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MILS: News from the FYROM, 96-11-11Macedonian Information Liaison Service Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: "Macedonian Information Liaison Service" <mils@mils.spic.org.mk>CONTENTS
MILS SUPPLEMENTMILS NEWSSkopje, 11 November 1996[01] MACEDONIA AND BULGARIA PREPARE DECLARATION ON COEXISTENCEThe Agreement on Cooperation between the EU and the Republic of Macedonia is expected to be signed by the end of this year, its implementation being scheduled for January 1997. Thus our country will enter a new stage of qualitatively different, institutionalized and regulated relations with the EU, as well as a pre-integration strategy of CEI member-states towards the EU. Macedonia is supporting the EU regional cooperation approach, and its achievements so far - in terms of transformation, political and economic reforms, the development of democratic proceedings and human and minority rights - have attempted to live up to the European model of a citizen's society... Based on 'Nova Makedonija' reports this has been part of the address made by Macedonian PM Branko Crvenkovski to the attending member- states of the CEI (Central European Initiative), at their meeting in Graz. The Foreign Secretaries' meeting was marked by a speech of Foreign Secretary Ljubomir Frchkovski who stressed that the EU regional approach is to be weary of the variant within which the synchronization with the least developed countries would become principal - rather than assessing the achievements of each country individually.During the CEI conference in Graz PM Crvenkovski also met his Bulgarian counterpart Zhan Videnov - as it had been announced previously. The main topics of this encounter were: the development of bilateral relations, the drafting of a coexistence declaration, the liberalization of trade and the evolving of the East-West transportation corridor. According to PM Crvenkovski both sides agreed to improve bilateral relations, and similar or identical views had been expressed on many issues. Macedonian National Radio reports that the Bulgarian PM had declared the evolution of bilateral relations a priority issue - as Macedonia represented a close and friendly country. The condition of Albanians - i.e. their rights in Macedonia was the thematic focus of another meeting of Branko Crvenkovski in Graz, this time with his Albanian counterpart Aleksandar Meksi - according to 'Makfax' which quotes Albanian electronic media. Both PMs also dwelled on bilateral joint ventures, as well as on foreign investments tied to such projects in both countries. In addition to this the Macedonian PM had a meeting with Italian PM Romano Prodi, whereas Foreign Secretary Ljubomir Frchkovski met his Austrian counterpart Wolfgang Schussel and his Belorussian colleague Vladimir Senko. [02] 'MAKEDONSKO VREME': NO DISCUSSIONS ON MACEDONIA'S NAME IN NEW YORKThe Republic of Macedonia will never allow Athens to choose a name by which it will refer to its northern neighbour, without being consulted on this issue - and particularly without giving its consent... reports 'Makedonsko Vreme', further stating that Ambassadors Zacharakis and Toshevski - together with mediator Vance - have not discussed the name of the Republic of Macedonia during the latest round of talks at New York. The magazine quotes sources in New York and Washington when reporting that so far only general issues had been delved into on Greek-Macedonian meetings, and that no sort of alternative name for the Republic of Macedonia had been proposed up to this point. The publication furthermore falls back on US sources again when claiming that the name-issue debates would be delayed as much as possible - as this would benefit both sides: Skopje could strengthen its international position under this name, whereas Athens could use the time to quench nationalist passions in Greece.[03] FREE TRADE ZONE AGREEMENT WITH CROATIA DUE SOON'Dnevnik' reports the first session of the Joint Croatian- Macedonian Economic Commission in Zagreb this week, which was characterized by the signing of a protocol - prior to the ratification of the final agreement on a free trade zone. The Joint Commission is to meet once more in Skopje by the end of this year, whereas the signing of the agreement has been scheduled for January '97.[04] 'EFTA' AND MACEDONIA TO SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENTRepresentatives of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the Macedonian Ministries of Economy, Development, Foreign Affairs and Agriculture have formed a Joint Subcommittee for the closing of a Free Trade Agreement between EFTA member-states Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein and Macedonia, in Ohrid this Friday. According to 'Dnevnik' the Subcommittee is scheduled to meet next year, to discuss activities prerequisite to an expedient ratification of the agreement.[05] PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE NGO MEETING IN MACEDONIAThe second European Conference on Peace, Democracy and Cooperation in the Balkans - in organization of the Balkan NGO Federation - has been brought to a close in Athens this weekend. 'Vecher' reports that a representative of the Council for Peace and Civic Initiatives suggested to hold the next conference of Balkan NGOs (scheduled for next year) in the Republic of Macedonia. The thematic focus of this event would concentrate on Cooperation Between Balkan NGOs, as well as on the impact of the media.Representatives of Macedonian NGOs submitted a note of protest to the Secretariat of the Conference - as the constitutional name of their country had been omitted from the List of Participants. [06] MACEDONIANS OF THE AEGEAN REGION TO VISIT THEIR HOMES FOR THE FIRST TIMEA small group of Macedonians - members of the Organisation of Macedonians Originating from the Aegean Region, with its seat in Bitola - have had no problems whatsoever on crossing the border into Greece a couple of days ago, implementing their right on a longer stay of 20 days duration. According to a press release by the organisation, the group travelled with Macedonian passports which do not list the place of birth of their holders. The organisation also welcomed this bilateral compromise - attributing huge significance to the fact that after half a century Macedonians originating from this region of Greece had finally been permitted to visit their homes. Is has been denoted as a compromise made by the Greek side as well, since the place of birth had not been named in Greek as well.[07] AIRPORT TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN STRUMICAAfter a year of negotiations between the airport construction shareholding company 'Astrion' in Strumica and 'Burch' company of Ankara, the deal on constructing an airport in Strumica was signed on Friday. The overall investment according to the agreement is to amount to approximately 50 million dollars.'Radio Park' station in Skopje reported that Skopje Airport - currently under construction - is to be officially opened on 16th December this year. Main reconstructions are to be concluded by the 15th this month, whereas minor corrections and equipment adaptations are to be conducted subsequently. At one o'clock after midnight on Friday, Macedonia assumed complete control over the air space of Macedonia - i.e. over flights above the altitude of 7 000 m, which had been handled by Belgrade so far. [08] HIGH-VOLTAGE LINE BITOLA-SKOPJE COMMENCED OPERATIONYesterday PM Branko Crvenkovski attended the opening ceremony for the 400 KV distance electricity line Bitola- Skopje at Skopje. This represents the first investment project financed by international financial institutions, following the proclamation of Macedonia's independence.The construction of this project costs 18.7 million dollars - of which 14.2 million dollars have been procured by the EBRD, and 4.5 million are provided by 'Elektrostopanstvo' ('Electricity Supplies Service') in Macedonia. The length of the electricity line amounts to 113.5 km - and contractors involved in this project are 'Beton' of Skopje, 'EMO' of Ohrid and Turkish "Galokom' - who succeeded in wrapping up the project one month earlier than the given deadline. MTV emphasizes that this facility will increase the capacity of inter connective trade and transaction of energy in SE Europe - and possibly throughout Western Europe in the future. [09] 'DNEVNIK': SCANDALOUS PAMPERING OF MANAGERS BY THE STATETrajko Slavevski, reader at the Faculty of Economy in Skopje, revealed during an interview given for 'Dnevnik' that Macedonia is being shaken by an unprecedented financial scandal at the moment. Slaveski stated that the additional package of Nat. Bonds - issued by the state in April this year, and worth 3 billion and 300 000 denars i.e. approximately 130 million DM - had been sold to manager groups of several Macedonian companies at discount rates between 40 to 50% by banking houses. Those teams used these bonds to pay privatization installments typical of the 'purchase by managers' model. Thus they succeeded in covering half of their dues already, or according to unofficial data released by Slavevski this amounts to 34 million DM. Within this context Slavevski also emphasized that these bonds should be taken off the Macedonian Stock Exchange - as the latter represents the official Macedonian market of long-term capital... rather than - as impressions of 'unauthorized' and 'obscure' transactions made by certain banks indicate - a market for bonds to be bought at such discounts by groups of managers. This has entailed to the conscious giving up of the state of stable privatization installments, which were due to be paid throughout the following 4 to 5 years... Pr. Slavevski continues.In connection to this the Privatization Agency said to 'Dnevnik' that any action conducted by them was in strict compliance to the law, as well as the banks were entitled to do whatever they pleased with National Bonds - i.e. they were entitled to sell them at whatever rate they liked, even at their loss, or they could choose to offer them at the Stock exchange or not. [10] MUNICIPAL COURT: NO OFFENSE COMMITTED BY SDSM REPRESENTATIVESIn reply to the request brought forward by IMRO-DPMNE with regards to the protection of the rights of their mayor and city-counselor candidates during local elections - the Municipal Court of Skopje has ruled that no offense had been committed. The decision has been based on the Court's finding that SDSM has not broken regulations outlined in Article 25 of the Law on Local Elections, by the fact that PM Branko Crvenkovski and SDSM spokesperson Nakje Stojanovski have quoted IMRO-DPMNE leader Ljupcho Georgievski's statement that they would 'level all the government has done so far to the ground' out of its initial context - referring to the negative conditions they had brought about. The Court ruled that even the mentioned statement made by PM and SDSM party leader Branko Crvenkovski at the election campaign rally in Shtip did not represent an offense, or a breach of legal regulations codifying legal elections. The actual statement given by the SDSM leader went as follows: 'Let me quote the largest opposition party that it levels everything to the ground. We have not built this country for parties of this kind to destroy everything and it has always - always been the case that the citizens of Shtip have had the opportunity to decide whether they would support such people - or whether they would support people who slaughter and kill their own kind, who sell their national identity.'[11] HISTORY AWARD OF 'MIHAJLO & CVETA' FOUNDATION AWARDED TO DR. NOVICA VELJANOVSKIThe already traditional award for the most outstanding historical academic publication of the 'Mihajlo and Cveta Apostolski' Foundation has been awarded to Novica Veljanovski of the National Historical Institute on Friday - for his study on 'The Macedonian Issue at the Bulgarian Parliament Between 1941 and 1944'. Those attending the award ceremony were also addressed by Defense Secretary Blagoj Handzhiski who dwelled on the nobility of the idea to award scholarships to talented scholars of history, which includes this year's award of the 'Mihajlo & Cveta Apostolovski Foundation'.[12] 'BUCHIM-JAKA' WINS INTERCONTINETAL WRESTLING CUP IN RADOVISHThe members of the current Euro-Wrestling Champion team 'Buchim-Jaka' of Radovish have emerged victorious at the Intercontinental Wrestling Cup which ended in Radovish yesterday. They managed to beat US Champions 'Dagget- Schultz' by 26 : 15.[13] ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL: MACEDONIA - LIECHTENSTEIN PLAY 11:1As part of the Football World Championships Qualifications for France '98, Macedonia has succeeded in winning the match against Liechtenstein (played at the Duchy on Saturday) with 11:1.MILS SUPPLEMENT[14] 'I Will Advocate Autochtonic Institutions for Albanians'('Nova Makedonija' - 8th November 1996)This will - first and foremost - refer to the institution 'consensus' which is to guarantee inherent national interests... 'The University at Mala Rechica represents an indispensable necessity to Albanians.' These are the first local elections the Party of Democratic Prosperity of Albanians participates in. Throughout the past few years high-ranking party officials, especially its leader Arben Dzhaferi and his substitute Menduh Tachi. have intrigued the Macedonian public repeatedly by their radical statements on several occasions - such as the illegitimate Albanian referendum in the west of the country, or concerning the so-called 'para-university' instructing in Albanian at Mala Rechica... * What do these local elections mean to the PDPA since you are -quite obviously - making such an effort, judging by your campaign PDPA is a democratic party, aware of the fact that only free democratic elections can confirm its commitment, its power, its seriousness, structure, organisatory talents and certainly its desire to emerge victorious. PDPA rose out of the ashes of Albanian efforts that never came to fruition. It has succeeded in articulating this discontent, to offer its own solutions and it is currently, at these elections, attempting to legitimate itself as a future decision-maker regarding the Albanian issue in Macedonia in order to contribute towards the loosening of ethnic tension in the country and the region. These elections are extremely important to us, therefore, as they provide a chance for politics as a 'medium' of peaceful civilized conflict-resolution, regardless to what sort of problems there may be. * On which municipalities does the PDPA concentrate its campaigning efforts, and where are the greatest chances to achieve victory? First and foremost there are Tetovo, Gostivar and Debar - but also more rural areas from Dologozhde in the Struga region up to Lipkovo (Kumanovo). We have offered our best cadre, consisting mainly of economy, political sciences and sociology graduates, with a flawless past, a clear head, a lot of energy and personal conviction. * Do you have any objections regarding the preparatory stages to this election? It is certain that this hereditary voluntarism - imposed upon us as the commonly logical approach - is infringing on the principles of a legal state. This particularly applies to the threats made by the SDSM _ PDP coalition, according to which only the incumbent parties have a realistic chance to deliver what they promise - simply because they are in power & in control of information, various mechanisms and because they have the capacity to channel means into municipalities where they are likely to win. Apart from such public confessions that the system neither has nor will be neutral, the PDPA is also confronted with other direct, unorthodox pressures - such as police searches in our HQs without warrants, or the request to forward the names of party activists and owners of buildings which house party facilities. * Your spokesperson Alaydin Demiri stated that one of the PDPA campaigning priorities is devising a way out of the economic and social crises - which focuses on the establishment of new social institutions and production (and other) facilities. Is this not actually a call for independent organizing, a call to parallel the state and its institutions? There is the ever-spreading conviction that the core of the Albanian mentality, their language and their culture are an independent entity - regardless of the fact that they are in compliance to the system. Such a viewpoint justifies the right to stifle their full, all-inclusive evolution. Mr. Demiri quite correctly indicated the right, the necessity to establish autochtonic institutions on a cultural, educational and any other level which furthers national identity. These institutions should not be private, but national - subsidized by the state, which is quite common in democratic societies. Why is it natural in Macedonia to permit the opening of a for example Egyptian, American, French institute, library, foundation or college - whereas those bearing the epiteth Albanian are deemed illegal? * What is your opinion concerning the so-called University at Mala Rechica, which you have denoted a 'western civilization project' in concordance with European regionalization policy? This represents the fulfillment of an indispensable necessity to Albanians in Macedonia, as they need to be given the opportunity to create their own values. Only then will ethnic, cultural and civilizational antalogisms diminish. The main barrier between Macedonians and Albanians in Macedonia are values - and not ethnic affiliation! Macedonians are encouraged to generate values - whereas Albanians are obstructed from doing so. * In Zhelino you said you would not allow Macedonians to develop the same attitude towards Albanians, as the American colonial powers towards the American natives. Do you consider yourself an Indian in Macedonia? I had been inspired by the presumptuous statement of a Minister who tried to convince some farmers of the incredible achievements of his party - starting with the establishment of a group of folklore and cultural societies, without even mentioning how many percents of the budget went into subsidizing such Albanian associations. But the burning issue is indeed a different one. The disintegration of Yugoslavia entailed the issue of self- determination of nations, of their rights of succession. All nations held their referendums - as did Albanians in Macedonia. We opted for internal self-government, which is constantly being obscured by - above all - pruning our civic rights. The currently largest problem in Macedonia is the project of a national state being imposed on a multinational region. Thus the metaphor of trading gold for mirrors between European colonists and Indians again represents a vivid illustration of colonial relations in a multilateral community which - after the downfall of the Eastern block - emerges as a dangerous anachronism, even in spite of the tendency to form national states. (The End)mils news 11 November, 1996Macedonian Information Liaison Service Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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