Makedonien|Mazedonien News

PM Gruevski: Crvenkovski included identity issue into talks with Greece SDSM leader Branko Crvenkovski's statement that he stands for a solution to the name issue, which will not threaten Macedonia's national identity is hypocritical, as he was the one who accepted such a proposal for settling the dispute, presented by (UN-mediator) Matthew Nimetz in 2005,Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told reporters on Friday. He (Crvenkovski) also knows that Greece has for a long period of time set its positions meddling with the identity into concrete, the PM said.  "In 2005 Crvenkovski accepted one of Matthew Nimetz's proposals, which presented a threat to our identity. I clearly stood against it then. There are records that only VMRO-DPMNE pointed out that the proposal was problematic for the Macedonian identity, language. But SDSM declared it as the best thus far and embraced it, while we were fiercely criticized for our objection. Now, as a leader of the opposition SDSM, ...

Macedonia's women handball team is ever so close to qualifying for the Europan championship after it defeated Lithuania in Vilnus 24-32. The red and yellow broke Lithuanian resistance in the second half after both teams ended the match tied 14-14 on half time. Ten minutes into the second half, Macedonia took a decisive 5 goal lead which it didn't give up until the end for a comfortable win. The final score was 32-24. Elena Georgievska scored 8 goals, Pecevska 6, Bajramovska 5. The crucial match comes this Sunday against Turkey. Should Macedonia win it, it will book a ticket to the European championship in Holland. France certainly helped today as they defeated Turkey in Ankara 36-23.

Al-Quaeda had three training camps in Macedonia, claims retired professor of the Skopje Faculty of Security Ivan Babamovski. Despite this, "the international anti-terrorist coalition" is not helping Skopje in any way, he noted. The security situation in Macedonia and the region is fairly poor and more violent incidents can be expected after the murder of five men near the village of Smiljkovci, western Macedonia, on April 12, Babamovski stated.  He believes the murders near Smiljkovci was a terrorist act meant to spread fear among the population.  Al-Qaeda had three training camps in Macedonia, he noted.  Babamovski stated that 25 members of "an ethnic group" in Macedonia had undergone terrorist training in Tehran, Iran, and that one of the leaders of that community had been to Qom, the Shia spiritual center, where he was trained in leading groups related to terrorism.  Despite all that, the members of the anti-terrorist coalition are not ...

Ein Bub kam 16 Wochen zu früh zur Welt. Die Mutter ist nicht sozialversichert. Auf die Eltern werden Spitalskosten in der Höhe von rund 170.360 Euro zukommen. Hilfe ist nun gefordert. Foto © Privat Perian Dauti (41) mit ihrem Sohn Arijon Im Klinikum Klagenfurt kam ein Baby 16 Wochen zu früh zur Welt. Der Bub musste am 15. Mai per Kaiserschnitt geholt werden. Seine Eltern gaben ihn nun den Namen Arijon. "Jeder Tag, den er überlebt, ist ein Gewinn", sagt Georg Schuchlenz. Der Klagenfurter Anwalt startete für die Eltern des Frühchens einen Spendenaufruf. Vater und Mutter stammen nämlich aus Mazedonien (siehe Info rechts). "Dort hatte die Frau zwei Fehlgeburten", sagt Schuchlenz. Wegen der besseren medizinischen Hilfe kam die Frau nach Klagenfurt. "Das Neugeborene wird wahrscheinlich 100 Tage an der Neonatologie sein. Die Kabeg schätzt die Behandlungskosten diesbezüglich auf 170.360 Euro", sagt Schuchlenz. Die Mutter ist nicht sozialvers...

Der Analyst von Anleihencheck Research, Sven Krupp, hält die Anleihe (ISIN XS0238022445/ WKN A0GKXH) von Mazedonien für etwas risikofreudigere Anleger für eine interessante Alternative für den europäischen Staatsanleihen-Sektor. Die Anleihe, emittiert vom süd-osteuropäischen Staat Mazedonien, sei mit einem Kupon von 4,625% ausgestattet, laufe noch bis zum 08.12.2015 und weise eine anlegerfreundliche Stückelung von 1.000 Euro auf. Bei einem aktuellen Kurs von 93,20% biete das Papier eine jährliche Rendite von 6,80%. Das Land sei seit 1991 unabhängig und habe seither eine eindrucksvolle Entwicklung vollzogen. Nun wolle die Regierung den Ritterschlag durch die EU erhalten und in die EU aufgenommen werden. Erst Anfang 2012 seien der mazedonische Außenminister Nikola Poposki sowie der EU-Erweiterungskommissar Stefan Füle in Brüssel zusammengekommen, um über die erzielten Fortschritte des Landes zu sprechen. Füle habe zwar die Fortschritte Mazedoniens gelobt, doch sei seiner Meinun...

Skopski Leguri is looking for investment opportunities in manganese and nickel ore projects, Igor Frunze, chairman of the company’s supervisory board told Metal Bulletin. The manganese alloys producer, based in Macedonia, is considering both new and developed projects. It could use its existing cash to finance the deal or it could raise funds; that decision will be made once a project has been selected, according to Frunze. “We have been looking for manganese and nickel-ore mine deposits for quite a long time and we are considering different projects. It has to be good value for money,” Frunze told Metal Bulletin. “It can be an existing, developed mine, for example if the owner wants to sell, or it could be a project that is not developed at all,” he said. The company intends to send manganese ore mined at the project to its... http://www.metalbulletin.com/Article/3037567/Ores-and-alloys/Skopski-Leguri-will-invest-in-manganese-and-nickel-ore-projects.html

After NATO chose not to extend membership to Macedonia, there are some calls for the government to withdraw troops from the mission in Afghanistan. Macedonia's Scorpio unit has served in Afghanistan under NATO. [Reuters] Macedonia's government said it is committed to keeping its troops as part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan, despite urging from some in the country to withdraw after the organisation again chose not to extend membership to Macedonia last week. "Greece's policy is merciless towards Macedonia's soldiers, who risk their lives daily to bring freedom and security to Afghanistan. Irresponsible politicians and resulting policies do not contribute to the security and stability of our region," President Georgi Ivanov told SETimes. The small nation lobbied for an invitation to be extended at the Chicago NATO summit, but the organisation took no action toward expansion. It’s the second disappointment for Macedonia, which also sough...

Macedonia can do very well without NATO, which is a reminder of the Cold War, says the Washington-based analyst Umberto Pascali in an interview with Macedonian television's show "Porta". Commenting the PM Nikola Gruevski's criticism towards NATO members, Pascali says it is of essential importance to tell the truth. "Trust and respect was demonstrated by a political leader representing his own people. Too many leaders do the opposite. Something substantial is being changed in Macedonia," says the analyst. The criticism of "arrogant NATO masters denouncing their hypocrisy and threat" comes after a recent visit of a Macedonian government delegation to China, where economic cooperation has been established with one of world's economic giants. " China is part of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). Half of world's population lives in BRICS countries. It is a huge functional, strategic, economic and financ...

Culture Ministry State Adviser, Darko Stefanovski, and Austrian Ambassador to Macedonia, Thomas Michael Baier signed Tuesday a bilateral cooperation protocol in the fields of culture, science and education. Stefanovski said the protocol resulted from the work of a mixed committee, comprised of representatives from competent ministries of Macedonia and Austria. "The protocol represents a step forwards in the enhancement of already excellent bilateral cooperation, creating an institutional framework for encouragement of direct activities of stakeholders in culture, science and education", he added. The protocol follows the 2010 signing of a bilateral agreement in the fields of culture and science. "We attach great importance to cooperation in the field of education. We are focusing on areas towards entrepreneurial enhancement, i.e. vocational schools. We will also continue to nurture Austrian culture and literature in Macedonia", said Ambassador Baie...

The mayors of Bitola and Thessaloniki - Vladimir Talevski and Yiannis Boutaris - signed a declaration for cooperation and joint promotion before EU funds within the INTERREG and IPA programmes with a project "Cultural Industries", MIA reported from Thessaloniki. Taleski and Boutaris at their joint meeting held yesterday in Thessaloniki discussed cooperation in the field of culture, tourism, new technologies and education. "Our embraces are wide open. In order to cooperate in various spheres, a special protocol with clear cooperation strategy will be prepared soon. Despite the fact that the two countries have some political differences, the two friendly nations share a lot of ties that need to be developed," Boutaris said after the meeting. In addition to Thessaloniki, Bitola has established cooperation with several Greek cities, including Florina, Edessa and Kastoria. Yesterday's talks were the first official meeting between mayors of Bitola an...

A service of intercession was held Thursday on the tomb of St. Cyril in the church of St. Clement in Rome. The service was also attended by a state delegation, led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. PM Gruevski congratulated the Slavonic Enlighteners’ Day to the citizens of Macedonia from the sacred place where the remains of St. Cyril are laid to rest, MIA reports. "This is a great day for Macedonia and that's why we are here in Rome on the tomb of St. Cyril to honor the enlighteners’ mission. We are pursuing the tradition established on this day. This year for the 44th time we have the chance to attend the service of intercession and together with many Macedonians living in Italy to mark the day,” Gruevski said. The service on St. Cyril’s tomb in Rome is the main event marking the Day of Ss. Cyril and Methodius. It was organised for the first time in 1969 to observe 1.100 years since the death of Saint Cyril and it is marked annually by a state and church de...

STORYTELLING crosses all boundaries as Huddersfield based company TellingTales is well aware. The company, resident at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, will represent England in a festival in Macedonia later this summer. And it hopes to come home with a prize as the International Children's Theatre Festival has a competitive element. The storytelling company will perform in August alongside other groups from Russia, Switzerland, Croatia, Spain, Turkey, Slovenia and Macedonia. It will be taking a storytelling performance of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, adapted by Robin Simpson, which was first performed in Kirklees schools. Susanna Meese, lead storyteller at TellingTales, said: “It is a privilege to be representing England at this festival, which is held at Babec Theatre in Bitola, a centre for European excellence in children's theatre. “I can't wait to share our work and gain inspiration from other countries' productions.” Ma...

Macedonian feature film " Punk's Not Dead " by Vladimir Blazevski has won an award for best movie script at the 7th charity film festival in Monaco, held between May 8-15, the Film Fund of Macedonia has said. "Punk's Not Dead" has won 11 prizes at festivals worldwide thus far. Moreover, the short film " Unfinished Story " by Naum Mihajlovski has won a special award by festival's jury in competition with other short films. The film, which is a Macedonian-Czech co-production, had its official premiere outside Macedonia at the festival. The film festival in Monaco is an annual charity event dedicated to the Virlanie Foundation in the Philippines for the benefit of abused and abandoned children.

Macedonia was selected among four countries in global terms with regards to development of broadband internet at the World Summit on the Information Society, held in Geneva earlier in the week, said Minister for Information Society and Administration Ivo Ivanovski in Thursday's address at the International Regulatory Conference, held in Ohrid. "This is another great recognition for the country, since Macedonia was highlighted as a successful example in the sector of telecommunications and information society", stressed Ivanovski.

Overview: -- In our view, the Republic of Macedonia has relatively low wealth levels, limited monetary flexibility, and weak external liquidity. -- However, it has favorable fiscal and external debt stock positions and the prospect of eventual accession to the European Union acts as a policy anchor. -- We are therefore affirming our 'BB/B' long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Macedonia. -- The stable outlook balances our view of Macedonia's structural rigidities and vulnerabilities to external shocks against its low levels of external and fiscal indebtedness. Rating Action On May 17, 2012, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BB/B' long- and short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on the Republic of Macedonia. The outlook is stable. The recovery rating is '3'. Our transfer and convertibility assessment for Macedonia is 'BB+'. Rationale Th...

Die Drogeriemarktkette dm, deren Zentrale für Österreich und Osteuropa in Wals bei Salzburg beheimatet ist, expandiert nach Mazedonien und eröffnet die ersten Filialen in der Hauptstadt Skopje, teilte dm Österreich mit. Man sei der erste westliche Drogeriefilialist, der sich in Mazedonien niederlässt. Der dm Gesamtkonzern - mit dm Deutschland - sei nun in zwölf europäischen Ländern vertreten. Die Entscheidung zur Expansion nach Mazedonien sei ein logischer Schritt gewesen, so Manfred Kühner, Stellvertretender Vorsitzender der Geschäftsführung von dm Österreich. Sehe man vom Kosovo und Montenegro ab, sei Mazedonien es mit etwas über zwei Millionen Einwohnern die größte Teilrepublik des ehemaligen Jugoslawien, in der dm noch nicht vertreten war.

Die Republik Mazedonien ist ein kleiner Binnenstaat im Zentrum der Balkanhalbinsel mit einer Fläche von fast 26.000 Quadratkilometern und ca. 2 Millionen Einwohnern. Die Bevölkerung Mazedoniens setzt sich gemäß Volkszählung 2002 aus rund 64% ethnischen Mazedoniern, 25 % Albanern (nicht unumstritten) und einem kleineren Anteil an Türken, Roma, Bosniern, Serben, Walachen und anderen Nationalitäten zusammen. Die Religionszugehörigkeit unterteilt sich in orthodoxe Christen (70 %), Muslime (29 %), Sonstige (1 %). Also ein multi-ethnischer Mix mit stark religiöser Komponente. Kommentar von Harald W. Kotschy Zufolge dieses ethnisch-religiösen bipolaren Bevölkerungsgemenges eskalierten bereits im Winter 2001 an der Grenze des westlichen zum islamischen Kulturkreis die latenten mazedonisch-albanischen, also christlich-muslimischen Animositäten zu einem Bruchlinienkonflikt ganz im Sinne des Huntingtonschen „Clash of Civilizations“. Samuel Huntingtons Definition zufolge sind Bruchlinienk...

Wie schon eine Woche zuvor haben sich auch am 11. Mai 2012 in Skopje, der Hauptstadt der Balkanrepublik Mazedonien, einige tausend Islamisten, fast ausschließlich Albaner, nach dem traditionellen Freitagsgebet vor der Jaja-Pascha-Moschee zu einem Demonstrationszug versammelt. Soweit bekannt, wird diese Moschee in der (ehemals türkischen) Altstadt von Islamisten kontrolliert. Und zwar durch Wahhabiten, die den Angaben der gemäßigten islamischen Gemeinde in Mazedonien zufolge intensiv versuchten, in Moscheen an Einfluss zu gewinnen. Auf ihrem Weg ins Stadtzentrum im modernen Teil der Stadt skandierten sie Slogans wie „Allahu akbar“, „Tod den Christen“, und „Jihad“. Im Zentrum ihrer Hassausbrüche standen aber auch die Polizei, die Innenministerin Gordana Jankuloska, die als „extreme Christin“ gebrandmarkt wurde, sowie die Regierung samt Ministerpräsident Nikola Gruevski. Aber den Demos fehlt auch nicht eine gewisse politische Komponente. Bereits am 4. Mai wurden Aktivisten der innera...

Macedonian bus drivers applauded the announcement of SDSM's leader Branko Crvenkovski in which the opposition leader promised to organize numerous protests against the Government led by Gruevski, stated Crvenkovski in a press conference earlier today. The first protest is to be held on June 3rd in Strumica. The second protest is to take place on June 10th in Veles and the third in Kumanovo on June 24th. After a deserved vacation time, the last protest is in Skopje, on September 2nd, as everyone is expected to be back from their vacations. This a second attempt by the SDSM to organize protests in Skopje. The previous protests were unsucessful despite hiring 30 buses to bring protesters from other cities to the capital. Similar operational plan is expected this time around as well. The Mayor of Strumica and SDSM's VP has already been making threats to his administration that everyone including their family members must board buses headed to protest sites if they...

Greece is the NATO member-state most likely to be kicked out of the Alliance because of its behaviour towards Macedonia and Turkey, shows a survey of the Atlantic Council and Foreign Policy magazine. The two renowned institutions polled about 60 renowned heads of state, ministers of defense and foreign affairs, intelligence officers, and current and former members of Congress. When asked which country they would kick out of NATO, Greece won comfortably with 18 votes, followed by Hungary (5), Turkey (4), Iceland (3), whereas 22 respondents said all member-states should remain in the Alliance. Respondents said the reasons for Greece's NATO expelling were the its behavior towards Macedonia and Greece, as well as "its boundlessly selfish egotism and disruptive tactics". On the other hand, when asked which country should join NATO, Macedonia was second with six votes, behind Sweden (13), but ahead of Australia, Georgia and the Ukraine with five each. I...

The largest wine distributor in China will sign an agreement with nine Macedonian wineries for export of Macedonian wine to China. Vice Premier for Economic Affairs Vladimir Pesevski told MIA that the leadership of the Chinese distribution company, which imports wine from the entire world, expressed satisfaction from the quality of Macedonian wines at Tuesday's presentation and tasting in Chengdu. "Macedonian wines were presented during the business forum in Chengdu, including a large number of Chinese wine distributors, with one of the largest ones, which has over 600 distribution centers in the country, expressing satisfaction from the quality. We referred to the signing of an agreement with nine wineries for export of Macedonian wines to China", said Pesevski. He added the export would represent the Government's assistance to the wine industry, grape producers, and the Macedonian economy in general. The Chengdu business forum included meetings wit...

Macedonia and Bulgaria foster an excellent cooperation in the field of defense, countries' defense ministers, Fatmir Besimi and Anyu Angelov, concluded Thursday at a joint meeting in Sofia. An annual cooperation plan between the two ministries was signed in the course of Besimi's visit to Bulgaria, MIA reports. The document is another sign of the excellent coopperation between Macedonia and Bulgaria, according to DM Besimi. "At the meeting and at others held with counterparts from NATO countries, Macedonia's reforms are welcomed and they give credit for the country's contribution to international peace missions as well as support for NATO membership in compliance with the Alliance's principles on settling open political issues. The Republic of Macedonia de facto with its engagement proves that it is a credible partner of NATO," Besimi stated after the meeting. The DM emphasised the importance of Macedonia's membership to NATO, not only fo...

Macedonia defeated Northern Ireland 1-0 in its fourth match of the UEFA U21 qualifications. With this win, the red and yellow sit tied for second with Denmark, Serbia is at the top with 11 pts out of five matches. Macedonia was better the entire match, particularly in the second half. 18 year old David Babunski who trains with Barcelona's first team entered the match in the second half and showcased his talent.  Babunski had complete control of the midfield, constantly found his teammates with sharp passes that even the red and yellow offensive line was surprised to receive. It was Babunski clever through pass ball to Hasani in the 16 yard box which led to a penalty in the 82nd minute. Urdinov secured the trhee points for the red and yellow after his successful conversion. Needless to say, the Macedonian senior team is in dire need of someone like David Babunski. Hopefully John Toshack took notice of this youngster. There is a good reason he is in Barcelona! ...

The fresh investment of British company "Johnson Matthey" in the free economic zone Bunardzik sends a strong message to other foreign companies we wish to attract to come to Macedonia, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told reporters on Thursday. Yesterday, the British company launched a construction of the second plant in Macedonia, worth EUR 60 million, which is set to double production and open 100 new jobs. "This is a strong message to other businessmen, as the decision of such global player to once again invest in Macedonia after few years means that the company has been satisfied with the doing business conditions in the country," Gruevski said. With the new plant the "Johnson Matthey" makes the largest greenfield investment in Macedonia of EUR140million and over 500 employees. It is also important, Gruevski said, that the company invests in high tech and offer respective training to local employees. "Johnson Matthey" follows the s...

The work and reforms of the Central Register have contributed Macedonia for a second year in a row to take the top spot in Europe and to rank sixth in the world according to the World Bank and its parameter for central registry. Consequently, Macedonia is ahead of its teacher Norway, which has provided assistance and offered its experience in the establishment of the Central Register. The next challenge is Macedonia to be the first in the world in coming years. This was stated by Premier Nikola Gruevski at an event marking the 10th jubilee of the Central Register. According to him, the Central Register in the past decade had become one of the leading institutions in the implementation of extremely complex projects that were of great importance for the business community in Macedonia. All the projects launched and realised by the Central Register, Gruevski said, are a proof that the institution has succeeded in the system and addressed many challenges. "Together w...

911 STATT 112 GEWÄHLT DIESE NUMMERN SOLLTEN IMMER GRIFFBEREIT SEIN Im Notfall ohne Nummer: Jeder vierte Autofahrer kennt die Euro-Notrufnummer 112 nicht. Erschreckend: Laut einer aktuelle Umfrage des Internet-Vergleichsportals „kfzversicherungen.org“ würden 25 Prozent aller Befragten im Notfall die „911“ wählen. Das ist aber die Notfallnummer in den USA! In allen Staaten der EU kann man nach einem Unfall unter 112 kostenfrei bei Polizei, Rettungsdienst oder Feuerwehr anrufen. Auch in Island, Kroatien, Liechtenstein, Mazedonien , Montenegro, Norwegen, in der Schweiz, Serbien sowie in der Ukraine ist der sogenannte Euronotruf schon eingerichtet. In vielen dieser Staaten können Sie übrigens auch auf Deutsch anrufen, die Notrufzentralen sind entsprechend geschult. Ein Anruf auf Englisch ist in der gesamten EU möglich. In Deutschland gilt auch weiterhin der Notruf 110.

Die zuständige Staatsanwaltschaft in der Republik Makedonien erhob am 02.05.2012 Anklage gegen 5 Personen wegen Terrorismus. Drei von diesen Personen sind in Haft, zwei von ihnen noch  auf der Flucht. Am Tag zuvor hatten zirka 800 Polizisten Razzien in Skopje durchgeführt, bei denen 20 Personen verhaftet sowie Waffen und Propagandamaterial sichergestellt wurden. Nach Aussage des makedonischen Innenministeriums sollen Islamisten für die Morde an fünf ethnischen Makedoniern bei Skopje verantwortlich sein und schließen damit einen rein ethnisch bedingten vorläufig Zusammenhang aus. Damit würde es in der Republik Makedonien eine neue Form der Gewalt geben, die sowohl von den ethnischen Makedoniern als auch von den albanischen Makedoniern mehrheitlich abgelehnt würde. Hintergrund An einem See bei Skopje wurden am 12.04.2012 fünf ethnische Makedonier ermordet. Vier Teenager und eine 45 jährige Person, die beim Angeln waren. Da albanische Makedonier für die Morde verantwortlich ...

British company "Johnson Matthey" launched Wednesday the construction of the second plant in Macedonia, worth EUR 60 million, which is set to double production and open 100 new jobs. "Johnson Matthey is the second large foreign company that has decided to reinvest in Macedonia. This demonstrates security, satisfaction, prosperity. When a company reinvests in Macedonia, this means it is satisfied from the initial investment, operating conditions, communication with authorities, and all other parameters required for good business", said Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in the address at the cornerstone-laying ceremony in free economic zone Bunardzik. According to him, the Government's policies rely on the principle of strategic partnership with the business sector and foreign companies in the country, whereas the strategy for improvement of business conditions in Macedonia resumed, accompanied by the country's promotion as an attractive business des...

Ungefähr 1500 radikale Islamisten protestierten heute in der mazedonischen Hauptstadt Skopje und forderten die Freilassung von fünf inhaftierten Islamisten, welche verdächtigt werden, am 12. April dieses Jahres vier Jugendliche im Alter von 18-20 Jahren und einen 45-jährigen Mann ermordet zu haben. Am 2. Mai dieses Jahres hat die mazedonische Polizei insgesamt 20 Personen nach dreiwöchiger Fahndung inhaftiert, wovon drei Personen eine direkte Täterschaft vorgeworfen wird. Zwei weitere unmittelbare Tatverdächtige befinden sich auf der Flucht, womöglich im angrenzenden Kosovo. Der grausame Mord von fünf Fischern an einem Binnensee bei Skopje schockierte nicht nur die mazedonische Öffentlichkeit, sondern erregte auch das Interesse in anderen Ländern des Balkans. Auch der Zeitpunkt des Mordes lässt auf ein extrem-islamistisches Motiv schließen. Der Mord erfolgte an Karfreitag und somit kurz vor dem orthodoxen Osterfest. Die mazedonische Bevölkerung gehört zum Großteil dem Christentum ...