MILS: News from the FYROM, 96-12-31

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From: "Macedonian Information Liaison Service" <mils@mils.spic.org.mk>

CONTENTS

[01] EMPHASIS ON SOCIAL-ECONOMIC ATMOSPHERE

[02] CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE OF `OCM' HEAD MIHAIL

[03] PM CRVENKOVSKI: `I HAVE NO INTENTIONS TO CONDUCT RECONSTRUCTIONS DUE TO EXTERNAL FORECASTS'

[04] KATIMERINI: `GLIGOROV A SKILLFUL AND STABLE STATESMAN'

[05] SOCIAL - ECONOMIC COUNCIL FORMED AFTER MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS

[06] TRANSFORMATION OF POSTAL SERVICES

[07] DNEVNIK: `A RACE WON BY EVERYBODY'

MILS SUPPLEMENT

[08] `Kids, Give This Number a Call!' (`Svet' - 16th December 1996)

MILS NEWS

Skopje, 31 December, 1996

[01] EMPHASIS ON SOCIAL-ECONOMIC ATMOSPHERE

`1996 has been a year marked by the further strengthening of Macedonia's international position. One of the most relevant steps forward, in this sense, was the `ratification' of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU which embodies the commencement of the long- awaited gradual integration of the Macedonian Republic within the EU. Another contribution to the global peace process and international collaboration this year were the initiatives and activities of Macedonia in the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the PFP Programme.'

While assessing the domestic political situation President Gligorov stressed that the most significant event in this respect was the holding of local elections as it marked the establishing of the ultimate key segment of our social order - local self-governing. He furthermore indicated the emergence of numerous complex economic and social problems, which generated objective unrest among the population. The most important achievement however, in his opinion, is the persistent adherence to the reform course and the implementation of the stabilization programme.

With respect to 1997 President Gligorov stated that it would be another year of challenges for the Republic of Macedonia, characterized by the continuing fortification of the Pro-European orientation of the country and its speedy integration into the European and the global market. In terms of domestic priority issues President Gligorov emphasized: `We shall continue along the path of consistent market reforms - bearing in mind that the latter entail a minimum impact upon the social sector, and that the forsaking of reforms would obliterate a secure future for this country. It therefore becomes important to implement our macro-economic policy and attract as much foreign capital to Macedonia as possible. This is the most adequate approach to arrive at a quintessential and long- term solution of such issues as unemployment, social insecurity and unsatisfactory living standards. I would like to stress once again that we may not ignore this segment of problematic and highly-sensitive issues we have been confronted with: increased unemployment, the bankruptcy of companies, problems linked to bribery and corruption, a rise in substance abuse, etc. These questions need to be addressed `here and now', not in some hypothetical future as they directly affect our citizens and their perspectives'.

The Macedonian Head of State further stressed that the strengthening of the civic concept has to continue throughout the future; as has the implementation of international standards regarding minority rights. `Inter- ethnic understanding and trust embody the key principles of our Constitution and our democratic political course.

We must continue to fortify democratic procedures within the country, and in particular the political liability of all involved for this is the most solid guarantee ensuring the survival of an independent and sovereign Republic of Macedonia and its international ranking.'

In the end President Gligorov addressed the following words to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia: `Let us welcome the New Year in the hope that it will more peaceful, more fruitful and that it will bring us closer to the aims we strive to achieve... and what is most important it will hopefully bestow peace and prosperity upon our loved ones - both at work and at home.'

[02] CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE OF `OCM' HEAD MIHAIL

`...We are rejoicing that our people has celebrated these days for centuries without considering them empty days (pun on the Macedonian word for holidays praznici which contains the adjectival root prazen, meaning empty - note of tr.), but rather by deeming them to be days full of His soul, His strength, inspired by the festive mood ruling these holidays. We wish you a New Year's holiday season which will glorify Our Lord, and not just a couple of wild nights. We are facing our Orthodox Christmas (`bozhikj' - 7th January), preceded by the Night Towards Christ's Birth, marking the arrival of the three magi (`badnik' - 6th January). Significant holidays full of spiritual warmth. I would like to see our people completely embraced by the abundant symbolism of these days. My spiritual children, may God give us faith, faith into the Holy- Mother Church, into the learning of St. Clement. Believe in their righteousness, as their fulfillment will bequeath His unfathomable mercy upon you. May you have a blessed holiday season, may God be with you - and you with Him.

May you have a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas.

Christ is Born!'

[03] PM CRVENKOVSKI: `I HAVE NO INTENTIONS TO CONDUCT RECONSTRUCTIONS DUE TO EXTERNAL FORECASTS'

With respect to the macro-economic policy for 1997 the Chairman of the Macedonian Government that an annual inflation rate of 2% was being expected, as well as a stable national currency course and a GNP growth by 5%. PM Crvenkovski also commented on local elections and their execution, by denoting them to be another giant step of the Macedonian Republic towards the development of democratic procedures and the fortification of international legitimacy, towards the establishment of a stable and democratic state.

[04] KATIMERINI: `GLIGOROV A SKILLFUL AND STABLE STATESMAN'

`Certain policy-makers in Athens have misjudged Gligorov's attitude as rigidity', the Athenian daily assesses, adding that the views of the Macedonian Head of State have been stable throughout the years and that `the skillful statesman succeeded in completely imposing the angle of Skopje on the name-issue upon the international community... Greece has certainly lost this diplomatic game, and the only thing remaining to be seen is how it will handle this defeat'.

[05] SOCIAL - ECONOMIC COUNCIL FORMED AFTER MONTHS OF NEGOTIATIONS

Another objective of the Council is the establishment of a social order within the state where all stakeholders do actively shape the social domain, and bring about a more harmonious evolution of the latter.

The Chairman of the Macedonian Economy Chamber, Dushan Petrevski, stated that the operating of such a Social - Economic Council should create a possibility to implement reforms with a minimum of otherwise numerous social difficulties.

According to Trade Union Federation Chairman Zhivko Tolevski it has been more than prerequisite to form this Council to address the most urgent social issues in the country, thus achieving a favourable impact ASAP.

[06] TRANSFORMATION OF POSTAL SERVICES

[07] DNEVNIK: `A RACE WON BY EVERYBODY'

The paper also reports that in some districts votings are still being conducted, adding that `the opposition with its united approach as a coalition managed to enter the political stage through the main entrance - while the position (the SDSM above all) managed to retain its role / size on the scene' during local elections.

The daily lists the fact that so far the mayors of 121 municipalities have been chosen, in addition to the Council members of 122 communities and of Skopje. `The election procedures themselves, however, only represent a part of setting up local government, or the segment which has become known under the term `the fourth power'. The true challenge, putting this concept to the test, yet lies ahead - according to `Dnevnik'.

MILS SUPPLEMENT

[08] `Kids, Give This Number a Call!'

(`Svet' - 16th December 1996)

There certainly could not be a man in the world who would not wish all children a happy and careless childhood. It appears, however, that at the present all children throughout the world are experiencing a less and less careless childhood - but rather one full of the most different changes. These children need help.

Unfortunately parents seem to have less and less time for their children, as do teachers for their pupils, and society for its youth...

The desire to help children was the only motive of Ms.

Gordana Pirkovska-Zmijanac, the creator and executive of the idea to open the First Children's Embassy in the World `Medjashi' in Skopje.j `The idea to topen an Embassy of in the Republic of Macedonia first occurred to me upon learning of the fact (via TV) that a certain Mr. Dushko Tomikj has donated over 30 000 square metres of land in Medjashi (a place bordering Serbia, Bosnia and Hercegowina and Croatia) to create the First Children's Land. I immediately joined the project although this First Children's Land was unfortunately `devastated' by the war, in its very infancy.

In April 1992 a dramatic appeal was launched from Sarajevo: the Embassy was looking to evacuate thousands of children - in need of shelter from the turmoils of war - on a temporary basis. This was immediately followed by the set-up of the air-lift Sarajevo - Belgrade - Skopje; and the subsequent organising of convoys to Spain, France, Austria, etc.

... All this was organised by `Medjashi'. Ten thousands of mothers with their children of all denominations and nationalities found salvation through the Embassy. This marked the foundation of the First Children's Embassy in the World (FCEW), with its seat in the Republic of Macedonia, which took over the role to spread the idea to save the children of the world. Thus, on 29th April 1992, a new non-governmental and non- partisan association officially commenced its activities', explains Ms. Zmijanac.

This also marked the `construction' of a new home, a house in which children - and even adults - would feel safe, would find help and advice...

Since then the Embassy has launched several significant long-term projects which aid the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children.

The FCEW is comprised of more than 15 000 members throughout the world, and a huge following of supporters and partner organisations on all continents.

Its activities and the execution of projects is being assisted by over 200 volunteers of different professional backgrounds: doctors, psychologists, pedagogues, social workers, students, etc.

The S.O.S. Hotline: 36 54 60 A most important everyday activity is running the S.O.S. Telephone Hotline - the only of its kind in the Republic of Macedonia. Trained and specialised experts answer most various calls each day between 16 and 20 h - offering replies and advice on all sorts of problems troubling children, and even parents.

Based on FCEW reports on the work of the S.O.S. Hotline throughout the past 3 years, this project has been `a real hit'. It can freely be said that now the FCEW represents a data basis for what is troubling children.

Over the mentioned period a total of 9 370 calls have been registered. The principal burning issue keeping young people busy are inter-gender relations, as half of the calls concern this topic. This clearly indicates the necessity of increased openness and debate at home and at school - since it is still wrongly considered a `taboo' issue. Such personal problems are being closely followed by those connected to violence, addictions, ...

All this shows that a large number of children are confronted by teachers, by lack of understanding on behalf of their parents - which is conducive to increased aggression exhibited by children, or their abuse of various substances.

It is a good sign that more and more parents who want to help their children call in; a significant increase falls off to fathers who have lost custody of their children after divorce. They are interested in finding out how they can fulfill their rights, which is why the Embassy is seriously considering the need to complement existing mechanisms on rights protection - which is to be handled by the People's Legal Defense (aka `Ombudsman'), an already common institution in more developed countries.

The Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia codifies the establishment of the institution Ombudsman with general competencies concerning the protection of civic rights; in addition to 3 Deputies of which one will be exclusively concerned with the protection of the rights of children.

This will be a high-priority issue to the FCEW, through requesting the precise outlining of all responsibilities of the Ombudsman by law - and through reqesting complete liability.

This is only one of many issues with which we all should concern ourselves with, in order to help our children.

(end)

mils news 31 December 1996

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