Embassy of the

Republic of Macedonia

London

Chargé d' Affaires CV | News | Consular | Diaspora | Business&Tenders | About MacedoniaTourism | Links | Contact

 

 

 

 

 

 - Country Profile

 - History

 - Legal System

 - Economy

 - Foreign Policy

Search

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Print E-mail
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 Print E-mail
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 Print E-mail
Thursday, 06 December 2007
The Macedonian Government at Wednesday's session reached a decision to single out Euro 6 million for stimulating self-employment and Euro 5 million for constructing social apartments. As of February and throughout 2008 the Government will realise the project on self-employment, envisaging approval of credit resources for the unemployed to start their own business in order to cut down the unemployment and to open new jobs.

- The project will enable conditions for reducing the unemployment and improving the living standard, as well as many other positive effects. It will also significantly contribute to resolving the problems of bankruptcy workers and those who were made redundant, while boosting the development of micro and small enterprises, being one of the most important driving powers in terms of economic growth, Prime Minister
Nikola Gruevski told the press conference on Wednesday.

Up to 3,000 euros will be approved for each opened job, whereas projects with at least five job positions will be financed i.e. 15,000 maximum.
Gruevski said that over 2,000 persons will be able to take credit with the approved resources, adding that the Government was prepared to increase the fund.

The credits are intended first and foremost for the unemployed in
agrobusiness, handicraft, manufacture, commerce, tourism etc.

Gruevski stressed that free education for entrepreneurs is planned, since it is project's key pillar. The Employment Agency together with regional committees will control the utilisation of resources.

Over 600 social apartments in amount of Euro 5 million  will be built in 2008 in
Skopje, Makedonska Kamenica, Kavadarci, Kocani and other Macedonian towns. Their distribution will be carried out via open competition issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

- With these measures the Government is undertaking active social policy for preserving the dignity,
honour and integrity of the citizens from this social backgrounds, said Gruevski, adding that the resources for the projects are provided by Budget's surplus income.

 
 

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Johnson Matthey to invest GBP 100 million in Macedonia Print E-mail
Thursday, 29 November 2007
nikola gruevski4Johnson 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

 

Print E-mail
Friday, 23 November 2007
Within the observance of the Day of Albanian Alphabet, which is marked at a state holiday for the Albanian ethnic community in Macedonia, an Institute for Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Albanians in the Republic of Macedonia was opened in Skopje's Kursumli-An on Thursday. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said that the right of communities to express, nurture and develop their identity through establishment of cultural, artistic and educational institutions, scientific and other associations, is guarantied by the Constitution.

"Today's formal opening of the Institute is another confirmation of the Government's strategic priority for investments in culture, science and education, along with the efforts for full expression, nurturing and development of educational needs of ethnic Albanians in the Republic of Macedonia", said PM
Gruevski.

He expects the Institute to represent a source of a number of scientific works
sheding new light on Albanian language and literature, as well as the cultural-historic heritage of the Albanian community in Macedonia as an integral part of the country's spiritual heritage.

Minister of Education and Science
Sulejman Rusiti stated that the Institute represents a bridge in Macedonia and the region in general.

"We will build institutions, raise the level of science and culture. We are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with all cultures of the European peoples", stressed Minister
Rusiti.

The institute is named "
Pietr Bogdani" according to the Albanian 17th-century writer, who contributed to the development of the Albanian alphabet even before its adoption.

The Institute for Cultural and Spiritual Heritage of Albanians in Macedonia is comprised of five departments - language, literature, history and ethnology, language relations, and migration.
 

 

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

Finance Minister Slaveski submits 2008 Draft-Budget to Parliament Speaker    
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Minister of Finance Trajko Slaveski handed over Tuesday the 2008 Draft-Budget to Parliament's President Ljubisha Georgievski during a formal ceremony.
The budget is being submitted to the legislative body in such a manner for the first time, following the example of west European countries.

- The 2008 Draft-Budget of the Republic of Macedonia is based on the outstanding economic results in 2007, the best ones in the transitional period, as well as on the increased economic growth for 2008, accompanied with low and stable inflation rate and with significantly positive impact on the disposed citizens' income, stated Slaveski while submitting the 2008 Draft-Budget.

The 2008 Budget is projected with expected GDP growth between 6 and 6,5%, inflation rate from 2,5 to 3%, planned employment growth of 4% and increased productivity from 4 to 5%.

Total Budget's revenues are planned to reach 35,5% of the GDP. Total expenditures are determined at 37% of the planned GDP.

The 2008 Budget foresees 1,5% deficit of the GDP.

In addition to providing resources for rise of public administration's salaries with the Draft-Budget, Slaveski said the Government would implement further reform policies such as significant boost of capital investments in education, health system, road infrastructure and IT, country's affirmation for attracting foreign and domestic investors as well as enhanced transparency and responsibility within state institutions and their capacities in implementing the planned reforms with regard to the EU and NATO integration processes.

 
 

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.

photo

 

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 Print E-mail
Monday, 12 November 2007
SS. Cyril and Methodius University Monday promoted the European Information and Innovation Centre to Republic of Macedonia. The idea for realisation of the project originates from Feb. 2006. It enables use of the resources from the funds of the European Commission’s programme aimed at transfer of technology from and to the European companies, economic promotion and improvement in education.

The European Commission established the programme in 1995 with 83 member states. The centre will have an annual budget of around of Euro 250.000 out of which Euro 150.000 are resources from the European Commission and the Macedonian Government i.e. the Ministry of Economy will participate with Euro 100.000.

- We can proudly say that we are the first country in the Western Balkans which signed such agreement and can use the EU Programme, Deputy PM for European Integrations Gabriela Konevska – Trajkovska said adding that it is a significantly good opportunity for Macedonia for usage of Euro 3.6 billion which are at the disposal of the EC Programme.

- Pragmatically said it would mean 3.6 billion possibilities for creation of projects for usage of everything that could be useful for the Republic of Macedonia. With this programme we could exchange experiences, which are of significant importance for the science, Konevska – Trajkovska said.

Velimir Stojkovski, Vice-Rector for Science at the Skopje’s University said that the centre’s goal is to mutually direct the activities towards deepening the transfer of knowledge and innovations and competitiveness increase of Macedonian small and medium sized enterprises.

- The key issue is how to set the concepts of development which should lead us to bigger inclusion and efficiency of the science, connection of the University with the economy, their competitiveness and the importance of knowledge as resource which would finally promote Macedonia as country of knowledge, Stojkovski said.

 

 

Monday, 12 November 2007

Source: www.govtech.com

Macedonia Transformed Through Broadband

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

STUTTGART, Germany — The U.S. European Command is hoping that recent meetings in Skopje, Macedonia, will bolster the bids of Macedonia and two other Balkan nations to join NATO.

The meetings, held Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, addressed reforms being made by the Macedonian, Croatian and Albanian militaries. To join the 26-nation security alliance, the three nations must be able to mesh militarily with other NATO nations.

“We support their getting in, but we don’t have any control over the decision; that’s a NATO decision,” said Lt. Col. Scott Cilley, EUCOM’s political-military desk officer for the Balkans.

The alliance could add new members at its April 2008 summit in Bucharest, Romania.

Last week’s meetings were held as part of the 7th Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference. Military logistics was a prime theme, including talks on the equipping of troops and the procurement and transporting of military assets.

One goal, Cilley said, is for the three nations to improve their logistics capabilities, which would lessen their need to be supported by the U.S. and other militaries.

“They are transforming their logistics to support peacekeeping operations so they can react as quickly as possible,” Cilley said.

“We are not averse to helping assist them, but it would be better as members of NATO to have that capability themselves.”

Cilley noted that the nations already have contributed to NATO missions. Croatia, for example, plans next year to increase from 200 to 300 its troop allotment to NATO’s International Security and Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Vice Adm. Richard K. Gallagher, EUCOM deputy commander, led the U.S. delegation. Gallagher met with the defense chiefs from Macedonia, Croatia and Albania, as well as those from Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The mentoring of, and collaboration with, Balkan militaries is part of an ongoing strategy in the region by EUCOM.

Other efforts include military-to-military training such as that being conducted by Joint Task Force East in Romania and Bulgaria, and the training of military inspectors being coordinated by EUCOM’s inspector general’s office.

Cilley said that the region’s defense chiefs seemed willing to work together.

But political stability will play a role in the countries’ achieving NATO membership, according to Ted Galen Carpenter, vice president for defense and foreign policy studies at the Washington- based Cato Institute.

For example, Croatia is relatively stable and the most ready to enter NATO, but Macedonia is still working to gain solid national footing, he said.

“Security capability depends so much on political stability,” Carpenter said. “That’s where we have big question marks on so many of these countries.”

Carpenter added that people in the region are generally welcoming of Western overtures.

“I think most of the populations see NATO and [European Union] membership as currency for getting into the club of modernized, Western nations,” Carpenter said. “It’s more of symbolic importance in the case of NATO than of practical importance.”

 

 

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

Macedonia considers EU progress report balanced
 
Source:chinaview.cn 2007-11-07 04:50:05  
 
 
    TIRANA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia regarded the European Union progress report on this tiny western Balkan country as "well-balanced", news reaching here from Skopje reported on Tuesday.

    "The report not only includes positive things undertaken by the country, but also our shortcomings and jobs to be done. Moreover, it contains recommendations," Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said.

    The annual report made public on Tuesday said that Macedonia made progress in creating a market economy last year, but a lack of dialogue between political parties was paralyzing the democratic system.

    "Things that are in government's control, such as economy and fight against corruption, are positively assessed in the report. However, there are some things which do not depend on us only, but on the opposition too," Gruevski said.

    Gruevski added that the government would carefully study the report and its recommendations, work hard, and do everything to achieve its end of joining the EU.

    "There are many challenges ahead and much has to be done. We are still a country that needs to develop its economy. We will continue our work with the already established tempo," stressed Gruevski.

    Macedonia was officially granted a candidate status for the EU membership in 2005. But the EU report said that accession talks with EU are not likely to begin before 2009.

    "The start of the accession talks doesn't depend on us only. But we will continue to work with enormous enthusiasm, commitment and responsibility, just like what we have done thus far," said Gruevski.

Thursday, 1 November 2007

Source: www.mrt.com.mk

Meeting of Balkan military chiefs in Skopje

 

Print E-mail
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Army Chiefs of Staff of six Balkan countries, including a delegation of the United States European Command (EUCOM), will gather in Skopje on Wednesday. The main theme of discussion is the logistical support to the NATO-led military operations abroad. The gathering is in the framework of the meeting of Chiefs of Staff of the Adriatic Charter members - Macedonia, Albania and Croatia.

The participants also will discuss the preparedness of the armed forces of the Adriatic Group members to acquire NATO membership, as well as regional military cooperation.

Among those expected to attend will be the Lieutenant General Miroslav Stojanovski (Macedonia), General Josip (Croatia), Lieutenant General Luan Hoxha (Albania), General Zlatan Stojkov (Bulgaria) Lieutenant General Zdravko Ponosh (Serbia) and Lieutenant General Jovan Lakcevic (Montenegro).

Rear Admiral Richard Gallagher will lead EUCOM delegation. The Deputy Chief for Resources, Lieutenant General Miladin Milojcic, will lead the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.


 

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

Source: www.vlada.mk

Rafajlovska-Vizjak: Macedonia , Slovenia share both past and future

Ljubljana , October 29 th

Macedonia and Slovenia have common past and certainly common future, Economy Minister Vera Rafajlovska said Monday at a meeting with her Slovenian counterpart Andrej Vizjak.

Yesterday, Rafajlovska had a meeting with Slovenian businessmen, part of the Hilton Hotels, discussing possibilities for this project to come to Macedonia , as well as for an Aqua Park to be constructed in Skopje.

Rafajlovska said Slovenia supported Macedonian model for liberalization of the energy sector. However, Slovenia 's experience with the energy stock market is not favorable and Macedonia was advised not to rush with this initiative.

Slovenia offered Macedonia 50 sq.m. free space at the next Tourism Fair, scheduled for January next year. It also offered its strategy for development of tourism, which got high grade by the European Union.

Macedonia-Slovenia economic cooperation is good, but there is still room for further development, Vizjak said, pointing out that his country is among the top 10 foreign investors in Macedonia.

At the meeting, Vizjak advocated an establishment of joint committee on pre-accession assistance, which will serve to businessmen and their interests. Vizjak also expressed hope for Macedonia to get a date for the European Union entry talks during Slovenia 's EU presidential mandate, reiterating Slovenia 's support of Macedonia 's Euro-integration process.

 

 

Last updated

Macedonian- UK news

Joint military exercise "Macedonian Glitter 2" of Adriatic Group armies Print E-mail