Macedonian police killed six members of what it called a criminal group on Wednesday during heavy clashes in hills above the mainly ethnic Albanian town of Tetovo, centre of a 2001 guerrilla insurgency.
Special police units backed by helicopters battled gunmen in the village of Brodec in the Shar mountain region after a dawn raid to round up a group led by an ethnic Albanian fugitive from a Kosovo prison.
The operation followed a warning from the Macedonian government last week of the possible "political exploitation" of criminal elements as Albanian tensions rise over neighbouring Kosovo's stalled bid for independence from Serbia.
"The interior ministry successfully completed operation 'Mountain Storm' to eliminate an extremist criminal group," Interior Minister Gordana Jankulovska told a news conference.
Jankulovska said that according to preliminary information, four gunmen were killed. A senior police source told Reuters later that six were dead. Six people were arrested.
"We are sending a clear message to all criminal groups that they will end the same way," said Jankulovska.
A spokesman for the NATO peace force in Kosovo told a news conference a Macedonian helicopter had crashed during the fighting, but Jankulovska said the information was wrong.
The fighting, in which police sealed roads and conducted a house-to-house search, was the worst in the Tetovo region since 2001, when ethnic Albanian guerrillas battled government forces for greater rights for Macedonia's 25-percent Albanian minority.
NATO and the European Union brokered a deal to end the insurgency, but relations between Skopje authorities and the Albanian minority have soured since the main ex-guerrilla faction was left out of the ruling coalition last year.
The Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), led by former guerrilla commander Ali Ahmeti, said the government was trying to deflect attention from a decision by the European Union this week that said Skopje was still not ready for accession talks.
"Albanians are again collateral damage of the government's failings," said DUI spokeswoman Ermira Mehmeti.
Diplomats fear a standoff between the West and Russia over the demand of Kosovo's Albanian majority for independence from Serbia, eight years after NATO bombs drove out Serb forces, could spark unrest in Kosovo and Macedonia.
Faced with Serb and Russian opposition, Kosovo Albanians have threatened to declare independence once a deadline for negotiations to end expires on Dec. 10.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
At least seven Albanians killed in police operation to try to recapture rebel fighter
SPECIAL police units backed up by helicopters killed at least seven Albanians yesterday in a major operation in Macedonia aimed at recapturing a former rebel fighter who escaped from prison in neighbouring Kosovo.
The operation was the largest of its kind since Macedonia faced seven months of ethnic conflict and near civil war in 2001.
The interior ministry said the action lasted all day, in and around the village of Brodec, north-west of the Albanian-dominated city of Tetovo.
The aim was to capture Lirim Jakupi, a former member of the outlawed Albanian National Army, who escaped in August from Dubrava prison in western Kosovo, where he had been serving a 15-year sentence for armed violence.
After yesterday's initial assault, armed Albanian gang members fled into surrounding fields and woods, where fighting continued. Witnesses in Brodec said at least four houses were on fire late yesterday.
Macedonian officials said between seven and ten Albanians had been killed, with no casualties on the Macedonian side.
NATO's peacekeeping force in Kosovo, K-FOR, said a Macedonian helicopter had crashed during the operation, but Macedonian officials denied this.
The border area of Kosovo and Macedonia has been tense since the summer, after a series of shootings involving Albanian criminal gangs, who are reported to have taken refuge in villages in the area. K-FOR said patrols had been stepped up on its side of the border in an attempt to prevent violence spilling over into Kosovo, which goes to the polls next weekend in the run-up to a possible declaration of independence in early December.
The operation was the largest of its kind since Macedonia faced seven months of ethnic conflict and near civil war in 2001.
The interior ministry said the action lasted all day, in and around the village of Brodec, north-west of the Albanian-dominated city of Tetovo.
The aim was to capture Lirim Jakupi, a former member of the outlawed Albanian National Army, who escaped in August from Dubrava prison in western Kosovo, where he had been serving a 15-year sentence for armed violence.
After yesterday's initial assault, armed Albanian gang members fled into surrounding fields and woods, where fighting continued. Witnesses in Brodec said at least four houses were on fire late yesterday.
Macedonian officials said between seven and ten Albanians had been killed, with no casualties on the Macedonian side.
NATO's peacekeeping force in Kosovo, K-FOR, said a Macedonian helicopter had crashed during the operation, but Macedonian officials denied this.
The border area of Kosovo and Macedonia has been tense since the summer, after a series of shootings involving Albanian criminal gangs, who are reported to have taken refuge in villages in the area. K-FOR said patrols had been stepped up on its side of the border in an attempt to prevent violence spilling over into Kosovo, which goes to the polls next weekend in the run-up to a possible declaration of independence in early December.
Police launch major operation in Tetovo area
Police special units launched a major operation Wednesday morning in the village of Brodec, Shara Mountain, amid a skirmish with gunmen.
In a statement for Makfax news agency, police source could not confirm or deny the shooting spree in Tetovo area.
Shooting is underway in the village of Brodec and the locals cannot leave the village that has been sealed by police, Makfax said, citing statements by local residents in the mountainous village of Brodec.
A number of special police forces and armored personnel transporters were dispatched in the village of Brodec.
According to unofficial sources, the police operation is aimed at arresting a group of gunmen led by Lirim Jakupi, a fugitive who had escaped recently from Kosovo's Dubrava prison.
In a statement for Makfax news agency, police source could not confirm or deny the shooting spree in Tetovo area.
Shooting is underway in the village of Brodec and the locals cannot leave the village that has been sealed by police, Makfax said, citing statements by local residents in the mountainous village of Brodec.
A number of special police forces and armored personnel transporters were dispatched in the village of Brodec.
According to unofficial sources, the police operation is aimed at arresting a group of gunmen led by Lirim Jakupi, a fugitive who had escaped recently from Kosovo's Dubrava prison.
Situation in Tetovo is dramatic, DUI’s leadership is in session
Judging by the news I have had from the media, I can say that the situation in Tetovo is now dramatic, but I would like to personally find out about it, Teuta Arifi, deputy chairperson of the Democratic Union for Integration announced. Arifi noted that a sitting of the leadership of the DUI has started, where Wednesday’s police operation will start.
Macedonian police carried out campaign in Sar Mountain
Macedonian police evaluates its campaign in the Sar Mountain as a successful one. The official name of the campaign was ‘Planinska Burja’ (‘Mountain Storm’). It was directed against the extremist criminal groups, against the terrorists in other words, Aleksander Damovski, director of Skopje paper Vreme, said on the phone for FOCUS News Agency.
The campaign has ended. Seven people are killed, all of whom from the extremist criminal groups. There are no victims from the Macedonian forces which took part in the operation. A great amount of guns was confiscated. The strengthened police presence continues in the region of Sar Mountain and the village of Brodec, Damovski declared.
The campaign has ended. Seven people are killed, all of whom from the extremist criminal groups. There are no victims from the Macedonian forces which took part in the operation. A great amount of guns was confiscated. The strengthened police presence continues in the region of Sar Mountain and the village of Brodec, Damovski declared.
Eight Albanians dead in clash with Macedonian police
The group was thought to be headed by Ramadan Shitij and Lirim Jakupi, a.k.a. Nazi, who escaped from Dubrava prison in Kosovo a few months ago.
The showdown took place in the villages of Brodec, Vesala and Vejce, near Tetovo, spokesman of the Macedonian Police Ivo Kotevski stated.
All police officers who took part in the operation escaped unharmed, it was also confirmed.
"The criminal group has been defeated," said Kotevski, adding that the police units are still in the increasingly volatile area, MIA news agency reported.
Five people were arrested, among them Habit Ahmeti, one of the leaders of the group Macedonia says is criminal. Heavy weapons and ammunition were also confiscated.
Police will now process the scene, and will later allow reporters to access the area.
Meanwhile, KFOR has increased its troop level on the Kosovo side of the border since the start of the Macedonian MUP operation early this morning.
The issue of a Macedonian helicopter allegedly shot down during the clashes remains unclear. While authorities in Skopje deny the reports, KFOR claims that a helicopter did go down in the area, but that it does not belong to the NATO forces in the province.
Security services claim that the Jakupi group was allowed to escape from prison with the help of "certain structures", in order to destabilize the region "should the Kosovo negotiations go in a direction these structures do not favor."
Jakupi is wanted in Macedonia for launching a rocket at a police station, killing a cab driver, and wounding three officers, as well as for putting the village of Volkovo under siege and threatening to "bomb Skopje".
The showdown took place in the villages of Brodec, Vesala and Vejce, near Tetovo, spokesman of the Macedonian Police Ivo Kotevski stated.
All police officers who took part in the operation escaped unharmed, it was also confirmed.
"The criminal group has been defeated," said Kotevski, adding that the police units are still in the increasingly volatile area, MIA news agency reported.
Five people were arrested, among them Habit Ahmeti, one of the leaders of the group Macedonia says is criminal. Heavy weapons and ammunition were also confiscated.
Police will now process the scene, and will later allow reporters to access the area.
Meanwhile, KFOR has increased its troop level on the Kosovo side of the border since the start of the Macedonian MUP operation early this morning.
The issue of a Macedonian helicopter allegedly shot down during the clashes remains unclear. While authorities in Skopje deny the reports, KFOR claims that a helicopter did go down in the area, but that it does not belong to the NATO forces in the province.
Security services claim that the Jakupi group was allowed to escape from prison with the help of "certain structures", in order to destabilize the region "should the Kosovo negotiations go in a direction these structures do not favor."
Jakupi is wanted in Macedonia for launching a rocket at a police station, killing a cab driver, and wounding three officers, as well as for putting the village of Volkovo under siege and threatening to "bomb Skopje".
Macedonian police kill eight armed men in raid
At least eight armed men were killed during an exchange of fire with police on Wednesday during an operation against fugitives in western Macedonia, news reaching here from Skopje said.
"The criminal group has been broken up, and no policemen were injured in the operation," said an Interior Ministry spokesman, Ivo Kotevski.
The operation, launched in the early hours of the morning, was against a criminal group led by a man named Lirim Jakupi, who escaped from a high- security prison in western Kosovo more than two months ago.
The spokesman said the group was holed up in the mountain village of Brodec near the mainly Albanian-populated city of Tetovo, about 40 km west of the capital Skopje.
He said the operation was still ongoing, with checkpoints set up on access roads and police helicopters hovering over the area.
Lirim Jakupi, alias "Nazi," fled to Kosovo province two years ago after a shootout with Macedonian police in Tetovo and was arrested by United Nations forces in the province.
He was a member of the underground Albanian National Army and was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being tried in absentia in Serbia.
"The criminal group has been broken up, and no policemen were injured in the operation," said an Interior Ministry spokesman, Ivo Kotevski.
The operation, launched in the early hours of the morning, was against a criminal group led by a man named Lirim Jakupi, who escaped from a high- security prison in western Kosovo more than two months ago.
The spokesman said the group was holed up in the mountain village of Brodec near the mainly Albanian-populated city of Tetovo, about 40 km west of the capital Skopje.
He said the operation was still ongoing, with checkpoints set up on access roads and police helicopters hovering over the area.
Lirim Jakupi, alias "Nazi," fled to Kosovo province two years ago after a shootout with Macedonian police in Tetovo and was arrested by United Nations forces in the province.
He was a member of the underground Albanian National Army and was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being tried in absentia in Serbia.
Papariga urges shift from 1992 policy on FYROM
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga on Wednesday called on the government to "disengage" itself from the Council of Political Party Leaders decision of 1992 and agree with FYROM on a name for the neighbouring country containing the word "Macedonia" in an exclusively geographical context.
Papariga made the statements to the press after a 45-minute meeting with prime minister Costas Karamanlis, saying that she had put forward three matters.
The first matter was that: Any name agreed for FYROM could contain the word "Macedonia" in an exclusively geographical context, at the same time safeguarding Greece from any irredentist intent on the part of Skopje, noting that "there is nothing in our country that FYROM can set claim to".
The second matter was that: 2007 has many differences with respect to 1992, since 1992 was the beginning of the drama in the Balkans, while today the EU and the US have established themselves in the region, and so has Russia, with its interventions on the pipelines.
The government, she continued, must clarify its position and take a stance against Kosovo independence, because possible independence of Kosovo could lead to destabilisation.
She also stressed that the creation of a "second US protectorate in the region" must be averted, warning that in such an eventuality, and because lack of a delineated border between Kosovo and FYROM "could lead to (the creation of) a second Albanian state".
Regarding the Greek business presence in Skopje, Papariga said that the companies were not bridges of friendship, but "go there for profit". The bridge of friendship is the peoples, she said, and described the Kosovo issue as critical also for Greek-FYROM relations.
The third matter, the KKE leader continued, was that she called on the government to react immediately to statements by Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki "who said we should go into Skopje and take land".
Also, Papariga said, the KKE rejects the "chauvinistic propaganda of LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally party) and the cosmoplitan theories of SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left party)".
Replying to press questions, Papariga said that her party was not recommending any specific name. The KKE, she explained, was purely in favour of a geographical determination in FYROM's name.
To another question on provocations by FYROM such as the renaming of the Skopje airport into "Alexander the Great Airport", Papariga said that such matters should be "left to the historians, because such issues cannot enter into the diplomatic relations between countries".
Regarding the prospects for solution being found to the FYROM name issue, the KKE leader said that "things don't appear to be easy", adding that the FYROM leadership "is not even discussing" the problem, and "has strong backing".
Papariga made the statements to the press after a 45-minute meeting with prime minister Costas Karamanlis, saying that she had put forward three matters.
The first matter was that: Any name agreed for FYROM could contain the word "Macedonia" in an exclusively geographical context, at the same time safeguarding Greece from any irredentist intent on the part of Skopje, noting that "there is nothing in our country that FYROM can set claim to".
The second matter was that: 2007 has many differences with respect to 1992, since 1992 was the beginning of the drama in the Balkans, while today the EU and the US have established themselves in the region, and so has Russia, with its interventions on the pipelines.
The government, she continued, must clarify its position and take a stance against Kosovo independence, because possible independence of Kosovo could lead to destabilisation.
She also stressed that the creation of a "second US protectorate in the region" must be averted, warning that in such an eventuality, and because lack of a delineated border between Kosovo and FYROM "could lead to (the creation of) a second Albanian state".
Regarding the Greek business presence in Skopje, Papariga said that the companies were not bridges of friendship, but "go there for profit". The bridge of friendship is the peoples, she said, and described the Kosovo issue as critical also for Greek-FYROM relations.
The third matter, the KKE leader continued, was that she called on the government to react immediately to statements by Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki "who said we should go into Skopje and take land".
Also, Papariga said, the KKE rejects the "chauvinistic propaganda of LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally party) and the cosmoplitan theories of SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left party)".
Replying to press questions, Papariga said that her party was not recommending any specific name. The KKE, she explained, was purely in favour of a geographical determination in FYROM's name.
To another question on provocations by FYROM such as the renaming of the Skopje airport into "Alexander the Great Airport", Papariga said that such matters should be "left to the historians, because such issues cannot enter into the diplomatic relations between countries".
Regarding the prospects for solution being found to the FYROM name issue, the KKE leader said that "things don't appear to be easy", adding that the FYROM leadership "is not even discussing" the problem, and "has strong backing".
UK stands behind Athens on FYROM
Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Milliband yesterday appeared to support Greek concerns on the Macedonia name dispute, as a European Commission report called on Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to make fresh efforts to reach a compromise.
“We understand Greece’s sensitivities on the name issue and it is very important that a solution is found that respects Greek concerns,” Milliband said following talks with his Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyannis in London. Referring to the possibility of Athens vetoing FYROM’s bid to join NATO if the name dispute remains unresolved, Milliband said Greece would be justified in exercising its rights as a member of the alliance.
Bakoyannis expressed satisfaction on Milliband’s stance and his assertion that Britain supported a July 2006 agreement between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, which Ankara has failed to honor.
In Athens, Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos said the EC’s report on candidate Turkey “made satisfactory references to all issues of particular interest to Greece,” including the rights of Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios and Turkish air-space violations in the Aegean.
The EC also issued a critical report on FYROM, saying it had failed to push reforms and curb corruption. It also called for a more constructive approach to resolving the name dispute.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Top 10 Reasons why Alexander the Great was Great!
Excellent and entrataining post on the Greatness of Alexander the Great!
Croatia Stands Chance Of Making EU Membership By Decade's End; Turkey, Macedonia Further Behind
While Croatia, Turkey and Macedonia are all candidates for membership in the European Union, only Croatia has a realistic chance of becoming a member nation before the end of the decade, an EU report says.
However, Croatia has work to do to meet membership conditions even then. It must still do more to reform its judiciary system and to eliminate corruption. It also must find a way to allow the safe return of Serbs who fled the country after its 1991-95 civil war, the Press Association reported Monday.
Since 2004, the EU has grown from 15 to 27 member states. Along with the three current candidate states another four countries - Albania, Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia - hope to become candidates within the next two years.
In addition to those four, all the other Western Balkan states - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia including Kosovo - are potential candidate countries under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. That is provided they fulfill the accession criteria, according to a statement on the EU website.
And it's meeting the accession criteria that is holding up Turkey's membership. While Macedonia became a candidate nation so recently that negotiations on its accession requirements haven't begun, the EU statement says.
Among tasks Turkey has yet to accomplish is doing more to protect freedom of speech, putting civilians in charge of its military, making sure that non-Muslim citizen's rights are protected, protecting women and children and strengthening trade union rights, according to Press Association reports.
Another big problem holding Turkey back from achieving EU membership is its refusal to trade freely with EU member Cyprus, Agency France Press reports.
However, Turkey did begin implementing some political reforms this year.
To become a member country of the European Union candidate nations must achieved certain goals. According to the EU website, those criteria are:
- stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities;
- the existence of a functioning market economy as well as the capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union;
- the ability to take on the obligations of membership including adherence to the aims of political, economic & monetary union.
Each country is evaluated when they apply for membership. Then the EU sets specific conditions for meeting those criteria, which is the process called accession negotiation.
Macedonia will not change name to end dispute with Greece, president says
Macedonia's president insisted Monday that his country would not change its official name under a U.N.-led effort to end a long-running dispute with Greece.
Branko Crvenkovski said the small Balkan country was determined to keep calling itself the Republic of Macedonia in its relations with the international community. Greece has threatened to veto Macedonia's bids to join NATO and the EU unless the name is changed.
"There is a national consensus on Macedonia's name," a statement from Crvenkovski's press office said. "(Macedonia's) leadership enjoys full support from the people, and all political parties ... to preserve (its name)."
Over the weekend, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said Macedonia would ignore the veto threat by NATO and EU member Greece.
"Macedonia is prepared even to sacrifice its membership of NATO if the (alternative) is to change its constitutional name," he said.
Most countries recognize Macedonia by that name, which Athens says could imply claims on the Greek northern province of Macedonia.
NATO is expected to discuss the Macedonian application next April.
Late Monday, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said Macedonia's entry into the EU and NATO would be blocked if no compromise is reached over the name.
"Geographically, Macedonia is a broad region, more than half of which belongs to Greece. Today, more than 2.5 million Greeks consider themselves proud Macedonians," Bakoyannis said on a visit to London. "(Macedonia's) route to the EU and NATO is a one-way road: a mutually accepted solution."
She added: "This is not an emotional or psychological issue, but a question of good neighborliness."
But the hardline leader of Greece's Orthodox church in northern Greece stepped up his opposition to Macedonia, adding claims that parts of the former Yugoslav Republic should belong to Greece.
"Macedonia is Greek ... and parts of it that are missing should be returned," Metropolitan Bishop of Thessaloniki said.
Fersped assets freezing orders lifted
Macedonian Court of Appeals has overturned a Skopje District Court's interim asset freezing orders against Fersped AD Skopje.
Appeals Court, according to statement released by Fersped early on Monday, reversed the lower-court decision to freeze the assets of Fersped company, saying it was ungrounded.
District Court Skopje 2 made the interim asset freezing orders in relation to certain property of Fersped to help the probe into legality of privatization of Fersped.
Appeals Court, according to statement released by Fersped early on Monday, reversed the lower-court decision to freeze the assets of Fersped company, saying it was ungrounded.
District Court Skopje 2 made the interim asset freezing orders in relation to certain property of Fersped to help the probe into legality of privatization of Fersped.
Athens silent over Nimetz’ proposal
Skopje. Athens is still silent over the suggestion made by the Mathew Nimetz, UN special envoy on the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece, the Macedonian A1 TV informs.
According to the TV channel Greece has also untraditionally remained silent over Skopje’s denial, at the suggestion of Mathew Nimetz, for Macedonia to use for international purposes a name different than its constitutional one.
“The state’s leadership and the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia not only has the right, but they also have the strength to fight for their national right to use the constitutional name of their country”, Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Antonio Milisoski stated.
Macedonian state’s leadership is starting tomorrow the preparation of a strategy to fights that “striking proposal”, A1 comments.
According to the TV channel Greece has also untraditionally remained silent over Skopje’s denial, at the suggestion of Mathew Nimetz, for Macedonia to use for international purposes a name different than its constitutional one.
“The state’s leadership and the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia not only has the right, but they also have the strength to fight for their national right to use the constitutional name of their country”, Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Antonio Milisoski stated.
Macedonian state’s leadership is starting tomorrow the preparation of a strategy to fights that “striking proposal”, A1 comments.
New round of Skopje-Athens: Nimetz presents no new proposal for Macedonia's name
Matthew Nimetz, UN mediator in Skopje-Athens dispute over Macedonia's name, presented Thursday in New York no new proposal for the name, but only suggestions about how the talks should be run, BBC - Macedonian language program reported. - The mediator offered some suggestions, but not a proposal for a concrete name. He presented his opinion on how the talks should be organized to lead to a solution, as well as some elements on the solution itself. Some of those elements are compatible with our (Macedonia's) position, some not. He expressed readiness to visit the region, the capitals of both countries, and to meet the leadership of the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece, Macedonian negotiator Nikola Dimitrov said after today's new round of negotiations.
Nimetz told BBC that he urged both parties to consider all possibilities so that a solution to the dispute could be found within a reasonable time frame.
- I believe a solution to an issue that divides two neighbouring countries is very much in the interests of both parties and would also greatly contribute to regional peace and security. In an effort to assist the parties in this process I respectfully made some suggestions in the form of a draft framework for their consideration as a basis for an honorable and fair resolution. I have urged Ambassadors Dimitrov and Vassilakis to bring these suggestions to their Governments for study. These negotiations under the Secretary-General's auspices will continue in an effort to reach a resolution. I have indicated a willingness to go to Athens and Skopje in the near future to consult with the two Governments more intensively. Both Ambassador Dimitrov and Ambassador Vassilakis will discuss such a mission with their Governments, Nimetz said.
Earlier, Macedonia's top officials said the country's position on the matter would be reiterated at the new round of negotiations, namely the double formula - one name which will be agreed for bilateral communication with Greece and the constitutional name for the rest of the world.
Preservation of the right of the constitutional name and its international usage is fundamental pillar of identity and dignity of the nation, Macedonian top officials assessed at the meeting prior to the meeting of the officials of the two countries Nikola Dimitrov and Adamantios Vassilakis at the UN HQ.
For the last few days Greek authorities said in several occasions that there was a possibility for Athens to accept a complex name that would include the word 'Macedonia'.
For 17 years Greece has been denying Macedonia's right of its constitutional name, saying that it could imply territorial aspirations to the Greek province that bears the same name.
Due to Greek objections, Macedonia entered the UN in 1993 under the provisional name, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, pending a resolution. Afterwards, Macedonia and Greece were asked to launch talks for ironing the differences over the name, which was done initially under the aegis of Syrus Vence, and afterwards - Matthew Nimetz. The negotiations in New York are still underway. For the last few years, some formal, informal proposals have been presented, which were not acceptable for the one or other party.
So far, Macedonia has established diplomatic ties with more than 160 countries. A total of 120 countries have already recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name, including three permanent UN Security Council members - the United States, Russia and China.
Nimetz told BBC that he urged both parties to consider all possibilities so that a solution to the dispute could be found within a reasonable time frame.
- I believe a solution to an issue that divides two neighbouring countries is very much in the interests of both parties and would also greatly contribute to regional peace and security. In an effort to assist the parties in this process I respectfully made some suggestions in the form of a draft framework for their consideration as a basis for an honorable and fair resolution. I have urged Ambassadors Dimitrov and Vassilakis to bring these suggestions to their Governments for study. These negotiations under the Secretary-General's auspices will continue in an effort to reach a resolution. I have indicated a willingness to go to Athens and Skopje in the near future to consult with the two Governments more intensively. Both Ambassador Dimitrov and Ambassador Vassilakis will discuss such a mission with their Governments, Nimetz said.
Earlier, Macedonia's top officials said the country's position on the matter would be reiterated at the new round of negotiations, namely the double formula - one name which will be agreed for bilateral communication with Greece and the constitutional name for the rest of the world.
Preservation of the right of the constitutional name and its international usage is fundamental pillar of identity and dignity of the nation, Macedonian top officials assessed at the meeting prior to the meeting of the officials of the two countries Nikola Dimitrov and Adamantios Vassilakis at the UN HQ.
For the last few days Greek authorities said in several occasions that there was a possibility for Athens to accept a complex name that would include the word 'Macedonia'.
For 17 years Greece has been denying Macedonia's right of its constitutional name, saying that it could imply territorial aspirations to the Greek province that bears the same name.
Due to Greek objections, Macedonia entered the UN in 1993 under the provisional name, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, pending a resolution. Afterwards, Macedonia and Greece were asked to launch talks for ironing the differences over the name, which was done initially under the aegis of Syrus Vence, and afterwards - Matthew Nimetz. The negotiations in New York are still underway. For the last few years, some formal, informal proposals have been presented, which were not acceptable for the one or other party.
So far, Macedonia has established diplomatic ties with more than 160 countries. A total of 120 countries have already recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name, including three permanent UN Security Council members - the United States, Russia and China.
Ali Krasnici is still not questioned by police about gunfight in Tetovo village
Ali Krasnici was the one wounded in the gunfight in the village of Tetovo, Odrin, last week, and is now in the Clinic for Stomach Surgery in Skopje for treatment, the Director of the clinic confirmed today, the Macedonian newspaper Dnevnik writes today. In the gunfight Dzavid Morina who had escaped from the Kosovo prison Doubrava was killed. It is still not clear why Krasnici was transferred from Tetovo to Skopje. His brother, Agim Krasnici, member of the Albanian Democratic Party, denied immediately after the incident that his brother was wounded in the gunfight. According to unofficial data Krasnici hasn’t been questioned yet by the police about the incident.
Heating companies to present stands on price hike
Heating companies Toplifikacija Skopje-Sever and Toplifikacija Bitola on Tuesday will present their stands on the decision by Regulatory Commission to raise the price of steam-heating.
On Monday, the Regulatory Commission authorized an 18.61% hike of heating price in Skopje Sever and 32.8% in Bitola.
According to regulatory authority, price hikes will help the heating companies in Skopje Sever and in Bitola to cover the work-related expenses.
On Monday, the Regulatory Commission authorized an 18.61% hike of heating price in Skopje Sever and 32.8% in Bitola.
According to regulatory authority, price hikes will help the heating companies in Skopje Sever and in Bitola to cover the work-related expenses.
Greece donates hospital equipment to FYROM
SKOPJE (ANA-MPA/N. Frangopoulos) - Greece has donated hospital equipment to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) composed of four machines and an equal number of fully equipped ambulances to help meet health needs in the cities of Skopje, Tetovo and Bitola.
The amount of the donation reaches 300,000 euros and is part of the National Plan for Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans (NPERB).
FYROM Health Minister Imer Selmani thanked the Greek government for the donation during a relevant ceremony held in Skopje on Monday.
"This act by the government of Greece proves that health knows no borders and that the modernisation of the health systems of the countries in the region secures quality health services for the population," Selmani said.
The head of Greece's Liaison Office in FYROM, Alexandra Papadopoulou, said that the donation constitutes another contribution by Greece towards handling the needs of FYROM, particularly in such a sensitive sector as is citizens' health.
The amount of the donation reaches 300,000 euros and is part of the National Plan for Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans (NPERB).
FYROM Health Minister Imer Selmani thanked the Greek government for the donation during a relevant ceremony held in Skopje on Monday.
"This act by the government of Greece proves that health knows no borders and that the modernisation of the health systems of the countries in the region secures quality health services for the population," Selmani said.
The head of Greece's Liaison Office in FYROM, Alexandra Papadopoulou, said that the donation constitutes another contribution by Greece towards handling the needs of FYROM, particularly in such a sensitive sector as is citizens' health.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Macedonia to send more troops to Iraq
he Macedonian government has decided to send additional 36 soldiers to Iraq, bringing the country's troops on the ground to 80, news reaching here from Skopje reported on Friday.
"The decision reaffirms that Macedonia is a growing exporter of stability. As an NATO aspirant, we are pleased to show our solidarity with our Alliance partners," said Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki.
The decision will come into force after it is approved by parliament, where the government enjoys a firm majority. Macedonia also participates in the NATO-led International Security Force mission in Afghanistan, and the EU's peacekeeping force in Bosnia.
Macedonia is hoping to receive invitation to join NATO, along with Albania and Croatia next spring when the alliance holds its summit in Bucharest, capital of Romania.
However, its southern neighbor Greece has repeatedly threatened to veto Macedonia's NATO membership if a solution can't be found to the name dispute between the two countries by then.
Milososki reaffirmed his country's stand that there should not be linkage between Macedonia's NATO membership and its name dispute with Greece, hoping that Greece should put more attention to regional stability.
Greece has been opposed to the name of the Republic of Macedonia since the country broke away from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Greece says the name of Macedonia implies a claim the tiny western Balkan country on the northern Greek province of Macedonia and could destabilize the region.
Instead, it asks Macedonia to use the name of "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" or FYROM in short, under which the country joined the U.N. in 1993.
A fresh round of U.N. mediated Greek-Macedonian talks over the name dispute were held in New York on Thursday, and U.N. mediator Matthew Nimitz has offered fresh ideas but no ultimate answer for solving the name issue between the two countries.
Macedonia supports independence for Kosovo, opposes partition
As the negotiations on Kosovo's status continue, the topic is being discussed across the region. Although the vast majority of the countries in Southeast Europe do not have much input on the future of the province, the final outcome will have regional repercussions.
Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski has always advocated a final status defined by the UN Security Council -- a stance many regional governments share. However, if a UN-determined status proves impossible to achieve, Macedonia will likely recognise an independent Kosovo.
One proposal that Macedonia strongly opposes is division of the province. Splitting Kosovo could have a direct impact on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Macedonia. The government fears it could fuel separatism among Albanians in the country, which endured a serious ethnic conflict in 2001.
Many countries in the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, have similar concerns. If a precedent for dividing territories and countries is set, it might prove difficult for the international community to stop in the future.
"Kosovo must not be divided, taking into consideration that such a decision is only possible along ethnic lines, and that would mean encouraging many radical structures that exist in the whole region. We can not underestimate the risks that could arise from the eventual decision," Crvenkovski said.
Since the end of the 2001 conflict, Macedonia has struggled to build a functional, multiethnic state and demonstrate that its two main ethnic groups can co-exist.
The majority of Macedonians feel that Kosovo's independence will bring peace and stability to the region -- finally settling the borders in Southeast Europe. It also offers the prospect of improved economic ties and opportunity.
Macedonia currently exports most of its manufactured goods to Kosovo -- about 100m euros worth annually. But the province's unresolved status is a barrier for Macedonian companies who want to trade or invest there. It also poses a hurdle for international corporations.
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