UMD Global Conference 2009: a Great Tradition Is Born

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UMD Global Conference 2009: A Great Tradition Is Born

UMD Interviews Your Inside Look Into UMD’s 1st Maria Kubaiska Annual Global Conference

United Macedonian Diaspora Publication, Volume IV, Summer Edition - 2009 UMD Voice InUMD this issue... Voice 6 The Future of the Macedonian Language Preserving the mother tongue UMD Voice 6 Goran Mickovski: Marathon Hero Representing Macedonia in London UMD Global Conference Tentative Program UMD Global Conference Tentative Program 7 Thursday, June 11, 2009 Canadian Opposition Leader Pledges Support Breakfast: Advocacy the UMD Way: The Leadership Voice ...... 8:30 Liberal AM-10:00 AM Party leader Michael Ignatieff on Macedonia Advertising Rates Thursday, June 11, 2009 Meetings on Capitol Hill...... 10:15 AM-4:00 PM Breakfast: Advocacy the UMD Way: The Leadership Voice ...... 8:30 AM-10:00 AM U.S.-Macedonia Friendship Awards Congressional Lunch...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM Meetings on Capitol Hill...... 10:15 AM-4:00 PM Welcome Orientation...... 5:00 PM-6:00 PM UMD Voice U.S.-Macedonia Friendship Awards Congressional Lunch...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM Reception Hosted by Ambassador Zoran Jolevski at Embassy8 of Macedonia ...... 6:30An PM-8:30 Interview PM with Maria Kubaiska Welcome Orientation...... 5:00 PM-6:00 PM 1101 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Reception Hosted by Ambassador Zoran Jolevski at Embassy of Macedonia ...... 6:30 PM-8:30Friday, PM June 12, 2009 A Macedonian patriot discusses the way forward Breakfast...... 8:00 AM Friday, June 12, 2009 6th Floor Macedonia’s Economic Environment - Its Attraction6 to U.S. and Foreign Investors .....8:30 AM-11:00 AM Breakfast...... 8:00 AM Strategic Perspective on Macedonia within the EU - How it Currently Fits within the Washington, D.C. 20004 Macedonia’s Economic Environment - Its Attraction to U.S. and Foreign Investors .....8:30 AM-11:00 AM 11 Madzarov Honored as Humanitarian of the Year European Family...... 11:15 AM-12:45 PM Strategic Perspective on Macedonia within the EU - How it CurrentlyLunch: U.S.-Macedonian Fits within the Relations and NATO’s Future Opportunities and Challenges Phone: (202) 756-2244 European Family...... (Keynote: High-Profile11:15 Macedonian AM-12:45 Government PM Official) ...... 1:00Celebrating PM-2:30 PM a supremely generous donor Lunch: U.S.-Macedonian Relations and NATO’s Future OpportunitiesSuccess Stories: and Challenges Macedonians Making a Difference in the World...... 2:45 PM-4:15 PM (Keynote: High-Profile Macedonian Government Official)...... 1:00 PM-2:30 PM Fax: (202) 756-7323 Networking Reception Boat Cruise on the Potomac River...... 5:30 PM-8:00 PM Success Stories: Macedonians Making a Difference in the World...... 2:45 PM-4:15 PM Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 9:00 PM-12:30 AM Networking Reception Boat Cruise on the Potomac River...... 5:30 PM-8:00 PM [email protected] Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 9:00 PM-12:30Saturday, AM June 13, 2009 Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings [email protected] Saturday, June 13, 2009 “Global Macedonian Challenges Today”...... 9:0012 UMD AM-10:30 AM Global Conference Panels: Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM http://www.umdiaspora.org “Global Macedonian Challenges Today”...... 9:00 AM-10:30 AM Washington, D.C. Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedo nia...... 10:45A AM-12:15Wealth AM Of Information About All Things Macedonian Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00Washington, PM D.C. Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15 AM June 11-13, 2009 Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15 PM Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30June PM 11-13, 2009 Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15 PM 20 Day of Advocacy Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30 PM The Way Ahead How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30 PM Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Editor Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30 PM Macedonians converge on Capitol Hill Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45The PM Way Ahead Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Back Cover (full) - Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:0 0 PM-7:00 PM Mark Branov $600 Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30 PM Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00 PM UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary22 ...... 7:30 Reception PM-8:30 PM at Macedonian Embassy [email protected] Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30 PM Inside cover (full) - Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony $550 UMD President’s Reception8 Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30 PM Elegant event sets the tone (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30 PM (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble Any inside full page - $450 Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30 AM Development Director and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30 PM Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30 AM 23 UMD Gala Banquet and Reception: Half page (vert/horiz) - For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org Stojan Nikolov $300 United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) The756-7323 Perfect Farewell The Global Macedonian For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org· [email protected] United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 ·1101fax (202) Pennsylvania 756-7323 Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004The Global MacedonianUnited, We Can Make a Difference Quarter page (vert/horiz) - · [email protected] Design By: koikodesign $150 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 United, www.koikodesign.com We Can Make a Difference Contributors Design By: koikodesign 25 A Letter from Governor Kaine www.koikodesign.com Ordan Andreevski 26 A Letter from Senator Lugar Vladimir Atseff Michael Braxton Please contact us for special pricing deals. We are happy to 27 A Letter from Representative Moran Chris Deliso arrange an affordable advertising package for your needs: Ivona Grimberg Boban Jovanovski 28 MacedoniaLovesYou.com: A Labor of Love Nicholas Kostoff 12-27 A Polish traveller’s labor of love United Macedonian Diaspora Goran Mickovski 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, 6th Floor 30 A Young Man With A Bright Future Aleksandar Mitreski The academic excellence of Veljan Mitrovski Matthew Napoli Washington, D.C. 20004 Alexander Popovski 31 President Gjorge Ivanov’s Inauguration Aleksandra Trpkovska The new president set his agenda (202) 756-2244 [email protected] Layout and Design 32 Sideropoulos Visits Toronto Community Nick Saveski/Delo Logic Arts A strong advocate for human rights freedoms

All advertising is subject to approval by UMD Voice’s editorial staff, 33 Bitola - Excitement in the Air 31 Rediscover the charm of beautiful Bitola Any opinions or views which reserves the right to refuse or cancel any advertisement at any time. expressed in articles or 33 First New Macedonian Church in Germany other pieces appearing in From the ground up, brick by brick UMD Voice are those of the author alone and are not 34 A Memorial In Honor of Jane Sandanski necessarily those of UMD; Macedonians of Bulgaria remember the rebel leader the appearance of any such 35 UMD Spreads the Word in Michigan opinions or views in UMD Meeting with the office of Congressman Gary Peters Voice is not and should not be considered to be an 35 A Tribute to Michael and Marian Illitch endorsement by or approval 34 Little Caesars celebrates 50 years of success of the same by UMD. Summer 2009 UMD Voice UMD Voice Greece. Not only was Macedonia Letter from the President Editorial forced to partially accept the UMD Voice UMD UMDVoice Voice“temporary” name FYROM to gain UN membership, not only did it have Dear Reader: The Name Dispute and Human Rights in Greece Are Not Separate Issues to alter its constitution, not only did By Mark Branov it have to replace its national flag, This year, UMD has reason to be proud. Together, we but few Macedonian leaders have organized and hosted the first UMD Global Conference in Macedonian history is fraught with division. Perhaps, the dared to mention human rights for Washington, DC The experience was extremely rewarding. A new most profound division of all was the Treaty of Bucharest in 1913, the Aegean Macedonians openly, in tradition for the Macedonian cause emerged when US legislators, when Austro-Hungary, Russia, and the rest of the Great Powers fear that it would only infuriate Greece further. Macedonian government officials, and representatives from 13 carved up Macedonia into regions, desperate to rid Europe of the Despite Macedonia’s repeated compromises, the Greek Founded in 2004, United different countries met to invest the First Global Conference with Ottomans. With the stroke of a pen, a united Macedonia under vendetta against the Republic has continued, including the recent Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) the significance and stature that Macedonia and Macedonians Sultan Mehmed V would vanish from history. According to the illegal veto of Macedonia’s NATO ascension, contrary to the 1995 is an international non- deserve. The conference was unprecedented. Visibly moved treaty, the Balkan Wars would end, and three new “Macedonias” treaty that Greece had previously signed. Human rights abuses governmental organization attendees were delighted with the outcome and afterwards many commented, “We don’t would be born in its place: Aegean Macedonia would go to King against ethnic Macedonians in Greece have also continued. addressing the interests and know how you will improve on the next one; this one was perfect!” Well, my friends, we Constantine I of Greece, Vardar Macedonia would go to Czar The key to understanding the name dispute is needs of Macedonians and are determined that our conferences will only get better. Stay tuned for details on the next Peter I of Serbia, and Pirin Macedonia to Czar Ferdinand I of recognizing that it is largely a domestic issue within Greece, Macedonian communities conference… Bulgaria, with a very small portion to Albania, as well. except it is also being fought externally on the world stage. The throughout the world. Fast forward to 2009, and the Treaty of Bucharest has “official” target of Greece’s venom is the Republic, but the real The Way Ahead – The Global Macedonian, United, We Can Make a Difference was our stood the test of time. Southeast Europe’s current borders are very target is actually Greece’s own ethnic Macedonian minority. With headquarters in conference theme. It outlined the future of our cause. European integration, human rights, similar to those finalized on August 10, 1913 in the Romanian Since the Greek struggle for independence from the Washington, D.C., UMD has cultural preservation, revisiting our history were all discussed at our thought-provoking and capital. One exception: what was once Serbia’s prize has Ottomans in the 1820s, the government in Athens has falsely representatives serving informative panels. You will read about these panel discussions in this issue. In addition, become the independent homeland of the Macedonian nation, claimed that Greece is an ethnically homogeneous state, Macedonian communities we have included several other interesting articles, such as the inauguration of the new and recognized internationally as the Republic of Macedonia, where all citizens can trace direct ancestry back 4000 years to around the world, including President of Macedonia, the 50th Anniversary of Little Caesars, an article on Bitola, a special with a few notable exceptions. the ancient Hellenes. This myth has long been useful to the Berlin, Brussels, Canberra, interview with Maria Kubaiska, and much more. All of this would not have been possible Thus, ethnic Macedonian people are sometimes political elite in Athens, who use it to whip the population into London, Los Angeles, without the hard work and energy of our Editor, Mark Branov, and our Development Director, categorized as Vardarci, from the Republic of Macedonia, Egejci, a nationalistic frenzy and silence minority dissent. So, even Melbourne, New York, Paris, Stojan Nikolov. These two and their team of dedicated volunteers have put together another from the region that became Greece in 1913, or Pirinci, from the when Greece practically doubled in size - with the Treaty of Stuttgart, Sydney, Toronto, wonderful issue of UMD Voice. Thank you! region that became Bulgaria in 1913. And yet, Vardarci, Egejci, Bucharest and the annexation of Aegean Macedonia in 1913 and Vienna. and Pirinci still feel as one about their identity to this day; three - the political establishment has preserved the original founding At a recent meeting in Toronto, I talked about the purpose of UMD Voice. The goal of UMD parts of the same Macedonian ethnicity and culture, alongside a myth of modern Greece. What followed was a bloody 20th UMD is a 501 (c) (3) charitable Voice is to become the premier publication for the Macedonian Diaspora; to be the most read fourth part, the Macedonian Diaspora. century, thousands of Aegean Macedonians forced into exile, organization. and most informative journal that speaks on behalf of Macedonians and Macedonia. In this Sadly, in the post-1991 era, a small minority of and a culture of state terror against any Greek citizens who do issue, we include an article in Macedonian to diversify; however, it is important that UMD Macedonians in the Republic has begun to feel ambivalence not conform to official propaganda of a homogeneous state. Board continue to use English as the main language in which it communicates, to reach out to our towards the plight of their ethnic compatriots in Greece and Nowadays, when parties in the Republic of Macedonia non-Macedonian friends. Bulgaria. They argue that the Republic of Macedonia has its publicly toy with the idea of yet another concession to Greek Metodija A. Koloski own serious socio-economic problems, and its very existence demands, be it the name “Republic of Northern Macedonia” President Many of you may have heard that, as of July 13th, I began working full-time for UMD. I would, is in danger, Therefore, this is more important than justice or some other compromise, it would seem they have not been however like to say a few words of gratitude and appreciation here. I am proud to work for for the ethnic Macedonians in places like Kostur (Kastoria), paying attention. The Greek government is not interested in Aleksandar Mitreski the Macedonian cause. Our community has needed a dedicated and committed professional Lerin (Florina), Voden (Edhessa), Solun (Thessaloniki), and “solving the name issue”; it is interested in “solving” the minority Vice President/Chairman of the Board to work on its behalf for many years. In just five years, UMD has accomplished this. To be able Gorna Dzumaja (Blagoevgrad). NATO and EU membership is issue in modern-day northern Greece. It plans to achieve this to employ a professional activist to work full time for our collective good is an accomplishment paramount, they say, so Macedonia must sacrifice whatever is by domestically and internationally negating the Macedonian Michael A. Sarafin that UMD and all Macedonians should be proud of. Many challenges lie before us, but, with necessary to achieve it -- even its constitutional name -- and may ethnicity, by Hellenizing the younger generation of Egejci Secretary patience, persistence, professionalism, and your support and cooperation, we will prevail. I God help the Egejci and Pirinci. through the denial of linguistic, cultural and religious freedom, promise to work to the utmost of my ability, and I look forward to cooperating with all our This desperate attitude is based on a flawed assumption: and by brutalizing those who are brave enough to speak out, Denis Manevski communities in our common effort to unite in the interest of all Macedonians. Our homeland that making concessions to the Greek government will appease such as Nikodim Tsarknias, Risto Sideropoulos, or members Treasurer depends on a united Diaspora, and we will work tirelessly to ensure this comes about. It will their hostility towards Macedonian people in general. This is of the ethnic Macedonian political party in Greece, Vinozhito. not be easy, but united and determined, we can achieve anything! false. The farcical Greek claim that tiny Macedonia has “territorial Ordan Andreevski Let’s examine the evidence. The government in Athens ambitions” against Greece cannot be justified. Director of Australian Operations We at UMD wish you a most pleasant summer. Starting in September, UMD will unveil many has not backed down one iota from the original stance that it But the world will never understand this, nor will they new projects, and we will update all of you on a regular basis. took in 1988 for the first time, which is that Macedonia actually understand the root cause of the name dispute, as long as some Jim Daikos does exist (something previously denied outright!), but that it of the politicians in Skopje treat the dignity and freedom of the Director of Canadian Operations Enjoy this issue of UMD Voice! is of uniquely Greek character, and that Greece, “Ellas”, and Egejci as a political bargaining chip. The Republic’s relations Macedonia are three names belonging to Greece alone. There are with Greece will never normalize through appeasement. If Boban Jovanovski Yours sincerely, also conspiracy theories about the Macedonian ethnicity being that were going to work, it would have worked by now. Any Stojan Nikolov some sort of Communist plot. They argue that the Macedonian negotiated agreement between Skopje and Athens must include Aleksandra Trpkovska identity must be negated, lest the tiny Republic of Macedonia full recognition of the Macedonian ethnicity, and full human Igor Zvezdakoski Metodija A. Koloski prepare a future kamikaze invasion of Greek territory. In short, rights for all Greek citizens of Macedonian ethnicity. If Athens President the Greek position is a paranoid fantasy. takes either of these items off the table, then Macedonia must Yet, this tactic has produced impressive results for seek alternatives to a negotiated agreement. Summer 2009 Summer 2009 UMD Voice UMD Voice The Future of the Macedonian Language Canadian Opposition Leader By Ordan Andreevski, UMD Director of Australian Operations On June 20, 2009, the Macedonian Community Council of Victoria held a seminar

Photo courtesy of: UMD Pledges Support For Macedonia entitled: “The Future of Macedonian Language Studies.” A key fact that emerged was that many smaller, ethnic languages were under threat, and the best way to overcome this is for Photos courtesy of: Wikipedia By Mark Branov all stakeholders to work together toward a common strategy of making the language more S i n c e t h e with that family and many relevant to students and employers. Conservative government Macedonian political The event attracted a great line up of speakers, including: teachers, students, policymakers of Prime Minister Stephen personalities of that and diplomats from the Macedonian Consulate General in Melbourne. Mr. Stefan Romaniw, Harper recognized the period. I’ve always had Chairman of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations, reminded the audience Republic of Macedonia a strong affection for that no matter how good language teachers are, or how many there are, at the end of the under its constitutional Macedonia, a strong desire day it comes down to a choice that students will make when deciding which subjects they name, support for the to defend its sovereignty will study. This choice is influenced by many factors, especially how relevant the second To r i e s i n C a n a d a ’ s and its independence, language will be to them and/or their future employment options. Macedonian community and to see it have a happy The earlier students start to learn a second language, the easier it seems to be to get has been high. While some place in the community of them interested in continuing their studies. Social factors, such as peer group pressure, and the poor availability of classes, can be previous Liberal Party nations.” major obstacles deterring students from studying Macedonian as a second language. administrations showed Yancoff then asked: For most second generation Australian youth, studying a second language is not a high priority. The statistics show that only what was perceived as “I must say, the Harper 20% of students chose to study a second language as part of their Victoria diploma (VCE), and this drops to 12% in New South Wales only lukewarm support government did recognize and 6% in Queensland. Enrolment in Macedonian at VCE level has dropped off slightly in the last two years whereas enrolment from for Macedonia, the fact Macedonia’s constitutional primary and junior secondary are on the increase. remains that they are the name, and Macedonians There are many reasons why a language such as Macedonian may be attractive and relevant to youth and people who are party of Lui Temelkovski, were very supportive fluent in languages other than English can be more competitive in the job market. They are well placed to pursue innovative, creative who was Canada’s first MP of t hat. Wou ld you and well-paid careers in government, international trade, not-for-profit management, journalism and other areas. of Macedonian descent, continue that support for The key to making Macedonian more attractive to students and employers is to build upon the latest evidence published in and who is a prominent Macedonia?” leading research publications in the fields of Psychology, Marketing and Education. The latest literature should be used for developing a n d w e l l - r e s p e c t e d Ignatieff responded: a marketing and communication strategy based on scientific market research at the state, national and international level. member of the community. “I certainly would. It’s a One of the sessions at the recent United Macedonian Diaspora Global Conference in Washington, DC was devoted to the Also, the Liberal Party has very successful community, future of the Macedonian language, and how to ensure that it thrives in the 21st century against the pressures of globalization. The a new leader, which the it’s a good community, Macedonian Diaspora organizations must work in partnership with education departments in their home countries, and especially community hopes will and it’s a community that with youth and employers, in finding solutions to the pressing challenges facing Macedonian as a Second Language education. They bode well for the Liberal doesn’t have problems. must invest in the future of Macedonian. stance on Macedonian The issue, of course, is It is time to conduct a rigorous market research study to gauge the attitudes of Australian Macedonian students and issues in the future. maintaining good relations employers towards the state of MSL. With this data, we can develop evidence-based solutions to improve the standard of MSL across H o n . M i c h a e l with the Greek community. Australia. Also, special fundraising effort is required to preserve the important Macedonian Language and Culture Studies program at Ignatieff, Liberal leader of Greek Canadians are just Macquarie University. the Opposition and MP as valuable as members of for Etobicoke-Lakeshore, (Canada). It’s important for Goran Mickovski: MK hero of the London Marathon has an illustrious resume Michael Ignatieff Macedonians and Greeks that includes: historian, to come together. They do By Mark Branov p r o f e s s o r , a u t h o r , as a matter of practice. In On April 26, 2009, Goran Mickovski ran the London Marathon in 3hrs 19mins 27secs and as such he finished in the top journalist, filmmaker and politician. with the Bitove family, who are my caucus, for example, Lui always 5%. He was running for the charity called Spinal Injuries Association of UK and collected nearly £2000 pounds for them. Part of the He was also the director of Harvard a wonderful Canadian family of got on well with the Greek members funds raised were donated to a Macedonian orphanage. University’s Carr Center for Human entrepreneurs,” Ignatieff said, “and of my caucus. It was a good example As the only Macedonian to run the London marathon, Mickovski wore a t-shirt with the message “Macedonia Has Only Rights. His book and documentary I have a very personal friendship of Canadian multiculturalism working One Name”. He was well received by the large London crowds, who were often heard film called “Blood and Belonging” with Lui Temelkovski, who until well.” cheering “Go Macedonia” as he ran by. was an in-depth exposé into the recently was our Member of He continued: “Canada The London marathon was very well organized, though the warm weather disintegration of Yugoslavia, and Parliament for Oak Ridges. He won respects the territorial integrity of caused many runners to experience problems with exhaustion. he has spent considerable time his re-nomination there, and I’m very both countries. Macedonia respects Born and raised in Macedonia, Mickovski’s family later immigrated to Melbourne, in Macedonia and throughout the confident he will win his seat again. the territorial integrity of Greece. Australia. He eventually moved to the UK in 2000, where he is a successful finance lawyer Balkans. But my connection to Macedonia goes Greece respects the territorial by vocation and an amateur marathon runner. He has set himself the goal of completing Bill Yancoff caught up with back to 1999 and the war in Kosovo, integrity of Macedonia… I think the top 5 major marathon races in support of Macedonia and its constitutional name. the Liberal leader at a conference when I spent about four weeks in that Canadians of Macedonian and Goran Mickovski cooperates with UMD on European projects and has attended of the Canadian Ethnic Media Skopje as a journalist. I lived with Greek origin can (make) a useful some events as a UMD representative. He has been very supportive of UMD and its Association in June, and Ignatieff’s a wonderful Macedonian family contribution. So, I’m optimistic on mission. UMD president Meto Koloski, on behalf of UMD, contributed to his latest London comments were broadcast on the TV whom I’d met through Macedonian that question, and I see no reason Goran Mickovski proudly displays Marathon fundraising effort. show Macedonian Heritage. television, and they put me up in their why this should be the source of his Macedonia shirt after the The next marathon on Mickovski’s agenda will be the New York marathon on “I have very friendly relations house. I formed a close relationship conflict or difficulty.” marathon November 1, 2009. We wish him all the best…. Go Goran! Go Macedonia! Summer 2009 Summer 2009 UMD Voice UMD Voice love Macedonia, and also America, other international institutions. As you An Interview with Maria Kubaiska although they may not have visited the know, the threat of identity theft is a US personally. Through their work, they common problem nowadays. A peculiar By Mark Branov have demonstrated their noble pursuit aspect of this is national identity theft, of communication with the world, about which we, Macedonians, need to Maria Kubaiska, prolific author, bridge where the Bulgarians and Serbs of a prosperous, peaceful and free extending a friendly hand to another be extremely cautious. Unfortunately, university professor, ethical philosopher, clashed in WWI. My grandfather died Macedonia. Divisions only help culture, sharing the passion of their even now in 2009, there are those who and political visionary, is also a dear in 1927, after enduring three years of Macedonia’s enemies. With a youthful, hearts and minds. Through this exhibit, would put Macedonia’s identity on trial. Photos courtesy of: Maria Kubaiska friend to UMD. She was interviewed for torture by the Serb occupiers at that engaged UMD taking the lead, it is the Macedonian artists reminded us that It is urgent that each of us does whatever the UMD Voice after the UMD Global time. The Ottomans had sentenced now easier than ever for Macedonian they innately “understand the world as we can to guide Macedonia through Conference. his grandfather to death in 1903, for patriots to invest their expertise and a field for cultural competition among this dangerous period. Macedonia’s organizing 200 IMRO revolutionaries resources in defending and promoting nations”. This was Goce Delchev’s claim to its language, church, territorial at our Ribnik estate. I was raised in the Macedonia’s interests, both as a modern At a humanitarian concert: Emilia famous aphorism, and it illustrates the integrity and its very name have been MB: Please tell us about yourself and spirit of a loving family, with devotion sovereign state and an ancient culture. Kubaiska and Toshe Proevsi, cosmopolitan spirit of Macedonia to this challenged. Like our forefathers, it is your family background. to God and country, and stressing the discussing a kidney transplant fund day. Through the exhibit catalog “The our solemn duty to deliver a Macedonia universal need to respect other cultures MB: You are the president of EMARI raising concert, 2001 Skopje. Ecology of the Soul” the art and poetry free, independent and intact to future MK: I am the grateful heiress of the and creeds. I was raised and educated Inc. What is the mission of your texts brought an interdisciplinary generations. It is additionally our duty Kukubajski family, one of the oldest in different countries. With grants and organization, EMARI? Dombrovska in Washington, did an approach to cultural and ethical changes to ensure that there is a Macedonia for houses in the historic town of Shtip, a Fulbright scholarship, I studied and extraordinary job. The Macedonian in the world. all from the Diaspora to return to, to Macedonia. The Kukubajski family worked in Germany, the United States, MK: EMARI stands for “Education on historian, Aleksandar Donski, director build a modern nation, from home and has long been known for its patriotism Libya, and Malta. I have been privileged Morals, Academic research and Istoria of the EMARI publishing division, MB: What do you see as the main from afar. I believe that Macedonia will and its piety. In our 150-year-old house by God to be the mother of a unique of Culture.” Co-founded by my daughter edited the catalog. The result was a challenges facing Macedonians, now use its talented, democratically-elected in Novo Selo, Shtip, we had a chapel young leader in cultural, moral and Emilia and I, EMARI promotes hope world-class display of 24 artists. It and in the near future? leaders to engage the Americans in with murals, frescoes in leather, and health advocacy, both in America and and love, as well as traditional ethical was like a museum of the Macedonian a regime of “fair play” in the region, relics from the Holy Land. There, we Macedonia, Emilia Kubaiska (1979- and family values, which are critically heart, rich with a diversity of styles, MK: Without individual transformation, in order to achieve what every free would pray daily. The Sveta Bogorodica 2006). She is an unpublished author “polluted” among mankind today. and a variety of imagery: from realism, no beneficial change can be achieved country aspires to, prosperity for its church and school where Goce Delchev who fought Lupus Nephritis with utmost EMARI was inspired by the excellence in honoring our heritage with ethnic still- for a society or its culture. Value people. I also believe in UMD’s young taught is walking distance from that dignity. My destiny is to continue her character and conduct of my daughter, life, to Macedonian landscapes that tap systems based on integrity and moral and impressively competent leader big house, right by the Bregalnica legacy, to honor my family, to help the who serves as a splendid role model of into the nostalgia for the countryside, principles that have survived for Meto Koloski, his dedicated board, and river. Right next to that is the famous country of my ancestors, and to serve intellectual and spiritual beauty. EMARI to classic scenes of Ohrid’s unique thousands of years are the foundation its many other passionate members -- God. is also dedicated to protecting the moral architecture, to contemporary studies for a stable individual, and for a safe, “my children” as I love to call them. integrity of Macedonia’s future leaders. of the human condition. We were all prosperous nation. We must first believe MB: And what attracted you to UMD? I am grateful to those who volunteer, very proud of the inspired artists who in Macedonia, its sovereignty and MB: What new initiatives do you have research, organize and diffuse our took part. These 24 Macedonian artists national identity, while also working on the horizon? MK: I believe that concern for equality organization’s core values in Macedonia are citizens of the global world, who on integration into the EU, NATO and among peoples and their wellbeing and abroad. I deeply appreciate all derives from the inalienable human readers and writers in Macedonia, right to open societies and private America, Canada and Australia, who enterprise. My faith in freedom and contributed with their reactions to the justice also gives me confidence book “Emi: Versed in the Universe”. in UMD, which is working hard to Their writings are included in the support Macedonian sovereignty, “Collection from the International unity and identity. As a conservative Literary Competition Emilia Kubaiska” Republican, I am grateful that at the (in Macedonian). recent UMD conference in Washington, we heard leaders with diverse MB: You organized the Macedonian perspectives on Macedonian issues. I Art Exhibit at the UMD conference was particularly happy to hear Senator in Washington. What can you tell us Lugar nobly express the necessity to about that? overcome left-right partisanship for the sake of prosperity and peaceful MK: As a member of the UMD development. UMD understands this, planning committee, I suggested that and, as an organization, it has begun an art exhibit evoking the ideas and to benefit from its growing access to inspiration of the Macedonian people key figures in Washington’s policy- be included as a cultural segment of making establishment. I pray to God the Conference. I arranged for the The bridge at that Macedonia’s political divisiveness artworks to be collected in Macedonia, the river Bregalnica, Emilia Kubaiska near her Nazarene a well-known landmark University, Point Loma, CA, with her keeps transforming into a healthy and my coordinator Nada Nakova, in discourse, that strengthens the unity Macedonia, and Jasminka Naneva from the WWI battle between Emilia and Maria Kubaiski with Congresswoman Marsha “best friend”, mama, 1999. Serbian and Bulgarian troops, 2004. Blackburn at the Heritage Foundation, 2005. Summer 2009 Summer 2009 UMD Voice UMD Voice MK: In support of Macedonian- American educational exchange, and in honor of the 30th birthday and the Madzarov Honored as Humanitarian of the 3rd year since my child’s passing, I am announcing two charitable initiatives. One is the establishment of an Year by Catholic Charities in New Jersey international award sponsored by the EMARI Institute. The “Emilia- By Mark Branov Photo Courtesy of: Slavco Madzarov Maria Kubaiski Award” will be given to the winner of an essay contest, in Well-known Macedonian philanthropist Slavco Macedonian Ambassador Zoran Jolevski, Macedonian the context of Christian-based family Madzarov was honored as Humanitarian of the Year Representative to the United Nations, Slobodan values, and the guiding principles of by Catholic Charities at a May 6th gala in Newark. Taskovski, President of the United Macedonian the Heritage Foundation. The contest A construction industry magnate, Mr. Madzarov has Diaspora, Metodija A. Koloski, Father Slobodan rules will be announced in March distinguished himself as a very generous donor in the Petkovski from Macedonian Orthodox Church Sts. Kiril and the results will be known in May community of Newark and beyond. At the ceremony, and Metodij of Cedar Grove, Father Marjan Dimitrievski 2010, with prizes of $1000. The other photo courtesy bottom left picture of UMD, right Emil Ivanovski Mr. Madzrov presented a check in the amount of from St. Nikola Macedonian Orthodox Church of initiative is to donate 50% of all EMARI $100,000. Totowa, prominent businessman Zvonko Veskov, and book sales realized through the UMD Spokesman Dr. Frese said: “We are proud to Petar Kolundzievski from Macedonian Human Rights website, with proceeds going to fund honor Slavco Madzarov as the Humanitarian of the New Jersey/New York, among many others. UMD and also to help children with The family Kukubajski in the home of Maria and Emilia Kubaiski (left and right). Year. Success has not gone to his head, but to his heart. As one of New Jersey’s oldest and largest Lupus Nephritis in Macedonia. Aleksandar, Duna and son Todor, Hollywood, CA, 1993. Catholic Charities expresses its gratitude for Slavco’s charitable agencies, Catholic Charities serves gracious gift.” approximately 69,000 individuals and families each year The gala was attended by various dignitaries, who need assistance. Catholic Charities is committed including: New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, Governor to ease suffering and bring social justice and hope to The Aleksandar & Duna Kukubajski Bequest: Richard Codey, US Senator Frank Lautenberg, US all, without regard to religion, race or culture. Congressman Bill Pascrell, US Congressman Herb Klein, A Touching Gesture of Philanthropy By Mark Branov As a volunteer organization, UMD depends on donations to survive. It is with a deep sense of gratitude that we have accepted the Aleksandar & Duna Kukubajski Bequest from Mr. Michael Braxton and Ms. Maria Kubaiska (Kukubajska), of four timeshares valued at over USD 50,000. Here is an excerpt of Mr. Braxton’s letter, which accompanied this generous gift: “The United Macedonian Diaspora is a bond among Macedonian communities in America and around the world. It has distinguished itself by connecting Macedonians from outside the Republic of Macedonia with their kinsmen at home. “Aleksandar and Duna Kukubajski made it possible for their two dear children and grandchild to travel to America, and to use their amazing talents to prosper and to make their lives there. It is a great honor for me, Michael Braxton, to transfer in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Kukubajski these timeshares at the Massanutten Resort to the United Macedonian Diaspora. “This gesture commemorates all those Macedonian mothers and fathers, like those two ideal parents, Aleksandar and Duna, who made it possible… to join together the Macedonian and the American dream. “Ultimately, we are the proof that their sacrifice paid off. We are those children, and we are honored if our lives represent the future that they wanted us to have. With this gesture, we reflect on all that our parents did to make our prosperity possible.”

Left to right: Michael Braxton, Left to right: Zvonko Veskov, Left to right: Kamenka Madzarov, Slavco Madzarov, New Jersey Governor Maria Kubaiska, and Metodija A. Koloski Maria Kubaiska, Slavko Madzarov, and Metodija A. Koloski Jon Corzine, Ambassador Zoran Jolevski, Mrs. Suzana Jolevska, and Archbishop John J. Myers 10 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 11 UMD Global Conference Tentative Program

Thursday, June 11, 2009 Breakfast: Advocacy the UMD Way: The Leadership Voice ...... 8:30 AM-10:00 AM Meetings on Capitol Hill...... 10:15 AM-4:00 PM U.S.-Macedonia Friendship Awards Congressional Lunch...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM Welcome Orientation...... 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Reception Hosted by Ambassador Zoran Jolevski at Embassy of Macedonia ...... 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings Photos courtesy of: Emil Ivanovski applause of the packed banquet hall, Georgiev kept his comments The moderator Mr. Mitreski ended the panel with the “Global Macedonian Challenges Today”...... 9:00 AM-10:30UMD AM Global Conference Panels: A Wealth Of brief, and said: “I believe UMD has an enormous capacity to bring following quotation from Tibet’s Dalai Lama: “All human beings, Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM about change. Our fight will continue. And yes, we will win this war whatever their cultural or historical background, suffer when they Washington, D.C. for our freedom. I also just wanted to say that, with all the young, are intimidated, imprisoned or tortured . . . We must, therefore, insist Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15 AM intelligent people working for Macedonia today, it gives me great on a global consensus, not only on the need to respect human rights Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PMInformation AboutJune 11-13, All Things2009 Macedonian hope.” worldwide, but also on the definition of these rights . . . for it is the Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15 PM Following the awards presentation, Joseph K. Grieboski, inherent nature of all human beings to yearn for freedom, equality How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30Written PM by Mark Branov, Stojan Nikolov, Metodija A. Koloski, Aleksandar Mitreski, Boban Jovanovski, Founder and President of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy, and dignity, and they have an equal right to achieve that.” Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30Aleksandar PM Popovski, Aleksandra TrpkovskaThe, VladimirWay AtseffAhead and Ivona Grimberg gave a keynote address. Having received two nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize, the Institute on Religion and Public Policy is Macedonian History and Identity Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM era of Tito’s Yugoslavia. Vinozhito has re-published this document, as UMD works to educate and inform the Macedonian one of the world’s most effective and well-respected advocates for evidence of the first and last time that Greece showed proper respect Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45Diaspora, PM the general public, government officials, academics the freedom of religion. An international, inter-religious non-profit and the media about Macedonian issues; the varied roster of for its Macedonian minority.” Prof. Loring Danforth, Professor of Anthropology, Bates College Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00 PM organization, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring freedom of religion educational panels held on June 12 and 13 did just that. “Greece has not ratified any of the human rights documents Prof. Michael Dimitri, Professor of History, Ball State University Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30 PM as the foundation for security, stability, and democracy. it has signed,” Mr. Parisis said, “even though it is a member of the Conference participants could learn and share In his remarks, Mr. Grieboski stated: “Our fundamental Mr. Steve Pliakes, President, Canadian Macedonian Olympic Club UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30 PM EU and the UN. And they got away with this. For many years, this knowledge about vital topics such as Macedonian human rights, philosophy is freedom of religion, and we believe it is the foundation Dr. Ernest Damianopoulos, Research Scientist, VA Medical Center Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony game was played in Greece alone… Greece was considered the only ancient and modern Macedonian history, the Macedonian of all other rights. Nowhere is this more evident then when one Mr. Stojan Nikolov, UMD Board of Directors (Moderator) democracy in the region at the time, and they took advantage of the (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble language, Macedonia’s role in world politics and business, the examines the status of Macedonian minorities in the Balkans. Greece situation to try to convince the world that Macedonians do not exist.” Mr. Nikolov started off the panel by giving the opening and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30important PM leadership roles of Macedonian women, and the future has no concept of freedom of religion; there is the Greek Orthodox of charitable projects in the Republic and in the Diaspora. He continued: “From 1974, the Greek people became more left- remarks: “We (Macedonians) have a very long and rich history, a Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30 AM Church, and that is about it. Serbia is not much better, and in Bulgaria oriented, and democracy began to function as it had not in the past. history for which many people envy us. Nietzsche once said that As we present the following notes on panel proceedings, they have passed laws of a similar nature.” So, Greece was invited to join the EU and NATO without fulfilling the ‘only strong personalities can endure history, the weak ones are we would also like to thank each and every panelist for their Mr. Grieboski called for action: “We watch all of this – For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org international norms of human rights.” extinguished by it’. We are a perfect example of the effort it takes kind participation. These educational panels were an essential more often than not – silently. But, how dare we sit back when you The Global Macedonian Mr. Parisis went on to talk about the current situation in to endure history. Frankly, history and those writing it have not United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) 756-7323 contribution to the Conference’s overall success. cannot call yourself by your own name, when (you have no right) · [email protected] Greece for Macedonian people: “The new generation is revisiting its been fair to us. For hundreds of years, others have tried to deny to the restitution of your property, and when you have no religious 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 United, We Can Makeheritage a Difference and exposing the huge hole in the official Greek history that us the right to be what we are and who we are, and have tried Macedonian Minorities in Southeast freedom? ... When the Greeks tell me about their being the ‘birthplace Design By: koikodesign they have been taught all their lives. Slowly, we are destroying the to shape and write our history for us, to suit their interests. But www.koikodesign.com of democracy’, I tell them about you,” he said, “…and then I rarely get Europe Awards Ceremony myth that Greece is a nation without minorities. Ever since the 1980s, clearly they have failed, for we are still here today. Our courage a call back!” Macedonian culture has started to thrive once again… our culture, and our strong character have given us the ability to persevere.” Mr. Athanasios Parisis, Vinozhito, Greece Mr. Grieboski also mentioned other incidents of blatant our language, our music, and this eventually was manifested into the Mr. Nikolov concluded by saying that: “In recent years, Mr. Stoyan Georgiev, OMO Ilinden PIRIN, Bulgaria disregard for minority rights in Greece, such as an official recognition political party Vinozhito.” we have made huge strides in educating ourselves and others Mr. Atanas Odzaklieski, Macedonian community of Croatia process for churches that requires the approval of a Greek Orthodox He went on: “We started from positive principles… and we bishop! He also mentioned a recent government tourist pamphlet, Ms. Liana Dumitrescu, Macedonian community of Romania went straight to the EU to apply for formal recognition (as they did in which shockingly promoted a local festival called “The Burning of Mr. Mark Opashinov, Macedonian Human Rights Movement Intl. Bulgaria). We needed to strike out into the world, to protect ourselves the Jew.” He concluded: “This is not religious freedom, ladies and Mr. Aleksandar Mitreski, UMD Vice President (Moderator) in our own countries. We are now regularly participating in elections, gentlemen. But thanks to UMD, you have a voice in Washington, In his opening remarks, UMD Vice President Aleksandar despite numerous cruel tactics on the part of the Greek government now. You also have friends, and I ask you to call on us.” Mitreski said: “We could not have found more passionate, concerned to oppress our movement.” Another panelist was Atanas Odzaklieski, an active leader or dedicated individuals than the activists honored today, who have Mr. Parisis described the gag order in Greece against for Macedonian human rights in Croatia. Mr. Odzaklieski gave a worked to promote human rights in organizations such as Vinozhito parliamentarians: “We have also had open debates on Greek TV with detailed account of the historic struggle for Macedonians in Croatia, in Greece, OMO Ilinden PIRIN in Bulgaria, and the Macedonian three parliamentarians, and one of them actually refused to engage and how recent changes in the Croatian constitution that he initiated Alliance for European Integration in Albania. These dedicated activists with me. He said he couldn’t speak with me, because his party had have allowed Macedonians to be represented in the Croatian have not only put their time on the line, but also their livelihoods and made an agreement with other Greek parties to not speak to us, and parliament. their personal safety, in the pursuit of justice and equality.” thereby recognize our party’s legality.” Liana Dumitrescu, the charismatic parliamentarian and The first recipient of UMD’s Human Rights Award was In conclusion, Mr. Parisis spoke to loud applause from leader of Macedonians in Romania, also addressed the attendees. Vinozhito, a political party in Greece advocating for the rights of the the crowd: “I have a message to the Greek fascists: there will be Besides her many other accomplishments, she initiated Macedonian Macedonian minority. new surprises for you to come, and a new stronger fight from the language instruction in state-run Romanian schools. “I was elected to “Following the Balkan Wars, it is possible that the Greeks Macedonians. A fight for our rights.” the Romanian parliament… but I have a Macedonian heart inside,” were not aware of the feeling in our hearts,” Mr. Parisis said. “But Another UMD Human Rights Award was given to OMO she said, “… Together, it’s possible to build something special for all from 1920, when the census results arrived in Athens, the Greek Ilinden PIRIN, and the recipient was a living hero in the international Macedonians … we need more people like my [Macedonian] brothers government was definitely aware that a Macedonian nationality about our history and our identity. We need to continue that. in Bulgaria and Greece. We need people of action!” exists. These documents were subsequently hidden from the eyes After hundreds of years of propaganda from our opponents, Mark Opashinov, representing Macedonian Human Rights of international bodies. Instead, the Greek Government advanced even many of our own people are ignorant or ambivalent about Movement International, based in Toronto, Canada, spoke about the idea that this new northern state was not Macedonia at all! This our identity and history. Knowing our history and learning from recent legal victories that Macedonia has won in international courts. is where the theories of Macedonia’s “non-existence” began, with the it will not only make us better prepared to deal with our current Mr. Opashinov gave special attention to the 2009 UN report authored nationalists of Greece.” problems, but it will also make our future brighter.” by special envoy Gay McDougall: “(This report) clearly states that He continued: “In 1925, the ABECEDAR (an elementary Professor Michael Dimitri focused his presentation on the Greek government should retreat from the dispute of whether school primer in Macedonian) was issued by the Greek Ministry of continuity of the Macedonian identity. Prof. Dimitri explained there is a Macedonian or Turkish minority in Greece. That’s a Education, though it was later hidden… this primer is yet another that for most of his career he has been studying evidence of a fundamental finding from the UN, and it’s an important step forward unquestionable proof that the Macedonian language pre-dates the continuous Macedonian identity, not only within the confines 12 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 13 UMD Voice UMD Voice of the traditional Classical World, but beyond that into regions Dr. Damianopoulos concluded by describing “a unique, calling, an arena for the expression of his talents, and a way like Pakistan. One of the largest areas of evidence is in visual non-exclusionary, non-Slavic Macedonian identity linked to the US-Macedonian Relations: to advance the interests of his country with honor. Although history: how ancient and modern Macedonians are depicted ancient Macedonians by sparse but critical remains from the his term as president of the UN General Assembly has ended, in art and iconography. In addition to this theme, Prof. Dimitri past.” He also detailed the evidence that the ancient Macedonians Priorities and Outlook Dr. Kerim continues his tenure at the UN as a member of a presented other supporting evidence in mythology, religion, were distinct from ancient Hellenes, which is supported by Curta’s handpicked action team on climate change. and paleontology. He emphasized that throughout the historical conclusion that the 6th century AD Slav migration to the Balkans H.E. Ivica Bocevski, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia Closing the luncheon, Koloski stated that: “the United record, there has always been a culture in the geographic region “is a politically motivated invention of 19th Century European The Hon. Phillip T. Reeker, US Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia Macedonian Diaspora and Macedonians throughout the world of Macedonia that identified itself uniquely as Macedonian. historians.” Finally, he stressed recent genetic testing by the Swiss Dr. Srgjan Kerim, fmr pres. of the UN General Assembly were ecstatic when they learned on November 4, 2004 that the The second panelist, Mr. Steve Pliakes, focused his firm iGenea, which corroborate both the above hypothesis and Dr. Zoran Jolevski, Macedonian Ambassador to the US US recognized Macedonia by her constitutional name. For our presentation on a trip that he undertook to the Himalayas, Curta’s findings, as well. Maj. Gen Michael Dubie, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard people who have struggled for the right to their existence and following in the footsteps of Alexander the Great’s army. He Mr. Metodija A. Koloski, UMD President (Moderator) identity, the US recognition was instrumental and motivating to our community to continue the century-long struggle. We are spoke of the discoveries he made there; people, artifacts, flags, Preserving and Advancing the UMD President Metodija A. Koloski opened the very pleased that President Obama has continued this policy words and names that are found in distant regions of Alexander’s luncheon by pointing out that one of UMD’s priorities is to Macedonian Language of referring to Macedonia as Macedonia and hope President empire and in today’s Macedonia as well. In his presentation, he strengthen US-Macedonian relations. “Since 2004, UMD has Obama’s administration will continue supporting Macedonia.” also touched on Emperor Constantine of the Byzantine Empire, Professor Elena Petroska, Sv. Kiril i Metodij Univ. Skopje, and Indiana Univ. been at the forefront of developing these relations, and serving who had Macedonian roots. Ms. Aleksandra Trpkovska, UMD Board (Moderator) as a bridge between the Macedonian-American community and Prospects of Euro-Atlantic Integration Macedonia. UMD views the relationship between the United Prof. Petroska presented her research and conclusions States and Macedonia as one of great strategic importance, and for Macedonia from a study of Macedonian heritage speakers in the United the United States has been a true friend to Macedonia over the States. This study was based on a survey of young people years.” H.E. Ivica Bocevski, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia (university, high school, and middle school students) in six US Speakers at the luncheon addressed many aspects of the Mr. Boban Ilik, Secretary-General, RDWG in Southeast Europe communities with the greatest density of Macedonian speakers, positive relations between the US and Macedonia. Deputy Prime and it was part of an American Council of Learned Societies Mr. Daniel P. Serwer, Vice President, Center for Post-Conflict Peace, USIP Minister Bocevski stressed the pivotal role of the US influence Mr. Michael L. Braxton, UMD Member, Retired US FSO (Moderator) (ACLS) project. The goal of the study was to establish a profile in Macedonia’s NATO accession. He elaborated on Macedonia’s of US Macedonian heritage language speakers, and to develop long-term aspirations, and expressed Macedonia’s appreciation Mr. Serwer presented a succinct, sincere, and rather course materials that would best facilitate the heritage learners’ to the US for its moral and material assistance in reaching these ominous description of the current geopolitical position of transition into being fully bilingual adults. goals. Macedonia, and the challenges that this poses to its sovereignty. According to Prof. Petroska, Macedonian heritage Ambassador Jolevski echoed some of Mr. Bocevski’s He discussed the volatile situation in Kosovo, the secessionist speakers grow up in a culturally rich environment where the remarks, and added that a more united and politically active tendencies of Republika Srpska, and he highlighted the language is learned aurally: therefore, the cultural environment Diaspora would raise the profile of Macedonia in Washington, rhetoric of some radical political elements within Macedonia supports dialect over standard. Actually, there are only two DC, and enrich US–Macedonian relations. itself. He emphasized however, that a redrawing of borders is locations in the entire US that have some organized instruction in Adjutant General Dubie praised the courage and skills unlikely, because the US fully supports the territorial integrity of Macedonian language for children in the community. of the Macedonian soldiers serving in Iraq. He noted that the Macedonia. Students recognize the need to improve their reading Macedonian units were well organized, highly competent, and Deputy Prime Minister Bocevski focused on the ability. Among the problems they encounter is lack of knowledge resolute in the line of fire. Albeit a small group, the alliance Macedonia’s bid for admission into NATO and the EU and the of the Cyrillic alphabet. This gap, which is easily remedied, is commanders coveted these soldiers’ presence in their combat difficulties that Greece’s objections are currently posing, by seen in their writing samples. Only 30% of the university students units. As an outward sign of friendship between the two blocking Macedonia’s efforts to enter both organizations. He wrote in Cyrillic for the paragraph about themselves. Of that countries, Adjutant General Dubie presented Ambassador Jolevski reassured the audience that the Macedonian government is 30%, some mixed Latin and Cyrillic. It is important to note that with a declaration passed in the Vermont General Assembly that unwavering in its pursuit of solutions to these problems. He Professor Loring Danforth was the third panelist to there was a correlation between the student’s ability to write in commends the excellence of Macedonian soldiers. maintained that the only way for Macedonia to survive and address the audience. His presentation focused on a book Cyrillic and their reported rate of reading. Of those that wrote Ambassador Reeker summarized the economic, prosper is through integration in the Euro-Atlantic security and manuscript he had just finished entitled Children of the Greek in Cyrillic, most considered themselves to be average or above, diplomatic, and military relationship between the US and economic structures. Likening the struggle for integration to the Civil War. The book details one of the most controversial while among those who used the Latin alphabet, most described Macedonia since 1991. He mentioned Macedonia’s hospitality dreams of the Ilinden generation, he asserted that “there is no episodes of that war, when tens of thousands of children were themselves as average or below. When asked what is most towards thousands of refugees during the Bosnia and Kosovo contingency plan” – the only way forward is through NATO and evacuated from the war-torn villages of Aegean Macedonia / difficult or challenging for them in learning Macedonian, the conflicts. He acknowledged the Macedonian troops serving the EU. Northern Greece to the countries of Eastern Europe, creating most common answers were: the Cyrillic alphabet, vocabulary, in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also talked about direct US aid to Boban Ilik offered a sobering perspective on the impact a generation of refugees known to Macedonians as the Deca and grammar. Macedonia, the new embassy complex in Skopje, and the staunch of nationalism on the well-being of Balkan farmers. Although Begalci (“Runaway Children”). One conclusion of the study was that Macedonian US support for Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. Despite its separated by borders and language, farmers are united in their Contrary to commonly held opinion, Prof. Danforth language is learned much faster when the Latin alphabet is the sensitive geo-political position, Ambassador Reeker characterized asserts that these refugee children included ethnic Greeks and base of learning, rather than the Cyrillic. However, that makes Macedonia as “one of the world’s net security providers.” ethnic Macedonians, as well as children whose families supported learners less fluent in reading Macedonian texts. Findings also During the luncheon, UMD presented its UMD the Partisans, and also children whose parents supported the pointed to the need for materials geared towards children. Macedonian Heritage Public Service Award to Dr. Srgjan Kerim. Greek government. In his presentation, Prof. Danforth explained Dictionaries in Macedonian and English exist, but consumers are The Macedonian Heritage Public Service Award is given to that his book contains life history narratives of individual refugee not well informed. leaders who have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of children that collectively demonstrate the inadequacy of the current Another issue that was raised by the audience was life in Macedonia and for Macedonians throughout the world. “master narratives” being used by historians which, in his opinion, the need to speak Macedonian in Macedonian circles. A few “As one of Macedonia’s longest serving and most respected fail to express the complexity of these tragic historical events. audience members suggested the UMD Global Conference be public servants, Dr. Kerim’s unwavering determination to Dr. Ernest Damianopoulos focused on a book that he held in Macedonian language, rather than English. UMD Global improve the lives of Macedonians is self-evident. His leadership is currently working on, in which he examines the Macedonian Conference Co-Chair Aleksandra Trpkovska responded that the has been instrumental in helping to guide Macedonia’s Euro- ethnic identity. First, Dr. Damianopoulos presented historical, goal of the conference was not only to unite Macedonians, but also Atlantic integration and creating opportunities for Macedonians. anthropological and socio-cultural evidence of a distinct ancient present Macedonian issues to the US and international diplomatic Moreover, Dr. Kerim is a champion of justice and human rights Macedonian identity. He then examined the non-Slavic socio- and public policy community as well as the international press for all people,” noted Koloski. cultural features expressed in ethnic Macedonia’s national dress, and the general public. Additionally, she pointed to the bilingual In his acceptance speech, Dr. Kerim highlighted the warrior dances, traditions in the home, and formulaic first and last magazine at www.NaseDetePublishing.com that she is developing, importance of public service to the health of Macedonia’s name systems. which provides a fun way for kids to start learning Macedonian. emerging democracy. For Dr. Kerim, public service is a true 14 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 15 UMD Voice UMD Voice dependence on the land for sustenance and economic survival. educational material to elementary school children and The ambitions of nationalistic political entrepreneurs in the donating medical equipment and instruments to a children’s Marketing: Best Practice for the Positive area have clouded our understanding of one indisputable fact: hospital. we must manage our natural resources effectively in order to The discussion was lively and cordial. Ms. Trpkovska Branding of Macedonia survive. Mr. Ilik illustrated this point with examples of successful will contact panel members in the near future to coordinate international programs for rural development. their humanitarian efforts in Macedonia. Mr. Bruce Bertman, CEO of Networld Online, Inc., Florida Questions from the audience focused on the name Ms. Jill Kovalich, Mktg Director for Konowitz, Kahn, & Company, Connecticut issue negotiations. While refusing to divulge any details, Deputy Macedonian Women Making A Difference Ms. Dana Klein, Hon. Consul General for Florida, Pres. DKMC, Inc. (Moderator) Prime Minister Bocevski stressed his confidence in a timely and satisfactory resolution of the name dispute. Mr. Serwer added that Ms. Klein presented various examples to demonstrate that Macedonia should exploit its competitive advantage in relation Mrs. Stephanie Atseff, UMD member and philanthropist although image is important, it must be based on and connected to to Kosovo and continue to promote exchanges that not only will Ms. Liana Dumitrescu, Romanian Member of Parliament “the overall package.” Reaching out to the end user and developing strengthen its overall balance of trade but also increase stability Ms. Virginia Evans, Macedonian community leader (Canada) a relationship is extremely important and will determine the level on the northern border. Ms. Sonja Magdevski, Journalist and Scholar of success in branding and imaging. The key is to get the message Ms. Aleksandra Trpkovska, UMD Board (Moderator) out to the target audience in the manner in which it was intended. Young Leadership - A New Generation of In her opening remarks, Ms. Trpkovska expressed her Ms. Kovalich noted that you also brand your image Philanthropy great pleasure to be in the company of such great women leaders. efficiently and effectively by keeping your messages consistent. several UMD Board Members, including Aleksandar Mitreski, She thanked each one of the panelists personally for agreeing to Everyone in the company or program must know the message Aleksandra Trpkovska, and Boban Jovanovski, who spoke and express it in presentation, communication, and action. The Mr. Emil Hristov, President, EMSA Construction, New Jersey share their life stories with the audience, and commended them about UMD human rights activities, charitable activities, UMD’s for the high standards they have set for Macedonian women message online should be the same message when the customer scholarship and internship programs, and public outreach Mr. Aleksander Kirkovski, President, YMCA Macedonia comes to the door and everyone and everything in the company activities, respectively. During these speeches, UMD once again Mr. Kristopher Maslardzievski, Actor, Founder of Splash of Hope around the world and for their dedication to their professional careers and the Macedonian cause. should represent that image for optimal branding. Ms. Kovalich expressed its long-standing policy to reject any changes to the Ms. Jeanne Whitney Smith, President, Friends of Macedonia The first panelist was Ms. Liana Dumitrescu, a Member also presented trends in hospitality and travel as opportunities for name of the Macedonian state or people. Ms. Aleksandra Trpkovska, UMD Board and Director, UMD FMC of Parliament in Romania and a representative of the Macedonian marketing Macedonia. UMD’s representatives in Austria and Russia, Zlatko Mr. Vladimir Atseff, Sponsor, The Macedonia Mission minority in Romania to Parliament. Ms. Dumitrescu called Mr. Bertman discussed Internet marketing strategies Nikolovski and Boris Kamchev also made presentations, providing Mr. Hristov described his activities as a young attention to the need of women to support women, not just women to increase exposure and brand your image. The combination important insight into these two well-established Macedonian entrepreneur managing and directing the construction of asking for the support of men. Through personal anecdotes, she of high- and low-technology is the best way to reach and keep Diaspora communities. Mr. Kamchev reminded the audience public and private projects in New Jersey. He discussed how he explained that it always amazes her how competitive women can customers. Mr. Bertman emphasized the importance of reaching of the strong cultural and historic ties between the Macedonian started a construction company, how he adjusted to the current be to each other, instead of supporting each other. The audience, out to the customer, saying: “It is imperative to drive interested and Russian peoples, including one of the most influential economic recession, and how he managed to continue growing of which a majority were women, agreed with this sentiment. parties to a destination and it does not matter whether it is physical Macedonian Diaspora institutes: the Macedonian Scientific and his company. During college, Mr. Hristov interned for several The next panelist, Ms. Virginia Evans, gave a lively or virtual.” Literary Society. For his part, Mr. Nikolovski described the members of Congress, including Senator Frank Lautenberg of presentation on her life and achievements. Her path led through The question and answer period highlighted ways in current status of the Macedonian community in Austria, which New Jersey. many administrative roles where she was able to use her which creative, simple, and low cost methods can provide the has existed since Hapsburg times, and today enjoys considerable Mr. Kirkovski summarized 10 years of YMCA activities organizing skills, as well as develop her love for theater. She is needed repetition and frequency to brand successfully. The use of cultural freedom. in Macedonia, promoting a stronger multi-ethnic society for an organizer of the annual Macedonian Film Festival in Toronto, blogs, links, online press releases, and “e-blasts” were emphasized young men and women, improving family life, and building Canada, where the films illustrate Macedonia from various as promising methods to create excitement, especially since they Macedonia’s Economic Environment and stable and strong communities. Mr. Kirkovski has relied on the perspectives, and spark discussion among the many Macedonian remain permanently on the Internet and drive traffic to your site Attractiveness to Foreign Investors philanthropic community, like the Somerset Hills YMCA in New and non-Macedonian guests in multicultural Toronto. Ms. Evans and business. The audience was reminded not to hesitate to Jersey, to help fund his organization, but he acknowledged the called on the need for collaboration between Macedonian men request referrals and for new business and to be aggressive about need for renewed and continued support, if YMCA Macedonia and women in order to support projects which present Macedonia the business that they seek. Mr. Viktor Mizo, CEO, InvestMacedonia is to survive. in a better light outside of the Macedonian community. Mr. Iljanco Gagovski, General Manager, Microsoft Macedonia Mr. Maslardzievski has worked with UMD to help The Also contributing to the discussion were panelists Sonja UMD Board of Director’s Briefing - Global Ms. Hilleary Smith, Trade Specialist, US Department of Commerce Fund for Macedonian Children. He has also helped coordinate Magdevski, a journalist by training and former Fulbright Scholar Macedonian Challenges Today Ms. Ivona Grimberg, UMD Member, IMG Consulting (Moderator) the Macedonian Film Festival in Toronto, Canada. His artistic to Macedonia, and Mrs. Stephanie Atseff, who, with her husband The panel’s main focus was discussion on various aspects talents have been a very important contribution to a variety of Vladimir, are well-known philanthropists. Both shared their Mr. Vasil Naumov, Macedonian Agency for Emigration Macedonian projects. significant insight into Macedonian women and Macedonian of the economic climate in Macedonia, from the perspective of Mr. Zlatko Nikolovski, UMD Vienna As President of Friends of Macedonia, Ms. Whitney culture. foreign investors. Smith has been a bridge between Macedonians and Americans Mr. Boris Kamchev, UMD St. Petersburg Mr. Mizo gave a presentation that outlined various by providing valuable information and services. Her organization Mr. Aleksandar Mitreski, UMD Vice President opportunities being supported and promoted by the Macedonian is mainly composed of non-Macedonians who were previously Ms. Aleksandra Trpkovska, UMD Board government, such as low corporate income taxes, a qualified Peace Corps volunteers in the Republic of Macedonia. Their Mr. Boban Jovanovski, UMD Board work force, relatively cheap labor and improvements in the accomplishments include supporting Macedonian college Mr. Metodija A. Koloski, UMD President (Moderator) manufacturing processes in various Macedonian industries. students, distributing wheelchairs to the disabled throughout Mr. Gagovski’s presentation focused on technological On the final day of UMD’s first annual Global Conference, the country, promoting artistic performances, and helping development in Macedonia. He discussed how other countries guests gathered to hear directly from the UMD leadership about elementary and secondary school children. have used technology as a tool for economic development. He also the global challenges facing both Macedonia and UMD in Ms. Trpkovska, UMD Board member and Director for elaborated on the training of leaders and managers in Macedonia. upcoming years, along with Mr. Vasil Naumov representing the the Fund for Macedonian Children, has spearheaded various Ms. Smith’s presentation focused mainly on current Republic of Macedonia. humanitarian programs to benefit Macedonia’s young people. investment trends in Macedonia and current statistics on the Mr. Naumov discussed the nature of the conference, The Fund’s most significant project, Building a Future Today, amount of foreign investment by US companies into Macedonia. and his role as the government intermediary between the fosters positive development for children and young people The presentations were followed by questions from Macedonian Diaspora and the Macedonian government. Mr. in Macedonia. The Fund has provided educational supplies, the audience, which ranged from questions about specific Naumov described his duties, and also spoke to the concerns of scholarships, clothing and other humanitarian assistance to the industries, such as agriculture and tourism, to questions about the the Macedonian Diaspora regarding such practical issues as dual children of Macedonia. government’s role in promoting free enterprise, and the initiatives citizenship, consular services and passports. Vladimir Atseff and his wife Stephanie have sponsored being undertaken for the expansion of foreign investment into This presentation was followed by brief remarks from The Macedonia Mission, an NGO dedicated to providing Macedonia. 16 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 17 UMD Global Conference Tentative Program

Saturday, June 13, 2009 Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings “Global Macedonian Challenges Today”...... 9:00 AM-10:30 AM Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Washington, D.C. Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15 AM Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM June 11-13, 2009 Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15 PM How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30 PM Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30 PM The Way Ahead Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30 PM UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30 PM Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30 PM Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30 AM

For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) 756-7323 The Global Macedonian · [email protected] 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 United, We Can Make a Difference Design By: koikodesign www.koikodesign.com

18 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 19 UMD Global Conference Tentative Program

Friday, June 12, 2009 Breakfast...... 8:00 AM Macedonia’s Economic Environment - Its Attraction to U.S. and Foreign Investors .....8:30 AM-11:00 AM Strategic Perspective on Macedonia within the EU - How it Currently Fits within the European Family...... 11:15 AM-12:45UMD PM Voice UMD Voice Lunch: U.S.-Macedonian Relations and NATO’s Future Opportunities and Challenges (Keynote: High-Profile Macedonian Government Official)...... 1:00 PM-2:30 PM Other visits were made to the offices of: in his district in Indiana. He expressed his gratitude to Success Stories: Macedonians Making a Difference in the World...... 2:45 PM-4:15 PM his Macedonian constituents who, he said, had allowed Networking Reception Boat Cruise on the Potomac River...... 5:30 PM-8:00 PM • Senator George Voinovich, him to learn a great deal about the Republic of Macedonia. Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 9:00 PM-12:30 AM • Senatr Sherrod Brown He ended his remarks by advising UMD to remember that • Senator Richard Lugar each step in the right direction is a big success for everyone Saturday, June 13, 2009 • Senator Evan Bayh involved, and he expressed the hope that the Conference • Senator Bob Corker would help raise further awareness about the Republic of Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings Photos courtesy of: Emil Ivanovski • Senator Benjamin Cardin Macedonia. “Global Macedonian Challenges Today”...... 9:00 AM-10:30 AM Macedonians Converge on Capitol Hill • Senator Jeanne Shaheen Koloski and Macedonian-American businessman Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Washington, D.C. • Senator Jim DeMint Zvonko Veskov of New Jersey presented an award to New Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15 AM • Senator Edward Kennedy Jersey Congressman Bill Pascrell. Congressman Pascrell • Senator Richard Durbin spoke warmly about UMD, and his Macedonian-American Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM for a Day of Advocacy June 11-13, 2009 • Representative Peter Roskam constituents in New Jersey. He stressed the value of Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15 PM by Nicholas Kostoff, UMD Summer 2009 Intern • Representative Steve LaTourette appreciating different cultures in his own experience, and How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30 PM • Representative Patrick Tiberi noted that there is no reason for Macedonia to stop fighting Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30 PM The Way Ahead • Representative Connie Mack to protect its rightful name. He also urged NATO to welcome Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM • Representative Mike Ross Macedonia into its ranks. Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM • Representative Trent Franks Sonja Magdevski presented the fourth award Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00 PM • Representative Mike McIntyre to Congresswoman Candice Miller from Michigan. • Representative J. Randy Forbes Congresswoman Miller represents the state with the largest Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30 PM • Representative Gerald Connolly Macedonian population in the US. The Congresswoman UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30 PM • Representative Charlie Wilson noted that, as a state representative, she has seen the Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony • Representative Doris Matsui Macedonian population in Michigan grow and prosper into (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble • Representative Dan Boren a united and politically effective community. and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30 PM • Representative Jim Himes Honorary Consul of Macedonia to Florida Lou • Representative. Joe Wilson Vlasho presented an award to Congressman Harry Mitchell of Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30 AM • Representative Artur Davis Arizona. Congressman Mitchell expressed his pleasure that • Representative Robert Brady the Macedonian community remains united, assertive and For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org • Representative Bill Shuster passionate about its cause. He also noted that, even though United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) 756-7323 The Global Macedonian • Representative Ron Paul there are relatively fewer Macedonians in his state, it does · [email protected] • Representative Sue Myrick not mean that he is unaware of Macedonia’s predicament. 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 United, We Can Make a Difference • Representative Jeff Flake He thanked UMD for helping him understand those issues Design By: koikodesign that concern Macedonia, and promised to do his utmost to www.koikodesign.com Almost two hundred Macedonians and friends help the Republic of Macedonia in Congress. of Macedonia met in the Cannon Caucus Room for a gala UMD’s Congressional Luncheon proved to be lunch with speeches and award ceremonies. UMD’s “US- a significant milestone in the Macedonian community’s Macedonia Friendship Awards” were given to five Members growing dialogue with US legislators. Dr. Zoran Jolevski, of the House of Representatives who have distinguished Macedonia’s Ambassador to the United States, also attended, themselves with their strong allies of Macedonia. and he commended UMD’s efforts to support the Republic of Chris Antoniou presented the first award Macedonia in general and its NATO ascension in particular. to Congressman Earl Pomeroy from North Dakota. He expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation for the Congressman Pomeroy recalled his visits to Macedonia and principled positions of the five awardees at the luncheon. described the friendliness and hospitality of the Macedonian All in all, the Day of Advocacy was a smashing people during his stay. success. It was a truly revolutionary idea to empower the UMD President speaking before close to 200 guests in the Congressional Then, Vladimir Atseff presented Congressman Mark conference participants - to take them out of a passive mode Cannon Caucus Room for the US-Macedonia Friendship Awards Luncheon Souder from Indiana with another award. Congressman - and give them the chance to participate directly in the Souder described the many proud Macedonian-Americans democratic process. On Thursday, June 11th, 2009, nearly one hundred Macedonians converged on the offices of their representatives on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, for a historic day of advocacy on behalf of Macedonia. It began with breakfast in the US House of Representatives’ Rayburn Building, where there was a presentation on advocacy strategy by UMD President Metodija A. Koloski and Board Member Aleksandra Trpkovska. Following the breakfast, 15 groups of 4-5 people dispersed to discuss US-Macedonian Relations with their representatives, explaining the need for increased US engagement in Southeast Europe. The groups visited many Senators and Representatives throughout the day, including the office of Congressman James Moran, from the 8th District of Virginia. A group led by Koloski discussed Macedonia’s contributions to peace in Southeast Europe with Congressman Moran, as well as Macedonia’s military contributions to Iraq and Afghanistan and its record of granting all citizens democratic freedoms, regardless of ethnicity, national origin or religion. UMD members Margarita Kurtevska, her family, UMD member Vladimir Atseff, and Mitre Kutanovski, all originally from Northwest Indiana, visited the office of Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky. The Congressman expressed his long-standing strong support of Macedonia. UMD Vice President Aleksandar Mitreski, and UMD Board Member Stojan Nikolov, both from Massachusetts, visited the office of Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman and Senator John Kerry, to discuss increasing US support for Macedonia. UMD was pleased that several Macedonian organizations joined in UMD’s educational advocacy efforts opposing H. Res. 486 and S. Res. 169, including the Macedonian American Friendship Association, Macedonia 2025, and the Macedonian Patriotic Organization, all represented by their presidents respectively. Congressman Harry Mitchell Congresswoman Candice Miller with Sonja Magdevski 20 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 21 UMD Global Conference Tentative Program UMD Global Conference Tentative Program

Thursday, June 11, 2009 Thursday, June 11, 2009 Breakfast: Advocacy the UMD Way: The Leadership Voice ...... 8:30 AM-10:00 AM Breakfast: Advocacy the UMD Way: The Leadership Voice ...... 8:30 AM-10:00 AM Meetings on Capitol Hill...... 10:15 AM-4:00 PM Meetings on Capitol Hill...... 10:15 AM-4:00 PM U.S.-Macedonia Friendship Awards Congressional Lunch...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM U.S.-Macedonia Friendship Awards Congressional Lunch...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM Welcome Orientation...... 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Welcome Orientation...... 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Reception Hosted by Ambassador Zoran Jolevski at Embassy of Macedonia ...... 6:30 PM-8:30 PM Reception Hosted by Ambassador Zoran Jolevski at Embassy of Macedonia ...... 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Friday, June 12, 2009 Friday, June 12, 2009 Breakfast...... 8:00 AM Breakfast...... 8:00 AM Macedonia’s Economic Environment - Its Attraction to U.S. and Foreign Investors .....8:30 AM-11:00 AM Macedonia’s Economic Environment - Its Attraction to U.S. and Foreign Investors .....8:30 AM-11:00 AM Strategic Perspective on Macedonia within the EU - How it Currently Fits within the Strategic Perspective on Macedonia within the EU - How it Currently Fits within the European Family...... 11:15 AM-12:45UMD PM Voice European Family...... 11:15 AM-12:45 PM UMD Voice Lunch: U.S.-Macedonian Relations and NATO’s Future Opportunities and Challenges Lunch: U.S.-Macedonian Relations and NATO’s Future Opportunities and Challenges (Keynote: High-Profile Macedonian Government Official)...... 1:00 PM-2:30 PM (Keynote: High-Profile Macedonian Government Official)...... 1:00 PM-2:30 PM Success Stories: Macedonians Making a Difference in the World...... 2:45 PM-4:15 PM Success Stories: Macedonians Making a Difference in the World...... 2:45 PM-4:15 PM Networking Reception Boat Cruise on the Potomac River...... 5:30 PM-8:00 PM Networking Reception Boat Cruise on the Potomac River...... 5:30 PM-8:00 PM Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 9:00 PM-12:30 AM Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 9:00 PM-12:30 AM

Saturday, June 13, 2009 Saturday, June 13, 2009

Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings Photos courtesy of: Emil Ivanovski “Global Macedonian Challenges Today”...... 9:00 AM-10:30Reception AM at Macedonian Embassy“Global Macedonian Challe ngesSets Today”...... 9:00 the Tone AM-10:30 UMDAM Gala Banquet and Reception: The Perfect Farewell Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Washington, D.C.Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Washington, D.C. Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15by AM Matthew Napoli, UMD International Policy and Diplomacy FellowMarketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15by AM Mark Branov Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM A reception and awards June 11-13, 2009Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM On the final day of June 11-13, 2009 to this and I applaud Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15ceremony PM at the Macedonian Embassy Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15the PM UMD Global Conference the progress Skopje has How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30in PM Washington highlighted the first How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30in PM Washington, no one made thus far. Efforts Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30night PM of UMD’s Global Conference. Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30could PM have imagined a to fight corruption have Ambassador Zoran Jolevski and The Way Ahead more enjoyable send- The Way Ahead resulted in improvements Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45Mrs. PM Jolevski hosted the reception at the Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45off PM than the UMD Gala in Macedonia’s ranking on Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45beautiful PM embassy building, decorated Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45Banquet PM and Reception. In Transparency International’s Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00with PM Macedonian art and photographs Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00the PM halls, guests enjoyed y e a r l y C o r r u p t i o n Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30of PM the building prior to its conversion Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30artistic PM expressions from Perceptions Index. The UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30into PM an embassy. The venerable UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30Macedonian PM artists, which government’s laudable building on Washington’s “Embassy were organized by Maria efforts to fight trafficking Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony Row” was completely renovated a few Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony Kubaiska. It is a modern in persons resulted in (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble years previously. (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble tradition in Macedonia Macedonia being ranked and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30 PM Over 250 guests flooded and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30to PM welcome guests with as a Tier One country in Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30the AM embassy after Day of Advocacy Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30chocolate, AM so each setting left to right: UMD Board Members Stojan Nikolov, the 2008 Trafficking in activities on Capitol Hill. Among the at the beautiful Marriott Persons Report. These are Denis Manevski, Boban Jovanovski, Aleksandar Mitreski, distinguished guests were Senator A r l i n g t o n B a l l r o o m notable accomplishments, For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org Aleksandra Trpkovska, Michael Sarafin, and Metodija A. Koloski Richard Lugar, ranking member of theThe Global Macedonian included a special chocolate The Global Macedonian although more must be United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) 756-7323 Senate Foreign Relations Committee, United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) 756-7323 with Macedonian pepper done to further consolidate · [email protected] · [email protected] 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 Major General Michael D.United, Dubie, We Can Make a Difference1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 inside. Each table had Vertias wineUnited, from Macedonia, We Can courtesy Make institutions a Difference and rule of law in Macedonia. This is not a Adjutant General to the Vermont of prominent businessman Slavco Madzarov. criticism; the Republic of Macedonia is only 18 years old. Design By: koikodesign Design By: koikodesign www.koikodesign.comNational Guard, Ivica Bocevski, then Awardees Stephanie and Vlad Atseff and www.koikodesign.com The program began with the charming Mistress of But swift progress will be met with invaluable rewards, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic Senator Lugar proudly displaying their Awards Ceremonies Sonja Magdevski. She welcomed the packed hall such as greater investor confidence, more foreign direct of Macedonia, and Darko Angelov, of over 300 guests and introduced the renowned Sveta Zlata investment, and a higher standard of living for all people in Chief of Staff to the President of Macedonia. Meglenska women’s choir to start off the evening with the Macedonia,” stated Ambassador Reeker. Macedonians from all over the Diaspora attended the reception, and each was personally greeted by the Ambassador. American and Macedonian national anthems. Following the Mr. Darko Angelov, the Chief of Staff to the President Attendees enjoyed the fine cuisine organized by Mrs. Jolevski and her team. This was followed by remarks from UMD anthems, UMD Board member Aleksandra Trpkovska spoke of the Republic of Macedonia read a letter from President President Metodija A. Koloski, who presented the UMD International Freedom Award to Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN). about the success of the first ever UMD Global Conference. Ivanov, in which the President called UMD an informal The International Freedom Award is one of UMD’s highest honors and the recipient of this award is selected She thanked the numerous volunteers, and had them all ambassador for the country. based on his or her positive impact on the Macedonian community, record of public service, and success in advancing stand up for a loud ovation from the guests. “Without the UMD President Metodija A. Koloski’s address universally accepted principles of justice, hard work put in by these wonderful volunteers, the 1st began with a definition of being Macedonian: “Our name, peace, democracy, individual freedom UMD Global Conference would not have been such a huge language, land, family, faith, and culture are all vital and economic opportunity. Over the success,” noted Trpkovska. elements of our Macedonian identity,“ he said, “(but) we are past thirty years, Senator Lugar has Following these remarks the Honorary Chairman bound to each other not simply by what we have inherited, risen to become one of America’s most of the Global Conference, but rather by that which recognized public servants, tirelessly His Excellency Dr. Zoran we give of ourselves to working for peace and cooperation Jolevski, the Ambassador our nation, to our cause, in the world-at-large, and on behalf of of t he Re publ ic of and to our common Macedonia as well. Macedonia to the United f u t u r e . U l t i m a t e l y, Following Senator Lugar’s S t at e s , g r e e t e d t he being Macedonian is gracious acceptance speech, Mr. Koloski attendees and stated how more about giving, and presented a plaque to Vladimir and proud he was to be among less about getting; less Stephanie Atseff, in recognition of their such diverse Macedonians about expectations and lifelong dedication to humanitarian work from throughout the entitlements, and more in Macedonia. In an emotional speech, world. about taking responsibility the Atseffs thanked UMD for the honor. In his remarks, for our shared destiny… the US Ambassador to That giving – of our time, UMD is grateful to Ambassador Jolevski Macedonia, Ambassador toil, and treasure – is the for hosting the beautiful reception. Many Philip T. Reeker urged price of our survival. We UMD members and guests commented Macedonia to continue reinforce who we are that it was one of the highlights of the c o n s o l i d a t i n g i t s by bearing the burdens UMD Global Conference. democracy. “Macedonian and blessings of our UMD President presenting Senator Lugar with UMD International Freedom Award leaders appear committed Aleksandrija Folk Dance Ensemble performing at the Gala Banquet generation, in order to 22 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 23 UMD Global Conference Tentative Program

Ambassadors Reeker and Jolevski Sveta Zlata Meglenska Women’s shaking hands at Gala Banquet Choir performing at Gala Banquet 24 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 25 UMD Global Conference Tentative Program UMD Global Conference Tentative Program

Saturday, June 13, 2009 Saturday, June 13, 2009 Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings Breakfast: UMD Board of Director’s Policy Briefings “Global Macedonian Challenges Today”...... 9:00 AM-10:30 AM Letter From Senator“Global Macedonian Lugar Challenges Today”...... 9:00 AM-10:30 AM Letter From Representative Moran Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Washington, D.C.Fun Activities for Children including Monument Tours...... 9:00 AM-4:30 PM Washington, D.C. Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15 AM Marketing: Best Practices for the Positive Branding of Macedonia...... 10:45 AM-12:15 AM Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM June 11-13, 2009Lunch: Macedonian Minorities in Southeast Europe and Awards Ceremony...... 12:30 PM-2:00 PM June 11-13, 2009 Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15 PM Women, Beyond the Bake Sale ...... 2:15 PM-3:15 PM How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30 PM How Did We Get Here? Macedonian History and Identity for Macedonian Advocates ....3:30 PM-4:30 PM Philanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30 PM The Way AheadPhilanthropy and Macedonian Children...... 3:30 PM-4:30 PM The Way Ahead Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Building Young Leadership – A New Generation...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Preserving and Advancing the Macedonian Language ...... 4:45 PM-5:45 PM Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Macedonians in the Professional Field ...... 6:00 PM-7:00 PM Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30 PM Macedonian Heritage Silent Auction...... 7:30 PM-10:30 PM UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30 PM UMD President’s Reception Celebrating UMD’s 5th Anniversary ...... 7:30 PM-8:30 PM Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony Gala Banquet and Awards Ceremony (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble (Special Performance by the Goce Delchev Macedonian Folk Dance Ensemble and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30 PM and concert by the renowned St. Zlata Meglenska Women’s Choir) ...... 8:30 PM-10:30 PM Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30 AM Igranka featuring Merak Band from Syracuse, New York ...... 10:00 PM-12:30 AM

For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org For more information, please visit www.UMDGlobalConference.org United Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) 756-7323 The Global MacedonianUnited Macedonian Diaspora · tel (202) 756-2244 · fax (202) 756-7323 The Global Macedonian · [email protected] · [email protected] 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 United, We Can Make a Difference1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20004 United, We Can Make a Difference Design By: koikodesign Design By: koikodesign www.koikodesign.com www.koikodesign.com

26 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 27 UMD Voice UMD Voice SP: I have not visited all the same, evolving from a modern places, but my most favored cultural openness. There are MacedoniaLovesYou.com: A Labor of Love definitely include: Galicnik, some religious differences, places around Lake Ohrid, especially among the older By Mark Branov Pelister (Malo and Golemo generation, of course. One Ezero), Berovo, Kratovo thing that worries me about ….and the famous monasteries Macedonian culture is a self-

Photos courtesy of: Stanislaw Pigon Bigorski, Lesnovski, and diminishing streak, summed Osogovski. I have visited up in the phrase: “But we are

some of them several times. just a small country.” Poles are Photos courtesy of: Ivanov Campaign I love to wake up early in much bolder when they speak the Sveti Naum hotel and up about corruption, including look through a window... the that which exists in Western feeling is overwhelming. The cultures and societies. I want place that I hope to visit soon Macedonia to understand that is Lazaropole, where the poets say: “even the stars have freedom is a state of mind, and it has nothing to do with learned to speak Macedonian.” It is important to share a country’s size. Macedonian heritage, nature, and cultural diversity with travelers. Just hike up to Mount Vodno from center of MB: How do you view Macedonia’s international image Skopje and look around from under the Millennium Cross. in the world? How could it be improved, and how is it My heart is full of emotion and images come instantly: the changing? ancient mosque that reflects in the modern glass façade SP: Macedonia’s image has changed a lot in recent years, Have you ever written to a love letter? If so, was honest, hard-working people. Though not a devotedly of that building in Bitola, although I still meet people it addressed to a foreign country? religious person, I do believe in God… not punishing the morning fog over Lake who do not have any idea Mr. Stanislaw Pigon is an international economist people, but rewarding them sometimes with an idea, Berovo, Skopje’s Macedonia about what Macedonians and consultant from Warsaw, Poland, and he has done a spark, a stepping-stone into the future, if you will. Square in the cool evening, are defending in the so- just that, except his medium of choice is not pen and One such rare moment happened to me in Macedonia, where you can always drop called “name dispute.” But, paper, but rather the world-wide web. and I have always been grateful. Thus, the web page in at the Nana Wine Bar for a objectively, if you look Pigon’s beautiful website MacedoniaLovesYou. was born naturally, spontaneously .. almost mystically. glass. When I see that brilliant at it from an information com is a tribute to the beauty of Macedonia, and it honors Today, when the page is enjoyed in over 150 countries, spring water that runs at the perspective, Macedonia has a the good friends and good memories he made while I look back at so many developments over the last two Bigorski Monastery, which Mr. good image. I would encourage working there several years ago. Since 2007, the site has years, and I still cannot precisely define how it grows. It Manchevski’s vision changed the people, especially young been viewed widely across the world, and it has started is always spontaneous, inspired by talks with my friend into flames for his “Macedonia people, to openly speak up to develop a following of its own. It is full of information Aleksandar Veliki, by new photos or contributions sent Timeless” TV spot, it makes me about Macedonian culture about Macedonian culture and traditional products, in by Macedonians, or by a taste of Vranec on a summer want to encourage everyone and heritage but also about and it is adorned with high-quality photography, which afternoon that stays in my memory. that Macedonia is well-worth Macedonian interests and documents every region of the country. a visit. ambitions. Take classical Pigon took some time from his busy schedule to MB: How did you come to know your talented site music for example: it is answer some questions for UMD Voice: designer, Marek Mantuzyk? MB: What kinds of similarities unbelievable, but there are SP: A friend introduced us. When we met for the first or differences do you see between Polish and still people who are confused about Simon Trpceski’s MB: Please tell me a little about your background, and time, Marek was a little bit puzzled. Actually, he told Macedonian culture? nationality! I remember explaining that he is Macedonian how you came to know about Macedonia. me later that he did not understand why I wanted to go SP: Macedonian, Polish and other East European cultures to a shop attendant in Vienna, with a smile. Now, that SP: As an economist, business consultant, and investment through with this personal project. It seemed to be out have one thing in common... a precious impulse that shop attendant knows, and he tells others: Macedonia is a expert, I have known Macedonia for years. Macedonian of this world, with no vested commercial or political Europe and the world needs so badly in this time of country where stars are born. citizens regularly attend the workshops I do in Vienna interest. But Marek has always deeply admired nature, crisis. We cherish our national for the UN. In October 2006, I started a 9-month and therefore he fell in love with Macedonia instantly. identity and culture. Polish MB: Any final message business assignment in Macedonia. I would not call it His son Franek is only months old now, but Marek people also have a long you’d like to send out to our the best professional experience in my career, as I truly already has plans to explore Macedonia with his son history of defending their readers? believe Macedonia deserved more than that EU-funded and his lovely wife Iwona. He talks about creating an culture against hostile forces, SP: I would like to share the project delivered, but it turned to be one of the most online encyclopedia about Macedonia, too. He is quite without compromise and at idea, the spark, the stepping- personally rewarding periods in my life: meeting new busy these days, but he says that Macedonia Loves You whatever price was to be paid stone into the future that the friends, discovering the beauty of Macedonia, basking remains a project close to his heart. Our cooperation has for it. And yet, the difference Almighty blessed me with in Macedonian hospitality, learning about the unique been extremely fruitful, as both of us want the page to between being proudly while I was in Macedonia... the Macedonian culture and heritage... and drinking fine be enjoyable and ever-changing. Marek’s design always patriotic versus being jingoist revelation that MACEDONIA Macedonian wine, of course! matches my ideas perfectly. Normally, I write the “script”, or nationalistic is clear, both LOVES YOU! Please keep and Marek provides the vision. in Poland and in Macedonia, telling it to the world, and MB: It’s rare to see a “love letter” to a nation in the and this is very important. please keep smiling! form of a website. What was your inspiration for MB: As someone who has traveled within the Republic, The attitude, style, and desire MacedoniaLovesYou.com? what can you say are your favorite places that travelers to of the younger generations SP: In one word: MACEDONIANS; talented, stylish, the country should visit? of the two countries are the 28 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 29 UMD Voice UMD Voice Veljan Mitrovski: A Young Man With A Bright Future President Gjorge Ivanov’s Inauguration By Aleksandra Trpkovska By Mark Branov When his family came to America in 2006, Veljan VM: This year, my teammate and I made a project called On May 12, 2009 , H.E. President Gjorge Ivanov was Mitrovski knew very little English. But in three short years, “Comparing Generators” which focused on comparing inaugurated in the Macedonian capital. Ivanov had previously won

it seems the 12-year old has seized on various unique two generators - a photovoltaic generator and a cranking Mitrovski Photos courtesy of: Veljan a run-off election on April 5, where he beat his opponent Ljubomir

Photos courtesyCampaign of: Frckovski opportunities that American society provides – everything generator. We tried to find out which one produces more Frckoski by a wide margin, garnering approximately 63% of the from the chance to watch NBA games, to the chance to power and is more energy efficient. So, we tested them by total votes. experiment with new technologies, to getting an education powering thirty one-volt lights. We proved that the cranking Photos courtesyIvanov of: Cabinet of President In his inauguration speech, the President emphasized in a bilingual academic environment (English and Spanish). generator produces more power, in a shorter amount of his responsibility to ensure human rights for all: “The President is A 7th grader at the Oyster-Adams Middle School in time, but it takes more effort. … responsible for the well-being of our country and citizens. This Washington, DC, Veljan recently won the 1st place in the responsibility does not recognize political views, or ethnic, religious, Environmental Science category of the City Wide Science AT: That’s really interesting! But, what did you do with that cultural or local differences… “The President of the Republic… must Fair. information? remain defender of the ideals of humanity… Many of our heroes I had the chance of chat with Veljan, to learn more VM: We did lots of extra research, including finding the - the Enlighteners, the Ilinden insurgents, the ASNOM fathers of about his accomplishments: 50 biggest solar power producing places in the world, and our nation, and our first President, the great democrat and patriot we were able to show that the District of Columbia would Metodija Andonov Cento, gave their lives for these ideals. Therefore, AT: What are your favorite classes at school? be able to save a lot of money and energy by placing solar freedom and human rights are an intrinsic part of the national code VM: I like math and science, but I like everything, really. I panels on top of the traffic lights! I keep on hearing my of Macedonia and of Macedonian citizens.“ also participate in math competitions and it’s a really cool parents and teachers talk about how it’s a tough economy for President Ivanov also touched on the positive achievements President Ivanov speaking before Parliament feeling to solve problems that I see for the first time. The everyone. So, I know it can’t be bad to save some money. Macedonia has made: “For 18 years, the Republic of Macedonia has question can be hard, but when you solve it and get the been living its dream of being a free, independent and democratic contribution to the stability and prosperity of the region… Without right answer, it feels great! AT: Saving money, while saving the environment – you state... A state that has stood tall before weighty challenges, a state attaching lesser importance to our relations with other nations, should have gotten first place! Wait – you did! (laughs) I that has brought to reality the centuries-old dream of Macedonians, I will devote special attention to the relations with the Hellenic AT: I know what you mean because I love math too. We bet you guys were happy! reaffirming our ethnic-national, cultural and linguistic identity. Republic, with which we have always been and will always be should try a few problems after the interview. VM: (laughs) We really were. And it was fun to go back Macedonia remains the defender and guardian of the history, neighbors. I will do my best in order that the relations between the VM: (laughs) Let’s do it! My mom will time us! to school the following Monday and celebrate with the traditions, ideals and the sovereign will of the Macedonian nation.” two countries are developed in a spirit of mutual trust. We evidently whole school! But, it was also fun hearing from my friends Ivanov also focused on the multicultural aspect of share common European values, and we have the same European AT: (laughs) Deal! Now, let’s talk about your 1st place win in Skopje that they read about me in the newspapers, or Macedonia’s success: “The Republic of Macedonia (is) a bright dream.” in the Washington, DC City Wide Science Fair. watched me on TV. It was definitely awesome! example of an open and multicultural society… creating its own Ivanov also sized up the profound domestic agenda: VM: Well, last year, my teammate and I developed a project functional model, which unites the citizens and ensures a common “Despite all efforts in our foreign policy, we must remember that that showed how dirty the water is in the Potomac River AT: Oh I bet! It was a great idea and you guys worked and prosperous future… based on traditions and values shared by respect from abroad is earned at home. We cannot achieve our which passes through Washington, DC. We got 2nd place hard to make it happen. You know - you really are very all Macedonian citizens -- Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Vlachs, European future if we do not invest in the institutions of our country… last year. I knew we could do better if we worked on it a smart… Roma, Serbs, and Bosniaks… Hence, the unity and vitality of the We must (make) serious and strategic investments in education and little more this year, so we started early. VM: (laughs) I am too young to earn money, so I have to Macedonian society do not rely on the rule of the stronger or of science, we must develop and apply advanced technologies, and we be creative and do well in school. My parents promised me those exceeding in number, relying instead on the participation of must encourage the competitive and entrepreneurial spirit of the AT: So, what was the project that you developed for this a laptop if I did well at the Science Fair, and I got it right all communities...” younger generation. We must vigilantly and watchfully safeguard year’s Science Fair? after! He went on reaffirm the vital task of Euro-Atlantic democracy. Democracy is hard to gain and easy to lose. In addition, integration: “My political agenda is clear and unequivocal through rule of law and support to anti-corruption measures, we AT: I see you also like Facebook! Your map says you’ve – Macedonia: member of NATO and of the European Union, must all contribute to the strengthening of our institutions, which visited 41 cities in 8 countries. Macedonia: strong, respected and equal, with proud, prosperous are the only state mechanism to defend the interests of citizens.” VM: I like going places – my whole family loves to travel and happy citizens… Macedonia is a reliable friend and ally, and Ivanov concluded: “Today, as we are progressing towards too! We have a lot of fun! My sister and I also really like therefore it has true friends and allies. The United States of America, our Euro-Atlantic future, supported by wide social and political Facebook. There are lots of games we play with each other, the European Union member-states, Turkey, but also Russia, China, consensus, there is no room for doubt. Macedonia sends a single but the thing I like best is that I can chat and play with my India and many other countries with which we are tied by sincere message to the world: a message of optimism and success. It is not friends from Macedonia. We are going back to Macedonia friendship. We will further work to strengthen this mutual trust and my intention to close my eyes before the great obstacles in our way, next year, so I keep up with my friends online until I see friendship, especially in the areas of economy and culture.” such as the unsettled differences with our southern neighbor or the them in person. We already talked about me presenting the As the Supreme Commander of the Army of the Republic global economic crisis. Deep crises carry great poverty, and we of Solar Project to them at school! of Macedonia, Ivanov tipped his hat to Macedonia’s military all know that poverty is the only burden that gets heavier the more contributions to NATO: “(Our commitment) has been confirmed people carry it. Therefore, we must do everything in our power to AT: I bet they will be happy to see you back! As a in the peace missions of the ARM Missions in which, shoulder to decrease the number of people carrying that burden. But I have Macedonian, I am so happy to see you excel. I hope you shoulder with allies, our troops have… affirmed our dedication to great faith in the spirit of Macedonian citizens. I believe in my nation bring a lot of what you’ve learned back to your friends. peace and democracy worldwide… I would like to pay tribute to all that never gives up. I trust in my nation’s dedication, industriousness VM: Oh, I will. Maybe, we’ll do a similar solar project for they have done and are still doing under the flag of the Republic of and creativity. We have proven ourselves worthy of our freedom and Skopje or maybe we’ll do an analysis on the Vardar River. Macedonia, in defense of the values of the free world.” of the freedom of Macedonia… As the President, I will work with Inevitably, the President spoke of foreign relations in you every day for a proud and prosperous Republic of Macedonia… AT: Excellent! We, from UMD, wish you the best, and we’ll the Balkans, and the dispute with Greece: “Another facet of the promptly, fully and with dignity integrated in the world community Veljan proudly holding up his trophy. be sure to check in with you in the future! Macedonian foreign policy (is based on) good-neighborly policy and of democratic nations. Long live the Republic of Macedonia!” 30 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 31 UMD Voice UMD Voice Aegean Macedonian Activist Sideropoulos Visits Toronto Community Bitola - Excitement in the Air By Mark Branov By Chris Deliso On March 20th, 2009, human the same way, the people of the Republic Flanked by the lush mountain folds last year has opened a tourist information rights activist Risto Sideropoulos attended of Macedonia have been paying the price Photo courtesy of: UMD of Pelister National Park, Bitola is one of the center, led by the helpful and friendly a tribute dinner in his honor at Sveti too. The Greek government abuses them most romantic and aesthetically pleasing Elena Petrovska. “It’s great to see how fast Dimitrija Solunski in Markham, Canada, at the border, denies them visas for no towns in Macedonia. Well-known for having everything is developing with our city and attended by over 200 supporters. The reason… (eventually) the international been the ‘city of consuls’ in late Ottoman rural tourism,” she says. “Here you can enjoy following week, he was also a guest on Bill community will respond by saying: What times, thousands of Diaspora Macedonians great cultural life, outdoor activities year Yancov’s Macedonian Heritage TV show, are the authorities in Greece doing here?” - from Melbourne to Michigan - have their round, and authentic traditional Macedonian along with UMD Director of Canadian When asked about the recent legal roots here. food.” In the next five years, Elena believes, Operations, Jimmy Daikov. victories in European courts by the For many, visiting Bitola is a way “…Bitola will become a competitive

A forester from the town of Pateli, Macedonian community of Greece, Photos courtesy of: Chris Deliso, Macedonian Orthodox Church of reconnecting with an ancestral home. tourism destination, with much improved in Lerin (Florina), Greece, Sideropoulos Sideropoulos said: “I believe in the (court Though timeless, the city is also enjoying a infrastructure and offerings.” has become a leader for the Human Rights Risto Sideropoulos process), and one day those people who renaissance of sorts, with a new emphasis One man who’s keen on improving Movement of Macedonians in Greece. abuse the Macedonians will be shamed on culture, rural tourism and attractive the infrastructure and general capacities Over the years, his conflicts with the Greek authorities have for what they have done. I don’t think it will happen soon… I investment opportunities. of Bitola is Vladimir Talevski, who won been numerous. For example, in 1992, the Greek magazine think it will take a long time, but it will come. Justice is on our During a five-week European re-election as city mayor in March. Mayor Ena interviewed Sideropoulos, and he stated how he “feels side, and our story will be told. But this price that is being paid honeymoon, young Australians Chris and Talevski acknowledges that change is in the Bitola Macedonian” and how the Aegean Macedonians deserve by our people… it will be returned to the sender.” Candice Ilievski were excited to visit Bitola, air. “Over the last few years, you can definitely human rights. He was subsequently charged by the Greek Sideropoulos spoke of the construction of Sveta Zlata and Macedonia, for the first time. Chris’ feel that something’s been set in motion in of becoming a filmmaking destination. “We government for “spreading false rumors”, and sentenced to five Meglenska, the Macedonian church in S’botsko (Aridea), led grandparents relocated to Australia for the city,” he notes. With the decentralization have everything, from urban necessities and months in prison, a conviction eventually dropped after intense by another well-known human rights activist, Archimandrite economic reasons in the 1960s, and their process in Macedonia, the city has become logistics to diverse natural attractions, all in a international criticism. Sideropoulous has been constantly Nikodim Tsarknias: “The church is being built right now in stories of old Macedonia fed his imagination. “more capable, more interesting and more small area,” says the mayor. harassed, arrested, and wire-tapped by Greek authorities for his S’botsko. This year we will finish the roof, and then see how It’s another sunny summer day and powerful.” outspoken patriotism and support for the Macedonian cause. long it takes.” the town is buzzing with life. Both Chris and What the mayor also highlights ------In the TV interview with Sonja Lozanovska, Sideropoulos He also described the ongoing legal battles for a Candice were pleasantly surprised by what is that Bitola’s industrial zone has been Chris Deliso (www.chrisdeliso.com) is an stated: “Human rights is an important concept, a heavy term, Macedonian Cultural Center in the town of Lerin (Florina): they found in Bitola. “It’s a beautiful city, recognized as the best-organized and best- American author and travel writer who has and one that we all must respect. Aegean Macedonians are a “Now, for the 2nd time, we’ve had to go to the international with clean streets, and friendly people - very prepared in all Macedonia. And he wants to been living in Macedonia since 2002. He is nation within Greece, where the government does not recognize court in Strasbourg. We already gained the right to build it, the hassle free, and excellent value for money” reach out to Macedonians abroad as potential author of the travelogue Hidden Macedonia, our human rights at all. That’s why we have to fight. Our goal Greeks appealed the ruling, and now we keep going forward says Chris, while strolling the city’s famous, investors. “The door is open for all foreign about the lakes of Ohrid and Prespa, and is to have our own Macedonian church, cultural rights, and to (and we will win again). In Strasbourg, the truth was revealed. café-lined Sirok Sokak. investors,” he says, adding “…we will be very author for the Macedonian section of the be recognized at an international level, and part of that was the (Progress has been made)… every year we hold events now, “Bitola’s much better than I had happy if our people abroad decide to invest brand-new Lonely Planet guide to the recent acknowledgement by the UN that Greece does indeed in all the town and villages… Macedonian songs are sung and expected,” adds Candice. in Bitola - and we can offer advantageous Western Balkans. have ethnic Macedonians.” dances are danced, but that (victory) is not enough. We don’t It’s clear that Bitola is buzzing terms for these Macedonians.” He was referring to the recent report by Gay McDougall, look at this as freedom that they gave us, but as a freedom that with activities these days. The city has Some interesting projects with For more information about Bitola or Bitola’s special envoy of the United Nations, which bluntly calls on we took for ourselves. We seek to be recognized by Greece as a started paying more attention to developing potential include a new Pelister ski center in filmmaking project, please visit: Greece to withdraw from their dispute over Macedonia, and nation, and this includes our history, language, and culture. This its appearance and cultural life, and since need of an investor, and Bitola’s larger goal www.bitolatourist.info guarantee human rights for all of their minorities, including the would allow us to develop ourselves as a distinct nation within Macedonians. the borders of Greece.” First New Macedonian Church in Germany “(McDougall’s report) was one of the most positive Asked to comment about the Republic of Macedonia’s public proclamations from the international community. We’ve role, Sideropoulos stated: “As a mother country, the Republic By Mark Branov been waiting for this recognition for a long time, and it seems of Macedonia has to care about Macedonians not only in There’s reason to celebrate in the Macedonian UMD will be represented at the event by its representative in the truth has finally come out,” Sideropoulos added. Greece, not only for those in Bulgaria or Albania, but for all community of Germany, as for the first time, a new Vienna, Austria, Zlatko Nikolovski. When asked about whether the upcoming talks between Macedonians around the world. That is their duty and honor Macedonian church will be built there from the ground Foreign Ministers Milososki and Bakoyannis would bring about to care for these people. We were pleasantly surprised (when) up. On September 26th, 2009, the foundation will be For more information, please visit: http://www.sveti-nikola.de/ a new era of cooperation, Sideropoulos responded: “I don’t Nikola Gruevski, as leader of the Republic of Macedonia, raised laid for Saint Nikola Macedonian Orthodox Church in believe it. The Greek government doesn’t want a resolution the issue of Macedonians in Greece for the first time, and he did the city of Mainz-Hechtsheim, not far from Frankfurt. of the issue with the name because they know they will lose. that at the highest level. There is also a new commission in the Over 3,000 guests, including His Holiness Archbishop From the Macedonian side, there are certain things that must parliament that is taking care of the Deca Begalci (Macedonian Stephan, the Macedonian Ambassador to Germany hold firm, number one, that the name must not be changed, child refugees of the Greek Civil War). So, I congratulate Nikola Dr. Gjorgiji Filipov, and church president Mr. Mirce but (Athens) wants to make them change it, by force, and this Gruevski. I see him as a brave politician. Previous Macedonian Filipovski, will attend the opening ceremony. has never happened anywhere in the world. So that means, we politicians may have wanted to raise this issue, but it was like a According Goce Peroski, of the Korzo Cultural can’t solve the problem this way. There can be no compromise. hot coal, so they were afraid to pick it up.” Forum in Stuttgart, the proposed budget for the church Our name is one, it’s ours, and it must remain. Who are we to Though at the time of the Toronto interview, the and adjoining buildings is set at approximately 1m change the name? Or who is Milososki to do such at thing, or elections had not been finalized, Siderpoulos foresaw an Ivanov Euro, which will be raised from approximately 700 someone else in Milososki’s position?” victory: “George Ivanov has a large lead, and I can say that he is families in the local area, and from donations of the He continued: “We Aegean Macedonians have paid the a very educated man, an intelligent and wise man, and that he Macedonian community in greater Frankfurt. Design of future Saint Nikola Macedonian Orthodox Church price always, before and now. In the future, no one knows. In will make Macedonia proud as president.” 32 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 33 UMD Voice UMD Voice Собир во чест на Јане Сандански UMD Meets with Aides to Congressman Gary Peters A Memorial Gathering In Honor of Jane Sandanski By Nicholas Kostoff, UMD Summer Intern

Photos courtesy of: UMD On May 8, 2009, UMD members met with two aides to Congressman Gary Peters, Hy Safran and Kush Shaqiri, at their By Stojan Nikolov office in Troy, Michigan. С о б и р о т н а The gathering of the UMD briefed both aids on the history of the Macedonian- Македонците во Бугарија по Macedonian minority in Photos courtesy of: OMO Ilinden PIRIN American community in Michigan, which exceeds 100,000. For повод смрта на Јане Сандански Bulgaria was not obstructed more than a century, the community has worked to unite its religious ова година не беше попречен by the government and the and cultural institutions throughout the state. Many Macedonian- од страна на Бугарските власти local police this year. Is this Americans started in the auto industry, and continue to work there. и полиција. Дали е ова сигнал a sign that Bulgaria will finally Unfortunately, like others in Michigan, the Macedonian-Americans дека Бугарија конечно ќе start treating its Macedonian have been hard hit by the economic downturn. почне коректно да се однесува minority fairly, or was this a Amanda Kostoff and Justin Vasilevski, who chair the кон македонското малцинство miscalculation on their part, or Macedonian American Student Association at the University of во ова држава, или пак тоа even perhaps the beginning of Michigan, focused on their efforts to bring about greater awareness беше само еден мал пропуст some new political game? of Macedonia and its heritage on campus. They stressed the need во нивните калкулации, или On Apr i l 26, i n t he for ethnic communities in Michigan to cooperate. The hope was UMD members with Hy Safran and Kush Shaqiri можеби почeтoк некоја друга park of the town of Melnik, expressed that Congressman Peters might be instrumental as a политичка игра? representatives of Macedonian liaison among all the communities in his district. Mende Bezanovski refugee from the Greek Civil War. На 26 Април во паркот на град Мелник, organizations in Bulgaria organized a gathering briefed the aides on the development of business opportunities UMD also discussed such issues as Macedonia’s представници од неколку организации на Македонците to mark the 94th year since the death of the famous between Michigan and Macedonia, and he pointed out that Johnson constitutional name, NATO membership, US foreign assistance, and во Бугарија, меѓу кој ОМО Илинден ПИРИН, ТМО- Macedonian revolutionary, Jane Sandanski (pronounced Controls had recently opened an auto parts factory in Macedonia. Greek-American efforts to withhold US aid from Macedonia. UMD ВМРО (Независна) Илинден, Македонско Христијанско “ya-ne”). The meeting included OMO Ilinden PIRIN, Alexander Ballios discussed the civil rights struggles of Macedonians urged Congressman Peters to support the rightful, constitutional Братсво Св. Пророк Илија, и Весникот Народна TMO-VMRO (Independent) Ilinden, Macedonian in Greece, and related the story of his mother, who was a child name of Macedonia and Macedonian identity. Волја, организираа семакедонски собир по повод Christian Brotherhood St. Ilija, and the publishers of 94 годишнината од смртта на големиот македонски the newspaper ‘Narodna Volja.” In addition to the UMD Attends Little Caesars 50th Anniversary and револуционер Јане Сандански. На собирот присуствуваа organizers, the gathering was attended by 500 to a 1000 помеѓу 500 и 1000 луѓе од сите краишта на Пиринска other Macedonians from Pirin Macedonia and other Pays Tribute to Michael and Marian Ilitch Македонија и од внатрешнината на Република Бугарија, parts of Bulgaria, and by guests from Aegean Macedonia а имаше гости и од Егејска Македонија. (Greece). By Nicholas Kostoff, UMD Summer Intern На собирот беа прочитани историски цитати Organizers read stories written about Jane On May 8, 2009, Detroit-based members of UMD joined signature spicy sauce that Marian’s father Sam Bayoff created has за Јане Сандански и беа положени венци и цвеќе пред Sandanski and his achievements, and laid flowers in UMD President Metodija A. Koloski at the 50th Anniversary of also been a large element of the franchise’s success. Also, Little споменикот на Јане Сандански. По едно минутниот front of his statue. After one minute of silence in honor Little Caesars, and delivered a tribute to two great Macedonians, Caesars’ five-dollar Hot-And-Ready pizza is the ideal choice for a молк во почит на големиот македонски револуционер, of the fallen Macedonian hero, Father Tsarknias, the Michael and Marian Illitch. The Consul General of the Republic working family in today’s tough economy. на публиката им се обратија Отец Никодим Царкњас, Macedonian priest from Aegean Macedonia (Greece), of Macedonia in Detroit, Mr. Igor Dukovski, was also present to The Illitch family initially planned to open seven Димитар Иванов, и Стојко Стојков, кој исто так прочита Dimitar Ivanov and Stojko Stojkov addressed the crowd. honor the people responsible turning this 1959 venture into an restaurants (one for each child in the family), but their success и писма кој што беа испратени до организаторите на Stojkov also read letters from Vinozhito (Greece), the enormous success. caused the franchise to grow nationwide. Today, there is at least собирот од Виножито, Македонската Macedonian Alliance (Albania), the Little Caesars’ secret has always been the ability to think one Little Caesars restaurant in all 50 states and in numerous Алијанса, Македонската Заедница од Macedonian community in Canada, and ahead and ensure that customers were given the best deal and countries throughout the world. Franchise opportunities are Канада, и Обединетата Македонската the United Macedonian Diaspora. the best taste available. This approach included using only expanding this number rapidly. Дијаспора. Unlike years past, the Bulgarian the freshest ingredients and making pizzas from scratch. The Injury cut short Michael Illitch’s dream to play За разлика од другу години government and local police did not professional baseball. This did not stop him for creating a во минатото, оваа година Бугарските obstruct the gathering to celebrate this business that is so successful that he was able to purchase both власти и полиција не го попречија important day for Macedonians across the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. The Illitch family собирот на Македонците во Бугарија the globe. The Macedonian minority also owns several entertainment establishments, such as the Fox по повод одбележуванјето на овој in Bulgaria fought the Bulgarian Theater and Olympia Entertainment. One of Detroit’s landmarks, голем празник за сите Македонци government and nationalists for the Fox was completely restored by the Ilitch family to its old ширум светот, за кој што македонците the last 20 years to have the right to grandeur. They routinely contribute to several organizations in во Бугарија се бореа цели 20 години да gather freely and openly on this day. Detroit, especially their church, St. Clement’s Orthodox Church можат да го прославуват. Меѓутоа како However, it looks like Bulgaria’s non- in Dearborn, Michigan. Through Ilitch Charities for Children, што изгледа ова коректно однесување interference will not last long because the Ilitch family provides scholarships to deserving students in на Бугарските власти нема да трае there are already rumors that they Michigan. As a result of his contributions to Detroit over the last долго бидејки веке се зборува дека are working on changing the laws for 50 years, Michael Ilitch was recently named one of Detroit’s best тие работат на промени на законот public gatherings. If this happens, the sons. за собири, кој што ако се усвојат, во new law will prohibit the Macedonian UMD is proud of Macedonian-Americans like Michael and иднина ке го забранат овој и сите minority in Bulgaria from gathering Marian Ilitch who contribute to the cultural mosaic of the United други слични собири на Македонците freely in the future on this day, or any UMD with Mike and Marian Ilitch States, and improve the lives of Americans in Michigan. во Бугарија. other day for that matter. 34 Summer 2009 Summer 2009 35