MAK-NEWS 29/03/95 (M.I.L.S.) [**]

From: "Demetrios E. Paneras" <dep@bu.edu>

Ta nea ths hmeras, opws ta eide to MILS:

CONTENTS

  • [01] * GLIGOROV MEETS WITH VAN DER STOEL

  • [02] . STOCK MARKET IN MACEDONIA OPEN

  • [03] ** MACEDONIA, DANGEROUS FLASHPOINT

  • [04] ** OPTIMISM FOR A DIRECT GREEK-MACEDONIAN DIALOGUE

  • [05] ** GHALI SUBMITS REPORT TO SECURITY COUNCIL

    [Mporeite na breite thn ekqesh ayth sto gopher://gopher.undp.org/11/uncurr/sgrep/95_03/222]

  • [06] * GOVERNMENT PRESS-CONFERENCE

  • [07] * TRUSHIN VISITS TETOVO

  • [08] . PETKOVSKI ADDRESSES CONFERENCE IN MADRID

  • [09] * MACEDONIAN COUNCIL APPEALS AGAINST GOVERNMENT DECISION

  • [10] * RADIO "FREE EUROPE" TO BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON MACEDONIA

  • [11] * DEMONSTRATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT KOSOVO

  • [12] . STATE OF INFLUENZA EPIDEMICS DECLARED IN SKOPJE

  • [13] * MILS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT: LIFE OF POPULATION GROUPS IN MACEDONIA ORGANIZED BY MUSLIM RELIGIOUS LAWS - PART II (Nova Makedonija, 26 March 1995)

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    M I L S N E W S

    Skopje, 29 March 1995

    [01] GLIGOROV MEETS WITH VAN DER STOEL

    Macedonian President Gligorov yesterday met with Max Van der Stoel, High OSCE Commissioner for National Minorities. They concluded talks directed at providing for education in the Albanian language at the Skopje Pedagogical Academy . They both repeated that educational rights are to be sought within the framework of legal institutions. Van der Stoel also met with Foreign Minister Stevo Crvenkovski, Minister of Education Emilija Simoska and Interior Minister Ljubomir Frchkovski.

    [02] STOCK MARKET IN MACEDONIA OPEN

    The first stock market of the Macedonian Privatization Agency began operations yesterday. At the first public sale of "Oteks"-Ohrid, shares transferred to the Agency were offered at an initial price of 75 German marks per share. Authorized agents bought only 17 shares, paying 60 German marks per share.

    [03] MACEDONIA, DANGEROUS FLASHPOINT

    Diplomatic and political circles in Washington fear a new conflict in the Balkans, wider and more dangerous that the ongoing one in the former Yugoslavia. Richard Holbrooke, Head of the U.S. State Department's Committee on European Affairs, warns against a possible war in the near future involving Greece and Turkey. Balkan experts in the Clinton administration seem to be especially concerned with the fact that Macedonia could play a role as catalyst in the potential escalation of a conflict in the region. In a publication entitled "Foreign Affairs", Holbrooke described the war in Bosnia as the largest collective security concern of the West since 1930.

    [04] OPTIMISM FOR A DIRECT GREEK-MACEDONIAN DIALOGUE

    The Athens news agency reported yesterday that the White House is optimistic about a direct dialogue between Greece and Macedonia to take place in New York in the near future. Makfaks cites the agency as reporting that the meeting is to take place on April 6. Ex-Prime Minister of Greece Constantin Mitsotakis said the initiative is a positive step forward, adding the name dispute ought to be resolved with a triple name, as suggested by the UN mediator Cyrus Vance.

    [05] GHALI SUBMITS REPORT TO SECURITY COUNCIL

    UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali submitted on March 22 a report to the Security Council on the nature and mandate of UN peacekeeping troops in the former Yugoslavia. He suggested that the current UNPROFOR mission be divided into 3 separate operations: UNPF-1 troops in Croatia, UNPF-2 in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and UNPF-3 in Macedonia. They would all have a separate commanding officer, but would be coordinated and controlled by the regional headquarters in Zagreb. Peace keepers in Macedonia would keep the same structure as until now, with an extended mandate until 30 November 1995. Still, Boutros-Ghali does not exclude a possible reinforcement of troops in Macedonia, in case of an increased threat to stability from either internal or external sources.

    [06] GOVERNMENT PRESS-CONFERENCE

    At yesterday's press-conference, the Macedonian Government informed reporters of its decisions made at its 16th session, held two days ago. The cabinet adopted the Report of the State Census Commission. Minister of Economy Risto Ivanov, president of the Commission, said the Census '94 had been successful and in accordance with international criteria. This, he said, was confirmed by reports of the international experts, monitoring groups and by the Commission itself. The final results are objective and valid, and the census operation included a high percentage of the population in Macedonia, except in Debar, where figures were worked out on a basis of statistics calculations. On the financial side, 51.46 per cent of the $4 million-cost of the census has so far been provided, and the remaining funds are to be provided successively by the EU and the Council of Europe. Nearly 70 per cent of the costs are additional expenses, due to the enlarged number of individuals engaged and the 5-day delay. The Government also adopted several other decisions; they prolonged the deadline for purchasing social apartments for another 3 months, increased railway services prices by 15 per cent, and formed a committee to work out the concept of public broadcasting, with a special program for transforming the Macedonian Radio and Television and its commercial status.

    [07] TRUSHIN VISITS TETOVO

    Yuri Trushin, ambassador of the Russian federation to Macedonia, yesterday paid a visit to Tetovo. He met with Tomislav Stojanovski, president of the Democratic Party of Macedonia, to discuss the situation in this and other municipalities in western Macedonia, as well as problems faced by Macedonians in these parts. Stojanovski presented evidence on expansion of Albanian immigrants, who are increasingly building houses illegally, thus changing the ethnic structure of the region. Trushin said the goal of his visit was to strengthen the traditionally friendly relations between the Macedonian and Russian nation. He also visited the companies "Teteks" and "Jugohrom", discussing possible ways to establish and expand cooperation between these and companies in the Russian Federation.

    [08] PETKOVSKI ADDRESSES CONFERENCE IN MADRID

    A delegation of the Macedonian Parliament is attending the 93th Conference of the Inter Parliamentary Union, currently held in Madrid. Head of the delegation and Parliament vice- president, Tito Petkovski, addressed the conference yesterday, speaking on disasters caused by armed conflicts and the need for concrete and timely reactions by international humanitarian organizations. Underlining the fact that UN humanitarian aid has proved inefficient in Bosnia, Petkovski said current mechanisms for prevention of conflicts ought to be strengthened and new ones should be introduced. He pointed to the successful preventive role of UN troops in Macedonia. The Macedonian delegation submitted a draft-resolution on the issue to the conference. Macedonian delegates made several contacts with colleagues from France, India, Egypt, Albania and Croatia.

    [09] MACEDONIAN COUNCIL APPEALS AGAINST GOVERNMENT DECISION

    The Macedonian Federal Council for Australia (formed in October 1994) decided to submit an official appeal with the Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Institute, against the latest decision of the Government of the state of Victoria to refer to the Macedonian language as "Slav- Macedonian". The Australian-Macedonian Human Rights Committee also joined the appeal. At a meeting, the Council supported the initiative for demonstrations scheduled for April 26 and organized by the Council of the Macedonian Community in Sidney, as a sign of protest against the above mentioned decision. The protest demonstration is to take part during the World Conference on Multiculture Variety, to be attended by UN Secretary General Boutros-Ghali. The Council will also send a note to Boutros-Ghali, demanding that the UN deal with the imposed prefix on the name of Macedonians living in Australia.

    [10] RADIO "FREE EUROPE" TO BROADCAST PROGRAMS ON MACEDONIA

    Radio Free Europe is considering a possibility of introducing Macedonian language programs about Macedonia, stated Ian Oberman, in charge of the radio's contact department. The radio is to start broadcasting in 21 languages, including Macedonian.

    [11] DEMONSTRATIONS FOR INDEPENDENT KOSOVO

    A1 Television reports massive demonstrations in a large number of European cities, as well as in Canada and Australia, attended by nearly half a million Albanians of Kosovo. The demonstrations had been organized by the Democratic Alliance of Kosovo and the Albanian diaspora, with the main demand being for an independent and neutral Kosovo. The media in Bonn, where the demonstrations gathered nearly 100,000 Albanians, supported their right to peaceful declaration to achieve independence. German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel stated his support of the idea of the demonstration in his address to demonstrators. German politicians asked the international community not to normalize relations with Serbia prior to a solution for the Kosovo question.

    [12] STATE OF INFLUENZA EPIDEMICS DECLARED IN SKOPJE

    A state of epidemics of flu was officially declared in Skopje two days ago. A total of 14,019 cases of influenza have been registered in the city since the beginning of March. The disease is manifested through high temperatures, dry coughing and pains all over the body. All infected are advised to seek medical treatment.

    [13] MILS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT: LIFE OF POPULATION GROUPS IN MACEDONIA

    ORGANIZED BY MUSLIM RELIGIOUS LAWS - PART II

    (Nova Makedonija, 26 March 1995)

    Idris Seljam, a mufti (jurist) from Skopje, says Islamic fundamentalist movements from abroad started to infiltrate into Macedonia in the guise of humanitarian organizations once the country established pluralism. He goes on to say, "They claim to be working in the name of Islam, but are in fact inciting separations and divisions between people only because of their own material interests. The Teblig organization is probably one of the most dangerous among them. Along with activists from other countries, suspicious individuals from Turkey are increasingly being involved in similar destructive activities. They act as though on a fashion show, walking around in turbans and typical Turkish pantaloons." Pointing out they have started openly spreading radical Islam, Selam warns this could prove dangerous for Macedonia, as well as for the rest of the European countries. The Meshihat, he says, is determined to fight against the spread of this form of fundamentalism at all costs. The movement raises funds in illegal ways, but the Islamic community in Macedonia will soon put an end to this, Selam assures. Meshihat member Engulu is also concerned with other fundamentalist movements active in Macedonia. He says, "Movements of this kind are not frequently to be seen in Skopje, but influence of Shiitism from Iran and Vahabism from Saudi Arabia is increasingly apparent lately." Of course, Engulu is disturbed by the rivalry and aspirations to dominate in Macedonia. As for foreign financial support for the Meshihat, Engulu emphasizes, "Due to the fact that such a support could easily be abused and lead to internal schism in the Islamic community in Macedonia, we refuse to accept any such aid." Stressing the Macedonian Meshihat does all in its power to eliminate any such outside influence, Meshihat officials proudly point out that teachers and professors at the Skopje Islamic educational centers have received degrees at renowned educational institutions such as Al Azhar in Egypt, Dzemiet -ulislamie in Saudi Arabia, El Beit in Jordan and the University in Kuwait. One positive aspect for them seems to be the fact that no professor in Islamic educational centers in Macedonia has been trained at Turkish secular educational institutions, despite the Turkish language being one of the teaching languages. Erol Murtezi, president of the Meshihat Committee in charge of coordination between tarricats and tekhe's, explains that dervish orders had also been allowed to act freely under the past socialist rule, and today they are even legal and recognized. He says, "In 1989, there emerged a need for a high committee to secure coordination between tarricats and tekhe's. The same year, such a committee was formed. Our fundamental policy is based on this cooperation which serves as a shield against possible infiltration of anti secular movements. Almost all Muslims in Macedonia are devoted followers of our secular system. Certain foreign countries donate large sums to some organizations acting in Macedonia disguised as humanitarian organizations, while instead aimed at causing schism and destruction. I believe all these attempts are bound to fail. I am assured that the Ataturk- oriented generation in Macedonia, which I regard myself as also belonging to, will not let this happen." Murtezi tells of 8 active tarricats in Macedonia - Bektashee, Melamee, Mevlevee, Havletee, Sadee, Garibee, Nakshee and Sinanee. The humanitarian organization accused of transferring funds raised for helping Muslims in Bosnia to the Refah party, established a branch in Skopje in 1993, having done so in Zagreb, Croatia, and Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Lokman Tash is the representative of the organization, whose main office is located at the Skopje Bitpazar (old market), a neighborhood with a high concentration of Muslims. In his statement for the Makedonija Zaman, a paper published twice a month, he does not even try to hide the fact that the organization is mostly aided by the Refah party and its membership. Hasan Dzilo, Director of the Islamic library Isa-beg, says this humanitarian organization has sent several boys to study at educational institutions in Turkey, based on Muslim religious laws. Some of the boys, he said, unable to adopt to the school regime, were quickly sent back home. A high- ranking official of the Meshihat, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, "The organization for humanitarian aid is entirely based on Muslim religious laws. All of its activities and goals are subjected to these laws. I seriously doubt the education these young men receive in Turkey." The paper Makedonija Zaman, published in Macedonia for already a year, accuses the Meshihat of racism. Dzemal Dogan, president of the publishing committee, says the book "The Albanians in Macedonia", published by the Meshihat, expresses open animosity toward the Islam and the Otoman Empire. In regard to current debates on the issue in the media, the Skopje mufti says it is only normal that a historical book would treat such topics. The debate, however, is growing bitter. In an article titled "What the Meshihat President Wants to Achieve", published in Makedonija Zaman, Dogan writes, "In my view, when someone acting from a position from which he is supposed to represent the Muslims, at a time when they need togetherness most of all, suddenly cries, 'I am an Albanian!', this is nothing but pure racism. Pointing out that the Meshihat, despite having a budget of several million German marks, published a book on Albanians instead of printing out Namaz Ilmihal (a book for religious bows), Dogan calls on the Meshihat president to resign from the post. Writing for Makedonija Zaman, Dogan comments on quotations from the questioned book on Albanians in parenthesis: "The Ottoman Empire slaughtered Albanian women, children and the elderly" (wherever were the Catholic men then?); "The Turks forbade Albanians to speak in their mother tongue" (If so, how did they learn the Albanian language they speak nowadays?); "The Turks are blood-thirsty occupiers" (Had it been so, there would have been no living Albanian today); "The Albanians have been held back in development because of their being Muslims" (They can always convert into Christians, if they want). The Skopje mufti Selam answers, "The attacks by Dogan are not a result of the book, but of a hatred the origin of which we fail to see. The Meshihat has never had a negative attitude toward the paper Makedonija Zaman. I believe this guy [Dogan] is using the paper to promote his personal ambitions." And, there you have it - at the same time Macedonia is experiencing a difficult economic crisis due to the Greek embargo imposed because of "similarities of historical values and the name", the country is turning into a training field for various fundamentalist organizations. In a situation like this, democratic forces are sure to be quite busy.

    (end)

    misl-news 29 March '95

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