Special Supplement:

MACEDONIAN MONASTERIESSpIRITuAl AND TOuRIST RElIC Of ThE BAlkANS

Macedonia to acquire 15 eMbassies throughout europe

independent and obJectiVe assessMent - basis to Fight corruption

interview with Ms. Monica Macovei, special adviser to the government in charge of fighting corruption

eapc ForuM in ohrid - Yet another test

passed on the WaY to natoNo. 9 / July-August 2007

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

The masons of Macedonia have always built monasteries in places unique by their beauty and seclusion. hidden in forests or resting upon rocks over rough mountain waterways, these old shrines

represent a genuine tourist gem and a spiritual relic of the balkans.

macedonia to acquire 15 embassies throughout europe Macedonia will invest 40 million euros into the acquisition of 15 buildings for embassies in a number of European countries. These funds will be secured from the foreign exchange reserves. “The Government adopted a decision to acquire buildings for embassies in London, Moscow, Vienna, Ljubljana, Prague, Ankara, Warsaw, Budapest, Sofia, Stockholm, Rome, Madrid, and Bucharest. Buildings for consulates will also be acquired in Thessaloniki and Istanbul,” Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said.The prime minister stressed that most of these buildings would be bought via a public advertisement. He explained the Government’s decision with the fact that the macroeconomic indicators necessitate that the foreign exchange reserves be used for payment of the foreign debt or acquisition of property abroad. These funds cannot be used for internal use.Prime Minister Gruevski informed that, as a result of the acquisition of these buildings, the state would save 600,000–700,000 euros in rent annually. These funds now can be invested in the country.

At the moment Macedonia has seven buildings for embas-sies in Brussels, Berlin, Bern, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Paris, and Washington. Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki said that three new consulates, in Venice, Munich and Melbourne, would be opened.”The opening of these consu-

lates was prompted by our emigrants in these three countries with the aim of meeting their needs,” he said. The consulates are expected to start work in February or March next year. Most financial resources (160,000 euros) will have to be provided for the consulate in Munich.

Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin, No. 9 / July - August 2007

Founded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.Dame Gruev 6, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedoniawww.mfa.gov.mk • bulletin@mfa.gov.mk

editor: Pajo Avirovikdeputy editor: Vasile Andonovski

editorial board:Shpresa JusufiMaciej KaczorowskiEdvard MitevskiEli Bojadzieska RistoskiIgor PopovskiMircela Dzuvalekovska Casulephoto: Dragan Todorovski, Nace Popov, Rumen Kamilov

published by:

MACEDONIAN INFORMATION CENTRE

translation: Aleksandra Ilievska, Aleksandra Noveskadirector: Dragan Antonovaddress: Naum Naumovski Borce 73, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedoniawww.micnews.com.mk

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

H.E. Mrs. Simone Filippini - Kindom of the NetherlandsH.E. Mr. Andrew Jonathan Thomas Key - United Kingdom of Great

Britain and Northern IrelandH.E. Mrs. Alexandra Papadopoulou - Hellenic RepublicH.E. Mr. Ferenc Kekesi - Republic of Hungary

And to thank the following Ambassadors for their completed diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia, wishing them success in their future career:

H.E. Mrs. Frederique DE MAN - Kindom of the NetherlandsH.E. Mr. Thomas FUGLISTER - Swiss ConfederationH.E. Mrs. Theodora Grosomanidou - Hellenic RepublicH.E. Mr. Robert Chatterton Dickson - United Kingdom of Great Britain

and Northern Ireland

Diplomatic NewseDitoRial

The Macedonian embassy in Washington.

� MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-august, 2007

eapc Second Security Forum - post Festum...On 28 and 29 June the Republic of Macedonia hosted the second Security Forum of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). The most important event on the NATO agenda for 2007 took place in Ohrid, a town holding a spe-cial place in Macedonia’s culture and history for a number of reasons. The Security Forum in Ohrid is the second event of this kind. Unlike the NATO Summits where major strategic decisions are usually taken, precise guidelines are set for development and transformation of the Alliance and eventually a joint closing document is produced (such as the Declaration of Riga of 2006 pointing to Macedonia, Albania and Croatia as future potential NATO member states), the Security Forum, as its name in fact says, represents a forum where the EAPC member states (at the moment 26 NATO member states and 23 Partnership for Peace member states) openly discuss highly relevant political issues, propose solutions and also take the opportunity to hold fringe bilateral meetings. The topics raised in Ohrid included the Euro-Atlantic inte-gration and the future of our region in general, including the resolution of the Kosovo issue, Afghanistan and the increas-ingly burning issue of energy safety. The numerous pro-ductive and inspiring discussions will certainly be further analyzed and debated in NATO, especially in developing the Alliance’s future strategies. Macedonia had prepared for over half a year for this signifi-cant event, which took place at a highly favorable moment for the country - less than a year before NATO’s next Sum-mit set to take place in Bucharest, Romania, on 2-4 April and expected to be a Summit of expansion. According to the undivided assessments of the participants, the Forum was organized in a highly professional and quality way, its special flavor being a result of the hosts’ hospitality and cor-diality, which went well beyond the standards of diplomatic courtesy. What does this Forum mean for the candidacy of the Re-public of Macedonia for NATO membership? According to certain diplomats, it is the jewel in the crown of Macedonia’s candidacy. According to others, it is a possibility for proving the country’s capacity for organizing mega political events and for inter-agency coordination on all levels; a unique chance for those included in the taking of the decision for extending an invitation to Macedonia to learn firsthand about the country’s natural beauties, people, reform achieve-ments, and way of life; a recognition of Macedonia’s efforts in attaining the required standards. Anyhow, all agree that this was an opportunity for promo-tion that Macedonia took completely and went even further! The high standards set in Are, Sweden, where two years ago the first EAPC Security Forum took place, were surpassed. Delegations from all the 49 EAPC member states came to Ohrid headed by 20 ministers and deputy ministers, while NATO was represented by its Secretary General, who to-gether with the Macedonian Prime Minister opened the Forum. They all left Ohrid with wonderful impressions, as well as with a new perception of Macedonia’s eligibility for full-fledged membership of NATO.The second half of the match called NATO Accession 2007 begins today!

Zoran dabikdirector for collective security systems at the MFa

published by:

MACEDONIAN INFORMATION CENTRE

translation: Aleksandra Ilievska, Aleksandra Noveskadirector: Dragan Antonovaddress: Naum Naumovski Borce 73, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedoniawww.micnews.com.mk

mFa milososki on Official Visit to uSa

At the invitation of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Macedonian FM Antonio Milososki paid an official three-day visit to the USA. The issues discussed at the meet-ing of Mr. Milososki and Mrs. Rice included the progress made in conducting the reforms aiming to help the Republic of Macedonia join NATO, Kosovo’s final status, the successful organization of the recent EAPC Security Forum in Ohrid, as well as the promotion of the bilateral relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the USA.

State Secretary Rice reaffirmed the U.S. support for Mac-edonia’s membership of the Alliance. On his part FM Milos-oski expressed assurances that the Republic of Macedonia has capacity, along with the other partner countries, to fulfill all membership criteria and be a serious and well prepared can-didate for Alliance membership ahead of the NATO Summit in Bucharest, due to take place in April next year. In this re-gard Milososki mentioned the Macedonian Government’ ef-forts in conducting judicial reforms, fighting corruption and organized crime and keeping the good image of a function-ing multi-ethnic democracy and society. Besides Rice, FM Milososki met also U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hedley, U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary Gordon England as well as several congressmen and senators and members of various academic and research institutions. All these meet-ings primarily focused on providing support for Macedonia’s admission to NATO.

mFa milososki completes china tourJuly, 17-20MFA Antonio Milososki paid a three-day working visit to the People’s Republic of China to discuss political issues and trade

promotion between the two countries with his counterpart H.E.Yang Jiechi. Their talks highlighted the high-quality bilateral relations and focused on providing mutual support for national interests in the multilateral arena, inter alia. The Chinese firm position over the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia and the Macedonian “One China” policy were once again reiterated.

The necessity of strengthened economic cooperation was also tackled, and the sphere of modern technology was singled out as ap-propriate for Chinese potential investments in Macedonia, as sug-gested by MFA Milososki. For that purpose, MFA Milososki visited the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), ZTE, one of China’s leading tel-ecommunications equipment manufacturing companies, Na-tional People’s Congress Standing Committee and Haier Group and numerous other corporations in-terested in economic cooperation and investments in the Republic of Macedonia.

�MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-august, 2007

Ms. Monica Macovei is special adviser to the government of the republic of Macedonia in charge of fighting corruption.Ms. Macovei was Minister of Justice of romania and the fight against corruption and the reforms of the judical system were the top priorities of the Ministry under her leadership.

Recently you have been appointed as Spe­cial Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia in charge of fight­ing corruption. What were the motives for you to take over this position? I find the fight against corruption, in par-ticular in countries in transition where corruption reached political decision, to be extremely challenging. So, I like it. I believe that at some point in the history of these countries, some specific circumstances– such as the wish to become members in inter-national organizations plus the push by the public opinion plus a certain degree of po-litical will- could all jointly help the change happen. I think Macedonia is at this time in its history and I am glad I am here.

You have been widely and internationally recognized as key figure in reducing cor­ruption in your home country. Which of the best practices exercised during your tenure as Minister of Justice in Romania could be applied most swiftly in Mace­donia?I will select some of the relevant issues: (i) there are some vital areas where we have to look and impose strong observance of the law: public procurement and privatization; we shouldn’t forget that the massive trans-fer of the state property to private hands, doubled by lack of proper and coherent

legislation or by the failure to implement legislation, specific for the countries in tran-sition, has created room for high political corruption; (ii) the administration and judi-ciary must be cleaned of political influence; (iii) judiciary must be subject to integrity and professional testing and be given inde-pendence and training along with imposing a system of accountability; (iv) random dis-tribution of cases in the courts would help preventing corruption within the judicial system; (v) prosecutors investigating organ-ized crime and corruption must be very well selected amongst the best professionals and people of strong character capable to resist political influence and be given legal and practical instruments; in addition, they must change their passive attitude (waiting for cases) into a pro-active attitude (going for cases); finding a group of prosecutors as described was vital to the success and I insist that this is a matter of practice ant not law; (vi) institutions and actors involved in criminal investigations (ex. customs, anti money laundering office, police, prosecutors, specialists, etc) must work together as task forces in each case and not compete with each other. This issue could be seen as small, but I insist that it is vital for the success of any investigation. Many other measures and practices could be enforced, we will talk about them another time.

As an urgent matter, I should mention the need to have an independent and objective assessment of the level of corruption and of the efficiency of the institutions involved in preventing and fighting corruption. An ob-jective and overall assessment –performed, for instance by an international NGO- must be the basis of drafting a realistic and good Action Plan for combating corruption. Romania had such a requirement from the EC, under the safeguard clause, and at the beginning of 2005 such an independent as-sessment was performed and constituted the basis of the Action Plan. I recommended this to the Government here and will help with the preparations as I have done it already.

Finally, I would like to raise the point of im-plementation of laws and by laws. Implemen-tation is the crucial word, because here we see the will and capacity of institutions to act, and by implementation we create good prac-tices and make the difference. Implementa-tion is more difficult than adoption of legisla-tion, and it is a matter of practice, behavior, attitude, professionalism. Implementation of laws has been a problem in Romania as well as here.

As a devout combatant against corruption, could you tell us how important the proc­ess of rectifying the corruptive behavior in the light of Macedonia’s EU accession is?I would like to start by underlining that cor-ruption should be fought first of all for the benefit and well being of the people in the country. We reform our countries for us, for the people, for the benefit of our societies. It is only if we think like this that we can make real reforms and not some cosmetical chang-es to show to the EU. The EU accession process helps the country to change for itself. In addition, one should not forget that Eu-ropean funds –coming from the EU tax pay-ers- come into the candidate countries and EU must ensure, as a duty to its citizens, that these money do not go into private pockets but are used legally and transparently to the benefit of the communities and development of the country.

Could you please provide us with a brief overview of your activities in Macedonia thus far and reveal to us the concrete steps that are to be taken in the near future? Knowing that total eradication of corrup­tion is a very distant dream – not only for Macedonia ­ which will be the “scoreboard” for the success of your work to be measured upon?I started by visiting and discussing with the institutions involved in preventing and fight-ing corruption as well as with many of the international agencies and actors involved in this area. In addition, I started to study the legislation in its different forms and stages (adopted, amendments, drafts). Studying the EU reports, assessments and other docu-ments with regards to Macedonia was also a priority. Some of the recommendations I already made refer to (i) the independent and objective assessment I described previously (see my answer to the second question) to be followed by a realistic and short action plan, (ii) the strengthening of the co-operation between vary agencies and people working in criminal cases, (iii) enforcement of the provisions of illicit enrichment from the UN Convention against corruption, which was ratified in March, (iv) supplement the exist-ing action plans with budgetary indicators, as planning a budget for each measure shows determination to fulfil the respective meas-ures and makes the implementation looks real. I made other recommendation as well but I will make them public once they are in an advanced stage of preparation/adoption/implementation.

interView with mS. mOnica macOVei, Special adViSer tO the GOVernment OF the republic OF macedOnia in charGe OF FiGhtinG cOrruptiOn

independent and ObJectiVe aSSeSSment - baSiS tO FiGht cOrruptiOn

� MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-august, 2007

EAPC Forum in ohrid YEt AnothEr tEst PAssEd on thE WAY to nAto

In the presence of 49 delegations, 20 of which were headed by ministers of defense, foreign affairs and economy, the Security Forum of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC)

was held in Ohrid, the Republic of Macedonia, on 28 and 29 June.

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-August, 2007

In the presence of 49 delegations, 20 of which were headed by ministers of defense, foreign affairs and economy, the Security Forum of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) was held in Ohrid, the Republic of Macedonia, on 28 and 29 June.As an organization that succeeded the North-Atlantic Cooperation Council, closely cooperating with the Partnership for Peace (PFP), EAPC represents a multilateral forum that aims to strengthen the relations between NATO and the European countries (as well as the Asian parts gravitating toward the European periphery) that are not members of the Alliance. With the aim of realizing this goal, the EAPC member states meet once a year to discuss and share views of the Trans-Atlantic political and security challenges. The need for a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan, Kosovo and the prospects of the Balkans, as well as the need for energy stability were in the spotlight of the discussions at the Ohrid Security Forum, whose underlying topic was “Promoting Peace and Stability: Present Challenges and Solutions”.The fact that the Republic of Macedonia was entrusted with the organization of such an event represents recognition of the seriousness of its NATO candidacy and its commitment to fast integration of the region into the Alliance. On the other hand, the organization of the Forum represented to the Republic of Macedonia yet another test on its path toward the Alliance. It is for this reason that the Republic of Macedonia demonstrated the required willingness and serious approach to the realization of this goal, in the process of which it harnessed all the necessary institutional, human and material resources, which made the organization of the Forum “impeccable”, as NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer put it at the official press conference. Minister Adnan Kahil, under whose umbrella the representatives of the various institutions made their utmost

and whose contribution was of tremendous importance for the flawless functioning of every aspect of the projected agenda, was in charge of the organization of this event of great significance to the Republic of Macedonia. The immaculate organization had an effect also on the constructiveness of the panel discussions and the numerous bilateral and multilateral meetings, which made it possible for the Ohrid Forum to produce new ideas, heartfelt and open discussions and concrete conclusions aiming to further define the policies of NATO and promote regional, global and energy safety and the role of NATO in this regard. The message of the Open Door Policy of the Alliance and the expectations of the Adriatic Group in the run-up to the Summit in Bucharest that should take place in April 2008 were put across in Ohrid too. The expectations of the Republic of Macedonia from this Summit were conveyed by Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, who symbolically said that, “Because of the wind, the planned fireworks could not have been organized, yet we have abundant reserves that we could use for fireworks after the Summit in Bucharest.”In parallel with the holding of the EAPC Forum in Ohrid, the Euro-Atlantic Club of Macedonia organized the Youth Security Forum in the neighboring city of Struga under the working title “Challenges of Global Security and Responsibility 2007”. Young leaders and scholars of the region debated on this occasion the same burning issues their older colleagues discussed on the opposite side of the lake. The flawless organization of the EAPC Security Forum represented a distinct confirmation of the capacity of the Republic of Macedonia to be a good host of events of such grand scale. At the same time, the Republic of Macedonia once more demonstrated political will and aptitude to implement all the required reforms and meet all the criteria leading to its full-fledged NATO membership.

EAPC Forum in ohrid - YEt AnothEr tEst PAssEd on thE WAY to nAto

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-August, 2007

My first meeting with NATO dates back to the ministerial meeting in Sintra, where the foreign ministers of the NATO member and partner countries formed the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council – EAPC – on 30 May 1997.In June that same year I took part in the political-military Seminar “Eloquent Nugget ‘97”, which was held in Norfolk, Washington DC, New Orleans and Fort Polk in the United States, under the organization of the NATO’s Supreme Atlantic Command. This was a big challenge for a young diplomat, a chance to gain practical experience in a multilateral environment with representatives of 20 partner countries, and an opportunity to present the Republic of Macedonia.In March 1998 I visited the NATO Headquarters in Brussels for the first time. I participated at the meeting of the Committee for Challenges of Modern Society in EAPC format, where I gave a lecture. I visited Brussels again the following month, as member of the delegation of the Republic of Macedonia at the Individual Expert Dialogue (presently Membership Action Plan, MAP). This was an exceptional opportunity to get directly acquainted with this organization and its manner of work, to communicate with associates from other countries and members of the NATO International Staff, and to see how this huge machinery functions “from the inside”.The following year 1999, the Kosovo crisis occurred. Macedonia also felt the consequences of this crisis, taking in over 350,000 refugees from Kosovo. I was assigned an exceptionally delicate task of serving as liaison officer with the British Military Forces who were setting up the refugee camp Stenkovec. I also had “the honor” of being a target of the forces of the opposing side when two British soldiers and I headed for the border crossing Blace in their Land Rover. They had bulletproof jackets. When I asked them to give me one, they told me that I was wearing good (civilian) clothes.In April 2000 I participated in the session of the EAPC Advisory Policy Atlantic Group (APAG) in Montreux, Switzerland. This was an interesting experience at the shore of the Geneva Lake, where I took part in open debates on development of the partnership relations. There I learned that then NATO Secretary General George Robertson likes to start his speeches with a joke. Current NATO Spokesman James Appathurai was a member of his speechwriter team. He told us that he has a book with jokes from nearly all countries in the world, as a result of which he knows what would make the inhabitants of Chile laugh and what would make people from Malaysia laugh.In May 2001, during the crisis in Macedonia, I was appointed secretary of the delegation at the meeting between the Republic of Macedonia and NATO in Brussels and at the regular spring EAPC foreign ministerial meeting in Budapest. I visited the United States (Washington and New York) for the second time in June 2001. The topic discussed at this

“Eloquent Nugget ‘01” was Civil Emergency Planning. Accordingly, we visited the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, just three months before the horrifying terrorist attacks on 11 September.On 8 and 9 March 2002, Macedonia hosted the meeting of the foreign ministers of the countries from the Vilnius 10 Group – candidates for NATO membership. This was a successful event, which was attended by all ministers of the Vilnius 10 Group.At the end of February 2003, I was appointed to Macedonia’s Mission to NATO in Brussels. At the first EAPC ambassadorial meeting in March I had the honor (accidentally, of course) to be welcomed by then NATO Secretary General George Robertson. Even though I shook hands with him on a few occasions, this was special. At the incidental meeting with the associate who was replacing the justifiably absent ambassador, she told Mr. Robertson that she is alone again. I stepped in, stating that she is not alone anymore and that I am the new member of the Macedonian Mission. Lord Robertson greeted me warmly, welcomed me, and wished me successful work in Brussels.The frequent visits of Macedonian senior officials are always assessed very positively in NATO. This is an opportunity for us, members of the Mission, to also meet with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and assure ourselves of his prominence.All this years have been significant and important, but now we are really ahead of realizing our strategic goal – membership in the most successful political-military Alliance. This chance we have to exercise at the utmost manner thus showing that we are mature country that democratically functions in the same way as the other member states of NATO.

Goran CEkOv First Secretary in the Mission of

the Republic of Macedonia to NATO

mY (First) 10 YEArs With nAto

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-August, 2007

tWo stEPs AhEAd oF nAto sECrEtArY GEnErAL

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-August, 2007

I am sure that you think that you have heard and read all news, reports, and analyses on the Security Forum of the NATO Euro Atlantic Partnership Council in Ohrid by now. The job was completed and congratulations were extended.

But no event is covered fully without a story from inside, which provides a close look at the actors involved in this event from a completely different aspect, different to the one that we are used to.Mr. Goran Cekov and I had the privilege of being liaison officers responsible for NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. We, together with Mr. Edvard Mitevski, liaison officer for NATO Deputy Secretary General Alessandro Minuto Rizzo, were responsible, most probably, for the most important delegation. So here is the story.I was sincerely surprised

when I was told that I, together with my associates, would be responsible for the delegation of the NATO Secretary General. That pleasant suspense before being told what delegation I, as one of the liaison officers, would receive was replaced by uneasiness and justified fear whether I would be able to rise to the occasion. This initial reaction was followed by a feeling of satisfaction and temperate audacity, considering that the liaison officers were chosen on the basis of their personal and professional qualities.All liaison officers attended training at which due deference was given to the security and protocol aspects of our tasks. However, all tutors started or ended each lecture and exercise with the words, “of course, this does not apply to the delegation of the NATO Secretary General”. Considering that this was my first time as liaison officer, you can just imagine how I felt in those moments.The training intensified when we left for Ohrid, a week before the start of the Forum and the completing of the teams responsible for the various delegations. We spent these days quite “inappropriately”, marveling at the fascinating Ohrid and its alluring magnificence. I admit that we misused the first few evenings for spontaneous joint fraternizing.At the start of the week, I got acquainted with Mr. Fernando Romero and Mr. Francisco Prata from the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General, and Mr. Jean-Francois

Vanham, security officer. They came as an advance party to the delegation with the aim of ensuring that the preparations for the forum and Mr. Scheffer’s visit are progressing well. It is superfluous to talk about the communication and cooperation with these gentlemen. The impeccability in their work was a tribute to the top professionalism that they demonstrated in their duties and the enthusiasm and simplicity in their everyday interpersonal relations.I started my duties as liaison officer on Thursday, when the NATO plane arrived from Melsbroek, Brussels. My VIP was in this plane, together with the heads of the national delegations: ministers, deputy ministers, and ambassadors to NATO. The moment that he arrived, Mr. Scheffer stressed that he did not want any pomp during his visit, thus not drawing more attention to himself than his function necessitates.There was one interesting incident. While walking through the hotel, at one moment Mr. Scheffer separated from his party to drink water from the nearby water machine. I, personally, was pleasantly surprised by his straightforwardness, which he demonstrated by taking the time to take a few photos with the chef responsible for the catering at the forum, the members of the EAPC Youth Forum, and, of course, his liaison officers, despite his crammed agenda.The only unexpected detail, which had a certain comical subtext, was that at certain moments Mr. Cekov and I had to step up our walking, considering that Mr. Scheffer is renowned as a sports person and we, as liaison officers, always had to be two steps ahead of him. Such moments are inevitable and they are a result of the human dimension as opposed to the rigid organization of such event.The curtain has fallen behind the EAPC forum in Ohrid. Some liaison officers are by the Ohrid Lake again, but this time as tourists. These summer holidays are welcome; they will help us continue the painstaking work.We all expect good news from Bucharest next year. Then we will recall Ohrid, with the satisfying knowledge that we were part of the process for full integration of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO.

Bojana SPASOSkADirectorate for International Law

I was sincerely surprised when I was told that I, together with my associ-ates, would be respon-sible for the delegation of the NATO Secretary General.

The masons of Macedonia have always built monasteries in places unique by their beauty and seclusion. Hidden

in forests or resting upon rocks over rough mountain waterways, these old shrines represent a genuine

tourist gem and a spiritual relic of the Balkans. It is no coincidence that in the early Christian days Macedonia

was the first European land that Apostle Paul set his foot on. The miraculous icons, altars, iconostases and relics of saints have whispered to travelers to this very day about

the bygone days, the monastery life and the spiritual deeds of the monks of the time. They reveal to tourists

and visitors the truth about the region where the Orient and the Western Christian civilization met and mixed.

The monastery lodgings and the monks’ cells in the major monasteries offer accommodation to tourists today. There

they can taste the rare monastery brandy (rakija), wine and food, all made by the monks’ diligent hands.

mACEdoniAn monAstEriEs sPirituAl And tourist rEliC oF thE BAlkAns

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-August, 2007

Monastery of St. PanteleimonIn the village of Gorno Nerezi, on the slopes of the mountain Vodno, positioned on a protruded terrace that offers a panoramic view of the town of Skopje, is located one of the most important cultural and historical monuments. Its artistic value and importance go beyond the borders of Macedonia.

It is dedicated to St. Panteleimon, protector of health. The monastery of St. Panteleimon is ranked among the peak achievements of the Byzantine art thanks to its fresco painting, which covers the walls of its church and is a rare challenge and delight for all lovers of timeless beauty.The year of building and fresco-painting of this church, as can be read from the inscription on the marble plate positioned above the entrance door, is 1164. From

among the compositions, especially worth mentioning are the Lamentation of Christ, Dormition of the Holy Mother of God, and others. Impressive is the depiction of the Holy Mother of God with Christ, to the left from the iconostasis, and the portrait of the patron of the church, St. Panteleimon.It is a general notion that these frescoes contain the seeds of the new renaissance movement, at least 140 years before Giotto, the first Italian renaissance painter. A big national restaurant is also part of the monastery complex.

Monastery of St. John Bigorski (Jovan Bigorski)The Monastery of St. John Bigorski (Jovan Bigorski) is dedicated to Jovan Krstitel (John the Baptist) and is famous for its iconostasis, the most beautiful one in Macedonia. It is delicately carved in wood by the magical hands of Petre Filipov - Garkata from the village of Gari, his brother Marko, Makrarij Frckovski from the village of Galicnik and Avram Dicov with his sons Vasil and Filip from the village of Osoj, in the period from 1829 to 1835, representing an extraordinary art achievement.The monastery is also famous for the Icon of St. John the Baptist, which is believed to have a mysterious power. The Icon was found by the monarch Jovan in the year 1020 floating in the

Radika River. In the 16th century, under the Turkish ruler Selim II, Turks burned the Monastery and the Icon mysteriously disappeared and reappeared in the Monastery later, completely undamaged. The Icon was framed in silver in 1885. Jovan Krstitel is represented in the Icon as a three-handed Saint. It is believed that the third hand is blessed, and helps families who cannot have children. Legend has it that a childless Beg (Bey) from Albania worshiped the Icon in the 17th century. The following year he had a son, and donated all his property to the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski.The monastery icon gallery currently features 70 out of the 160 planned icons, dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

Marko’s MonasteryMarko’s Monastery lies in the valley of the Markova Reka River, about 20 km of Skopje. The Church of St. Dimitrija and the grandiose bell tower are located within the monastery. The monastery lodgings and other auxiliary facilities are well preserved. In addition to the lodgings, there is also a furnace, brandy stills, a well with cold water and a very old watermill. The monastery was named after the popular hero Krale Marko. In the early 19th century the great Macedonian scholar and reformer Kiril Pejcinovik stayed and worked in the monastery as its abbot. The old monastery dining room is situated amidst its lodgings. A wall inside the monastery displays a life-size portrait of King Marko dressed in royal garments of a baked ocher hue, decorated with pearls and precious stones. The wall on the opposite side above the door shows a life-size portrait of King Volkasin holding a scroll with his name inscribed on it. A small sisterhood of nuns runs this holy and peaceful place in the proximity of Skopje.

mACEdoniAn monAstEriEs

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN July-August, 2007

Church of St. Gjorgji (George), village of Kurbinovo, Prespa regionIn the Prespa region, near the picturesque village of Kurbinovo, embraced by the mountain Pelister, is the church dedicated to St. Gjorgji (George). According to the time of its fresco-decoration, it is supposed that the church was built in the year 1191. In the altar apse, the composition Annunciation is painted, that has made this church exclusive and a part of the annals of the peak achievements of the Byzantine fresco-painting. The depiction of the Archangel Gabriel stands out in it. It has almost become a symbol and landmark of the church in Kurbinovo. Interesting and rare are the depictions of Jesus Christ and the patron of the church, St. George, on the north and the south walls, of a monumental size. Outstanding among the frescoes are the portraits of Ana and her daughter Mary, the Mother of God, painted in the lower zone of the south wall of the naos, as well as the portraits of the Macedonian enlighteners Cyril and Methodius, in the altar space. The depiction of St. Methodius is his oldest portrait known in the entire Slavic-Byzantine world. Opposite from them is the portrait of St. Clement of Ohrid.

Monastery of St. Gjorgji (George) the Victor (village of Rajcica)The Monastery of St. George the Victor is in the village of Rajcica in the immediate proximity of the town of Debar. This is a monastery run by nuns and is a branch (metoh) of the famous and richest Macedonian Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski. It was most probably founded in the early 14th century. Until 1999 this monastery was all in ruins. Thanks to the funds and initiative of a number of businessmen from Skopje originating in this region, the monastery was reconstructed. St. George the Victor is now one of Macedonia’s most beautiful monasteries where the holiday of Gjurgjovden (St. George’s Day) is traditionally celebrated. This holiday is also the patron-saint’s day of the village of Rajcica. A small sisterhood of nuns lives in the monastery today, growing vegetables and taking care of guests who come to spend a time in seclusion. The monastery is open to visitors, who can see St. George’s hand in it.

Treskavec MonasteryTreskavec is an important national monument situated under the mountain peak of Zlatovrv, around 10 km from Prilep. The monastery and the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God have been evidence of the abundant Macedonian cultural and religious heritage for nine centuries. The citizens of Prilep and many other visitors assemble at the Monastery, run by a brotherhood of monks, every year on 28 August paying tribute to the Mother of God.

It is believed that God protects the monastery from storm and lightning. It is for this reason that the place was called Treskavec. Legend has it that many years ago monks set a gold apple at the highest point of 1,300 meters above the complex to protect the monastery from lightning. Standing at Treskavec the whole of the Pelagonija plain is at your fingertips. The monastery complex consists of the Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God, the Katholikon, the dining room, the entrance gate with the bell tower and the lodgings. The architectural design is typical for the 12th and 13th centuries with its amazing icons and fresco painting. Treskavec is on the list of the hundred most endangered monuments of culture and history in the world.

Zrze MonasteryZrze Monastery is located west of Prilep, above the village of Zrze. This church is dedicated to St. Transfiguration. It was raised by monk German in the middle of the 14th century It was severely damaged at the start of the 16th century and it was reconstructed in year 1535. The monastery was expanded in the 17th century. The church St. Petar and Pavle (Peter and Paul) was added on the northern side. Ottoman apostate – Albanian warlord Mat Ilija turned the monastery into his hiding place in the 18th century. The monastery was robbed

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in the middle of the 18th century. There are many old churches in the village of Zrze that might have been administered by this monastery. Tradition has it that King Volkasin and his son, the well-known Krale Marko, were wed in this monastery.

St. Naum MonasteryThe area around the St. Naum monastery is among the most beautiful areas along the shore of the Ohrid Lake. The magnificent greenery, the two romantic little isles (one is covered with thick forest, with many birds nesting there, and it is prohibited for visitors) surrounded by the Crn Drim River springs, the spacious sand beach, the monastery itself, and the panorama from the hill on which it is located - all these make it one of the most attractive picnic spots. The monastery’s lodging compartments are now adapted into a hotel. The brotherhood from the monastery produces famous monastery rare brandy (rakija). The church was built on this site in 900 A.D. by the Slavonic educator St. Naum of Ohrid, disciple of Cyril and Methodius and contemporary and associate of Kliment of Ohrid, as his memorial. St. Naum was also buried there in 910.

Slivnica MonasteryAmong the treasures of the cultural monuments in the region of Prespa is the 16th-century monastery Mother of God, which is located in the vicinity of the village of Slivnica. A spring of holy water runs by the church. People speak with admiration about its miracles and healing powers.The fresco-decoration in the church is the work of several masters, who have their own individual characteristics. The name of one of these masters, icon-painter Nikola, is noted in the inscription on the niche over the west entrance, where the composition Mother of God with Christ is painted. The frescoes on the west façade most probably are the work of this icon-painter. The Great Cross and the Deisis plate are preserved in this church. The Royal Doors and the throne icons originate from the 16th century.

Church of St. KlimentThe paintings in the church of St. Kliment, in the city of Ohrid, represent a radical turning point in the history of the region’s art, and for Byzantine art as a whole. The roots of this turning point lie in the old churches of Macedonia, primarily painted by craftsmen from the Byzantine capital. This trend was to reach fruition in the frescoes of St. Kliment in which, for the first time, a native style prevails. Through the paintings in Prizren, Studenica, and numerous other towns, this Macedonian style became the prime influence on church painting in the Orthodox north Balkans in the late Middle Ages.

St. Joakim Osogovski MonasteryIn the proximity of the town of Kriva Palanka, on the north-eastern slopes of the Osogovo Mountain, nested in-between the thick and green forest, the monastery of St. Joakim Osogovski has been counting the years since the 12th century. It gives you the opportunity to see how the past and history live together in the present, and it plunders with its spiritual, architectural, and artistic esthetics and values. This monastery has always attracted a lot of attention and it has been visited by many important historical persons, like Stevan Decanski and the Turkish sultan Mehmed II. In the 17th century, following the establishing of the town of Kriva Palanka, this monastery became a very important religious, cultural, and educational center for monks from different areas, but also for the people from this region. Joakim Krcovski, a famous Macedonian priest and religious teacher, founder of the modern Macedonian literature in the 19th century, used to reside and work in this monastery.

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interView with mS. mOnica macOVei, Special adViSer tO the GOVernment OF the republic OF macedOnia in charGe OF FiGhtinG cOrruptiOn

independent and ObJectiVe aSSeSSment - baSiS tO FiGht cOrruptiOn

portugal backs macedonia’s eu accessionPortuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado visited the Republic of Mac-edonia shortly after Portugal took over the European Council Presi-dency from Germany. During his stay in Skopje, Mr. Amado met with his Macedonian counterpart Antonio Milososki, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration, Mrs. Gabriela Konevska-Trajkovska. The Por-tuguese minister emphasized that, during the six-month presidential term, his country wants to give a positive signal that Europe should enable speedier accession of the entire Western Balkans to the EU. He added that, for this purpose, Portugal would work intensively over the next six months on creating maximum political and economic condi-tions for new pace of the activities for Macedonia’s integration into the European Union. Mr. Amado and his Macedonian counterparts exchanged opinions on the Government’s EU agenda and the progress of the reforms in several key areas, such as the judiciary, police, fight against organised crime, and the implementation of the Ohrid agree-ment. Their talks also focused on further EU enlargement, as well as on resolution of the EU’s institutional problems.

holly See Supports macedonia’s eu, natO bidUpon the invitation of Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milos-oski, Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Domi-nique Mamberti paid an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia. Archbishop Mamberti held separate meetings with his host Foreign Minister Milososki, Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski, As-sembly Chairman Ljubisa Georgievski, and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. He also met with the heads of the religious communities ac-tive in Macedonia. Their talks focused on possibilities for enhancement of the bilateral relations, Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and a wide range of regional and international issues. Following these meet-ings, the Vatican foreign minister pledged full support for Macedonia’s aspirations for full-fledged membership in the EU and NATO and the Macedonian Government’s efforts for combating corruption and organ-ized crime. The possibility of Pope Benedict XVI visiting the region was also discussed.

Archbishop Mamberti also consecrated the Catholic cathedral “As-sumption of Holy Mother of God” in Strumica. He visited the Catholic churches in Sekirnik, Radovo, Petralinci, Saraj, and Nova Maala, the Memorial Room for Mother Teresa in Skopje, and the cultural and his-toric monuments in Ohrid.

austrian president Fischer Visits macedoniaAustrian President Heinz Fischer paid an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski and President Fischer confirmed the successful cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and Austria at their meeting during the Austrian president’s visit. The two presidents also exchanged views on the future develop-ment of the bilateral cooperation. President Fischer stressed that Austria is a strong supporter of the Republic of Macedonia in its efforts to inte-grate into the European Union.

bilateral cooperation with estonia extendedIgor Ilievski, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met his Estonian counterpart Secretary-General Matti Maasikas in Tallinn on 25 June 2007. Estonia’s continued political support for Macedonia’s efforts and reforms aimed at joining the EU and NATO was recon-firmed at this meeting. The two interlocutors assessed the bilateral ties as exceptionally close and friendly. They agreed to further deepen the bilateral cooperation through visits at the highest level, greater co-operation between the economic chambers, and facilitation of direct contacts between companies and businessmen from the two coun-tries. Ilievski and Maasikas expressed their satisfaction with the work and results of Macedonia’s Diplomatic Mission in Tallinn, opened in January 2007, concurring that it had been very instrumental in bring-ing Macedonia and Estonia closer to each other.

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republic of macedonia plays active role in peace Forces in SeeA Macedonian delegation headed by Defense Minister Lazar Elen-ovski participated in the meeting of the Multinational Peace Force for South East Europe (MPFSEE) and the South East European Brigade (SEEBRIG), which was held in Istanbul in July. This meeting was of exceptional importance to the Republic of Macedonia, considering that it marked the official start of Macedonia’s biannual Presidency over the Political Military Steering Committee (PMSC) of the MPFSEE. During Macedonia’s term, the PMSC will be headed by Mrs. Radica Gareva, State Councilor in the Ministry of Defense. Zoran Dabik, Director for Collective Security Systems in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was nom-inated as one of the leading members of the Secretariat created for the purposes of Macedonia’s Presidency with PMSC. This Presidency will be a huge opportunity for the Republic of Macedonia to demonstrate its leadership skills with regard to security cooperation in the region, which could prove to be extremely useful ahead of the NATO Summit in Bucharest in April next year.

The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between the Republic of Macedonia and the EU held its fourth meeting on 24 July 2007. The meeting was chaired by Mr Antonio Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia. The Presidency of the Council was represented by Mr Manuel Lobo Antunes, State Secretary for European Affairs of Portugal. Mr Jan Truszczinski, Deputy Direc-tor General of the Commission’s Directorate General for Enlargement, and Mr Dimitrij Rupel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia as well as the EU Special Representative and Head of the Com-mission’s delegation to the Republic of Macedonia, Erwan Fouéré, also participated in the meeting.

The SA Council noted that the candidate status of the Republic of Mac-edonia was a recognition of reform achievements and had called on the country to accelerate the pace of reforms. The EU noted that the Com-mission’s forthcoming Progress Report would serve as a basis for the Council’s next regular review of progress achieved within the SAP. It also noted the Republic of Macedonia’s strong commitment to advancing the pace of reforms in order to meet the necessary conditions for opening accession negotiations as soon as possible.

The SA Council welcomed the resumed political dialogue and the Government’s dedication aimed at securing the support of all political forces in the enforcement of the country’s EU agenda. The EU looked forward to a continued and constructive political dialogue on issues of fundamental national importance , and recalled that implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement remains crucial for the process of EU-integration.

The SA Council reviewed progress on judicial reform, calling for con-tinuous efforts to ensure its full implementation .The SA Council wel-comed progress made in the preparation of the entry into force of the Law on Police and stressed the importance of dialogue between Gov-ernment and Opposition to ensure implementation. The EU welcomed the political will demonstrated in the fight against corruption and the latest results achieved in this regard.

Welcoming the initialling of the agreements on visa facilitation and readmission, the SA Council looked forward to their early entry into force. The SA Council noted the importance of the perspective for es-tablishing mutual visa free travel regime.

Concerning the economic criteria, the SA Council reviewed the progress made in improving the business and investment climate as well as the continued macroeconomic stability and maintained fiscal discipline. The EU expressed concern for the high level of structural unemployment and encouraged the Government to strengthen efforts to improve the func-tioning of the labour market and pursue the structural reforms needed to have a positive impact on the economy.

The SA Council expressed support for the request made by the Republic of Macedonia to create Joint Consultative Committees with the EU’s Eco-nomic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions respectively.

The SA Council exchanged views on the developments in the Western Balkans and welcomed the continuous support given by the Republic of Macedonia to the efforts of the international community on settling the Kosovo status, and its commitment in aligning with the position of the EU. The EU also welcomed the Republic of Macedonia’s participa-tion in operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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uS congress briefing on macedonia - uS relations and macedonia’s natO accession A briefing was held in the US Congress on 31 July on the topic “The relations between Macedonia and the United States and Macedonia’s accession to NATO”. This briefing was organized in cooperation with Congressmen Mark Souder and Bill Pascrell, who addressed the participants. Macedonian Ambassador to the United States Zoran Jolevski, senior representatives of the US Administration, and representatives of the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute also spoke at this briefing. Congress representatives and representatives of renowned nongovernmental organizations all praised the Republic of Macedonia’s successes and achievements, as well as the country’s affirmation as the US’s ally and a future member of NATO.In the first part of this briefing, Rosemary DiCarlo, deputy assistant sec-retary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and Daniel Fata, deputy assistant secretary of defense, expressed the US Administration’s positive positions as regards the bilateral relations with the Republic of Macedonia, stressing “Macedonia is a strong and permanent ally of the United States”. They stressed that Macedonia deserves to be a member of NATO, noting that the country shares common values with the NATO member countries.

In the second part of the briefing, Congressmen Souder and Pascrell added one more trump card to Macedonia’s efforts towards speedier accession to NATO, describing the country as a successful example of a functional democratic multiethnic country. Lindsey Lloyd and Robert Benjamin, representatives of the nongovernmental organizations, sup-ported the position that the Republic of Macedonia belongs in the Euro-Atlantic structures.

Ambassador Jolevski talked about Macedonia’s peaceful policy and the maturity of Macedonia’s democracy.

brussels, 24 July 2007.

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i n m e m O r i a m : Jordan Veselinov

(1947-2007), ambassador

He is no longer with us. He left peacefully and discretely the way he lived and worked as though he did not want to disturb anyone in the institution, in which he spent the best years of his life and

which he obligated with his unparalleled professionalism and dedication.

We knew of Ambassador Veselinov’s illness, yet we refused to believe that the man that had always fascinated us with his en-ergy would leave so soon, at an age when with his experience and knowledge he could have helped most the institution he

worked for.

Jordan Veselinov had a rare feature: it was enough for you to meet him only once and talk with him for only five minutes to remember him all your life. In the world of diplomacy, where change and transience is something that goes without saying,

Veselinov was an embodiment of the timeless virtue of being a professional and strong-willed man. He served as a diplomat for 35 years. During former Yugoslavia, he was vice consul in Perth, Australia, and filled senior posts at the Ministry of Foreign Af-fairs of the Republic of Macedonia for long years. Among other things, he was Director of the Directorate for Bilateral Relations with Non-European Countries and the Directorate for Bilateral

Relations with South-East European Countries and Regional Ini-tiatives. From 1998 to 2002 he was Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to Canada and passed away while serving as Consul

General to Detroit.

Ambassador Jordan Veselinov was an excellent connoisseur of the affairs related to the Macedonian Diaspora. The abundance of telegrams of condolence from the Macedonian associations, com-munities and individuals from Canada, Australia and the United

States show best how greatly appreciated he was.

Ambassador Veselinov’s farewell was attended by a huge number of colleagues from all generations.

Macedonian diplomats hold Ambassador Jordan Veselinov in loving memory as a colleague, man and friend who leaves behind

a great void, but also achievements that will always hold their rightful place in the history of the Macedonian diplomacy.

macedonia marks 2 august – ilinden, republic dayThe biggest national holiday Ilinden was marked with rallies in Kru-sevo and Pelince and addresses by President Branko Crvenkovski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

Many statesmen, leaders of political parties, and associations congrat-ulated Macedonia 2 August – Ilinden, Day of the Republic. Congratu-latory messages, among others, were sent by Vladimir Putin, Presi-dent of the Russian Federation; George Bush, President of the United States of America; Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic; UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Polish President Lech Kaczynski, Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, and Qatar Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek, Serbian President Boris Tadic, and Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov also sent messages of con-gratulations. Pope Benedict XVI also issued a friendly message.

Ohrid Seminar on macedonian language, literature and cultureThe 40th International Seminar on Macedonian Language, Litera-ture and Culture was held in Ohrid between 13 and 30 August. The event was traditionally organized by the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. The participants who included foreign Slavic studies scholars, Macedonian language scholars, experts on Balkan studies, university professors, researchers, translators, young re-searchers as well as Slavic and Balkan studies students from all over the world amounted to around 100. Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski the official patron of the event awarded six members of foreign Academies of Arts and Sciences with the Order of Merit for “their exceptional contribution to the popularization of the Mac-edonian language, literature and culture in their home countries”. The award winners included Rina Pavlovna Usikova from Moscow, Ivan Dorovski from Brno, Horatz Lant from Harvard, Nulo Minissi from Naples, Wlodzimierz Pianka from Warsaw and posthumously Frantisek Vaclav Mares from Vienna who was presented with a Medal for Service to the Country. President Crvenkovski handed also the Order of Merit for “the exceptional four-decade contribu-tion to the presentation of the Macedonian language, literature and culture and the development of the cooperation among the Slavism Centers across the world” to the Seminar itself. Since its foundation in 1967 the seminar has been attended by 3000 participants from 45 countries.

mike Zafirovski and members of Group 2025 Visit macedoniaMike Zafirovski, American businessman of Macedonian origin and head of the Canadian Tel-ecommunications Company Nortel, visited Macedonia. Zafirovski was accompanied by influential businessmen, Macedonian emigrants who work in the United States and Canada. He met with the Macedonian president, prime minister, the state leadership, and businessmen from Macedonia. After the meetings, Zafirovski said that the Government should focus on drawing foreign investments in the light industry, information technology, food production, and tourism. He stressed that the state should invest in education, train its labor force, as well as improve competition in the telecommunica-tions sector.

Zafirovski is a member of “Macedonia 2025”, a nonprofit organization formed to help identify and promote a few key industries in the country. It will also advise and inspire Macedonian entrepreneurs to develop their businesses. Zafirovski was also nominated for the post of advisor to US President George Bush in the US president’s national security team.

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new look of the mFa website

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes you to the newly designed website www.mfa.gov.mk. The new website is intended to provide information on all aspects of the foreign policy of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as other useful information, for both Macedonian citizens and foreigners. The website is available in two languages – Macedonian and English. We hope that you like the new look of the website and that you find the site practical, informative and easy to use.

publication on macedonia - move Over lonely planet The republic of Macedonia: Facts & Figures 2007 is a print publication provided by the Macedonian Information Centre (MIC) with the sup-port of the Directorate for Public Diplomacy within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This publication is the official source of information to promote the Republic of Macedonia abroad. This product is an exclusive publication offering exhaustive informa-tion and data on Macedonia’s history, culture, economy, politics, as well as current developments and future trends in the country. It is

designed to reach key audien-ces in the government, aca-demia, scientific and research institutions, foreign media, individuals and the global market place. The republic of Macedonia: Facts & Figures 2007 was first presented to the chiefs of delegations at the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) Security Fo-rum in Ohrid, in June 2007. The content of The republic of Macedonia: Facts & Figures

2007 includes basic data about Macedonia, articles on historical and cultural topics, as well as Macedonian politics and economy, reporting on Macedonian foreign and domestic policy objectives. The republic of Macedonia: Facts & Figures 2007 should encourage people to learn more about all aspects of the country.

i n m e m O r i a m : Vangel panovski

(1955-2007)

The news from Beijing is tragic and uncompromising: our col-league Vangel Panovski unexpectedly died less than two months of taking over the post of counselor minister at the Macedonian Embassy in Beijing. Still in shock after Ambassador Veselinov’s death, the Macedonian diplomatic service lost yet another great professional and dear colleague. The lines that follow are an ex-cerpt from Ambassador Zlatko Lecevski’s homage whereby the

staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs bade farewell to their col-league Vangel Panovski.

I try to stay calm at this moment that should have happened many years from now....

It is hard for me to decide where to start from and what to tell you about our Vangel – there is too much to recall and tell. The couple of decades we had together working and sharing moments of our private lives were filled with joy, optimism, as well as sadness and

worries at times. I know a lot about him and about us: we matured together and tried to grasp the meaning of the world; we learned

how to approach it together and find our own place in it…

We tried to live a healthy life, be more vital and look better, to prolong our youth even when it was passing us. Vangel used to say, we should live at least until we are ninety. We tried to learn things that the others did not know or could not do; to have high goals,

yet be practical, something that was imposed increasingly more as a necessity in the world that changed right before our eyes…

The persistent search for new horizons and the refusal to conform with what was already there, what he had thus far learned and

what was considered standard, brought Vangel to the diplomatic service as early as the 1980s where he started honing his craft, at the same time learning about the world, its languages and

cultures in a way that there was room for both the Western and the Eastern. He remained what he wanted to be and did what he wanted to do to the very end: to make his own intimate synthesis of his thought and the meaning of the existent and in doing so to make sure his candle burned without making those of others go out; to pass this drive to seek and find onto others, to share that painful experience and understanding and to help our citizens

all over the world deal with their hardships and delusions. That is the great side to this diplomat who was also charged with open-ing embassies where there were not any and with keeping them going when they had troubles, with organizing most important visits of representatives of our young state, and with proposing solutions and actions under circumstances when there was not

much choice. And he did it with his enthusiasm that many envied for nearly twenty years in different places and in times when our country and our service sought to find their rightful place in the world with numerous challenges… Regretfully, he left at a time

of great challenge for him as professional, yet left in a fashion we must not forget: by wearing himself out totally filling the very

important and responsible position in the great China….

Memories are what we have left and of course his greats deeds, as professional and father… There is value in all this that we should treasure. We will remember him and be always grateful. May his

memory live on!

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