After calling for a war, leader of the Democratic PArty of Albanians Menduh Thaci came out with a new idea and namely – the establishment of a all-Albanian government, Macedonian Kanal 5 television reports.
Tahci presented his idea tough the Albanian Top Channel TV.
Just before he got back to Albania from Tetovo, the leaders of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) – Ali Ahmeti and of New Democracy – Imer Selmani, categorically brushed him off.
It was said that the idea was good but it was raised by a failed politician, who does not know what he wants.
Friday, February 12, 2010
EU, US representatives to Macedonia condemn Thaci's rhetoric
EU envoy to Macedonia Erwan Fouere and US Ambassador to Skopje Philip Reeker on Wednesday (February 10th) strongly rejected as unacceptable a recent remark by the leader of the Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA). Menduh Thaci said that if the government continues to discriminate against Albanians, there will be war in Macedonia. The opposition DPA has been boycotting parliament since last summer, protesting the government's policy towards Albanians. Both Reeker and Fouere urged Thaci to drop the rhetoric and return to parliament.
Bombastic Skopje project attracts scorn
A bombastic government project to revamp Skopje, Macedonia's bland capital, has caused both ridicule and scorn among citizens of the small Balkan country.
A giant triumphal arch, a newly built multi-dome orthodox church, dozens of statues, and the reconstruction of buildings that had been destroyed by the 1963 earthquake will completely alter the look of Skopje's central square.
The project, known as Skopje 2014, is highly controversial. Plans for a huge statue of Alexander the Great are likely to deepen the dispute with Macedonia's southern neighbour Greece about names and history. Athens opposes Skopje's wish to call the country "Republic of Macedonia" and to portray it as the legitimate heir of Alexander's short-lived giant empire.
Macedonia's Albanian minority is upset as well. The plan does not include any monument dedicated to that ethnic group's history, despite the fact that they represent 25 percent of the population.
Idjet Memeti from DUI, the Albanian junior partner in the governing coalition, has described the project as "a political pamphlet that will deepen the ethnic rift between the two main communities."
Macedonian opposition parties call the concept ugly and say there should be a referendum on it. Meanwhile, the cost of "Skopje 2014" remains unclear. Leaked estimates point to a total amount of around €200 million. The mayor of Skopje claims the project will cost no more than €80 million. Macedonians earn an average €300 a month.
Nikola Naumoski, head of the "Freedom Square" NGO, believes the government is holding back confidential data indicating that total expenditure on the project will be much higher than current estimates. His organisation has already staged massive protests and promises to turn them into a steady campaign.
A giant triumphal arch, a newly built multi-dome orthodox church, dozens of statues, and the reconstruction of buildings that had been destroyed by the 1963 earthquake will completely alter the look of Skopje's central square.
The project, known as Skopje 2014, is highly controversial. Plans for a huge statue of Alexander the Great are likely to deepen the dispute with Macedonia's southern neighbour Greece about names and history. Athens opposes Skopje's wish to call the country "Republic of Macedonia" and to portray it as the legitimate heir of Alexander's short-lived giant empire.
Macedonia's Albanian minority is upset as well. The plan does not include any monument dedicated to that ethnic group's history, despite the fact that they represent 25 percent of the population.
Idjet Memeti from DUI, the Albanian junior partner in the governing coalition, has described the project as "a political pamphlet that will deepen the ethnic rift between the two main communities."
Macedonian opposition parties call the concept ugly and say there should be a referendum on it. Meanwhile, the cost of "Skopje 2014" remains unclear. Leaked estimates point to a total amount of around €200 million. The mayor of Skopje claims the project will cost no more than €80 million. Macedonians earn an average €300 a month.
Nikola Naumoski, head of the "Freedom Square" NGO, believes the government is holding back confidential data indicating that total expenditure on the project will be much higher than current estimates. His organisation has already staged massive protests and promises to turn them into a steady campaign.
UN envoy to hold talks on Macedonia name issue
The United Nations envoy tasked with mediating talks between Greece and Macedonia in the dispute over the latter’s name will travel to the region later this month for further discussions, it was announced today.
Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the talks, will meet with officials in Skopje on 23-24 February before travelling to Athens on 26 February.
The Interim Accord of 13 September 1995, which was brokered by the UN, details the difference between the Macedonia and Greece on the name issue. It also obliges the two countries to continue negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to try to reach agreement.
Since 1999, Matthew Nimetz, the UN’s Personal Envoy on the issue, has been holding talks with the two sides and proposed compromise names.
Matthew Nimetz, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for the talks, will meet with officials in Skopje on 23-24 February before travelling to Athens on 26 February.
The Interim Accord of 13 September 1995, which was brokered by the UN, details the difference between the Macedonia and Greece on the name issue. It also obliges the two countries to continue negotiations under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General to try to reach agreement.
Since 1999, Matthew Nimetz, the UN’s Personal Envoy on the issue, has been holding talks with the two sides and proposed compromise names.
Macedonia not to back Australia
Macedonia considers weather to back Australia’s application for a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council after South Australia’s Prime Minister Mike Rann declared support for Greece’s policy towards Macedonia, saying that no one has the right to steal other country’s national history and culture, Macedonian Utrinski Vesnik writes.
Rann went even further. He accused Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov of being a leader who causes problems with a neighboring country in the most dangerous way.
Rann went even further. He accused Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov of being a leader who causes problems with a neighboring country in the most dangerous way.
Macedonia backtracks on LGB protections
The government of Macedonia unveiled revised anti-discrimination legislation Jan. 29 that deleted sexual orientation as a covered ground.
Deputy Minister for Social Policy Spiro Ristovski downplayed the change, saying LGB people still would be protected via a category of "other grounds" that applies to everyone.
Conservative forces had pressured the government to drop the "sexual orientation" language.
The European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights denounced the deletion.
"If Macedonia is serious about joining the European Union, it must ensure that its laws match those of the European Union - and that explicitly includes nondiscrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation," said Intergroup Co-President Michael Cashman. "There is no opt-out on fundamental rights."
Human Rights Watch's Boris Dittrich said: "Silence equals inequality. Vague references to 'other grounds' simply aren't good enough."
Countries that want to join the EU are required to specifically protect LGB people from discrimination - and citizens of member nations that procrastinate in doing so are denied the perk of visa-free travel within the EU.
Deputy Minister for Social Policy Spiro Ristovski downplayed the change, saying LGB people still would be protected via a category of "other grounds" that applies to everyone.
Conservative forces had pressured the government to drop the "sexual orientation" language.
The European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT Rights denounced the deletion.
"If Macedonia is serious about joining the European Union, it must ensure that its laws match those of the European Union - and that explicitly includes nondiscrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation," said Intergroup Co-President Michael Cashman. "There is no opt-out on fundamental rights."
Human Rights Watch's Boris Dittrich said: "Silence equals inequality. Vague references to 'other grounds' simply aren't good enough."
Countries that want to join the EU are required to specifically protect LGB people from discrimination - and citizens of member nations that procrastinate in doing so are denied the perk of visa-free travel within the EU.
Tourists Find Hotels in Macedonia Too Expensive
Foreign visitors in Macedonia found the hotel prices in the country to be too high, national media reported today.
According to visitors, cited by the Vreme newspaper, accommodation prices in Skopje are higher than in London or Vienna. Macedonia’s capital boasts the highest accommodation prices because it is considered as the country’s business centre, the publication explained, adding that weekend rates were often lower than week-day ones.
Hotels in other towns were also expensive, starting at 20 euro, and much higher in tourist resorts.
On the other hand, representatives of the Macedonian hoteliers’ association told the publication that hotel prices would decrease when low-cost airlines begin operating in Macedonia, thus bringing up the number of visitors to the country.
According to them, accommodation prices in Macedonia are following the tendencies of the regional market.
According to visitors, cited by the Vreme newspaper, accommodation prices in Skopje are higher than in London or Vienna. Macedonia’s capital boasts the highest accommodation prices because it is considered as the country’s business centre, the publication explained, adding that weekend rates were often lower than week-day ones.
Hotels in other towns were also expensive, starting at 20 euro, and much higher in tourist resorts.
On the other hand, representatives of the Macedonian hoteliers’ association told the publication that hotel prices would decrease when low-cost airlines begin operating in Macedonia, thus bringing up the number of visitors to the country.
According to them, accommodation prices in Macedonia are following the tendencies of the regional market.
Macedonians to save up money from shoes, clothes
In the peak of the economic crisis Macedonians will save up money mainly from clothes and shoes, says a survey executed by the GfK institute for marketing surveys, which examined consumers’ attitude and feelings in times of economic crisis for the next six months, Macedonian Dnevnik daily writes.
The list of goods and services, which Macedonians have decided to save up money on, continues with the electricity, water and telephone services.
According to the survey, Macedonians will not give up on going to cafes and buying furniture and appliances.
The list of goods and services, which Macedonians have decided to save up money on, continues with the electricity, water and telephone services.
According to the survey, Macedonians will not give up on going to cafes and buying furniture and appliances.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Parliament urges EU to open accession talks with Macedonia
MEPs on Wednesday (10 February) urged member states to open accession talks with Macedonia, a call backed by the new enlargement commissioner, Stefan Fuele.
In three separate reports, the European Parliament gave the thumbs up to progress made by Zagreb and Skopje towards EU accession, while Ankara's performance was deemed more modest.
"I am glad to see there is strong consensus between the European Parliament and the EU commission that accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia should start," Mr Fuele said on his first day in office, during the plenary session in Strasbourg.
A decision on opening membership talks with Skopje was delayed last December following pressure by Greece. Athens has problems with the name of its neighbouring country, since Macedonia also corresponds to a historical Greek region.
The parliament urged member states to take a decision "at the summit in March 2010" and "expects negotiations to begin in the near future."
Mr Fuele said the decision was not only in the interest of the Balkan country, but also of "strategic EU interest," since it would "enhance the EU perspective for the wider region" – a message he would convey to member states and Skopje.
Slovenian Socialist MEP Zoran Thaler, the parliament's rapporteur for Macedonia, warned of the negative regional consequences of this stalemate, comparing the Western Balkans to a bicycle: fine as long as it's moving, "but if it stays still, everything falls over."
"Greece should be a generous mentor," he said, urging the member state to sit down to try and work out a solution to the name issue.
Meanwhile, Greek and Cypriot MEPs said that it was not politically acceptable for any Greek government to give the nod to opening negotiations before the name issue was solved. They also warned against playing to what they called the "nationalistic" tune of the government in Skopje. Macedonian authorities had irked Athens with its decisions to name highways and airports after Alexander the Great, king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon.
The Spanish presidency, represented by EU affairs secretary Diego Lopez Garrido, gave a rather chilly evaluation of Macedonia's progress, reflecting the mood among member states. He was elusive on whether the EU would agree to open talks in March, talking of a "need for a timetable for accession negotiation and a solution to the name dispute."
"The EU institutions believe the future of the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia is in the EU", he said, while also stressing a series of shortcomings regarding the fight against corruption, proper implementation of laws, gender inequality and minority rights.
Macedonian authorities have indicated they expect to start and complete the talks within five years.
In three separate reports, the European Parliament gave the thumbs up to progress made by Zagreb and Skopje towards EU accession, while Ankara's performance was deemed more modest.
"I am glad to see there is strong consensus between the European Parliament and the EU commission that accession negotiations with the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia should start," Mr Fuele said on his first day in office, during the plenary session in Strasbourg.
A decision on opening membership talks with Skopje was delayed last December following pressure by Greece. Athens has problems with the name of its neighbouring country, since Macedonia also corresponds to a historical Greek region.
The parliament urged member states to take a decision "at the summit in March 2010" and "expects negotiations to begin in the near future."
Mr Fuele said the decision was not only in the interest of the Balkan country, but also of "strategic EU interest," since it would "enhance the EU perspective for the wider region" – a message he would convey to member states and Skopje.
Slovenian Socialist MEP Zoran Thaler, the parliament's rapporteur for Macedonia, warned of the negative regional consequences of this stalemate, comparing the Western Balkans to a bicycle: fine as long as it's moving, "but if it stays still, everything falls over."
"Greece should be a generous mentor," he said, urging the member state to sit down to try and work out a solution to the name issue.
Meanwhile, Greek and Cypriot MEPs said that it was not politically acceptable for any Greek government to give the nod to opening negotiations before the name issue was solved. They also warned against playing to what they called the "nationalistic" tune of the government in Skopje. Macedonian authorities had irked Athens with its decisions to name highways and airports after Alexander the Great, king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon.
The Spanish presidency, represented by EU affairs secretary Diego Lopez Garrido, gave a rather chilly evaluation of Macedonia's progress, reflecting the mood among member states. He was elusive on whether the EU would agree to open talks in March, talking of a "need for a timetable for accession negotiation and a solution to the name dispute."
"The EU institutions believe the future of the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia is in the EU", he said, while also stressing a series of shortcomings regarding the fight against corruption, proper implementation of laws, gender inequality and minority rights.
Macedonian authorities have indicated they expect to start and complete the talks within five years.
Terror in Albania over classes in Macedonian
Parents of 200 children, who take classes in Macedonian language in Golo Brdo, Albania, are put under everyday terror and threats, while the situation in Gora is even worse, Macedonian Dnevnik daily writes.
According to Edmond Osmani from Golo Brdo, the classes have not started because of the strong pressure from the institutions in Albania. The newspaper also notes that children are studying Macedonian thanks to a non-government organization.
“We want for the Macedonian Foreign Ministry to take actions. It is unacceptable for a country in Europe, which declares itself democratic, to violate the human rights”, Osmani says.
Dnevnik writes further that the classes in Gora have not even started because of the pressure exerted by the state institutions.
According to Edmond Osmani from Golo Brdo, the classes have not started because of the strong pressure from the institutions in Albania. The newspaper also notes that children are studying Macedonian thanks to a non-government organization.
“We want for the Macedonian Foreign Ministry to take actions. It is unacceptable for a country in Europe, which declares itself democratic, to violate the human rights”, Osmani says.
Dnevnik writes further that the classes in Gora have not even started because of the pressure exerted by the state institutions.
Heavy snowfall causes traffic chaos in Macedonia
The heavy snowfall and slush have hampered traffic along all highways and regional roads in Macedonia, Macedonian Makfax news agency reports.
Trucks are prohibited from traveling through the Pass of Straza and cars must have chains due to the heavy snow.
The traffic through the passes of Pletvar, Gjavato, Bukovo and Preseka is hindered too, but for now there are no restrictions in force. Chains are a must.
Trucks are prohibited from traveling through the Pass of Straza and cars must have chains due to the heavy snow.
The traffic through the passes of Pletvar, Gjavato, Bukovo and Preseka is hindered too, but for now there are no restrictions in force. Chains are a must.
EU presses for better relations among Balkan neighbours
The European Union is telling countries from the Western Balkans that better relations amongst themselves are key to accelerating their progress towards the EU.
According to EU diplomats in Brussels, politicians from Balkan countries are being reminded in private talks that regional co-operation and good neighbourhood relations are also formal conditions in the enlargement process.
The message has become more important after two clear examples of how unresolved disputes can prevent progress towards the EU. One was a dispute between Slovenia and Croatia that for almost one year blocked accession talks between Zagreb and the EU.
Another is the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece. The dispute is being used to block Macedonia's membership of NATO and as a reason for not giving it a date for opening EU membership talks.
While Slovenia and Croatia found a solution by agreeing to resolve their dispute through international ad hoc arbitration, attempts to resolve the dispute between Skopje and Athens have so far produced no results.
Bilateral problems in the western Balkans do not stem from today. The relationships between the countries in the region were marked by a lack of trust during the former Yugoslavia times. This was mistrust was compounded by military conflicts during the 1990s.
Insisting on regional co-operation is a tool to motivate those countries to overcome existing bilateral problems. This kind of EU politics gave - more or less - good results until 2008.
In that year Kosovo declared independence, provoking some strong reactions from Serbia. No major conflict started but some embassies in Belgrade were set on fire, including the embassy of neighbouring Croatia. In the same year, Greek blocked the invitation to Macedonia to enter NATO and Slovenia stooped Croatian progress in EU accession talks, with the aim of obtaining concessions from Zagreb in a maritime border dispute.
Before 2008, the relationships between the ex-Yugoslav republics plus Albania were improving. Even relations between Serbia and Montenegro - put under strain when Montenegrins in a 2006 referendum decided after to split from Serbia, improved. The result was the signature of a Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and multilateral agreements on energy and air transports among regional countries.
After Kosovo's declaration of the independence, the fact that five EU member states have not recognised the breakaway province, meant that good neighbourhood policy and regional cooperation was left as the only EU card to exercise pressure on Serbia.
The EU is asking Serbia to be more constructive towards Kosovo and to allow the participation of Pristina in regional co-operation and other forums.
The European Commission in its last "strategy paper" about the Western Balkans also stressed that "bilateral disputes and disagreements relating to Kosovo unduly affect regional cooperation. The normal functioning of important structures such as the CEFTA could be jeopardised, if present practice do not change."
Serbia reacted much more coldly towards ex Yugoslav republics that recognise Kosovo and have established diplomatic relations with Pristina, than to other countries in Europe. This is the case with Montenegro, Macedonia and Croatia. Kosovo has been a trigger for a new deterioration of relations between Zagreb and Belgrade.
There were some improvements in the relationship between Serbia and Macedonia despite Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic's expression of support for Greece on the name dispute with Skopje. Serbian relations with Montenegro remain at a very low level.
It is as interesting as it is important for the region that Serbia and Croatia, according to EU diplomats, have a constructive role in connection to developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Some diplomats in the EU are worried that Ljubljana's behaviour towards Croatia and Greece's position on Macedonia created the basis for a very tricky precedent in the Western Balkans: using EU membership to obtain concessions from candidate countries.
That is why the EU has warned countries in the region to solve their bilateral disputes before they start negotiating EU membership. The fact is that, aside from the most difficult Kosovo issue and the longstanding Macedonian name dispute, there are also many other unresolved border issues questions between Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and they can be "activated" at will.
According to EU diplomats in Brussels, politicians from Balkan countries are being reminded in private talks that regional co-operation and good neighbourhood relations are also formal conditions in the enlargement process.
The message has become more important after two clear examples of how unresolved disputes can prevent progress towards the EU. One was a dispute between Slovenia and Croatia that for almost one year blocked accession talks between Zagreb and the EU.
Another is the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece. The dispute is being used to block Macedonia's membership of NATO and as a reason for not giving it a date for opening EU membership talks.
While Slovenia and Croatia found a solution by agreeing to resolve their dispute through international ad hoc arbitration, attempts to resolve the dispute between Skopje and Athens have so far produced no results.
Bilateral problems in the western Balkans do not stem from today. The relationships between the countries in the region were marked by a lack of trust during the former Yugoslavia times. This was mistrust was compounded by military conflicts during the 1990s.
Insisting on regional co-operation is a tool to motivate those countries to overcome existing bilateral problems. This kind of EU politics gave - more or less - good results until 2008.
In that year Kosovo declared independence, provoking some strong reactions from Serbia. No major conflict started but some embassies in Belgrade were set on fire, including the embassy of neighbouring Croatia. In the same year, Greek blocked the invitation to Macedonia to enter NATO and Slovenia stooped Croatian progress in EU accession talks, with the aim of obtaining concessions from Zagreb in a maritime border dispute.
Before 2008, the relationships between the ex-Yugoslav republics plus Albania were improving. Even relations between Serbia and Montenegro - put under strain when Montenegrins in a 2006 referendum decided after to split from Serbia, improved. The result was the signature of a Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and multilateral agreements on energy and air transports among regional countries.
After Kosovo's declaration of the independence, the fact that five EU member states have not recognised the breakaway province, meant that good neighbourhood policy and regional cooperation was left as the only EU card to exercise pressure on Serbia.
The EU is asking Serbia to be more constructive towards Kosovo and to allow the participation of Pristina in regional co-operation and other forums.
The European Commission in its last "strategy paper" about the Western Balkans also stressed that "bilateral disputes and disagreements relating to Kosovo unduly affect regional cooperation. The normal functioning of important structures such as the CEFTA could be jeopardised, if present practice do not change."
Serbia reacted much more coldly towards ex Yugoslav republics that recognise Kosovo and have established diplomatic relations with Pristina, than to other countries in Europe. This is the case with Montenegro, Macedonia and Croatia. Kosovo has been a trigger for a new deterioration of relations between Zagreb and Belgrade.
There were some improvements in the relationship between Serbia and Macedonia despite Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic's expression of support for Greece on the name dispute with Skopje. Serbian relations with Montenegro remain at a very low level.
It is as interesting as it is important for the region that Serbia and Croatia, according to EU diplomats, have a constructive role in connection to developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Some diplomats in the EU are worried that Ljubljana's behaviour towards Croatia and Greece's position on Macedonia created the basis for a very tricky precedent in the Western Balkans: using EU membership to obtain concessions from candidate countries.
That is why the EU has warned countries in the region to solve their bilateral disputes before they start negotiating EU membership. The fact is that, aside from the most difficult Kosovo issue and the longstanding Macedonian name dispute, there are also many other unresolved border issues questions between Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and they can be "activated" at will.
Italian police detains Macedonians, who wanted to rob Jose Mourinho
Italy’s PFC Inter manager, Jose Maurihno, and four players of the club used to be target of a criminal group from Macedonia, Macedonian Spic newspaper writes.
The news broke from a Portuguese radio station, which happened to come across the information that criminal structures have been collecting important information about Mourinho.
After the Portuguese football expert learned the news, he required stepped up security for himself and his family. Police reacted immediately and seized the criminals.
According to unofficial information, the criminal group planned to kidnap Mourinho and ask for a ransom, the newspaper informs.
The news broke from a Portuguese radio station, which happened to come across the information that criminal structures have been collecting important information about Mourinho.
After the Portuguese football expert learned the news, he required stepped up security for himself and his family. Police reacted immediately and seized the criminals.
According to unofficial information, the criminal group planned to kidnap Mourinho and ask for a ransom, the newspaper informs.
MEPs recommend opening of Macedonia's EU accession talks without delay
The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted by an overwhelming majority of votes a resolution on Macedonia's progress towards the European Union membership.
The resolution was carried with a vote of 548 in favour, 45 against and 35 abstentions, Radio Deutsche Welle - Macedonian language program reported.
EP rejected an amendment to the Resolution, submitted by Greek MEP Maria Eleni Koppa, requesting erasing of a part of the document that emphasis the crucial role of the governments in Western Balkan in the region's peace, security and stability, as well as the one of the EU institutions, asking them to carefully consider the consequences of their decisions and actions.
In this respect, the Resolution expresses concern about the delay of the Council of the EU's decision on the future phases of Macedonia's EU-integration process, which may deteriorate the interethnic political tensions in the country and have unfavorable implications on the entire region. In other words, the MEPs have decided to exert pressure on all parties in favor of Macedonia's progress on the road to the Union's membership.
Today's EP debate on Macedonia, Croatia and Turkey was in the best manner summarised by Diego López Garrido, Spain's Secretary of State for the European Union.
- In regard to Macedonia, the debate has been mainly focused on the name issue. It is not a Copenhagen criterion, but it is clear that good-neighborly relations are important for all countries, Garrido said.
German MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis urged top officials from Macedonia and Greece to resume their high-level meetings in order a solution to the name row to be found.
Slovakian MEP Eduard Kukan urged EP to strongly support the European Commission recommendation for opening of Macedonia's EU accession talks and by endorsing the resolution to send a positive signal to both the country and the region.
Our expectations are clear: Croatia's to wrap up while Macedonia to open the negotiations this year, German MEP Bernd Posselt said.
The goal of the report and resolution proposed by Thaler is, as he said, "to help Macedonia to make headway on the road to stability and EU membership and to help Greece in solving the name issue".
The resolution was carried with a vote of 548 in favour, 45 against and 35 abstentions, Radio Deutsche Welle - Macedonian language program reported.
EP rejected an amendment to the Resolution, submitted by Greek MEP Maria Eleni Koppa, requesting erasing of a part of the document that emphasis the crucial role of the governments in Western Balkan in the region's peace, security and stability, as well as the one of the EU institutions, asking them to carefully consider the consequences of their decisions and actions.
In this respect, the Resolution expresses concern about the delay of the Council of the EU's decision on the future phases of Macedonia's EU-integration process, which may deteriorate the interethnic political tensions in the country and have unfavorable implications on the entire region. In other words, the MEPs have decided to exert pressure on all parties in favor of Macedonia's progress on the road to the Union's membership.
Today's EP debate on Macedonia, Croatia and Turkey was in the best manner summarised by Diego López Garrido, Spain's Secretary of State for the European Union.
- In regard to Macedonia, the debate has been mainly focused on the name issue. It is not a Copenhagen criterion, but it is clear that good-neighborly relations are important for all countries, Garrido said.
German MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis urged top officials from Macedonia and Greece to resume their high-level meetings in order a solution to the name row to be found.
Slovakian MEP Eduard Kukan urged EP to strongly support the European Commission recommendation for opening of Macedonia's EU accession talks and by endorsing the resolution to send a positive signal to both the country and the region.
Our expectations are clear: Croatia's to wrap up while Macedonia to open the negotiations this year, German MEP Bernd Posselt said.
The goal of the report and resolution proposed by Thaler is, as he said, "to help Macedonia to make headway on the road to stability and EU membership and to help Greece in solving the name issue".
Mike Rann: “Macedonia is Greek!”
South Australian premier Mike Rann has sparked an international diplomatic furore by accusing the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) of stealing Greek culture and its leader, Gjorge Ivanov, of “stirring up trouble in the most dangerous way”. He made the comments in a speech at the Dimitria Greek festival in Adelaide.
In the speech, Rann affirmed his commitment to Adelaide’s Greek voters and promised his government would “remain firm and unswerving in our support for your cause. It is important because no one is entitled to steal another nation’s history or culture,” Rann said.
Earlier this week, Rann said he would not be “silenced or muzzled” and would “continue to speak out on issues I believe in”.
In the speech, Rann affirmed his commitment to Adelaide’s Greek voters and promised his government would “remain firm and unswerving in our support for your cause. It is important because no one is entitled to steal another nation’s history or culture,” Rann said.
Earlier this week, Rann said he would not be “silenced or muzzled” and would “continue to speak out on issues I believe in”.
Macedonia hopes to complete EU accession talks within five years Read more: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1532234.php/Ma
Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said Tuesday that he would like his country to start and complete accession talks with the European Union within five years.
Macedonia has been a candidate for EU entry since 2005, but the Balkan country's accession to the 27-member bloc has been blocked by a long-standing dispute with Greece over its name.
Greece, a home to a historical region also named Macedonia, wants the former Yugoslav republic to change its name prior to joining the EU.
Speaking to reporters during his two-day Prague visit, Gruevski said that he would like his country to begin and end the EU accession talks during the incoming European Commission's five-year term.
He also indirectly called on Greece to try to solve the problem.
The Czech Republic, which became a member of the EU in 2004, has strongly backed EU and NATO aspirations by Balkan countries such as Macedonia.
Former Czech minister for European affairs, Stefan Fuele, is set to hold the enlargement portfolio in the new European Commission, the bloc's executive arm.
Macedonia has been a candidate for EU entry since 2005, but the Balkan country's accession to the 27-member bloc has been blocked by a long-standing dispute with Greece over its name.
Greece, a home to a historical region also named Macedonia, wants the former Yugoslav republic to change its name prior to joining the EU.
Speaking to reporters during his two-day Prague visit, Gruevski said that he would like his country to begin and end the EU accession talks during the incoming European Commission's five-year term.
He also indirectly called on Greece to try to solve the problem.
The Czech Republic, which became a member of the EU in 2004, has strongly backed EU and NATO aspirations by Balkan countries such as Macedonia.
Former Czech minister for European affairs, Stefan Fuele, is set to hold the enlargement portfolio in the new European Commission, the bloc's executive arm.
U.N. envoy to visit Macedonia over name dispute with Greece
A U.N. special envoy on the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece will pay a visit to Skopje on Feb. 23 for a fresh round of talks.
The Macedonian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that U.N. envoy Matthew Nimetz has accepted this date proposed by the Macedonian government in a bid to step up efforts to solve the problem.
The two neighboring countries are locked in a 19-year-long row over the use of the name Macedonia. Athens insists that the name of the Republic of Macedonia implies territorial claims of its own northern province of the same name.
In December last year the EU postponed a decision on opening accession talks with Macedonia, citing the unresolved row as the reason.
In 2008, Athens, which is also a member of NATO, prevented Skopje from entering the organization over the same dispute.
Nimetz is expected to launch a fresh round of talks between the two countries. His latest visits last autumn did not produce anything substantial results.
Although there are no official details on the talks, local media in both countries said some variants of the compound name of the Republic of Northern Macedonia might be acceptable to both sides.
The Macedonian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that U.N. envoy Matthew Nimetz has accepted this date proposed by the Macedonian government in a bid to step up efforts to solve the problem.
The two neighboring countries are locked in a 19-year-long row over the use of the name Macedonia. Athens insists that the name of the Republic of Macedonia implies territorial claims of its own northern province of the same name.
In December last year the EU postponed a decision on opening accession talks with Macedonia, citing the unresolved row as the reason.
In 2008, Athens, which is also a member of NATO, prevented Skopje from entering the organization over the same dispute.
Nimetz is expected to launch a fresh round of talks between the two countries. His latest visits last autumn did not produce anything substantial results.
Although there are no official details on the talks, local media in both countries said some variants of the compound name of the Republic of Northern Macedonia might be acceptable to both sides.
Council of Europe understands Macedonia’s common disposition to manipulate
As far as the registration of OMO Ilinden – PIRIN is concerned, there are attitudes instilled in advance and their victims are the people unfamiliar with the concrete situation, Evgeni Kirilov, a Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, told FOCUS News Agency.
He was asked to comment on the news reports in the Macedonian media after the release of the report by the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg.
“When we discuss the topic with German counterparts, I ask them whether there is an Austrian minority in Germany. So all these issues gradually start getting understanding – in this way it is evident that everything is unfounded. Actually it is quite logical from Bulgarian point of view that Bulgaria does not make claims there is a Bulgarian minority in Macedonia. And more and more people will understand this is just one non-existing problem. It is used in this poorly understood identity our neighbor is talking about,” said Kirilov.
I think the Council of Europe understands the issue of the so-called Macedonian minority is absolutely groundless. Obviously, the Council of Europe understands our Macedonian neighbors’ common disposition to manipulate and the issue is not on the agenda, pointed out Kirilov.
He was asked to comment on the news reports in the Macedonian media after the release of the report by the Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Thomas Hammarberg.
“When we discuss the topic with German counterparts, I ask them whether there is an Austrian minority in Germany. So all these issues gradually start getting understanding – in this way it is evident that everything is unfounded. Actually it is quite logical from Bulgarian point of view that Bulgaria does not make claims there is a Bulgarian minority in Macedonia. And more and more people will understand this is just one non-existing problem. It is used in this poorly understood identity our neighbor is talking about,” said Kirilov.
I think the Council of Europe understands the issue of the so-called Macedonian minority is absolutely groundless. Obviously, the Council of Europe understands our Macedonian neighbors’ common disposition to manipulate and the issue is not on the agenda, pointed out Kirilov.
Macedonia Takes Steps to Protect Two Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Sites
With its latest decision, the Macedonian government created a legal framework for the protection, conservation and prohibition of the destruction of two of its cultural heritage sites – the megalithic observatory in Kokino and the Ohrid Region.
The archaeological and astronomic site of Kokino, located in north-eastern Macedonia, has been declared as a cultural heritage site of exceptional importance, the Vecher newspaper reported today.
“In order to ensure additional international value of the Kokino site, which was listed among the oldest pre-historical observatories in the world by NASA a few years ago, the government has issued a decision aimed at providing this monumental entity an internationally recognised status, or trying to enlist it in the world heritage of the prestigious organisation,” Culture Minister Elizabeta Kancheska – Milevska told the publication.
In this way, Kancheska – Milevska said, data on this site identified as a Bronze Age rite area and an observatory, so far the only in the Balkans and a rarity in Europe, will be protected permanently. At the same time, destruction of the site will be prevented.
In addition to the Kokino site, the Macedonian government took steps towards the protection of the Ohrid region, by preparing a final version of the Plan for management of natural and cultural heritage, which has been submitted to the World Heritage Committee in Paris.
“The goal of such a plan is to prevent the violation or non-implementation of UNESCO provisions on protection of cultural heritage. In parallel, we have worked on a law on management of the world natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid Region, which has already been submitted to the government for adoption,” the Culture Minister says.
The archaeological and astronomic site of Kokino, located in north-eastern Macedonia, has been declared as a cultural heritage site of exceptional importance, the Vecher newspaper reported today.
“In order to ensure additional international value of the Kokino site, which was listed among the oldest pre-historical observatories in the world by NASA a few years ago, the government has issued a decision aimed at providing this monumental entity an internationally recognised status, or trying to enlist it in the world heritage of the prestigious organisation,” Culture Minister Elizabeta Kancheska – Milevska told the publication.
In this way, Kancheska – Milevska said, data on this site identified as a Bronze Age rite area and an observatory, so far the only in the Balkans and a rarity in Europe, will be protected permanently. At the same time, destruction of the site will be prevented.
In addition to the Kokino site, the Macedonian government took steps towards the protection of the Ohrid region, by preparing a final version of the Plan for management of natural and cultural heritage, which has been submitted to the World Heritage Committee in Paris.
“The goal of such a plan is to prevent the violation or non-implementation of UNESCO provisions on protection of cultural heritage. In parallel, we have worked on a law on management of the world natural and cultural heritage of the Ohrid Region, which has already been submitted to the government for adoption,” the Culture Minister says.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Skopje hopes it will complete EU entry under Czech commissioner
Macedonia hopes it will start and complete its EU accession negotiations under Czech Stefan Fuele as the EU commissioner for enlargement, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said in Prague Tuesday.
Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer said he expects the enlargement process to become more dynamic under Fuele.
Fuele is a member of the new European Commission which the European Parliament approved Tuesday.
Gruevski and Fischer agreed that the main problem in Macedonia's effort to enter the EU, and also NATO, is its dispute with Greece over the former country's official name.
Gruevski said the dispute cannot be settled in a situation where one of the parties is unwilling to strike compromises.
Fischer said the Czech Republic is attentively watching the dispute.
Greece is opposed to Macedonia using the name Republic of Macedonia, saying this name exclusively relates to a region in northern Greece.
Gruevski and Fischer Tuesday signed a Macedonian-Czech agreement on cooperation in fighting crime.
At a Macedonian economic forum on Wednesday they are to sign an agreement on economic and industrial cooperation.
A bilateral agreement related to education is to be completed soon and negotiations on possible cooperation in the health sector have been underway, Fischer said.
Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer said he expects the enlargement process to become more dynamic under Fuele.
Fuele is a member of the new European Commission which the European Parliament approved Tuesday.
Gruevski and Fischer agreed that the main problem in Macedonia's effort to enter the EU, and also NATO, is its dispute with Greece over the former country's official name.
Gruevski said the dispute cannot be settled in a situation where one of the parties is unwilling to strike compromises.
Fischer said the Czech Republic is attentively watching the dispute.
Greece is opposed to Macedonia using the name Republic of Macedonia, saying this name exclusively relates to a region in northern Greece.
Gruevski and Fischer Tuesday signed a Macedonian-Czech agreement on cooperation in fighting crime.
At a Macedonian economic forum on Wednesday they are to sign an agreement on economic and industrial cooperation.
A bilateral agreement related to education is to be completed soon and negotiations on possible cooperation in the health sector have been underway, Fischer said.
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