back and it will be difficult or impossible to escape from it’, the comment reads.
*Crystal night - Kristallnacht (also known as Reichskristallnacht, Novemberpogrome, Pogromnacht and the Night of Broken Glass) was a pogrom against Jews throughout Germany and parts of Austria on November 9–10, 1938.
Jewish homes and stores were ransacked in a thousand German cities, towns and villages, as ordinary citizens and stormtroopers destroyed buildings with sledgehammers, leaving the streets covered in smashed windows — the origin of the name "Night of Broken Glass." Jews were beaten to death; 30,000 Jewish men were taken to concentration camps; and 1,668 synagogues ransacked or set on fire.
The comment, apart from mentioning lies, accuses Bulgaria of fascism.
‘One just cannot believe that an European country, which counts the days to its EU accession, is capable of using methods, typical for totalitarian regimes, which we thought, were in the past. Unfortunately, however, Bulgaria with its fascisoid attitude towards its citizens Macedonians is getting the time of some authentic 'Crystal night' back and it will be difficult or impossible to escape from it’, the comment reads.
*Crystal night - Kristallnacht (also known as Reichskristallnacht, Novemberpogrome, Pogromnacht and the Night of Broken Glass) was a pogrom against Jews throughout Germany and parts of Austria on November 9–10, 1938.
Jewish homes and stores were ransacked in a thousand German cities, towns and villages, as ordinary citizens and stormtroopers destroyed buildings with sledgehammers, leaving the streets covered in smashed windows — the origin of the name "Night of Broken Glass." Jews were beaten to death; 30,000 Jewish men were taken to concentration camps; and 1,668 synagogues ransacked or set on fire.
Presentation of "Kliment Ohridski" Awards
A ceremonious presentation of the "Kliment Ohridski" awards will be held at midday Friday in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia.
The award jury board will hand over the awards to the actor Meto Jovanovski and the architect Klime Korobar for extraordinary achievements in the fields of culture and arts.
This year's winners of the prestigious "Kliment Ohridski" award in the area of education are the Academicians Ali Aliu and Petar Ilievski, and professors Ivan Koncharov and Dimitar Mirchev.
Greece, Cyprus Block OMO Ilinden – Pirin
Skopje. Greece and Cyprus unlike Russia and Serbia, want to block the implementation of the decision of the court in Strasburg, the Macedonian TV channel SITEL reports, citing sources from Strasburg. This, according to the TV channel, is the result of the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, where the conclusion to request complete implementation of the court decision for the registration of OMO Ilinden in Bulgaria, was not reached due to lack of consensus. The decision currently demands for only a fine.
Greece and Cyprus were in defense of Bulgaria against the request of Macedonia, Russia and Serbia according to SITEL. The rest of the 40 member states, according to SITEL, did not want to make the accession of Bulgaria to the EU difficult and stayed aside.
Greece and Cyprus were in defense of Bulgaria against the request of Macedonia, Russia and Serbia according to SITEL. The rest of the 40 member states, according to SITEL, did not want to make the accession of Bulgaria to the EU difficult and stayed aside.
Macedonia and EU to discuss SAA in Brussels
Liberalization of the telecommunication market, reducing state intervention in the business sector and the piracy will be the topics of discussions at the meeting between Macedonian and EU high officials, slated for Monday.
This marks the third meeting of the Council for Stabilization and Association to be held in Brussels, and the activities relating abovementioned areas stand as key requirements set by EU.
Macedonian progress in implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and the pre-accession strategy as a country-candidate for fully-fledged membership in EU will be reviewed at today's meeting, Macedonian Foreign Ministry announced at a press briefing.
The EU delegation, led by the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and European Issues, Paula Lehtomaki, and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn are expected to reiterate the remarks included in the latest EC report on Macedonia, and on the need of efficient implementation of the Agreement in the part of intellectual and industrial property.
Macedonian delegation, led by the Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski, will present the steps planned by the Macedonian Government aimed at overcoming the problems in the telecommunication sector, market economy, intellectual and industrial property, particularly those referring to piracy and counterfeited world brands.
Special emphasis will be put to meeting the political and economic criteria as well as to the harmonization of the national with the European legislation.
Brussels and Skopje will also exchange opinions on EU's institutional reforms and the ongoing debate on the bloc's enlargement.
Vice-Prime Minister Imer Selmani and Zoran Stavrevski, and State Secretaries with Justice, Foreign Ministry and of the Secretariat for European Issues will also be included in the Macedonian delegation.
Foreign Minister Miloshoski is scheduled to meet with the NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer on Monday.
This marks the third meeting of the Council for Stabilization and Association to be held in Brussels, and the activities relating abovementioned areas stand as key requirements set by EU.
Macedonian progress in implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and the pre-accession strategy as a country-candidate for fully-fledged membership in EU will be reviewed at today's meeting, Macedonian Foreign Ministry announced at a press briefing.
The EU delegation, led by the Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and European Issues, Paula Lehtomaki, and EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn are expected to reiterate the remarks included in the latest EC report on Macedonia, and on the need of efficient implementation of the Agreement in the part of intellectual and industrial property.
Macedonian delegation, led by the Foreign Minister Antonio Miloshoski, will present the steps planned by the Macedonian Government aimed at overcoming the problems in the telecommunication sector, market economy, intellectual and industrial property, particularly those referring to piracy and counterfeited world brands.
Special emphasis will be put to meeting the political and economic criteria as well as to the harmonization of the national with the European legislation.
Brussels and Skopje will also exchange opinions on EU's institutional reforms and the ongoing debate on the bloc's enlargement.
Vice-Prime Minister Imer Selmani and Zoran Stavrevski, and State Secretaries with Justice, Foreign Ministry and of the Secretariat for European Issues will also be included in the Macedonian delegation.
Foreign Minister Miloshoski is scheduled to meet with the NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer on Monday.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Harassing Macedonians is Being Tolerated in Sofia
Sofia. ‘The questioning of 6,000 members of OMO Ilinden – Pirin by Bulgarian police continues. The Bulgarian society is mainly on the side of the government and there is barely anyone to publicly condemn the harassment on Macedonians, the Macewdonian daily Utrinski Vesnik reports.
In contrast to the reactions of Macedonians, who say that Bulgaria wants to destroy they party by the checks, Iliana Slavovska, prosecutor from Sofia said that there was no pressure from Bulgarian authorities on OMO Ilinden – Pirin members. According to Slavovska, there were serious violations of the registration procedure and that was the reason for her to plead against the registration of the party.
In contrast to the reactions of Macedonians, who say that Bulgaria wants to destroy they party by the checks, Iliana Slavovska, prosecutor from Sofia said that there was no pressure from Bulgarian authorities on OMO Ilinden – Pirin members. According to Slavovska, there were serious violations of the registration procedure and that was the reason for her to plead against the registration of the party.
Macedonian Interior Ministry Investigates 300 Cases of Tax Evasion
Skopje. The Macedonian Organized Crime Department in cooperation with the State Revenue Department are investigating about 300 cases of tax evasions, the Macedonian Vecer newspaper writes.
The police do not announce any further details. Up to now only two cases of tax frauds, amounting to 500.000 euro altogether, have entered the court.
The police do not announce any further details. Up to now only two cases of tax frauds, amounting to 500.000 euro altogether, have entered the court.
Macedonia’s President Crvenkovski Meets Skopje's Mayor Kostovski
Skopje Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski is scheduled to pay a visit to Skopje City Authorities today and to hold a working meeting with the Mayor Trifun Kostovski, the Macedonian Makfax reports.
Crvenkovski's agenda includes also meetings with coordinators of the counselors' group of the City Council and with the heads of city administration's sectors.
Crvenkovski and Kostovski will visit the route of Slovenacka Street, which is currently under construction.
Crvenkovski's agenda includes also meetings with coordinators of the counselors' group of the City Council and with the heads of city administration's sectors.
Crvenkovski and Kostovski will visit the route of Slovenacka Street, which is currently under construction.
Defendants in "Chinese Wall" case get one year prison terms each
Skopje District Court imposed one-year prison sentences to the two defendants in the "Chinese Wall" case, referring to the object erected across from the City Stadium in Skopje.
Poliksena Nikolovska from the Skopje Cadastre Office was found guilty on the charges of power abuse, while the building's investor Borche Ristovski was sentenced for instigating power abuse, Macedonian Radio reported.
Their lawyers Stevan Pavlevski and Mirjana Bojadzieva voiced discontent with the Court's decision and announced intention to appeal the ruling.
The trial wrapped up after three court appearances which took place last week. The so-called (urban) construction mafia is suspected of being involved in the "Chinese Wall" case, relating illegally issued license for construction of several hundreds meters-long building at the Vardar River quay.
The competent authorities are carrying out the pulling down operation of the building's uppermost store.
Poliksena Nikolovska from the Skopje Cadastre Office was found guilty on the charges of power abuse, while the building's investor Borche Ristovski was sentenced for instigating power abuse, Macedonian Radio reported.
Their lawyers Stevan Pavlevski and Mirjana Bojadzieva voiced discontent with the Court's decision and announced intention to appeal the ruling.
The trial wrapped up after three court appearances which took place last week. The so-called (urban) construction mafia is suspected of being involved in the "Chinese Wall" case, relating illegally issued license for construction of several hundreds meters-long building at the Vardar River quay.
The competent authorities are carrying out the pulling down operation of the building's uppermost store.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Trade Deficit of Macedonia Increases
Skopje. Less than one month before the end of the year Macedonia is on the way to repeat its 2004 record - of trade deficit from USD 1.2 billion, A1 reports. According to the latest data the trade deficit of Macedonia reached USD 1.38 billion. The economic scientist claim that CEFTA’s enlargement which is expected to happen in 10 days time could increase the trade in the region but that will not mean automatic increase of Macedonian export. The Macedonian companies have to work more on the quality of the goods they produce.
The trade deficit of Macedonia marks a headlong increase – from USD 515 million in 1998 it reached USD 1.2 billion in the last year.
The trade deficit of Macedonia marks a headlong increase – from USD 515 million in 1998 it reached USD 1.2 billion in the last year.
Panel discussion dedicated to EU and local-self government
A panel discussion entitled "The role of the municipalities in the process of integration to the European Union", will take place today in Sveti Nikole.
The panel discussion is set up as part of the "Go Local" initiative of the Macedonian Secretariat for European Issues implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Self-Governance and Macedonia Municipalities.
The Minister of Local Self-Governance, Zoran Konjanovski, European Ambassador Erwan Fouere, Mayor of Sveti Nikole Municipality, Slobodan Danevski, and the representative of the Secretariat for European Issues, Elizabeta Buova, will give address at the event.
The panel discussion is set up as part of the "Go Local" initiative of the Macedonian Secretariat for European Issues implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Self-Governance and Macedonia Municipalities.
The Minister of Local Self-Governance, Zoran Konjanovski, European Ambassador Erwan Fouere, Mayor of Sveti Nikole Municipality, Slobodan Danevski, and the representative of the Secretariat for European Issues, Elizabeta Buova, will give address at the event.
Macedonian Parliament Draws up Declaration Supporting Macedonians in Bulgaria
Skopje. The Macedonian Parliament will adopt a declaration on the rights of the Macedonian minority in Bulgaria, proposed by Liljana Popovska’s Democratic Renewal of Macedonia, the Macedonian Utrinski Vesnik newspaper writes.
Although the opposition did not stop criticizing the government that it reacted with a delay, the declaration is reportedly going to be backed up by a vast majority. Several MPs from the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity - Vlatko Gjorcev, Petar Poparsov, Goce Markovski, Vele Georgievski, have sent letters to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Council of Europe and other European institutions. They express their support for OMO Ilinden-Pirin registration, the newspaper reports.
The MPs’ reaction comes after the press violently criticized Bulgaria’s treatment of the party members, the edition adds.
Popovska reminded that the declaration would be highly important only if the Parliament adopted it with an overwhelming majority.
“In this way we will show that that the state insists on respecting human rights of the minorities in the Balkans,” Popovska has stated.
Although the opposition did not stop criticizing the government that it reacted with a delay, the declaration is reportedly going to be backed up by a vast majority. Several MPs from the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization-Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity - Vlatko Gjorcev, Petar Poparsov, Goce Markovski, Vele Georgievski, have sent letters to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Council of Europe and other European institutions. They express their support for OMO Ilinden-Pirin registration, the newspaper reports.
The MPs’ reaction comes after the press violently criticized Bulgaria’s treatment of the party members, the edition adds.
Popovska reminded that the declaration would be highly important only if the Parliament adopted it with an overwhelming majority.
“In this way we will show that that the state insists on respecting human rights of the minorities in the Balkans,” Popovska has stated.
Gruevski kicks off visit to Luxembourg
Macedonian PM Nikola Gruevski is due to arrive in Luxembourg today for a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Juncker.
Gruevski is heading to Luxembourg upon completion of the official visit to Italy,
in the course of which he held talks with his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi.
The two Prime Ministers discussed the modalities of boosting the bilateral cooperation between Macedonia and Italy.
Gruevski is heading to Luxembourg upon completion of the official visit to Italy,
in the course of which he held talks with his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi.
The two Prime Ministers discussed the modalities of boosting the bilateral cooperation between Macedonia and Italy.
Macedonia sticks to one-China principle
Macedonia sticks to its one-China principle unswervingly and recognizes the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate government of all China, Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski said on Tuesday.
Crvenkovski, meeting the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Macedonia Dong Chunfeng, admitted that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, news reaching here from Skopje reported.
Crvenkovski expressed his satisfaction with the smooth development of the friendly relationship between Macedonia and China, hoping to deepen the cooperation between the two countries at various levels in all fields.
Dong, who presented his credentials to the Macedonian president, congratulated the president on the achievements that Macedonia has made in strengthening national solidarity, safeguarding social stability and developing national economy.
Dong highly evaluated the president's contribution to the steady development of the relations between the two countries, expressing his belief that, in a concerted effort, the friendly cooperation can be raised to a new level.
Crvenkovski, meeting the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Macedonia Dong Chunfeng, admitted that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, news reaching here from Skopje reported.
Crvenkovski expressed his satisfaction with the smooth development of the friendly relationship between Macedonia and China, hoping to deepen the cooperation between the two countries at various levels in all fields.
Dong, who presented his credentials to the Macedonian president, congratulated the president on the achievements that Macedonia has made in strengthening national solidarity, safeguarding social stability and developing national economy.
Dong highly evaluated the president's contribution to the steady development of the relations between the two countries, expressing his belief that, in a concerted effort, the friendly cooperation can be raised to a new level.
Macedonia hopes for more liberalised visa regime
Macedonia started talks Thursday (November 30th) on easing the visa regime for Macedonian citizens traveling to EU member-countries. The Macedonian government would like to complete the talks by mid-2007, though Brussels has signaled the pace will likely be slower.
Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and Interior Minister Gordana Jankulvoska attended the start of the talks. On the EU's side, the opening was attended by European Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini, who said he hoped the talks could be wrapped up by the end of next year.
According to the Macedonian Foreign Ministry, the first phase of the talks will concentrate on a few issues: reducing paperwork for several categories of visa seekers – including students, journalists, researchers, scientific workers, civil servants taking part in seminars or those traveling with official delegations.
Macedonia is also seeking the elimination of visa fees for most citizens, as well as a reduction in the time needed for obtaining a visa. In addition, Skopje would like to see the issuance of multiple visas with longer expiry dates.
To back up these requests, the Macedonian side is ready to put forward new biometric travel documents. Biometric passports will be available to citizens starting in March 2007. Macedonia will also argue that it has been conducting a successful fight against human trafficking, as well as implementing integrated border management and bringing the process of signing readmission agreements close to completion.
In general, the negotiators hope to convince Brussels that Macedonian citizens will not misuse their visas, and that Macedonia does not present a significant problem in terms of illegal migration and asylum seeking.
Macedonian Football in Complete Mess
A very tumultous and violent football weekend in Macedonia! Players of Rabotnicki were beaten up in Kumanovo. Players of Makedonija GP were beaten up in Tetovo. Referees were beaten up in Stip... total chaos on Macedonian football pitches! A lot of complaints, accusations, press-conferences followed after this shocking 16th round in the Macedonian First League. The protagonists of this scandalous round came from following matches: Bashkimi - Rabotnicki (1:3); Renova - Makedonija GP (0:2) and Bregalnica - Napredok (1:2).
Rabotnicki players beaten up in Kumanovo's stadium tunnel
Rabotnicki had the lead in half time against Bashkimi in Kumanovo. When the players of the visiting team went to their locker room they were met by some unknown people in the tunnel of the stadium. Goalkeeper Tome Pacovski, Nderim Nedjipi and the captain Stojan Ignjatov were beaten up in a tumultous mess. Of course, the second half of the match was on the edge of being cancelled, but the brave players of the Macedonian champion gathered energy and extra motivation and finished the match with a victory.
Police stops breakout of punchfest in Tetovo
There were brawls between players in a match in Tetovo too. Renova hosted Makedonija GP and the visitors deservedly won the match in a boiling hot atmosphere. There were no incidents during the 90 minutes of the match, but when the players of the visiting team were leaving the pitch and entered the tunnel of the stadium, Makedonija's experienced defender Vladimir Despotovski was punched in the face by an unknown person. Bigger incident was about to occur between all the players of both teams but luckily the Police stopped it.
Bregalnica players attack referees
The three referees were on target in Stip, where the hosts Bregalnica were defeated by two controversial goals of Napredok. When the visitors scored the second controversial goal, some of the Bregalnica players ran infuriated to the referees and chased, pushed and kicked them around the pitch. The match continued after a 10 minutes break and 3 red cards.
If those incidents continue to happen on Macedonian football pitches, very soon we will have to use the line: "I went to a football game, but saw a boxing match!"
Rabotnicki players beaten up in Kumanovo's stadium tunnel
Rabotnicki had the lead in half time against Bashkimi in Kumanovo. When the players of the visiting team went to their locker room they were met by some unknown people in the tunnel of the stadium. Goalkeeper Tome Pacovski, Nderim Nedjipi and the captain Stojan Ignjatov were beaten up in a tumultous mess. Of course, the second half of the match was on the edge of being cancelled, but the brave players of the Macedonian champion gathered energy and extra motivation and finished the match with a victory.
Police stops breakout of punchfest in Tetovo
There were brawls between players in a match in Tetovo too. Renova hosted Makedonija GP and the visitors deservedly won the match in a boiling hot atmosphere. There were no incidents during the 90 minutes of the match, but when the players of the visiting team were leaving the pitch and entered the tunnel of the stadium, Makedonija's experienced defender Vladimir Despotovski was punched in the face by an unknown person. Bigger incident was about to occur between all the players of both teams but luckily the Police stopped it.
Bregalnica players attack referees
The three referees were on target in Stip, where the hosts Bregalnica were defeated by two controversial goals of Napredok. When the visitors scored the second controversial goal, some of the Bregalnica players ran infuriated to the referees and chased, pushed and kicked them around the pitch. The match continued after a 10 minutes break and 3 red cards.
If those incidents continue to happen on Macedonian football pitches, very soon we will have to use the line: "I went to a football game, but saw a boxing match!"
Macedonia Remains in the ComKrasimir Karakachanov: Macedonia Remains in the Complexplex-fed Fantasies of Yugo-lovers and Its Future is a Bulgarization
The Leader of VMRO Krasimir Karakachanov in an interview for FOCUS News Agency.
FOCUS: Mr. Karakachanov, a negative campaign against our country has started a few days ago in the Macedonian press. Today, articles entitled ‘The resurrection of Zhivkov’s regime in Bulgaria’ appeared. How do you explain this?
Krasimir Karakachanov: These are the last gasps of the dying Yugo-nostalgia. The so-called elite in Macedonia is in its greatest part, 90%, created in times of Yugoslavia and trained in an anti-Bulgarian way. These very same people cannot live with the fact that Bulgaria is not only a NATO member, but will also become a member of the EU in numbered days. This means a total separation of Bulgaria from the standards that other Balkan states have. This separation in its economic sense means a powerful stimulus for a group of people in Macedonia, who will more and more start to show Bulgarian self-conscience. The idea for a separate Macedonian nation, created on an anti-Bulgarian basis, just failed the test of the history. Bulgaria is moving forward while Macedonia remains in the complex-fed fantasies of some Yugo-lovers and its future is Bulgarization. This is something that some people in Skopje cannot live with.
FOCUS:: Who are those people?
Krasimir Karakachanov: I can bet who is the author of these articles. There are several freaks, who write such things. One of them is Viktor Cvetanovski.
FOCUS: Yes, he was the one that published a comment in Utrinski Vesnik entitled ‘The Resurrection of Zhivkov’s Regime in Bulgaria’*
Krasimir Karakachanov: This is the former correspondent of New Macedonia, former agent of the Yugoslavian counterintelligence service and he has been showering malice on Bulgaria for decades.
FOCUS: How do you explain the actions of the Chairman of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee Krasimir Kanev? He said in an interview for the Macedonian A1 TV channel that calling members of OMO Ilinden – Pirin to police offices reminds of the past times of communism and is absurd.
Krasimir Karakachanov: There is such people in every country and religion. There are always people who are ready to sell their faith or nationality for a few pieces of silver or just to look interesting.
FOCUS: How should Bulgaria react?
Krasimir Karakachanov: Bulgaria should not only pay attention to such articles, but also react in a definite way. Groundless, slanderous campaign in 21st century is unacceptable.
FOCUS: Who should this reaction come from?
Krasimir Karakachanov: The Bulgarian Government. Bulgarian Foreign Ministry. The first thing that should happen is to call the Macedonian Ambassador and to hand him a note, because unlike many other countries, where the press is free, in Macedonia it is being funded by the Macedonian government. It should be said very clear to the Macedonian Government that they would never join NATO and EU unless they learn the normal lesson of history, which is that the members of NATO and EU are partners and friends and not enemies.
FOCUS: Mr. Karakachanov, a negative campaign against our country has started a few days ago in the Macedonian press. Today, articles entitled ‘The resurrection of Zhivkov’s regime in Bulgaria’ appeared. How do you explain this?
Krasimir Karakachanov: These are the last gasps of the dying Yugo-nostalgia. The so-called elite in Macedonia is in its greatest part, 90%, created in times of Yugoslavia and trained in an anti-Bulgarian way. These very same people cannot live with the fact that Bulgaria is not only a NATO member, but will also become a member of the EU in numbered days. This means a total separation of Bulgaria from the standards that other Balkan states have. This separation in its economic sense means a powerful stimulus for a group of people in Macedonia, who will more and more start to show Bulgarian self-conscience. The idea for a separate Macedonian nation, created on an anti-Bulgarian basis, just failed the test of the history. Bulgaria is moving forward while Macedonia remains in the complex-fed fantasies of some Yugo-lovers and its future is Bulgarization. This is something that some people in Skopje cannot live with.
FOCUS:: Who are those people?
Krasimir Karakachanov: I can bet who is the author of these articles. There are several freaks, who write such things. One of them is Viktor Cvetanovski.
FOCUS: Yes, he was the one that published a comment in Utrinski Vesnik entitled ‘The Resurrection of Zhivkov’s Regime in Bulgaria’*
Krasimir Karakachanov: This is the former correspondent of New Macedonia, former agent of the Yugoslavian counterintelligence service and he has been showering malice on Bulgaria for decades.
FOCUS: How do you explain the actions of the Chairman of the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee Krasimir Kanev? He said in an interview for the Macedonian A1 TV channel that calling members of OMO Ilinden – Pirin to police offices reminds of the past times of communism and is absurd.
Krasimir Karakachanov: There is such people in every country and religion. There are always people who are ready to sell their faith or nationality for a few pieces of silver or just to look interesting.
FOCUS: How should Bulgaria react?
Krasimir Karakachanov: Bulgaria should not only pay attention to such articles, but also react in a definite way. Groundless, slanderous campaign in 21st century is unacceptable.
FOCUS: Who should this reaction come from?
Krasimir Karakachanov: The Bulgarian Government. Bulgarian Foreign Ministry. The first thing that should happen is to call the Macedonian Ambassador and to hand him a note, because unlike many other countries, where the press is free, in Macedonia it is being funded by the Macedonian government. It should be said very clear to the Macedonian Government that they would never join NATO and EU unless they learn the normal lesson of history, which is that the members of NATO and EU are partners and friends and not enemies.
Prodi reconfirms Italian support to Macedonia
Italy affirmed its support to Macedonia in the country's efforts to acquire a date for launching negotiations with EU.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi himself spelled out the pledge for support after today's talks in Rome with the Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.
I would like to express my support to Macedonia on its road to EU. The country has achieved a significant progress, Prodi said after the meeting.
Italian PM also confirmed that he sent a letter to the leaders of the EU member-countries, asking them to set the date for start of membership negotiations with Macedonia, and to offer reassurance on the political agreement for accession of Croatia, once Zagreb fulfils its obligations.
Macedonian PM extended gratitude for the support, adding that Macedonia has a great friend in Italy, which will back the country at the upcoming EU Summit slated for mid December, as well as at the following summits in 2007.
In the meantime, Macedonia will focus on meeting the standards and adoption of legislations necessary for setting the date for start of negotiations with EU as soon as possible.
The interlocutors also discussed the modalities of Italian assistance to Macedonia's battle against organized crime and corruption, Macedonian Radio reported.
Previously, Gruevski held talks with the Italian Deputy National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor, Francesco Mandoi, focusing on the current Macedonian legislation referring to this area.
According to Gruevski's statement, Mandoi is likely to accept the post of PM's Advisor for fighting organized crime.
Vice-Prime Minister in charge of European Integrations, Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska, accompanies PM Gruevski on his visit to Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi himself spelled out the pledge for support after today's talks in Rome with the Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.
I would like to express my support to Macedonia on its road to EU. The country has achieved a significant progress, Prodi said after the meeting.
Italian PM also confirmed that he sent a letter to the leaders of the EU member-countries, asking them to set the date for start of membership negotiations with Macedonia, and to offer reassurance on the political agreement for accession of Croatia, once Zagreb fulfils its obligations.
Macedonian PM extended gratitude for the support, adding that Macedonia has a great friend in Italy, which will back the country at the upcoming EU Summit slated for mid December, as well as at the following summits in 2007.
In the meantime, Macedonia will focus on meeting the standards and adoption of legislations necessary for setting the date for start of negotiations with EU as soon as possible.
The interlocutors also discussed the modalities of Italian assistance to Macedonia's battle against organized crime and corruption, Macedonian Radio reported.
Previously, Gruevski held talks with the Italian Deputy National Anti-Mafia Prosecutor, Francesco Mandoi, focusing on the current Macedonian legislation referring to this area.
According to Gruevski's statement, Mandoi is likely to accept the post of PM's Advisor for fighting organized crime.
Vice-Prime Minister in charge of European Integrations, Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska, accompanies PM Gruevski on his visit to Italy.
Police clarifies Skopje's double murder
Police found the perpetrators of the double murder motivated by blood revenge, which took place last August in Skopje, Interior Ministry announced. S.N., 23, and J.S., 34, both residents of Skopje are suspected of having murdered Branko Ivanovski, 50, and Ljupco Atanasovski, 48, on 13 August 2006 in the Skopje's District of Vlae. S.N. is subject of questioning by an investigative judge, while J.S. has been already detained in the Investigative Prison for another crime. The Police announced it has evidences to back the suspicions that S.N and J.S. shot dead Atanasovski and Ivanovski by opening fire from automatic weapon towards the vehicle the victims were in. Police said the murder was motivated by blood revenge. Last April, in an attempt to protect his wife and daughter, Ivanovski had shot dead 26-year-old Xhelil Sulejmani and wounded his 49-year-old brother Rexhep Sulejmani. Ivanovski had been sentenced to 2,5 years imprisonment, and the appeal procedure on the verdict was underway at the moment of his death.
Unemployment in Macedonia Reaches 37.2%
Skopje. According to the information of the State Statistical Institute in Macedonia the level of the unemployment in the country is 37.2%, the Macedonian daily Vecer reports.
According to the Director of the Institute Blagica Novkovska, the price of labor on the Macedonian market was high, since employers must pay a lot of taxes. Finance Minister Trayko Slavevski believes that this was the reason for the existence of the gray economy in the country.
According to the Director of the Institute Blagica Novkovska, the price of labor on the Macedonian market was high, since employers must pay a lot of taxes. Finance Minister Trayko Slavevski believes that this was the reason for the existence of the gray economy in the country.
Denmark backs Macedonia on its road to Euro-Atlantic integration
Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki met Tuesday with the President of Denmark's Parliament Commission on Foreign Affairs Gitte Lillelund Bech.
Milososki briefed Lillelund Bech on the strategic objectives outlined by Government's program, including Macedonia's accession to EU and NATO, reforms in the judiciary system and Government decision on introducing flat tax in order to attract investments.
Denmark underlined its support to Macedonia on the road to EU integration in the course of the meeting.
Lillelund Bech as President of Denmark's Parliament Commission on Foreign Affairs announced reinforcement of the bilateral parliamentary co-operation. Denmark's parliament representatives are expected to visit Macedonia in 2007, as part of Parliament's plan for enhanced participation in the region. Bech pledged to support Macedonia's EU integration in front of the Danish Foreign Ministry.
Milososki will kick off his Baltic countries' tour on Wednesday.
Milososki briefed Lillelund Bech on the strategic objectives outlined by Government's program, including Macedonia's accession to EU and NATO, reforms in the judiciary system and Government decision on introducing flat tax in order to attract investments.
Denmark underlined its support to Macedonia on the road to EU integration in the course of the meeting.
Lillelund Bech as President of Denmark's Parliament Commission on Foreign Affairs announced reinforcement of the bilateral parliamentary co-operation. Denmark's parliament representatives are expected to visit Macedonia in 2007, as part of Parliament's plan for enhanced participation in the region. Bech pledged to support Macedonia's EU integration in front of the Danish Foreign Ministry.
Milososki will kick off his Baltic countries' tour on Wednesday.
Gruevski pleased with government's first 100 days
Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said he was pleased with the government's work after 100 days in power, noting that the government would further speed the pace. "So far, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia have tabled to the Parliament a motion of amending the Constitution, more than 50 motions of alteration or enforcement of laws, rebalance of state budget, including the draft-budget for the year 2007. Dozens of motions of ratification of international agreements with third countries and international organizations, a number of executive orders and reports, financial plans, initiatives and authentic interpretations of laws, motions of establishing responsibility, and other motions aimed to improve the current situation," Gruevski said while briefing on government's first 100 days in power. He also briefed on the work of ministries, noting that a number of laws adopted thus far aim to boost foreign investments. "The comprehensive tax reform, through which we have become a country with lowest taxes in Europe, the introduction of regulatory guillotine - the new tool to assist the country in rapid regulatory simplification - and the possibility to register a company within three days, the drastic simplification of democratic procedures, the opportunities we offer in the free economic zones and many other measures will turn Macedonia into most attractive country for investments in Europe," Gruevski said. The reform in defense sector and interior affairs helped to boost efficacy in the fight against criminality, as the fight against organized crime rose to 95 percent. "We have delivered a severe blow on urban mafia and we started to shed light and solve the major criminal and corruption affairs," Gruevski said, adding that the crackdown on organized crime and corruption will go on.
Macedonia to boost fight against corruption
According to Transparency International's 2006 Corruption Perceptions Index, Macedonia ranks 105th out of 163 countries -- placing it at the bottom among Southeast European countries. The government is hoping to change this through a series of laws on corruption and organised crime.
A 1.5m-euro government plan, adopted in October, also envisions engaging a foreign expert who will stay in Macedonia until the laws are adopted and implemented.
Parliament adopted amendments to the anti-corruption law last month. Changes include a five-year term for both the commission members and the chairman, instead of the previous one-year term or rotating mandate. In addition, the range of activities the government is prohibited from engaging in during election campaigns has been expanded. For example, signing collective agreements is now banned during the election period.
The government also is drafting a new law on public prosecution, which would include establishing a separate prosecutor's office to fight organised crime and corruption.
"The idea is motivated by the need for more independence and efficiency of the authority," says Anti-Corruption Department Director Jovan Ilievski."This is not about dualism or abandoning the principle of subordination under which the prosecutor's office operates, but about the need to strengthen accountability."
The office will have the authority to act nationwide, and will be accountable to the Macedonian Public Prosecutor.
Under the constitutional amendments, the state prosecutor still is nominated by the government, after considering the opinion of the Council of Prosecutors, and then elected by parliament.
Also under the new law, the Public Prosecutor's Office will have increased competences -- enabling it, for instance, to access bank data. Police and customs officials will be obliged to act when requested by the public prosecutor.
Within the framework of this programme, a delegation led by Prime Minster Nikola Gruevski met with Francesco Mandoi, deputy prosecutor of the Anti-Mafia Bureau in Rome last week. The group discussed laws on prosecution, court council and the penal code, the law on monitoring communication and the law against corruption.
In four years, the state anti-corruption commission has received more than 2,500 complaints by Macedonian citizens. The commission, on its own initiative, has investigated more than 100 cases and submitted more than 120 different initiatives to launch court proceedings.
Two Bulgarian Girls Held by Macedonian Police Without Official Explanation
Skopje. Two Bulgarian girls aged 27 and 29 were held by police in the Macedonian capital Skopje without official explanation, BNT reports. They were in Skopje to attend a rock concert and have been held there for already seven hours.
The two girls are still being held in the police station in Skopje. There is still no official explanation for their detention. During a phone conversation one of the girls – veronica Hristova says they were robbed during the concert and when they alarmed police, they got arrested instead of the robbers.
“They guard us with machine guns and no one says why we are here”, Veronika said. So far the only given explanation was that they acted indecently.
The two are accompanied by the Bulgarian consulate in Skopje Ventsislav Tsvetanov.
The two girls are still being held in the police station in Skopje. There is still no official explanation for their detention. During a phone conversation one of the girls – veronica Hristova says they were robbed during the concert and when they alarmed police, they got arrested instead of the robbers.
“They guard us with machine guns and no one says why we are here”, Veronika said. So far the only given explanation was that they acted indecently.
The two are accompanied by the Bulgarian consulate in Skopje Ventsislav Tsvetanov.
Macedonian Deputy PM Visits Hungary
Budapest. The Macedonian Deputy PM Imer Selmani, who is responsible for implementing the Ohrid agreement, is paying a two-day visit to Hungary, the Macedonian Makfax informs.
Selmani is to be present at the 8th round table at a regional level on the interethnic relations in the Balkans. The topic is “The New Majority and the Minorities in the Balkans”. The Deputy PM Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska, who is also responsible for the EU integration, will also take part.
Selmani is to be present at the 8th round table at a regional level on the interethnic relations in the Balkans. The topic is “The New Majority and the Minorities in the Balkans”. The Deputy PM Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska, who is also responsible for the EU integration, will also take part.
Week of French Film in Macedonian Film Library
Macedonian Film Library, in cooperation with the French Cultural Center, organizes a Week of French Film from December 1 to 7.
Six films of French cinematography will be screened from the nouvelle vague (new wave) movement, representing this cinematography in an authentic way, said Film Library director Boris Nonevski.
The review will be opened with Elevator for Execution of Louis Malle, followed by Hiroshima, My Love of Alain Renee, two parts of Children of Paradize of Marcel Carnet, Army of Shadows of Jean Pierre Melville and Winter Story of Eric Romer.
According to Nonevski, Macedonia has been linked to the French film for years, because the first projections in Bitola in 1897 were organized by people from this country.
Six films of French cinematography will be screened from the nouvelle vague (new wave) movement, representing this cinematography in an authentic way, said Film Library director Boris Nonevski.
The review will be opened with Elevator for Execution of Louis Malle, followed by Hiroshima, My Love of Alain Renee, two parts of Children of Paradize of Marcel Carnet, Army of Shadows of Jean Pierre Melville and Winter Story of Eric Romer.
According to Nonevski, Macedonia has been linked to the French film for years, because the first projections in Bitola in 1897 were organized by people from this country.
Zarevski retains position of T-Mobile's manager
The incumbent manager of T-Mobile Macedonia, Rubinco Zarevski, has no intention to step down from his post in the wake of accusations for having committed a serious crime in 2003.
At today's press briefing in T-Mobile, Zarevski said he is retaining the post because share-holders had not asked for his resignation, as prescribed in his managerial contract. Responding to a journalist's question, Zarevski said although he obviously felt discomfort by the manner the authorities investigated him over the past two days, the Police treated him correctly.
Zarevski was accused that during his tenure of Director of Healthcare Fund back in 2003 had illegally concluded a harmful procurement contract, inflicting 26.000 worth of damages. On Thursday, an investigative judge ruled that no grounds for ordering temporary detention to Zarevski existed.
His lawyer hinted at a possibility of filing a suit against the state and the Police on the detention procedure.
At today's press briefing in T-Mobile, Zarevski said he is retaining the post because share-holders had not asked for his resignation, as prescribed in his managerial contract. Responding to a journalist's question, Zarevski said although he obviously felt discomfort by the manner the authorities investigated him over the past two days, the Police treated him correctly.
Zarevski was accused that during his tenure of Director of Healthcare Fund back in 2003 had illegally concluded a harmful procurement contract, inflicting 26.000 worth of damages. On Thursday, an investigative judge ruled that no grounds for ordering temporary detention to Zarevski existed.
His lawyer hinted at a possibility of filing a suit against the state and the Police on the detention procedure.
Monument of Josip Broz Tito To be Erected in Skopje
Skopje. A monument of the former Yugoslavian President Josip Broz Tito will be erected in Skopje in front of the Home of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, the Macedonian daily Vecer reports. The first sod was turned on November 29.
The monument will be constructed by members of the Association of Citizens who honor the personality and the achievements of Tito.
The monument will be constructed by members of the Association of Citizens who honor the personality and the achievements of Tito.
18 Representatives of Ex Elite in Macedonia Arrested Last Night
Skopje. 18 representatives of the ex ruling elite in Macedonia were arrested last night in Skopje, FOCUS Agency correspondent announced.
The arrests were made in the frames of an anti-corruption operation. The detainees include three ex deputy ministers, several lawyers, notaries and others close to the Socialist cabinet.
One of the most notorious cases is insurance for sheep amounting to EUR 700,000.
The Interior Ministry representative told FOCUS that the accusations against the arrested involved tens of millions of euros.
The arrests were made in the frames of an anti-corruption operation. The detainees include three ex deputy ministers, several lawyers, notaries and others close to the Socialist cabinet.
One of the most notorious cases is insurance for sheep amounting to EUR 700,000.
The Interior Ministry representative told FOCUS that the accusations against the arrested involved tens of millions of euros.
Macedonia to send 40 soldiers in IraMacedonia to send 40 soldiers in Iraqq
Macedonia will dispatch 35 soldiers and 5 commissioned officers of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia to Iraq, to take part in efforts for securing stability of this country.
The Government adopted this decision today. The Macedonian soldiers will be dispatched in December 2006 to serve a six-month tour within the Freedom for Iraq operation.
Pursuant to ratified SOFA agreements, Macedonia undertook obligation to take part in the peacekeeping operation in Iraq.
The Government adopted this decision today. The Macedonian soldiers will be dispatched in December 2006 to serve a six-month tour within the Freedom for Iraq operation.
Pursuant to ratified SOFA agreements, Macedonia undertook obligation to take part in the peacekeeping operation in Iraq.
EU approves nearly 9 billion EUR for Macedonia and EU candidate-countries
Countries lining up for European Union membership Macedonia, Turkey, Croatia and - will be able to borrow from 8.7 billion euros package from the European Investment Bank.
Mediterranean countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Israel, will also be able to dip into 8.7 billion euros.
The European Union on Tuesday cleared the European Investment Bank to loan 27.8 billion euros over the next seven years, up from current levels but lower than originally planned.
The EIB lends money for large infrastructure projects, most of them inside Europe, but also loans out some 10 percent to other nations.
EU finance ministers agreed to increase lending from the EIB's current lending budget of 20.7 billion euros, but did not back a European Commission suggestion that it give the EIB 50 percent extra, or 31.5 billion euros.
Mediterranean countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Israel, will also be able to dip into 8.7 billion euros.
The European Union on Tuesday cleared the European Investment Bank to loan 27.8 billion euros over the next seven years, up from current levels but lower than originally planned.
The EIB lends money for large infrastructure projects, most of them inside Europe, but also loans out some 10 percent to other nations.
EU finance ministers agreed to increase lending from the EIB's current lending budget of 20.7 billion euros, but did not back a European Commission suggestion that it give the EIB 50 percent extra, or 31.5 billion euros.
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