Tuesday, 05 February 2008

Source: www.vlada.mk

MIA interview - Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski

February 3 rd

Mr. Gruevski, EU Commissioner Franco Frattini announced last week he would pay a visit to Macedonia due to the opening of the visa center, but also said this would represent the beginning of EU talks with Macedonia on visa regime liberalization. What is your stance on this?

Frattini's statement that his visit would focus on the opening of the visa center is in fact the beginning of the liberalization talks, i.e. annulment of visas for Macedonian citizens, which is great news for the country. In the course of the past 15 months, we have signed the readmission treaty, introduced the biometric passports, we will open the visa center, and we will put into use the so-called integrated border management in a few months. As soon as talks begin, we can assume their outcome. Their completion would not depend on the Government only, but on the political will of EU Schengen zone member-states. Macedonia is technically ready for swift annulment of visas.

Can we expect the visa annulment by the end of 2008, i.e. January 1, 2009?

The Government has its obligations, which we will complete well before the end of 2008. As I said, the political decision will follow. I hope that EU will realize the regional situation and will not allow for a lack of principle.

Foreign Minister of Slovenia , which currently holds the EU Presidency, said last week that Macedonia has met all conditions to become NATO member-state, and the only problem now is the name dispute and finding a compromise solution. After his arrival to Skopje , he stated that the name is not part of the official criteria for NATO accession, but still a very important issue?

Both statements have confirmed what I said before the New Year, judging from the talks I had with a number of prime ministers, foreign ministers etc. Besides the congratulations on the reforms from NATO ambassadors recently in Brussels , the main recommendation was a swift resolution to the name issue. Now Rupel said that reforms have been positively assessed, but the only problem for Macedonia is the name, adding this is not an official part of NATO criteria, but can represent a large problem. I have been aware of this, but unfortunately our neighbor Greece thinks that a name compromise is a change of the constitutional name or a different name for international use. We believe in a solution other than this offer.

Are you preparing certain measures for the possible price shock?

This is a global trend and it is imposed to Macedonia from the outside. Except for several countries, which have undertaken certain steps, the majority, including Macedonia , are currently in stage of analyses, after which something will be undertaken. However, this will not fully stop the process on the long-term. Thus, the Government has increased pensions, state administration salaries, along with a 5.5 percent economic growth and significant amount of foreign investments. However, we are working on finding other measures for improvement of the living standard.

Tuesday, 05 February 2008

Source: www.vlada.mk

PM Gruevski: Inflation in 2008 about three percent at most

Skopje , February 3 rd

The intention is to sign a bilateral agreement on visa exemption for countries' citizens, said PM Gruevski Sunday regarding the possible visa regime with Albania .

According to the Law on Foreigners adopted in March 2006, the issuing of visas in embassies, not at borders, should have started on February 1.

"Taking into account the excellent relations with Albania , we believe there is no problem in transferring to a liberalized visa regime", added Gruevski.

Answering a journalist question, PM Gruevski stressed that inflation in 2008 would reach three percent at most.

"We are reviewing different options in the Government, conducting analyses regarding the price rise. We will soon present certain measures, but one should not expect spectacular results. The global process cannot be stopped on the long run", said Prime Minister Gruevski.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Elenovski-Browne: Macedonia meets basic NATO membership criteria

London, January 22nd

Minister of Defense Lazar Elenovski met Tuesday in London with British Defense Secretary Des Browne for talks regarding Wednesday's meeting in Brussels and NATO summit in Bucharest.

- Great Britain backs the Republic of Macedonia generally and in terms of the NATO membership process, however its support is more precise with regard to defense and other political reforms, stated Elenovski after the meeting, stressing that Macedonia was expecting Britain's support both at tomorrow's meeting in Brussels and at the NATO summit in April.

The Minister in London also held a meeting Tuesday with State Minister for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth, former NATO Secretary General George Robertson, and Anthony Smith, Director for European Political Affairs in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Macedonia's progress achieved in all spheres was reaffirmed at the meeting and it was concluded that the country is meeting the basic criteria for NATO membership.

- The British support is much more extended. This country has been supporting Macedonia since it declared independence, while the British contribution to defense reforms is enormous, said Elenovski, noting that Macedonian troops were part of the British contingent within the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.

The meetings also focused on Greece's announcements towards vetoing the membership of Macedonia into the Alliance.

- It has been concluded that Macedonia meets the basic membership criteria. We have favourable ties with Greece at numerous levels. The political issue considering the name dispute is something distinct from the general NATO membership criteria, highlighted Elenovski.

He will take off to Brussels Tuesday evening where he will join PM Nikola Gruevski and Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki at the meeting of the North Atlantic Council.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Source: www.vlada.mk

Nimetz: Ohrid meeting - best so far; no proposal for new name

Ohrid, January 21st

This has been the best meeting so far, with both parties demonstrating willingness for ironing the differences, UN Envoy in Macedonia-Greece name talks, Matthew Nimetz, said Monday in Ohrid after a three-hour session with the negotiators of the two countries Nikola Dimitrov and Adamantios Vassilakis.

- The talks have been rather sincere with reasonably constructive ideas and demonstration of flexibility by both parties. I think that we are definitely making progress and believe in a possibility for finding a solution. I am not going to say that we are a step to resolving the problem, there has been no proposal for a new name, and we are dealing with a rather complex matter, Nimetz said.

For Greek negotiator Vassilakis, the name dispute is not a bilateral issue, as it encroaches on the region's security.

- Recently, Greece has made a giant step by offering a complex name, which would incorporate the name Macedonia with a geographic characteristic. If I knew that complex name I would have told it to you, Vassilakis said.

Commenting the proposed measures for confidence building between Macedonia and Greece, Vassilakis said solving of the name dispute was crucial.

- The Greek Government believes that now is the right time for resolving the name problem. It must be clear that there has been no threat by the Greek Government, while NATO membership requires meeting of certain criteria. If (the country) fails to do so, we shall make an appropriate decision that has been presented in several occasions, Vassilakis said.

Macedonia's negotiator Dimitrov considers that there are still great differences between Macedonian and Greek positions on the name dispute.

- The proposal for a complex name, which for Greece is a generous concession, demonstrates this difference. The provisional reference, under which Macedonia has been admitted in the UN, is also a complex name, so the proposal brings nothing new. Athens' proposal of March 2005 - the Republic of Macedonia-Skopje - is also a complex name - so it is not a new one either. Novelty for me is linking the name dispute settlement with Macedonia's accession to the international organizations, which means changing of the course that is complicating the negotiations, Dimitrov said.

Macedonia hold to its position that name dispute is a bilateral matter, Dimitrov said.

- Our decision to be flexible in the bilateral negotiations with Greece is a serious concession in a series of those Macedonia has already made - constitutional changes, new flag and acceptance of the provisional reference within the UN. Usage of the constitutional name does not present any territorial threat to Greece, while Macedonia and Greece, as neighbours, have a common European future, Dimitrov said.

At today's meeting, Macedonia proposed for the two countries to set up a joint education-historic commission, which should review the differences in the history textbooks of the two countries and offer solution for their ironing. The proposal in a form of 'non-paper' also foresees more bilateral meetings and opening of the border crossing "Markova Noga". Macedonia also advocates an adoption of a joint declaration on friendship and good neighborly relations.

In two weeks, Athens is to host the resumption of the negotiations on the name dispute.

Wednesday, 23 January 2008

Source: www.vlada.mk

DM Elenovski: Great Britain is partner, ally and supporter of Macedonia

 London, January 21st

Great Britain is a partner, ally and supporter of Macedonia throughout the years of defense reforms, while the British presence was most important regarding the developments in the Macedonian Ministry of Defense, stated Defense Minister Lazar Elenovski in London on Monday.

A delegation of the Ministry of Defense, led by Elenovski and comprised on ARM Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Miroslav Stojanovski, is paying an official visit to Great Britain on Monday and Tuesday for talks with experts from the British Defense and Foreign Affairs Ministries, as well as with many top officials of several consulting agencies, MIA correspondent from London reported.

The delegation held separate meetings Monday with John Dickson of the Security Sector Development Advisory Team within the British Defense Ministry, as well as with Neil Grayson, assistant director and chairman for Central Europe and West Balkans in the Ministry. The meetings focused on talks about what needed to be done in the period to come.

- The reform process has no end, it is constantly under way. Suggestions from British experts are always welcomed, stated Elenovski.

Meetings with British Defense Secretary Des Browne, the State Minister for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth, the former NATO Secretary General George Robertson and Anthony Smith, Director for European Political Affairs in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office are scheduled for tomorrow at which British support for Macedonia is expected to be reaffirmed.

- We're entering into a critical period. What Britain has been giving to us and will give especially at the Bucharest Summit is an obvious support for us. We only need to agree on certain details, stressed Minister Elenovski.

Wednesday, 16 January 2008

Source: www.vlada.mk

FM Milososki at Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Madrid

  Madrid , January 15 th

Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki will take part Tuesday at the first annual Alliance of Civilizations Forum in Madrid , MIA reports.

Political leaders, representatives of international and regional bodies, donor agencies, foundations and civic associations will take part at the forum, focused on increased polarization among nations and cultures worldwide, as well as possibilities for development of global inter-cultural partnership.

Management of differences in the era of globalization, political challenges in building inter-cultural understanding, consolidation of international partnership, roles of religious and political leaders in promotion of global security and use of mass media for promotion of inter-cultural understanding are some of the themes at several plenary sessions within the forum.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and former Portuguese President and Alliance of Civilizations High Representative Jorge Sampaio will give introductory remarks.

FM Milososki is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with forum participants.

The main goal of the Alliance of Civilizations is creation of a global political space for promotion of communication and mutual understanding of nations and cultures. It was established in 2004 upon Spain 's initiative, followed by Turkey 's support as co-sponsor and other UN members.

Thursday, 10 January 2008

Source: www.vlada.mk

Agricultural subsidies in 2008 - Euro 45 million

Skopje, January 3rd

Agricultural subsidies in 2008 will amount to Euro 45 million, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told the news conference on Thursday.

- This is historic amount of support, which will trigger the biggest positive effect amongst farmers, said Gruevski.

According to him, this year tobacco will be financially supported with 50 euro cents per kilogram, double the amount compared to last year. Wheat, corn, barley, rice and soy will be subsided with 100 euros per hectare.

The Government, added Gruevski, will support the production of rice as of this year for the first time with 100 euros per hectare, whereas it will also provide 32,5 euros for registering each farmer.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Macedonia ranks fifth at Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007

Monday, 10 December 2007

The Republic of Macedonia ranked 5th at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007 which took place late Saturday in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Belarus was the winner, Armenia was second and Serbia won third place at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Rosica Kulakova and Dimitar Stojmenovski represented Macedonia performing 11th with Ding Ding Dong song accompanied with Marija Zafirovska as violinist, Nikola Trencevski as drummer and Emilija Langovska and Sara Markovska as ballet dancers. Representatives of 17 countries participated at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007

Thursday, 06 December 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Government Team to present Macedonia's business potentials in Germany

Thursday, 06 December 2007

Germany, after Italy and Austria, is the third business destination where Macedonian Government delegation led by PM Nikola Gruevski will present Invest in Macedonia Project. Besides Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Deputy PM Zoran Stavreski, Transport, Communication Minister Mile Janakieski and the CEO of the Agency for Foreign Investments Viktor Mizo are in the delegation, who will present Macedonia as investment destination Thursday and Friday in Stuttgart and Munich. PM Gruevski before German business will present Macedonia's key priorities on political and economic plan, Deputy PM Stavreski will refer to economic reforms, while Minister Janakieski will address the possibilities in investments in infrastructures. CEO of the Agency for Foreign Investments Viktor Mizo will refer to government's priorities and support of investors, special technological and industrial development zones and possibilities on potential investors and support to companies from Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria. The delegation is also scheduled to meet Gunther Oettinger - the Minister of the Germany's federal state Baden-Wurttemberg and visit Mercedes-Benz main factory in Sindelfingen. On Friday, the delegation is to meet Bavarian Minister of Economy, infrastructure, transport and technologies Ervin Hubert to discuss possibilities for further development of the economic cooperation. The Road Show in Stuttgart and Munich will be supported by Theo Weigel, former German Finance Minister, now an Adviser of the Macedonian Government, and the German Chamber of Commerce.

Thursday, 06 December 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Euro 11 million for stimulation of self-employment

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Johnson Matthey to invest GBP 100 million in Macedonia

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Johnson Matthey's board has reached a decision to invest in technological development zone "Bunardzik" in Macedonia, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. According to him, the investment is worth GBP 100 million (140 to EUR 150 million). London-based Johnson Matthey company is one of the largest groups within "Johnson Controls", covering over 40% of the world market for production of catalysts for the car industry. - The investment will open over 500 new jobs and what is most important, it will enable operations for many other smaller companies in Macedonia, which will became their subcontractors and will produce parts for company's production, stressed Gruevski. He said the plan was "Johnson Matthey" to kick-start significant export activities, thus the Macedonian factory to reach EUR 3,5 billion up to 2013 by exporting. - EUR 3,5 billion is a very serious export for the Republic of Macedonia. Of course, the export will be increased each year gradually, said Gruevski. He informed that in addition to the initial plan on constructing a factory in Bunardzik, the company also plans on moving some of its capacities from another country. - It is a big investment that will not only have a financial and employment effect in Macedonia, but also it will have an effect on the fight for attracting foreign investors, the Prime Minister emphasised. Gruevsi said that the investment, together with the latest information that one of the strongest companies on the Balkans - Croatia's Dukat - has entered with its own investments in "Ideal Sipka", the opening of the Swedish dairy plant "Swedmilk", as well as the information on other investments entering Macedonia, represented a truly favourable trend. - It's an excellent trend and I believe we'll have it more and more as time goes by, highlighted Gruevski. He said that within the "Invest In Macedonia" campaign, a government delegation will visit Germany for meeting number of businessmen in order to present Macedonia's investment advantages. - Simultaneously, we're undertaking many other activities and I believe the Invest In Macedonia campaign gives and will give effects, stressed PM Gruevski.

Tuesday, 27 November 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Institute for Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Albanians in Macedonia opens

Monday, 26 November 2007

Macedonian mess

Nov 22nd 2007
Source: www.economist.com

Time to look past archaic disputes

FOR anyone who cares about peace in the Balkans, few things matter more than keeping intact the country most of the world calls the “Republic of Macedonia”. Its perilous stability will wobble more with looming independence for next-door Kosovo, which will delight Macedonia’s Albanian minority, and stoke the Slav majority’s fears.

In theory, no rich country should care more about Macedonia than neighbouring Greece. Yet relations are hampered by an arcane dispute about nomenclature. Greece insists that “Macedonia” was, is and can only be part of Greece. The name’s use by a region of Yugoslavia was, it maintains, part of a communist-era plot aimed at destabilising Greece. Greece therefore insists that the country be called “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (FYROM).

The end of an acronym

Extremists on both sides use rhetoric (seen, among other places, in clumsily made presentations on YouTube) so ill-phrased and comical that Borat himself could claim authorship. They share the unspoken but absurd assumption that the features of the entity known as Macedonia in ancient history should be of decisive importance in modern ethnography or political geography: because an ancient kingdom called Macedonia existed, only one modern entity can claim that name. The region is still waiting for a statesman to pick that assumption apart.

It is a close call, but the extreme Macedonian nationalist position, which argues that most of northern Greece is “theirs”, is perhaps the battiest. It is as if the Greeks insisted that unicorns were pink while the Macedonians maintained, even more absurdly, that the horned beasts were of a colour found nowhere on the conventional spectrum: moonlight, perhaps.

Greek twitchiness about even mythical controversies was more understandable in the early 1990s, when the whole future of the southern Balkans was alarmingly fluid and unpredictable. Amid disputes over Macedonia’s future involving Serbs, Albanians and Bulgarians, the Greek objection to the name was part of a wider pattern of worries about borders and minorities.

But the Macedonian nuts have little effect on their government’s policy these days. The country has changed its flag and constitution in order to accommodate Greek sensitivities. The forward-looking government in Skopje is into flat taxes, e-government and attracting foreign investment (paradoxically, in large measure from Greece).

Greece, however, still insists that the mere existence of a next-door country called Macedonia “is directed against the cultural heritage and historical identity of the Greeks” and “there is no question of its neighbour acceding either to the European Union or to NATO under the name Republic of Macedonia”.

A lobby group called the “Association of Macedonians” has issued an appeal this week noting that Greece does not fully recognise Macedonian passports and that Macedonia’s state airline cannot fly to Greek airports. That, they say, adds insult to injury.

Slavophone people in northern Greece have had a tough time, not only with mass deportations in 1949 but also in their treatment by the authorities on issues such as surnames and schooling ever since. (Greeks saw the slavophone minority, with some justice, as a security threat during the Cold War, and Greek minorities have been abominably treated too in other countries. But even multiple wrongs don’t make a right).

The great tide of EU and NATO expansion that has served the continent so well in the past ten years is already running worryingly slack. Pushing ahead with Macedonia’s applications to both bodies will change the mood in the whole region. Prosperity and stability in the Balkans will benefit Greece hugely. It is time to relegate the name issue to the backwaters of bilateral diplomacy, and highlight the benefits to Greece of Macedonia’s stability and prosperity—and the dangers of its disintegration.

Wednesday, 21 November 2007

Source: www.forbes.com

Macedonia's economic growth should reach 5 pct this year, next year - IMF

MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - The International Monetary Fund said Macedonia's economic performance has been strong and growth this year and next should reach 5 pct.

The fiscal position continues to strengthen, international reserves are increasing, and central bank interest rates remain low. Despite higher food prices, average inflation should stay low, at around 2 pct this year and 3 pct in 2008, the IMF said.

The government's budget for 2008 will safeguard macroeconomic stability. Despite ambitious plans to cut personal and corporate income taxes, make selective cuts in VAT, increase spending on pensions, public investment in roads and education, and government wages, the budget should deliver the deficit target of 1.5 pct of GDP, the IMF said.

Many structural reforms are also being implemented. The government and central bank have submitted their revised central bank law to the European Central Bank and to the European Commission for review. The new law strengthens the financial soundness of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, and reaffirms the government's commitment to safeguarding the bank's independence, the IMF said.

The energy sector's financial problems are also being addressed. Starting from January, large electricity users will purchase all their needs at market prices, which will remove the need for a budget subsidy to MEPSO, the electricity transmission company.

Thursday, 15 November 2007

Source: www.vlada.mk

Coordination meeting regarding final stage of project for rest construction of Corridor X

Skopje , November 13 th

Financial aspects of project for rest construction of Corridor X related to road section Demir Kapija-Smokvica were the topic of Tuesday's Third Coordination Meeting.

"The rest construction of Corridor X will enable creation of a modern transport route connecting the region with Central and Eastern Europe, providing closer and efficient cooperation between Macedonia and Greece, giving incentive to the building sector, which would lead to faster economic growth and new jobs", said Vice Premier for European Affairs Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska at the meeting opening. 

According to her, the project will represent a concrete proof that Macedonia 's path towards EU is not consisted only of political and legislative commitments, but also practical support for raising of the living standard and economic performances.

Construction of road section Demir Kapija-Smokvica requires Euro 155 million.

Financial partners - European Commission, European Investment Bank, and Greek Ministry of Interior - are to provide information on the approval of the Euro 155 million, including national co-financing from the state Budget.

The Macedonian delegation also includes representatives of Vice Premier Zoran Stavreski's Cabinet, as well as representatives of the Finance and Environment Ministries.

Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Source: www.setimes.com

Macedonia name issue still a stumbling block

13/11/2007

With a NATO membership bid at stake, Greece and Macedonia are coming under renewed pressure to resolve their dispute.

With Macedonia hoping for a NATO invitation in 2008 and Greece threatening to block it, there are pressing reasons to resolve their decades-old name dispute. But UN envoy Matthew Nimitz -- brokering negotiations between the two sides -- still faces a task akin to the labour of Sisyphus, the legendary king cursed to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity.

Both countries are proving tough bargainers, with Greece prepared to exercise its power within the EU and NATO, and its neighbour banking on getting enough international recognition to put pressure on Athens.

Late last week, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski firmly rejected the idea of a "dual name", under which the country would keep its constitutional name but use a different one internationally.

Any name other than Republic of Macedonia -- the name given in the constitution -- is unacceptable, Gruevski said.

The dual name idea is included in a new set of proposals presented by Nimitz at the start of the month. The prime minister said that while the document contains some good points, others pose a problem for Skopje.

"There is an item that is definitely unacceptable for us, which says that the Republic of Macedonia is to accept for international use a name other than the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia," Maxfax quoted him as saying.

Earlier, Macedonian leaders issued a statement opposing any name change, even if this means being denied NATO entry. The ruling VMRO party, its ally the Democratic Party of Albanians and the opposition Social Democrats have presented a united front on the issue. Polls show overwhelming opposition -- approaching 100% -- to a new name for international use.

Greece, however, argues that the name "Macedonia" implies claims on Greek territory and distorts history. According to the Greek daily Kathimerini, Athens is signaling that it would accept a composite name – such as Nova Macedonia or Upper Macedonia -- that clearly distinguishes the country from the Greek province of Macedonia.

Greek diplomats have already circulated proposals to this effect to members of the UN Security Council, NATO and the EU, Kathimerini said.

"Greece wants to solve the problem -- it is making a sincere effort in this direction," Nimitz said in an interview with the paper.

According to Denko Malevski, a former Macedonian foreign minister and UN ambassador, Greece "wants a fast solution, fearing complication after the recognition of the Republic of Macedonia's constitutional name by Canada" and other states.

However, he added, the political situation in Macedonia and Greece makes such a solution difficult to achieve.

Current Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, meanwhile, hopes that "Greece will give advantage to regional priorities. The resolution of the name dispute is a factor for our stability, and our stability is beneficial for the Republic of Greece," he says.

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

European Information and Innovation Centre to Republic of Macedonia promoted

Monday, 12 November 2007

Source: www.govtech.com

Macedonia Transformed Through Broadband

Nov 9, 2007, By Indrajit Basu

As Milivoje Gorgevic (Misko to his friends), executive producer and co-founder of the FX3X, a Macedonia-based digital animation company, came out of a late-evening meeting, the only thing he wanted was to go home for some well-earned rest. The day was particularly grueling for him and he was tired. But he had to rush to his office to finalize plans for roping in yet another local school to make it a part of his company's education program.

"We are growing very fast," said Misko, "and we need more skilled people in our company and the schools in Macedonia are our biggest source."

FX3X runs education programs in 80 secondary schools in Macedonia on the basics of animation and uses those schools for developing the talent pool it needs to expand. Back in 1997, when Misko and his friend Kristijan Danilovski started their visual effects and 3D animation venture in the Balkans, they had to be content serving just the local markets. "Although we wanted to serve the global markets, there was hardly any infrastructure and not enough talent to support our ideas," says Misko "But thanks to USAID and the Macedonia Connect (MK) project, FX3X has been growing at over a hundred percent each year for the last two years. The wireless infrastructure that MK incorporates has not only given us the opportunity to build a talent pool in Macedonia but also an opportunity to tap the global markets."

"Two years ago we hardly had any foreign clients," added Misko. "Today with MK, big data transfers are not a problem any more. We have reached a point where we derive just 10 percent of our total revenues from local clients while the balance comes from global clients."

Indeed, it is hard to imagine that a country -- formerly part of Yugoslavia -- which until about six years back was an ethnic trouble spot torn by the conflict between government and ethnic Albanian rebels. Today, it easily serves as a role model for other developing states as the first wireless country. But courtesy the nationwide wireless project MK, that has brought broadband Internet access to almost 95 percent of the country's residents, Macedonia can now look forward to moving from a conflict-torn region to an economy moving forward on information, communication and technology (ICT).

Funded partly by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and partly by the Macedonian Government, the $5 million (shared equally by the two), Macedonia Connects is a three-year program which is providing broadband Internet connectivity to almost 545 elementary and secondary schools, research institutes, universities and dorms throughout the Republic of Macedonia.

Initially it was conceived as an education project but it was soon realized that the project could also achieve other strategic objectives like economic development and democracy. The network was soon extended to almost to the whole of Macedonia, reaching rural communities scattered throughout the rugged mountainous countryside to become the backbone for a national wireless system.

"The impact of the project has been enormous as Macedonia now enjoys the benefits that a broadband wireless network generally brings to a developing country," says Strachan. But besides the fact that MK increased Internet penetration dramatically (from 4 percent to almost 33 percent), which has enabled most residents of Macedonia- who migrate from their small villages and move to the capital city of Skopje to find employment- to start a business outside Skopje and communicate with new clients around the world (like Misko, many apparel companies, and even lamb farmers, who for the first time, have found markets outside Macedonia by opening a website) MK stands out from similar other projects.

Monday, 12 November 2007

Matthew Nimitz suggests changing name of Greek region of Macedonia

11 November 2007 | 16:39 | FOCUS News Agency

Athens. Matthew Nimitz suggests changing also the name of the Greek region of Macedonia, the Greek Ethnos newspaper writes. The article notes the framework to handle the name dispute between Athens and Skopje, which was proposed by the UN Special Envoy on November 1st in New York, envisages a compound name both for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Greek region, which has the same name. The information mentions that Nimitz wants the Greek Macedonia to be defined.

Thursday, 8 November 2007

EUCOM helps Balkan states' militaires meet NATO needs

By Charlie Coon, Stars and Stripes
Europe edition, Thursday, November 8, 2007

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

Source:chinaview.cn 2007-11-07 04:50:05

Thursday, 1 November 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Meeting of Balkan military chiefs in Skopje

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Source: www.vlada.mk

Last updated

Macedonian- UK news

Joint military exercise "Macedonian Glitter 2" of Adriatic Group armies

FM Milososki: Constitutional name is a reality disputed only by Athens

Monday, 15 October 2007

No one else in the world despite Athens - neither the media nor other states - have a dispute related to the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia and it has become an acknowledged reality, stated Monday Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki. - Macedonia in the talks that are being held in New York is using the power of arguments, whereas Greece is attempting to use the arguments of power which is not a favourable practice, said Milososki answering a journalist question at the sidelines of the Balkan Media Forum, which takes place in Ohrid. According to him, Greece should make an attempt to avoid the mistake it made in 1992 when "governments were changed and disassembled due to the name dispute". - This time round I hope that they will give advantage to the regional priorities. The name of the Republic of Macedonia is also a factor for its stability, while our stability is in favour of the Republic of Greece, highlighted Milososki. Regarding the fulfilment of the vacant ambassadorial posts, he said the Government and Foreign Ministry are acting in line with the Law on Foreign Affairs and there will be no postponement of the procedure. - The instrument of consultations is at our disposal and we'll use it when needed, said Minister Milososki.

Thursday, 25 October Source: www.vlada.mk Milososki: Macedonia will defend with arguments the constitutional name Skopje, October 24 th It is desirable a solution on bilateral name dispute with Greece to be found prior to NATO Summit in April in 2008, Macedonian FM Antonio Milososki stated Wednesday. - The Republic of Macedonia in this process will use all power of arguments while Greece unfortunately sometimes uses the argument of force to make a pressure on Macedonia . We will defend with all arguments our right to constitutional national name and own identity, Milososki said answering journalist question after today's meeting with Nicolas Schmit, Luxembourg Minister delegate for Foreign Affairs and Immigration. He pointed out that it is desirable a solution on differences with Greece on use of constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia to be found, which is only disputed by Athens. - We except from Greece as the oldest EU and NATO member in the region to show maturity and give its support to mutual goals that NATO and EU have in this region to enter in zone of stability, to achieve this mutual goal also by integration in the NATO in helping each other. It would be in favour to the Republic of Macedonia and Greece as well, Milososki said.   Thursday, 25 October 2007 Source: www.vlada.mk Macedonia will use Bulgarian experience for EU negotiations Skopje, October 24 th Macedonia will use Bulgarian experiences on its road to EU full-fledged membership in the sphere of utilization of Pre-Accession Funds, conducting negotiations and screening, issue of cross-border cooperation as well as communication with media at the moment of conducting negotiations. This was agreed Wednesday at today's meeting between Gergana Grncharova, Bulgarian Minister of European Affairs and Deputy PM for European Integration Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska. - The Republic of Macedonia highly assesses the political will and wish of the Republic of Bulgaria to cooperation on issues regarding the European integration especially significant issues, which are on the agenda for 2008, Konevska - Trajkovska said underlying the previous good cooperation between the two countries. Grncharova said that Macedonia so far has achieved large progress on the road to the EU and on this road has a partner in Bulgaria with which it shares close cultural relations, religion and history something that Sofia did not have when it conducted negotiations with the EU. - Negotiations are not an easy task. The EU is very experience and solid player on the negotiating table and it is in your interest to continue to swiftly conduct the reforms because their postponement makes them heavier and slower and time is very important resource, Grncharova said. She said that the entire preparation for EU membership is a process, which requires political dialogue, and what helped Bulgaria on this road is the achieved political consensus between the ruling and opposition parties in the country. According to her very important is building good coordinating mechanism and in this relation she praised Macedonian Government for formed working groups with resources prepared for negotiations for each of the chapters prior to receiving date for negotiations with the EU. Bulgarian Minister of European Affairs announced continuation of cooperation between the two countries with meetings every six months and several thematic meetings on European integration for next year.   Macedonian delegation at World Bank, IMF Annual Assembly Skopje , October 22 In the framework of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Assembly in Washington , Macedonian delegation comprised of Vice Premier Zoran Stavreski, Finance Minister Trajko Slaveski, and Macedonian National Bank Governor Petar Gosev met Saturday and Sunday with high officials of the two institutions, representatives of rating agencies and delegations of other countries, reads Finance Ministry press release. The delegation met with World Bank Executive Director Herman Wijffels, Netherlnads Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Wouter Bos, Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders, Bosnia&Herzegovina Finance Minister Dragan Vrankic, representatives of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), representative of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Shahbaz Mavaddat, representative of Japan Credit Agency Makoto Utsumi, representatives of Merrill Lynch International, Standard and Poor's and Daiwa Securities, IMF Deputy-Director Takatoshi Kato, IMF Executive Director Agge Baker, IMF European Department official Juha Kahkonen, IMF Director of Fiscal Affairs Department Teresa Ter-Minassian, as well as the team of "Doing Business". The Macedonian delegation presented the current political and economic situation in the country, with an emphasis on economic reforms in the past year. Meeting with rating agencies focused on Macedonia 's ranking at the fourth spot of the World Bank report "Doing Business", as well as 21-spot leap in the "Transparency International" report. World Bank Executive Director Wijffels stressed that the institution was satisfied from implemented reforms in Macedonia . Meetings with IMF officials focused on the completion of the third review of the Stand-By arrangement, while talks with Dutch Constituency officials resulted in the conclusion that Southeast Europe region shows best results regarding economic growth. Macedonia is at the level of Southeast European countries with a six-percent economic growth. The Macedonian delegation is scheduled to meet Monday with World Bank Vice-President for Europe and Central Asia Region Shigeo Katsu, World Bank Director for Macedonia Orsalia Kalantzopoulos, as well as Deutsche Bank representatives, reads the press release. Macedonia urged to accelerate reforms   During meetings last week with President Branko Crvenkovski, EU and NATO officials stressed the need for a quicker reform process and said last month's brawl at parliament should be investigated thoroughly. By Marina Stojanovska for Southeast European Times in Skopje -- NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (right) and Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski speak with the press after their meeting at NATO Headquarters on Thursday (October 4th). [Getty Images] Macedonia should speed up reforms and fully investigate a recent outbreak of violence in parliament, EU officials told President Branko Crvenkovski during his three-day official visit to Brussels last week. Accompanied by Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, the president met with EU Enlargement Commissioner Ollie Rehn and EU security chief Javier Solana. "EU Commissioner Rehn pointed out in which areas we are lagging behind, and I assured him that Macedonia has capacity and political will to accelerate the pace of the reforms," Crvenkovski said. "It's our ambition to start negotiations for membership in 2008 and I believe we have a national consensus on that issue." He said he informed Rehn about the reforms Macedonia has made and the improved business climate that has resulted from a series of measures taken by the government. Rehn, meanwhile, stressed the need for improved political dialogue, as well as for pushing ahead with reforms in the police, administration and judiciary and mounting a stronger fight against corruption. Last month's incidents at parliament should be resolved without any delay, he added. Fighting broke out among MPS from rival ethnic Albanian parties during a parliamentary session on September 25th. Journalists covering the story were roughed up first by bodyguards working for the Democratic Union of Integration party, and later by Macedonian police. In his meeting with Crvenkovski, Solana said Macedonia must ensure such occurrences are isolated. Every political party should be focusing on the country's EU agenda, he said. While in Brussels, the Macedonian president also met with NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, who echoed the messages of his EU colleagues. The NATO chief acknowledged that major steps in defence reform have been made and that the decentralisation process is under way. However, he said, some sources of tension still must be overcome. It is of exceptional importance that the country becomes a NATO member, de Hoop Scheffer said. "But to do that, a mature political culture should be established," he added, welcoming the establishment of a special commission that will investigate last month's parliamentary brawl. Macedonia will "do its best" to make swift progress, Crvenkovski told him. He reiterated the Macedonian Army's readiness to continue to contribute to peace missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq and Lebanon. The president also said he will visit Macedonian soldiers deployed in Kabul in the coming days. This content was commissioned for SETimes.com           Campaign for free preventive gynaecological check ups starts   Monday, 08 October 2007 –Source: MRT online Under the motto “Outsmart the cancer, be healthy woman” the Ministry of Health starts Monday the campaign for free preventive gynaecological check ups. - The goal is aimed at women’s consciousness raising level for the need of regular breast and uterus check ups. Early detection of the malignant diseases enables on time treatment and continuation of the life, Health Minister Imer Selmani said at Sunday’s press conference. Ministry of Health provided free check ups for all women whether they have or have not blue cards in all public health institutions by the end of the year, Selmani said. He also said screening for early detection of uterus and breast cancer will be organised for the first time in Macedonia. The campaign is realised in cooperation with the Macedonian Women’s Lobby and Parliamentary’s Committee for Equal Opportunities of Men and Women. The government has provided Denar 11,5 million for the planned activities, Selmani said. - The number of these malignant diseases is increasing progressively both in world frameworks and in Macedonia. 472 cases of breast cancer were registered in 2001 and now this number is over 600. 196 women are registered with cancer of the uterus in 2001 and now their number is 230, Health Minister Selmani said. Chairwoman of the Parliamentary’s Committee for Equal Opportunities of Men and Women Liljana Popovska said that this campaign is necessary for the women to learn about their rights and for gynaecologists to learn their obligations.   Gruevski: Government passed law on granting vouchers to graduates to buy computers   Monday, 08 October 2007 All students in state and private universities in the country that enrolled their final year will receive vouchers valued at Denar 12.300 for buying computers, PM Nikola Gruevski said at Sunday’s press conference. - Government at its session on Saturday passed the law on issuing vouchers valued at Denar 12.300 i.e. Euro 200 for all students that enrolled the last year. With this vouchers they can buy computers in any shop. This is direct subvention of the Government for citizens to buy computers, Gruevski said, adding that the vouchers will be valid until Dec. 15, 2007. According to the data of the Ministry of Education around of 10.000 students have enrolled the final year. If some vouchers remain unused they will be annulled by the Commission of the Interior Ministry and Finance Ministry aimed at preventing their misuse. PM Nikola Gruevski said that draft law will be submitted to the parliament on Monday and its approval is expected by the end of the week. - The 21st century is the century of digital literacy, Internet and global network. We must not allow digital gap between Macedonia and world economies to increase. With this law the vision of the Government "Macedonia Country of Computer Experts" continues, Gruevski said.         AGROFOOD 2007 fair opened Skopje , October 2 Support to agriculture will reach 215 million euro by 2010. Additional 85 million euro will be available from European Pre-Accession Funds that Macedonia will start to use in several months after accreditation of the competent agency, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply Aco Spasenoski said opening the AGROFOOD 2007 fair. He reminded that the support to the farmers is 3.5 times bigger than the last year. - The trend of increase will continue in the next three years by allocation in stages firstly 45 million, then 75 and 100 million euros in 2010. A large step is made in relation to financial means of the European funds. We have shortened the deadlines for formation and functioning of the competent agency through which these means will be realised, Spasenoski said. Direct payments remain the fundamental instrument for support to agriculture. Rational usage of land, forests and water and raising the level of development of the rural environment, remains a priority for the Ministry of Agriculture. According to him establishment of productive and stable agricultural production are directions upon which Macedonian strategy for agriculture and rural development is based on. Many reforms need to be carried out aimed at saving the Macedonian agriculture from the previous lethargy, Spasenoski said. AGROFOOD includes several international fairs: International Fair of Food, Beverages and Consumer Goods, International Fair of Machines Equipment, Packing and Domestic Transport, International Fair of Tobacco and Machines, International Fair of Agricultural Industry and International Exhibition of Wine and Strong Beverages National Presentations. Over 300 companies from 15 countries will present their production programmes at a total area of 12.000 square meters in four halls of Skopje Fair. Traditionally in the frameworks of AGROFOOD also ALTRAVITA 2007, International Fair of Popular and Traditional Medicine, will be organised and fair of equipment of communal hygiene will be organised for the first time sponsored by Skopje 's Mayor Trifun Kostovski. AGROFOOD 2007 fair will last until October 6 and is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Supply. ProCredit Bank is the partner to AGROFOOD 2007 fair event.           Report on Macedonia realistic, including recommendations and remarks   Source, MRT on-line In the report on Macedonia due to be published on November 6, the European Commission will not judge, but note the realistic situation, representatives of the EU Enlargement Directorate General told Tuesday Macedonian journalists, who pay a study visit to Brussels. European Commission's recommendations and remarks refer to the entire country, to all parties, so that everyone learns lessons on what to do in order to accelerate the country's EU integration. The Union is interested in the state's general progress, not the one of the ruling or opposition parties. In theory, everybody aspires for the EU, but this should be translated into practice, say Enlargement Directorate representatives. According to them, progress has been achieved in the improvement of the business climate, shortening of procedures for firm registration, thus creating conditions for attraction of investments. High unemployment rate is still an open problem. EC salutes the adoption of the Laws on Police and Religious Communities, as well as the determination for fight against corruption and the results achieved, but points out that dealing with this phenomenon is possible only through efficient application of adopted measures and permanent political commitment. Pertaining to judicial reforms, the EU recommends their faster implementation, as well as adoption of the remaining acts related to the Public Prosecutor's Office. A positive element is the signing of the visa facilitation and readmission agreements, which is the first step towards full visa annulment. The Ohrid Agreement implementation remains a crucial point for Macedonia's Euro-integration. Criticisms refer to the fulfillment of political criteria. The EC expects state institutions to function and efficiently communicate within their legal competencies, as well as constructive political dialogue on issues that require wider consensus. A remark is focused on the political disagreements, which are not for programmes or projects, but motivated from personal reasons and political exclusion, as well as the fact that EU is used in daily political disputes on what one or the other party had not done. Regarding the determination of a date for beginning of accession talks, Secretariat officials say this does not depend on the EC, but is a political decision that is currently influenced by scepticism of several member-state regarding the EU enlargement. Still, it is not disputable for EU that Macedonia and other Western Balkan countries should be part of the Union, while reserves by certain member-states do not refer to this, but to other regions. A stance that predominates in the Union is that the region would not be permanently stabilized without the Euro-integration of Western Balkan states. Their membership can be seen as a mid or long-term consideration, depending on the implementation of reforms and EU's position on enlargement. Transparency International: Macedonia 84th in Corruption Perceptions Index   Source: MRT on-line Macedonia is ranked 84th with 3.3 index points, placed in the first half of the "Corruption Perception Index" for 2007, released Wednesday at the website of "Transparency International". Thus, Macedonia improves its position by 20 spots compared to 2006. Denmark shares top spot with Finland and New Zealand with 9.4 index points as least corrupt countries worldwide, while Somalia and Myanmar share last spot with 1.4 index points. Slagjana Taseva, chairman of "Transparency-Zero Corruption", a contact-member of "Transparency International" for Macedonia, informed at Wednesday's press conference that this year's report is most comprehensive thus far, encompassing 180 countries and territories, based on results of 14 different surveys on the state of corruption perception in administration and politics. According to the Report, the divide in perceived levels of corruption in rich and poor countries remains as sharp as ever. Developed and developing countries must share responsibility for reducing corruption, in tackling both the supply and demand sides. "Despite certain gains, corruption remains the basis for corruption, poor development in countries with low profit at a national level", said Taseva. Regarding Macedonia's move, Taseva stressed this comes not as a result of the 30 new countries included in the survey, but to the increase of index points from 2.7 to 3.3. "The fact that we have managed to show certain progress means that people polled domestically and abroad have demonstrated larger confidence, i.e. that the corruption problem is improving. I would not say that we are that good, but this is an exceptionally large progress for us, having an exceptional importance, because this is a reference index used by those who want to acquire an information about the country when deciding on any type of cooperation. This will result in many positive implications regarding the economy's development, confidence in state institutions", underlined Taseva. The research on Macedonia used results from six surveys by world-renowned agencies, five of which implemented in 2007, and one in 2006. Pertaining to regional countries, Croatia and Bulgaria share 64th spot with 4.1 index points, Serbia is 79th with 3.4, Bosnia & Herzegovina shares 84th spot with Macedonia, while Albania is 106th with 2.9 index points. PM Gruevski: No increase of electricity price in foreseeable future   Skopje, September 21 st - Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski stated Friday that electricity price would not be increased in the foreseeable future. "According to the information I have, there will not be any increase of electricity price", said PM Gruevski during his visit to the new VIP shop in Skopje City Mall. Asked if the Government favors liberalization of energy market, Gruevski stressed that full liberalization should gradually develop, but could start with large consumers. "There is difference from one liberalization to another. Full liberalization, literally meaning that each shop purchases its own electricity, should gradually develop. However, this can start with large consumers, something which they can withstand without any serious problems", underlined Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

DM Elenovski: We've demonstrated leadership when it comes to military and political cooperation   Skopje, September 25 th Minister of Defense Lazar Elenovski opened on Tuesday the 18th meeting of the Political-Military Steering Committee (PMSC) and the 17th meeting of the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial Coordination Committee (SEDM-CC), which will be presided by Macedonia in the next two years. - We've demonstrated leadership on several plans when it comes to military and political cooperation. Hence, currently we are presiding over one essential process such as the SEDM process in order to contribute in the next two years to enlarging the NATO merits, stated Elenovski after opening the Skopje meeting. He emphasized that the objective is to deploy the multinational SIBRIG brigade, being the foundation of the entire process, into a new mission. Moreover, SIBRIG headquarters had a successful mission last year in Kabul , Afghanistan . Chairwoman of PMSC and SEDM-CC Radica Gareva said Macedonia 's chairmanship with the Secretariat demonstrates that the country is not only a consumer but also a country that produces security. - The participation of military forces into the SIBRIG brigade will show that we have a capacity to spread stability and security beyond the region, said Gareva, informing the brigade will not be engaged by year's end because various possibilities in terms of where to be deployed will be analyzed. PMSC and SEDM-CC Secretariat organize the meeting, aimed at coordinating activities during Macedonia 's SEDM presidency in period 2007-2009. - I would like my personal support to assist Macedonia in obtaining NATO membership. The participation of the Macedonian Army in Afghanistan  is of utmost importance from a military aspect. I believe there's no better demonstration of Macedonian military forces' capability with regard to NATO membership, stated John Shore , British officer and representative of this process, while answering a journalist question whether ARM, from a military aspect, is ready for Alliance 's membership. The meetings are held at the level of PMSC and SEDM-CC permanent representatives from Albania , Bulgaria , Greece , Italy , Macedonia , Romania and Turkey , as well as representatives of other SEDM member-states. Conclusions are expected to be passed at the 2-day PMSC and SEDM-CC meeting that would lay the foundations for reaching decisions and approving the submitted plans by SEDM defense ministers at the forthcoming ministerial meeting in Kiev , which is to take place on October 22 2007

Bilateral meetings of FM Milososki on margins of final session of EU Foreign Ministers' meeting

Viana do Castelo, September 8 Macedonian FM Antonio Milososki Saturday on the margins of the final session of the informal EU Foreign Ministers' meeting in Viana do Castelo held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Estonia, Latvia, Italy, Luxembourg and Croatia, Ali Babajan - Urman Paet, Artis Pabriks, Massimo D'Alema, Jean Asselborn and Graber Kitarovic. Spokesperson of the Macedonian Foreign Ministry Shpresa Jusufi stated for MIA that the meetings were focused on integration of the Republic of Macedonia in the EU and the NATO as well as possibilities for date to start EU negotiations and membership in the NATO for which FM Milososki was given support by the interlocutors. Also the meetings were focused on further development of bilateral relations in the part to strengthening the economic cooperation and the situation in the region with special accent on resolving Kosovo status. Saturday afternoon Milososki will meet with the Austrian FM Ursula Plasnik. The regular informal meeting (September 7-8) tackles a number of issues, such as Kosovo, EU cooperation with regional partners - Russia, Ukraine, India and Africa, as well as reform process of EU agreements.  Macedonian-Portuguese business forum opens in Lisbon   Lisbon , September 10 th Republic of Macedonia is a stabile environment at a political and macroeconomic plan, favoring development of small and medium enterprises. Principles and mechanisms of the democratic society function, while the country is a candidate for EU and NATO accession, said Monday Economy Minister Vera Rafajlovska in the presentation of Macedonia's investment potentials at a two-day Macedonian-Portuguese business forum in Lisbon. The forum includes representatives of 14 Macedonian companies, mainly in production and distribution of food, production of industrial pumps, trade, hotel management, textile etc, as well as businessmen of several Portuguese companies, MIA reports from Lisbon . The business forum is organized by the Macedonian Economy Ministry, in the framework of Government's activities for the country's promotion during Portugal 's EU Presidency. Emphasizing reforms undertaken by the Macedonian Government in the tax system, judiciary, education system and improvement of business and investment climate, Minister Rafajlovska said that introduction of flat tax has made Macedonia into a European business heaven. Emphasis was put on tax mitigations and favourable conditions the state offers in technological-industrial zones, as well as their infrastructure, VAT and excise exemption, leasing the zone land under most favourable conditions. Rafajlovska stressed that education reforms, as well as Government's reforms for IT development would contribute to the fast realization of project "Vardar Silicon Valley". According to her, investments are also welcome in the transport, energy and telecommunications sector, along with industry and tourism. "Macedonian airports, road segments and international railroad will be given under concession, while tenders for construction of luxury hotel complexes and malls in Skopje and Ohrid are ongoing. The energy sector offers possibilities for investments in thermal, gas and hydro po wer plants", stated Rafajlovska. She underlined the importance of the export-oriented agriculture-food industry, including processing of fruit and vegetables, production of wine and tobacco, metalurgy, textile and shoe industry, car parts industry, pharmaceutical and medical apparatus industry, production of software and electronics. "This is a great day for Macedonian and Portuguese businessmen, while the goal is for the latter to acquaint themselves with Macedonia as one of the most prestigious destinations for investment in Southeast Europe", said Macedonia 's Honorary Consul to Portugal Pedro Meneres Gudel. The forum will include presentations on Macedonia's energy and tourist potentials, while ambassador Jordan Plevnes will talk on topic "Permanent Ties between Macedonia and Portugal", as well as President of the European Commission on Culture Vasco Grassa Mura. Officials of Portuguese company "Aquapura", which purchased state-owned land in Prespa for construction of a tourist settlement, will also address the forum.   Moreover, Macedonian representatives are to visit Portuguese companies on Tuesday.