di p l o m a t i c bu l l e t i n - mic - macedonian information...

No. 10 / September 2007

MFA MEETS viSA cEnTEr rESponSibiliTiESinterview with Mr. Jasmin Kahil,

Director for organizational Affairs at the MFA

inDEpEnDEncE DAy cElEbrATED AT MAcEDoniAn EMbASSiES

D i p l o m a t i c B u l l e t i n

climate change, financing for development, the Millennium Development Goals, management reform and counter-terrorism should all receive priority attention from the General Assembly over

the next year, said incoming president Dr. Srgjan Kerim at the opening of the 62nd Session of the General Assembly of the United nations.

PRESIDENT CRVENKOVSKI AT 62nd UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski addressed the 62nd UN General Assembly in the second half of September this year. Crvenkovski met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Deputy Foreign Minister Zoran Petrov was also a member of this delega-tion.

PRIME MINISTER GRUEVSKI MEETS WITH GENERAL RAY HENAULT

Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, met with General Ray Henault, chairman of the Military Committee of NATO, on 20 Septem-ber. Gruevski, among other things, voiced his expectation that the Republic of Macedonia would receive an invitation for full member-ship in NATO at the forthcoming Summit in Bucharest. General Henault expressed gratitude for the Macedonian troops’ participa-tion in the peace missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East. He assessed positively the progress in the reforms necessary for Macedonia’s accession to NATO and he encouraged the country to continue with this progress so that it could achieve the objective: full membership in NATO.

Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin, No. 10 / September 2007

Founded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.Dame Gruev 6, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedoniawww.mfa.gov.mk • [email protected]

Editor: Pajo Avirovik

Editorial board:Vasile AndonovskiShpresa JusufiEli Bojadzieska RistoskiIgor PopovskiMaciej KaczorowskiMircela Dzuvalekovska Casule

photo: Dragan Todorovski

published by:

MACEDONIAN INFORMATION CENTRE

Translation: Aleksandra Ilievska, Aleksandra Noveska

Director: Dragan Antonov

Address: Naum Naumovski Borce 73, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia

www.micnews.com.mk

We would like to give a warm welcome and wish a successful dip-lomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia to the Ambassadors:

H.E. Mrs. Clare Birgin, Commonwelth of AustraliaH.E. Mr. Zakir Arif oglu Hashimov, republic of AzerbaijanH.E. Mr. Hugo Østergaard Andersen, Kingdom of DenmarkH.E. Mr. Elard Escala, republic of peruAnd to thank the following Ambassadors for their completed

diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia, wishing them success in their future career:

H.E. Mr. John OLIVER, commonwelth of AustraliaH.E. Mr. Gunnar ORTMANN, Kingdom of DenmarkH.E. Mr. Itaru UMEZU, Japan

Diplomatic NewseDitoRial

2 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN september, 2007

An Autumn for a Decisive Step Ahead

The Republic of Macedonia is entering the key period of the process of its integration into the EU and NATO. The speed of our European and Euro-At-lantic integration will largely depend on the country’s achievements this autumn.

We are all aware of the tasks and responsibilities facing us in the coming period, and also of the fact that minutely precise moves will have to be taken con-sidering how short of time we are. This is all the more so considering that the right steps will have to be taken on a broader, regional scale. In short, the European spring of the region depends on the responsible con-duct and vision of all the parties involved.

And as far as the achievements of the Republic of Macedonia are concerned, there are certain truly encouraging indicators. In the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, the Republic of Macedonia is ranked fourth by its reform accomplishments. At the same time, according to the latest Corruption Perceptions Index of Transparency International, in fighting cor-ruption and organized crime Macedonia went 20 places up the scale.

These indicators from respectable international organizations and institutions are the best proof of Macedonia’s reform capacities, as well as its potential to make a significant headway in the exact areas where the country could not boast any notable accomplish-ments before.

These encouraging indicators impose even more the need to eliminate the weaknesses that may compro-mise these reform achievements. This is all the more relevant now on the eve of the report from the Euro-pean Commission on the progress of the Republic of Macedonia. We expect the report this time round, as in fact before, to objectively present the attained results, which are not negligible, and to also assume a criti-cal approach of our faults of which we are fully aware. The Republic of Macedonia has recently presented its Annual National Program for Membership of NATO in the Alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, which was very positively received and encouraged by the NATO member states. Receiving recommendations in the EC report that will create conditions for starting accession talks next year, as well as receiving an invitation for joining NATO at the Summit in Bucharest are well de-fined goals for the attainment of which all Macedonia’s potentials should be harnessed.

In a time highly important for the whole region, when Kosovo’s status should be finally defined as well, the Republic of Macedonia has a historical responsibil-ity to take the decisive step ahead not only to realize its strategic priorities, but also to make a significant con-tribution to propelling the whole region in the right direction.

In the course of the two-day visit to Reykjavik, Iceland, on the occasion of the Autumn Session of the Parliamentary As-sembly of NATO, Mr. Antonio Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, addressed the Political Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly on 7 October 2007.

In his speech, MFA Milososki presented the Republic of Macedonia as a serious candidate for NATO membership, focusing on the activities and reforms pursued by the Gov-ernment and the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia. He underlined that the executive and legislative authorities worked hard and with great dedication on the fulfillment of the required criteria and standards, expecting a membership invitation at the next Summit in Bucharest. Furthermore, MFA Milsoski underscored that the Republic of Macedonia had thus far proven its capacity of sharing the burden and obligations de-riving from its partnership relations with NATO, acting as a de facto NATO member. He stated that the recent Declaration of the Macedonian Assembly for support of the country’s NATO membership clearly confirmed the continuity of the political consensus in the Republic of Macedonia established as early as the first days of the country’s independence.

At the margins of the session, the Macedonian Foreign Minister met the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO, Mr. José Lello, as well as the ten-member delegation of the US Congress headed by Congressman John Turner. Mr. Be-sim Dogani, Deputy Speaker of the Macedonian Assembly, also attended these meetings. MFA Milososki presented the achieve-ments and challenges of the Republic of Macedonia on its way to NATO membership and the expectations for a membership invitation at the Bucharest Summit.

All interlocutors, especially the US members of Congress, reaffirmed their open support for the Republic of Macedonia.

They encouraged the Macedonian Government to continue the decisive course of reforms in adherence with the Nation Annual Program for NATO Membership of the Republic of Macedonia and also expressed appreciation for the hitherto successful con-tribution of the Republic of Macedonia to the peace operations abroad, openly presenting their interest that the Republic of Macedonia soon becomes part of NATO.

MFA Milososki also took part in the discussions at the after-noon session of the Defense Committee of the NATO Parlia-mentary Assembly, at which a Resolution was adopted for sup-port for the NATO membership of aspirant countries.

PRESIDENT CRVENKOVSKI MEETS EU COMMISSIONER OLLI REHN IN BRUSSELS

Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski met EU En-largement Commissioner Olli Rehn in Brussels in early Octo-ber. They talked about the progress Macedonia should make to become an EU member state. President Crvenkovski informed Commissioner Rehn on Macedonia’s achievements, laying stress on the economic reforms, the business climate improve-ments, and fighting crime and corruption. Commissioner Rehn appealed for concrete results in conducting reforms in the po-lice force, public administration and fighting corruption, which in his view started yielding encouraging results.

With respect to the areas in which reforms are carried out slowly in Commissioner Rehn’s view, President Crvenkovski said that the country had both institutional capacity and strong political will to rectify the situation in the future with concerted efforts.

“Our ambition to be set a date for starting EU accession talks in 2008 remains the same and we are ready to meet with great dedication all criteria in this regard,” President Crvenkovski said.

The two officials also discussed the incidents at the Macedo-nian Parliament, where Mr. Rehn underlined that it was im-

portant to launch an investigation and overcome the situation as soon as possible, without any delays whatsoever, so that the Parliament may focus on conducting reforms.

President Crvenkovski also met with the EU High Represent-ative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana.

FM MILOSOSKI TAKES PART IN AUTUMN SESSION OF NATO PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

3MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN september, 2007

1. As a Director for Organizational Affairs, you have the responsible job of keeping close control of the financial and organizational performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the Republic of Macedonia. In that regard, it would be interesting if you explained to us the manner in which the recently adopted budget rebalance would reflect on our Minis-try’s current operations.

First I have to stress that the entire budget of the MFA for 2007 totals about 20 million euros. Within the budget rebalance debate we asked for another 3 million euros and were granted 4.2 mil-lion euros. However, as much as 2.7 million euros of these funds are intended for purchasing new buildings abroad for the needs of the Macedonian Embassies and Consulates. In addition, the budget rebalance allocation will be used for covering the Mac-edonian portion of the costs related to the one-year term of H.E. Dr. Srgjan Kerim, as President of the 62nd Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. With such a breakdown of the budget allocation, we will be forced unfortunately to reduce the costs within the MFA’s current operations, such as the expenses for travel, contractual and consulting services, engagement of lo-cal staff at the Macedonian Embassies and Consulates, and rent for the buildings the MFA uses.

2. You mentioned the plans for buying new buildings for the needs of the MFA. Could you tell us something more about this project?

As I already said, under the budget rebalance we were granted 2.7 million euros for buying new buildings abroad, which is enough for purchasing one or two buildings. However, it is my pleasure to inform you that in the period of 2007-2008, 40 million euros from the state reserves of the Republic of Macedonia will be targeted for buying new buildings for the needs of the Macedonian Embassies and Consulates. To this end a special commission made up of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Min-istry of Justice, the Ministry of Finance and the Bureau for Public Procurements has been set up. The commission regularly met in the course of August, identified the priority countries for buying new buildings and also made initial evaluation of all the submit-ted bids. Most of these funds will be used for buying and building 15 embassies in the European capitals, such as London, Moscow, Rome, Vienna, Stockholm, etc., and construction of an embassy in Ankara is on the agenda too. According to the timetable, the buildings in Lubljana and Prague will be bought by the end of this year, to which end Macedonian representatives have already vis-ited them. Vienna and Istanbul are next on the list.

3. At the moment our Ministry is going through a period of fluctuation in view of the departures and arrivals of our staff to and from the Embassies and Consulates. How is in your opin-ion this process going on?

Over the past few months 10 of our colleagues returned from their missions and just as many took their place. On this occasion

I can tell you that over the period to come, a few other notices will be announced for assorted vacancies at the Embassies and Consu-lates. At the same time, I would like to stress that the MFA made all the required preparations to appoint those who returned to matching work posts in its corresponding directorates. A can also say that our Embassies and Consulates made considerable savings and it is also worth mentioning that the financial burden on the MFA has eased after certain staff of the Embassies and Consulates were taken over by the line Ministries.

4. Almost a year has passed since you were appointed to the position of Director for Organizational Affairs. How do you see this period and what are your greatest achievements?

It was a rather hard and dynamic, but also productive period. I could list a number of things, which I consider great achieve-ments. Primarily I would underline the realization of the new organizational structure and the adoption of the new rulebook for operations of the MFA. It is also worth mentioning the decision for increasing the salaries of the employees of the Embassies and Consulates, the first since 1991. I am content that our Ministry managed to expressly resolve the problem relating to the purchase of the new diplomatic residence in Brussels. As early as the end of last year the problem of those working without being reported with the pension and health insurance funds was resolved. By way of their employment in the agency for temporary employment the issue of their years of service and health insurance was finally dealt with. Over the past 12 months we took on eight persons on a regular basis, while a few other regular employment competi-tions are in progress. In addition, through takeovers from other Ministries and state institutions, the MFA employed seventeen persons. For a successful wrap-up of these activities, the visa cent-er will be put into practice soon. The MFA fulfilled its responsibil-ity as regards the visa center, which is of great significance in the process of full liberalization of the visa regime with the EU. The premises on the eighth floor of the building of the ministry have been fully adapted to meet its needs, while installation of hard-ware and software equipment is in progress at the moment. Once this process is over, the center will become fully operational.

INTERVIEW WITH MR. JASMIN KAHIL, DIRECTOR FOR ORGANIzATIONAL AFFAIRS AT THE MFA

MFA MEETS VISA CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES


SECURITY OF MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS

BEgINNINgS OF ORgANIzINg MACEDONIAN EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES

CONSULAR AFFAIRS AND DIPLOMACY

ACQUISITION OF EMBASSIES TO BOLSTER DIPLOMATIC NETWORK AND IMPROVE IMAGE

D i p l o m a t i c B u l l e t i n

The current international security constellations necessitate con-stant monitoring of the security in the diplomatic and consular missions. Striving to comply with the European standards for physical protection of the diplomatic and consular missions, the Foreign Ministry’s Directorate for Security and Informatics is working on preparing and implementing statutory acts that would regulate this matter. The foreign policy and security situ-ation is monitored continuously in close cooperation with the Ministry of Interior Affairs and the other security institutions, and assessments are made pertaining to protection of Mac-edonia’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad. Attention is also dedicated to continual advancement of the security culture among all employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mac-edonia’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad. This directo-rate also provides informatics and communications assistance to

the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomatic and consular missions of the Republic of Macedonia by constantly observing the most modern achievements in the sphere of information and communications technology. The biggest challenge in this sphere is the constant upgrading of the communication with Macedonia’s diplomatic and consular missions, chiefly via the IP VPN technology and IP telephony. The aim of this is to achieve a balance between easy access and protected flow of information. The directorate manages the information system in the Foreign Ministry and diplomatic and consular missions daily, and it also dedicates great attention to providing training in informatics to all employees. Indirectly, the directorate is also involved in the project for creation of a national visa information system, in ac-cordance with the EU standards for management of the process for issuing visas.

The Government of the Republic of Macedonia decided to bol-ster and expand its diplomatic network by acquiring and build-ing buildings for diplomatic missions and consular posts. This project foresees acquisition and building of 15 buildings, for which 40 million euros will be set aside. A commission has al-ready been formed for this purpose and its task will be to review the real estate offers. The commission is composed of representa-tives of the Foreign Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the Justice Ministry, and other relevant institutions. Most of these funds will be used to acquire buildings for embassies in European centers, like London, Moscow, Rome, Vienna, Stockholm, and so forth. An embassy is also expected to be built in Ankara. Three new consulates general will also be opened in Munich, Melbourne, and Venice. With this decision, better work conditions will be

secured for the approximately 160 employees in the Macedonian diplomatic missions and consular posts (with local logistics sup-port numbering approximately 100 employees). This will also enable expansion of the current diplomatic network, which num-bers 45 diplomatic missions and consular posts at the moment. According to the dynamics set, by the end of this year buildings will be bought in Ljubljana and Prague. Vienna and Istanbul are next on the list. This decision of the Government is an exception-ally important step towards reinforcement and expansion of the diplomatic network, as well as improvement of the work condi-tions. This will also cut the huge expenses for rent of buildings. This decision of the Government can be described as a capital investment for the Republic of Macedonia, the first such invest-ment within the frames of Macedonia’s diplomatic service.

ACQUISITION OF EMBASSIES TO BOLSTER DIPLOMATIC NETWORK AND IMPROVE IMAGE

SECURITY OF MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN September, 2007

Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in BelgradeThe building was acquired in year 1996. It covers an

area of approximately 400 square meters. The Embassy and one small apartment for a caretaker are both situ-ated in a courtyard that takes up 100 square meters.

Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in WashingtonThe building was bought towards the end of year

1996. The Embassy, the ambassador’s residence, and two three-room apartments for the employees are all situated in this building.

Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in BerlinBuilding land was purchased in the broader district

of central Berlin in year 1995 and a building was built on this land. The building was finalized in year 1997. This building houses the Embassy, the ambassador’s residence, an apartment for a caretaker, and a guest apartment.

Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in BernThe building was procured in year 1999. The Embas-

sy and an apartment for a diplomat are situated in this building, which has an area of 600 square meters.

Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in SarajevoThe building was bought in year 2001. It has an area of

360 square meters and a courtyard. The Embassy and two apartments for employees are situated in this building.

Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in ParisOwnership of this building was transferred to the Re-

public of Macedonia on 16 May year 2002. The Embassy and two apartments for the employees were moved to this building following the reconstruction and adapta-tion of the same in year 2003.

Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the European Union in Brussels

Ownership of the premises used by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the European Union in Brussels was transferred on 31 January year 2007. The premises are located in the center of Brussels, on the ground floor and first floor of an office building. They cover an area of approximately 1,250 square meters (the ground floor is 650 square meters, while the first floor is 600 square meters).

BUILDINGS UNDER OWNERSHIP OF REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

One of the most important issues that the Republic of Macedonia faced imme-diately after independence was receiving recognition by the international com-munity, promoting itself internationally and protecting its national interests and the interests of its citizens abroad, which had previously fallen under the former Yugoslav federation. This involved crea-tion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs simultaneously with organization of a diplomatic service abroad for the first time in Macedonia’s history.

The process of creating a diplomatic network started in 1992 by sending diplomats, who in the capacity of liaison officers (most frequently with an incom-pletely defined diplomatic status), served in several more important capitals. How-ever, as the number of countries with which the Republic of Macedonia set up diplomatic relations grew, so the basic preconditions for establishing embassies and consulates were created. In January 1993, three diplomats were sent with a mission of opening up the first Macedo-nian embassies in Ankara and Ljubljana and the consulate general in Sofia, which was raised to level of an embassy shortly after. A total of 43 embassies and con-sulates have been established since and their number is expected to reach 46 by the end of this year.

Noting these facts, as part of the more recent Macedonian diplomatic history, it is my pleasure to recall the trust invested in me by being af-forded the opportunity to participate directly in the opening of the first embassy, and indirectly in the setting up of about ten other embassies and consulates as part of the managing team of the Ministry of Foreign Af-fairs.

In carrying out the procedure of opening embassies and consulates, apart from the necessity of possessing diplomatic skills, because of the aforementioned limited possibilities, my colleagues had to demonstrate dexterity and resourcefulness in fulfilling the tasks they were charged with, which was oftentimes recognized by the Ministries of Foreign Af-fairs of the host countries.

I remember an interesting event that happened in the first few months of my stay in Ankara, which reflects the circumstances in which the em-bassy was opened. Considering that we lacked technical personnel and vehicles, I used taxi as a means of transportation. At a meeting with the political director of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alev Kilic tried to give me friendly advice to be careful when hiring lo-cal technical staff for the embassy, considering that the “hired” secretary used every opportunity when I was away not to take calls, turning on the answering machine instead. When I told him that I was completely alone at the embassy, amazed he turned to his colleagues and said: “Will is how-ever above all. For such activities we send three to four officers”.

BEGINNINGS OF ORGANIzING MACEDONIAN EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES by Danco Markovski


“In January 1993, three diplomats were sent with a mission of opening up the first Macedonian embassies in Ankara and Ljubljana...”

e wish a successful diplomatic mission to our colleagues:

Aleksandar Novotni - counselor at the Embas-sy of the Republic of Macedonia in Belgrade.

Biljana Stefanovska-Sekovska - counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO in Brussels.

Goran Stevcevski - minister counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the UN in New York.

Jani Bogoevski - appointed to the position of minister counselor at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU in Brussels.

Kire Ilioski - minister plenipotentiary at the Embassy of the Republic of Mace donia in Belgrade.

Milan Spiridonovski - minister plenipotentiary at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU in Brussels.

Salim Kerimi - minister counselor at the Con-sular Office of the Republic of Macedonia in Copenhagen.

Sofija Asikova-Georgievska - first secretary at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO in Brussels.

Hanif Dauti - first secretary at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU in Brussels.

Cvetko Kolcakovski - first secretary at the Em-bassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Sofia.

Nazif Xhaferi - counselor, member of Srgjan Kerim’s office.

CONSULAR AFFAIRS AND DIPLOMACY by Jordan Panev

The Editorial Board of MDB proudly announces that two of its members, Eli Bojadzieska Ristevski and Igor Popovski together with Nazif Xhaferi were assigned to the Office of the President of the 62nd General Assembly of the United Nations, Mr. Srgjan Kerim. By undertaking this extremely challenging task, both Eli and Igor, will shift from observing and discussing foreign policy issues within the MFA and MDB, to creating real global policies, within the framework of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Being proud of their success, we wish them even greater achievements at East River.


Consular affairs are one segment of the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stipulated with the Law on Foreign Affairs, the Rulebook on Organization of the Min-istry, and other statutory acts and subacts. Most missions of the Republic of Macedo-nia abroad are diplomatic and consular mis-sions, which means that they also provide consular services. They are very rarely of purely diplomatic or culturally-informative character. The diplomatic and consular mis-sions’ activities at an international level are regulated with the Vienna conventions on diplomatic and consular affairs, years 1961 and 1963 respectively. These conventions define, in detail, the sphere and method of activity. Thus, I will focus mainly on the consular affairs within the frames of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Ministry Sector for Consu-lar Affairs deals with activities pertaining to: protection of the interests of the Republic of Macedonia and its citizens, as well as pro-tection of the interests of the legal entities abroad; consular relations with other states; issuing of diplomatic and official docu-ments and visas; the visa center; legalization of documents; the activities of Macedonia’s diplomatic and consular missions abroad; international regulations pertaining to state borders and implementation of these regulations; cooperation with international

organizations and foreign diplomatic and consular missions in the Re-public of Macedonia; and other affairs in this sphere of activity. In other words, we can say that this sector represents a service to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia through which they achieve their rights and needs abroad. Therefore, there can be no improvisation in the work of this sector (or the work of the consulates and the consular departments in the embassies), which is why professional diplomats are employed in the same.

The universality of consular officials can best be described through an anecdote from my own diplomatic and consular experience. During my mandate as consul general of the Republic of Macedonia to Istanbul (2001-2005), I was invited to the formal opening of the building of the new Consulate General of the United States to Istanbul. After the cer-emony, the guests were able to visit the premises, which were divided into a consular department, a department for economic affairs, press department, culture department, science and technology department, agriculture department, and so forth. The consul general of one Balkan country joined me at one moment and I asked him whether they also have so many departments in their consulate. He responded: of course, but the problem is that I am the only diplomatic and consular employee in the consulate.

“We can say that this sector represents a

service to the citizens of the Republic of

Macedonia through which they achieve

their rights and needs abroad.”

Spain Stays Macedonia’s Great Saporter

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedo-nia, Antonio Milososki, met with the Speaker of the Spanish Senate, Francisco Javier Rojo Garcia, on 10 September, which marked the start of his 2-day official visit to the Kingdom of Spain. The following day he had a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos.

Minister Milososki’s meeting with Speaker Rojo Garcia raised several issues with regard to the bilateral cooperation and the aspiration of the Republic of Macedonia to join the EU and NATO. It was underlined that Spain was a strong advocate of further EU enlargement and that the Republic of Macedonia should consider Spain a great supporter on that road.

Minister Milososki also delivered a lecture at the Elcano Royal Institute before an audience of thirty representatives of the sociopolitical life in Spain. He used the opportunity to make presentation of the government program and efforts for integra-tion of the Republic of Macedonia into the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions in near future.

Macedonia Reaffirms Position on Existence of One China

A senior Chinese party delegation led by Wang Yiariu, min-ister of the international department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, paid an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting with Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, the two officials agreed that the mutual trust between the two countries is at a high level, and they expressed satisfac-tion with the cooperation at an international level. They both expressed interest in developing the cooperation in the eco-nomic sphere. Nikola Gruevski reaffirmed Macedonia’s position on the existence of “one China” and on Taiwan as an integral part of China’s territory.

The Chinese minister was also received by Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski. They exchanged views on the bilateral political and economic relations and on topical inter-national issues.

Lithuanian MFA Vaitiekūnas Visits Macedonia

The strengthening of the economic ties and the Euro-Atlan-tic accession experience of Lithuania were among the key topics discussed between MFA Milososki and his Lithuanian counter-part Petras Vaitiekūnas during his visit to Skopje on August, 28 2007. At the venue MFA Vaitiekūnas once again reaffirmed the Lithuanian strong support to the Macedonian EU and NATO bid and accompanied by prominent businessmen from Lithuania called for enhanced economic collaboration and hence signed the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Income and Capital Tax Fiscal Evasion.

MFA Vaitiekūnas was also received by the President Crvenkovski, President of the Assembly Georgievski and the Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

FM Milososki Participates in Closing Session of Informal Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers (Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Por-tugal, Luis Amado, current holder of the European Union Presidency, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Antonio Milososki, participated in the closing session of the informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers of the EU member states in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, in early September. The session was dedicated to the Middle East peace process, with special attention to the situation in Lebanon.

Minister Milososki also had fringe meetings with several EU counterparts.

The issues raised at this traditional informal meeting includ-ed Kosovo, the cooperation of the EU with its regional partners, Russia, Ukraine, India and Africa, as well as the reform process of the EU treaties.

on 19 September canada recognized Macedonia’s constitutional name.

BilateRal RelatioNs


8 September - The Day of Independence of the Republic of Macedonia was officially commemorated by the Embassies and Consulates of the Republic of Macedonia this year too. In order to commemorate Macedonia’s Independence Day, they organized meetings and receptions accompanied by activities and events of cultural and artistic nature. On this occasion, our diplomats spoke about the importance of the national holiday, about Macedonia’s 16 years of independence and its foreign and home policy achieve-ments that have paved the country’s way to the European and Euro-Atlantic organizations.

What follows is a brief summary of the Independence Day cel-ebrations in some of the Macedonian Embassies:

Vienna, Austria - The Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Vienna and the permanent mission of the Republic of Macedo-

nia to the Vienna-based inter-national organizations staged a gala reception at the renowned Kursalon Wien on the occasion of 8 September, Macedonia’s Independence Day. The recep-tion was also used for economic presentation of the Republic of Macedonia.

Canberra, Australia - The holiday was celebrated in one of Australia’s federal capitals, Perth, in cooperation with the Mac-edonian Council for Western Australia. On this occasion, the Macedonian Orthodox Church of St. Nikola and the Macedonian Social Center hosted an exhibition honoring one hundred years of Macedonian statehood coupled with presentation of Macedonian food and wines.

At the same time, the main newspaper in Canberra The Can-berra Times ran a feature by Macedonian Ambassador Viktor Gaber on the 16-year growth of the Republic of Macedonia.

Tirana, Albania - The reception organized at Tirana Interna-tional Hotel on the occasion of Macedonia’s Independence Day went in a very pleasant atmosphere. It was attended by a great many political figures, including Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Macedonian wines were served to the guests and tradi-tional Macedonian music was played.

London, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - For the diplomatic corps and the Macedonian citizens living and working in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Embassy organized a reception at one of the banqueting halls of the Royal Horseguards hotel. At the same time, on the occasion of 8 September, an exhibition of paintings by Zaneta Veljanovska opened at the London Gallery, Macedonian entertainer Goce Arnaudov held a concert, while Ivana Tasev ex-hibited a set of black-and-white photographs.

Berlin, Germany - Apart from holding a reception at the Eu-ropean Academy in Berlin, the Embassy of the Republic of Mac-edonia marked Macedonia’s Independence Day with a series of cultural events too. On the occasion of this national holiday, the new website of the German-Macedonian Association www.make-donische-gesellschaft.de was promoted.

Copenhagen, Denmark - A reception was organized at the Em-bassy of the Republic of Macedonia and a celebration was staged later in the evening by the Association Macedonia in Copenhagen.

Toronto, Canada - Macedonia’s Independence Day was marked by the opening night of film director Milco Mancevski’s latest credit Shadows. In cooperation with the production house Bavaria

Film International, a dinner and a cocktail party were organized at which director Mancevski addressed the guests. On the same occa-sion, in a friendly atmos-phere and in cooperation with the Church of St. Kli-ment Ohridski in Toronto a cocktail party was thrown with guests from the Macedonian Diaspora.

Bucharest, Romania - 8 September and the ending of the 4-year diplomatic mission of the Macedonian Ambassador to Ro-mania, Tihomir Ilievski, were celebrated with a reception in the attendance of the whole diplomatic corps in Bucharest and distin-guished persons of Romania’s public life.

Moscow, Russia - A reception was organized in the Cultural Center of the Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Embassy used the event also for a small, yet prominent tourist promotion of the Republic of Macedonia, and advertising materi-als were handed out to all guests.

Zagreb, Croatia - The Embassy commemorated 8 September at a meeting with representatives of the Macedonian cultural as-sociations, the municipal and district councils of the Ministry of National Minorities, the Council of the Ministry of National Minorities of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the Macedonian Church Communities in the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian-Macedonian Association of Friendship, and other or-ganizations of Macedonian emigrants in the Republic of Croatia.

Washington, the USA - The Embassy marked Macedonia’s Independence Day by holding a reception, attended also by such prominent figures as Congressman Bill Pascrell from New Jersey and Rosemary DiCarlo from the United States administration. The Resident Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to the UN in New York organized a reception for the resident representatives and the diplomatic corps of the UN member countries and the representatives of the UN Secretariat.

Ljubljana, Slovenia - In the small town of Trzin, just outside Ljubljana, the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in the Re-public of Slovenia organized a reception in a medieval castle on the occasion of the national holiday.

Ankara, Turkey - The reception staged by the Embassy and the Military Attaché of the Republic of Macedonia in the Republic of Turkey was embellished by audio and video events about and from Macedonia.

Madrid, Spain - A re-ception was organized at the Intercontinental hotel in Madrid, the main guest of which was Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and the delega-tion of the Ministry of For-eign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.

In the attendance of the diplomatic corps, senior state officials and distinguished public figures, receptions were organized also by the Embassies of the Republic of Macedonia in Paris, Stock-holm, Belgrade and Sofia.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED AT MACEDONIAN EMBASSIES


AMBASSADOR ALEKSANDAR TAVCIOVSKI, DIRECTOR FOR ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH AT THE MFA

GOOD NEIGHBOR RELATIONSThere are a few descriptions of the character and quality of

the relations between countries, such as ally’s, good neighbor, friendly, correct, cold, strained, etc.

The abovementioned (and other unmentioned) definitions may be used in defining relations between any two countries in the world. The term good neighbor relations, however, may only be used for describing relations between countries that border each other and that as neighbors share a number of issues and challenges.

The end of the Cold War and the historical change that oc-curred in Europe in general and inside the countries was used by the countries for setting up the foundations for building bilateral relations on new grounds in the spirit of the good neighbor rela-tions and friendly cooperation. To this end, the practice of con-cluding agreements for good neighbor relations and friendly cooperation was reinstated and particularly applied between and with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

In these agreements, prominent stress was laid on the provi-sions about the countries’ territorial integrity and border invio-lability. The issues they addressed also included social and eco-nomic problems, as well as protection of national minorities.

This trend of concluding bilateral agreements was also fol-lowed by the EU, which in 1995 with the Stability Pact pro-moted the policy of guaranteeing stability in Central and Eastern Europe via bilateral agreements on good neighbor relations, focusing on borders and national minorities The Pact, popularly known as Baladur’s initiative, included six countries of Central and Eastern Europe and three Baltic countries and the carrot, or the incentive, was the EU integration.

Aware of the need for good relations with all its neighbors, and of its geo-strategic position - in the heart of the tradition-ally sensitive Balkan Peninsula - the Republic of Macedonia ever since its independence committed itself to promoting relations with its immediate neighbors and the countries of the broader region as one of its chief foreign policy priorities. Hence, it is no coincidence that the Republic of Macedonia was and still is frequently defined as a leader in the development of regional co-operation, which is one of the important tools for promoting also good neighbor relations with the countries of the region, as well as regional security and stability, including immediate relations. The Republic of Macedonia also offered its neighbors and initi-ated concluding of agreements on good neighbor relations.

This approach was of course duly recognized in Macedonia’s successful path toward the European and Transatlantic integra-tion. Thus, in 1997 the agreement on cooperation with the EU came into force. In 1998 Macedonia was granted the candidate country status for joining NATO. In 2000 it signed the Stabiliza-tion and Association Agreement and in 2005 it became an EU candidate member state.

The Republic of Greece, until recently the only NATO and EU member state in the region, has undoubtedly supported and con-tributed to Macedonia’s road, which is logical considering that it is in its best interest and is also an indicator of the good neighbor relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece.

Today the issue of the good neighbor relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece is becom-

ing a spotlight issue, both within the framework of international institutions and in certain public statements of high-ranking officials, which frequently raise the question of whether the good neighbor rela-tions between the Republic of Mac-edonia and the Republic of Greece have become strained.

The Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece established their bilateral relations on 13 Sep-tember 1995 by signing the Interim Agreement, the first (A) part of which is entitled “Friendly Rela-tions and Measures for Building Trust”, the Memorandum of Application for the Practical Measures of the Interim Agreement (13 October 1995) and the Memorandum on the Mutual Estab-lishment of Liaison Offices in Skopje and Athens.

Besides the specifics of the concrete bilateral relations, the Interim Agreement contains also a considerable part of the basic structure of the aforementioned agreements for good neighbor relations, such as mutual recognition of borders (signed agree-ment), commitment to integration with international organiza-tions (the EU and NATO), respect of each other’s standards, measures for cooperation and mutual understanding and respect of border inviolability and territorial integrity. However, what this agreement does not stipulate (otherwise very prominently present in other such agreements) is the countries’ commitment to protecting minority rights.

So that we may objectively understand the quality of the bilat-eral relations with the Republic of Greece, it will suffice to point out only a few facts. As far as foreign investments are concerned, the Republic of Greece with its input of 280 million dollars is Macedonia’s third greatest foreign investor. With the aim of rais-ing trade and developing economic cooperation between the two countries, we are interested in intensifying the activities for setting up higher forms of cooperation (production cooperation, joint ventures, etc.). At the same time, the Greek Plan for Recon-struction of the Balkans of 550 million euros projects 75 million euros fro Macedonia.

Activities have also been taken for more intense coopera-tion in a number of areas: internal affairs, opening of additional border crossings, culture, cooperation of municipalities, the Prespa-Ohrid Euro-region, environment, water supply, tourism, etc. In May 2007 the Government of the Republic of Macedonia instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior to make sure that Greek citizens can cross the Macedo-nian border only with IDs for a given period of time. There are many Macedonian citizens studying at the universities in Thes-saloniki and Athens and Greece is a traditional destination for hundreds of thousands of Macedonian tourists.

This short overview shows that the relations between the two countries have progressed greatly since 1995 and there is also a steady trend of expanding them further in a number of areas.

A confirmation of the good neighbor relations can also be found on the official website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs where it is said that since the signing of the Interim


Agreement the relations have advanced in a good way and that there have been frequent bilateral meetings of officials of both the countries. A total of 21 bilateral agreements have so far been signed. Of course, there is still considerable room and interest for furthering the cooperation, as evidenced by the rising interest of Greek businesses to set foot on the Macedonian market.

Bearing all this in mind, I trust that not only is there no di-lemma if good neighbor relations exist, but the relations are evi-dently growing. There are also occasional downward tendencies or standoffs, but they are most often motivated by the internal political affairs and are surmountable, as clearly demonstrated by our experience so far.

In 1993 it was said that the differing positions concerning Macedonia’s name (not going into greater detail as to how this assessment was made) represent a security concern for Greece. Most of the international community today realizes that this issue - our name and our identity - is a highly relevant security concern for the Republic of Macedonia, as in fact evidenced by the fact that three countries, permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, decided in the meantime to recognize the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, a decision which they would certainly not have taken, if it had posed any security and stability threats to the region and the Republic of Greece. Another 117 UN member states did the same. Hence, it is necessary that these differences are finally approached from the point of view of this reality: the name of our country, Republic of Macedonia, poses no threat either to the peace and stability of the region or the Republic of Greece with which we sincerely wish

to continue building good and versatile relations in the service of better bilateral and good neighbor relations and in the service of the peace and stability of the region and its prosperity. Under Article 5 of the Agreement, Macedonia and Greece have been conducting name talks under the auspices of the UN Secretary General and the Republic of Macedonia will continue as before to play a constructive part in these negotiations.

“Time should be given time” is a saying that, although I re-cently heard in the context of another issue, I am confident can fully apply to the name matter too, as confirmed by our experi-ence so far and the successful development of our relations since 1995 to date.

In this regard I hold that we should carry on seeing the posi-tive sides of our relations, which will be best realized through intense contacts and cooperation in all the areas of our bilateral, as well as multilateral relations. I am confident that the Republic of Greece is just as concerned about stability in the region as Macedonia is. In this context, both the countries undoubtedly take in the same fashion the aspirations of the Republic of Mac-edonia to join NATO together with Croatia and Albania, or to be more exact to be extended an invitation at the NATO Sum-mit in Bucharest, and by starting accession talks with the EU to become part of the EU family in near future.

In view of the aforementioned definitions of relations between countries, our wish and goal is to move on from good neighbor relations to ally’s relations, for which, I am confident, there is suf-ficient interest and need with both the countries. It is high time the region entered a stage of trust, cooperation and prosperity.

AMBASSADOR ALEKSANDAR TAVCIOVSKI: GOOD NEIGHBOR RELATIONS

Colleague Misajlovski Retires from Active ServiceA fitting ceremony was held in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occa-

sion of our colleague Gjorgji Misajlovski’s retirement from active service. At this ceremony, State Secretary Igor Ilievski presented Misajlovski with a certificate of honor for his years-long dedication to his profession.

Colleague Misajlovski is an experienced diplomat who carried out his duties professionally in four European countries (Austria, Germany, Russia, and Poland) and was chargé d’affaires in two diplomatic and consular missions (Warsaw and Vienna), while at the same time being accredited in a few countries. All col-leagues agree that Misajlovski is a person of exceptional energy and broad dia-pason of interests, who did not hesitate to share his experiences with the young diplomats.

The editorial board of the Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin joins in the heart-felt good wishes on the occasion of colleague Gjorgji Misajlovski’s retirement.

Tose Proeski 1981-2007The Macedonian mega pop star Tose Proeski, who died in

a car crash in Croatia, was a great humanist, who sang to help individuals, institutions and organizations.

In 2003 he was presented with the humanitarian Mother Theresa Award and became a Regional UNICEF Ambassador.

In 2004 he was appointed as a UNICEF National Ambassa-dor for Children, and recorded the song “Za ovoj svet”

(“This World”) which is now the UNICEF anthem.

He held his last concert at the City Stadium in Skopje on October 5. The concert was humanitarian, intended to raise funds for reconstruction of primary schools in the country.

IN MEMORIAM


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