Interview with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, He Antonio

INSIDE: INTERVIEW WITH THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, H.E. ANTONIO MILOSOSKI

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the independent Macedonian diplomacy, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, visited the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 27 June.

50EDITION 2011 EDITORIAL DIPLOMATIC NEWS EXPERIENCE OF VISA LIBERALIZATION PM GRUEVSKI MEETS EU ENLARGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION PROMOTES COMMISSIONER FÜLE COOPERATION IN ALL AREAS OF SOCIETY In the process of integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union, the visa liberalization is one of the crucial benefits and is of very practical importance for all our citizens and for the process of further harmonization of the Macedonia society with the EU. This benefit has a particularly positive effect on the younger generation being the mainstay of Macedonia’s growth into a future member state of the European Union. As a chief of the national team working on the liberalization of the visa regime with the EU, I have to stress that the lifting of visas was a result of the hard work of the Macedonian administration and the immense support that our country received in the course of the dialogue from all institutions of the Union and its member states. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski met EU Enlargement Commis- By meeting all conditions of the Visa Liberalization sioner Štefan Füle in Brussels on 23 June and informed him about Roadmap and receiving the highest grades for that process the agenda of reforms being carried out with the aim of meeting the from the European Commission and the member states, Copenhagen membership criteria. As regards the name dispute, he Macedonia showed that it is ready and has the capacity laid out details of the process of seeking out a solution to this open to meet the remaining responsibilities and reforms on its issue in the relations with Greece and expressed strong will and way to full-fledged membership of the EU. dedication to finding a solution and unblocking the European and The experience of the implementation of the visa lib- Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia. eralization, since its coming into effect in December 2009 Commissioner Füle praised the well organized elections and also raised the issue of the reforms, especially those in the judiciary and to the present day, confirms that it made communication administration, as well as the fight against corruption. He emphasized between people easier, improved business opportunities, that the end of 2011 was a good moment for EU expansion toward boosted sharing of ideas and promoted cooperation in all the Western Balkans. areas of society. Our overall assessment is that it is being On the sidelines of the sitting of the European Council in Brussels, carried out without any major obstacles and that a great Prime Minister Gruevski had a meeting with his Greek counterpart many Macedonian citizens took the opportunity of visa George Papandreou, at which both officials said they were willing free travel. to solve the name issue. Prime Minister Gruevski, accompanied by However, the increased number of asylum applica- Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, attended also the Summit of tions from Macedonian citizens raised concern with the the European People’s Party. Government as a result of which relevant institutions reinforced activities to stall the visa liberalization misuse. DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH We enhanced local informative campaigns and control TUVALU ESTABLISHED of borders, travel agencies, transporters and individuals On 29 June, the Republic of Macedonia and Tuvalu established dip- suspected of encouraging or organizing the asylum seekers’ lomatic relations at the level of ambassadors. travels. In addition, a legal procedure has been launched for Tuvalu is the 132nd country that officially recognized the Republic holding accountable those who abuse the visa liberaliza- of Macedonia under its constitutional name. tion and for suspending temporarily the passports of the fake asylum seekers. We expect the new measures to put a stop to this undesired trend. MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN The energy and effort we invested in the visa liberali- No. 50 (June - July 2011) zation process and in dealing with the surge of asylum seekers are confirmation of our unwavering commitment Founded by the MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS of the Republic of Macedonia. to overcoming challenges on our way to the EU. Dame Gruev 6, 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia / www.mfa.gov.mk • [email protected] With the positive results of our institutions’ work we Previous editors: Pajo Avirovik, October 2006-April 2008; Zvonimir Popovik, May 2008-January 2010 expect to keep the visa liberalization as one of the most Editor: Vladimir Efremovski Published monthly by: significant EU-integration benefits for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. Editorial Board: Agneza Rusi; MACEDONIAN INFORMATION CENTRE Lina Ognenova; Zuko Rizvanski; Director: Dragan Antonov Shaban Jashari; Aleksandar Trajkoski; Abdulkadar MEMEDI Eli Bojadjieska Ristovski; Edvard Mitevski; Chief Translator: Maciej Kaczorowski; Elena Georgievska; Aleksandra Ilievska State Secretary Mircela Dzuvalekovska Casule Address: Naum Naumovski Borce 73, Ministry of Foreign Affairs 1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia of the Republic of Macedonia Photo: Dragan Todorovski www.micnews.com.mk

2 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 50 – 2011 PRESIDENT IVANOV PAYS Within the framework of his official visit to Austria, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov met his Austrian counterpart Heinz OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRIA Fischer in Vienna on 20 June. The two presidents discussed the bilateral relations, the possibilities for closer economic cooperation and the integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the EU and NATO. According to Austrian President Fischer, in order to set Macedonia a date for opening membership negotiations with the EU a resolution of the name issue should not be waited for. “The problem can be solved at the end of the negotiations too. They should begin and the two processes should unfold in parallel, which would encourage finding a solution,” President Fischer said at the joint press conference of the two heads of state. Macedonian President Ivanov agreed that the name issue should not be a prerequisite for joining the EU and that Macedonia’s European integration and resolution of the name issue could be taking place simultaneously. President Ivanov stressed that Austria was included in a lot of segments of the Macedonian society, following the three E (Eu- rope, Economy and Energy) strategy, that the country was helping Macedonia’s European integration and economic progress and was also involved in its energy sector. Ivanov met also with Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann, the President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Christoph Leitl, and visited also the Macedonian cultural community and the Church of St Naum of Ohrid in Vienna.

PRIME MINISTER GRUEVSKI IN PRAGUE close cooperation between the two countries, with an emphasis on the economic cooperation and the rising interest of Czech busi- Macedonia Takes Chairmanship of Decade nessmen in making investments in the Republic of Macedonia. A of Roma Inclusion special impetus in the economic cooperation is expected to be the In the attendance of Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski realization of the return visit of the Czech Prime Minister to the and his Czech counterpart Petr Nečas, on 27 June the Republic of Republic of Macedonia together with representatives of the Czech Macedonia officially took from the Czech Republic the Chairman- business community later this year. ship of the Decade of Roma Inclusion, a project of the World Bank accepted by 12 countries, aiming to improve the living conditions EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS HELD of the Roma community by 2015 and contribute to its integration. IN MACEDONIA “I am pleased that Macedonia is going to chair the Decade of Roma Inclusion in the next year. We are a country that has made According to the official results released by the State Election very important steps in the improvement of the social status of the Commission, in the early parliamentary elections in the Republic Roma people, including also the fact that Macedonia is the first of Macedonia held on 5 June, the coalition led by VMRO-DPMNE country in which a member of the Roma community has been as- won 56, the coalition led by SDSM 42, BDI 15, PDSH 8 and PDK signed a minister, in addition to the fact that the Roma community 2 parliamentary seats. has a Member of Parliament, a municipality and a mayor. We have The voter turnout in all six constituencies was 63.48 percent, a program under which important investments have been made as 1,156,085 citizens of the Republic of Macedonia eligible to vote in the quarters populated with Roma people,” said Prime Minister went to the polls. The Chief of the long-term monitoring mission Nikola Gruevski. of the OSCE/ODIHR, Julian Peel Yates, said voters and members He stressed that the Republic of Macedonia was working also on of election bodies at all levels, from the municipal election com- improving the Roma people’s education, employment and health, mittees to the State Election Commission, deserved credit for areas of major importance for them. the mostly peaceful and well conducted election process. He also The handing of the Chairmanship of the Decade of Roma In- emphasized the positive cooperation of the international team of clusion was realized within the framework of the Meeting of the observers with the authorities at all levels. 20th International Steering Committee attended by representatives In a joint statement after the elections, EU High Representa- of the European Commission and the World Bank, as well as the tive for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton and President of the Open Society Foundation, George Soros. Enlargement Commissioner Štefan Füle assessed the elections as In a separate meeting with Prime Minister Gruevski, George transparent and well-organized, congratulating the citizens, the Soros offered support for the Republic of Macedonia for easier political parties and the authorities for their contribution to the and faster access to European Union funds for issues relating to election process. the social inclusion of the Roma people in society and, in general, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia the realization of the activities of the Decade of Roma Inclusion. Thomas Countryman congratulated the Macedonian authorities At a separate meeting between Prime Ministers Gruevski and on the well-organized elections as well, saying that the success of Nečas, satisfaction was expressed with the excellent relations and these elections in the Republic of Macedonia was unprecedented.

No. 50 – 2011 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN 3 INTERVIEW WITH THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, H.E. ANTONIO MILOSOSKI MACEDONIA AND ITS INSTITUTIONS ARE FULLY CAPABLE OF ATTAINING FOREIGN POLICY GOALS AND PRIORITIES

“Over the past five years at diverse forums, whether at the UN, the OSCE or the Council of Europe, we showed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can also be a pro-active stakeholder in these international institutions.”

Mr. Milososki, nearly five years ago, in Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, In the five years behind you many sig- October 2006 to be more specific, in the an organization whose members are 47 nificant things occurred that marked your interview published in the first issue of this countries of the pan-European continent. foreign policy activities as well as those of Bulletin, on behalf of the editorial board, There is also the visa liberalization for the the country in general. What events do you I asked you about your first impressions Macedonian citizens that was long-awaited consider most important achievements of the Ministry on Dame Gruev 6 Street. and represented one of the priorities of in the foreign policy of the Republic of We talked about new energy, new ideas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Landmark Macedonia in the past five years and what motivation, creativity, etc. Now, in the events are also the recognition of the consti- are the priorities in which you believe fiftieth jubilee issue of the Macedonian tutional name of the Republic of Macedonia your successor would invest most energy? Diplomatic Bulletin, I am asking you again by a number of countries in the past five about your impressions, but this time years and in this regard I would single out I already mentioned the most impor- round from the point of view of a foreign the recognition by Canada. tant events but let me say again that in my minister with the longest term of office in I cannot avoid mentioning also the NATO opinion the Chairmanship of the Council the diplomatic tradition of independent Summit in Bucharest, as an event that left a of Europe was one of the most significant Macedonia. Is there anything in particular trace in the modern Macedonian history, and achievements in view of both the diplo- that, in your view, marks the period dur- also the Macedonian-Greek talks concern- matic activities and the representation ing which you served as foreign minister? ing the problem that the Republic of Greece of Macedonia before all other European has with Macedonia’s constitutional name, countries; the positive reports from the First of all, I was honored to stand at the as a bilateral, contentious issue imposed European Commission in 2009 and 2010 head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of by official Athens, which, over the past 20 for which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the Republic of Macedonia for five years. For years including the past five years, has had and our diplomatic network can rightfully me, it is a unique and very good experience a notable intensity. claim part of the credit; as well as the visa through which I built on my political maturity. In the end, I would also mention the liberalization which was evidence that the During my term at the Ministry of For- growth of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Macedonia has the capacity to eign Affairs, I would single out the election both in terms of the expansion of its dip- perform tasks and meet criteria being part of the Macedonian candidate, Mr. Kerim, as lomatic network and its staff, as well as in of the European standards and that when President of the 62nd General Assembly of terms of the new building of the Ministry of those achievements are not hindered by the United Nations. I believe that Macedonia, Foreign Affairs, which we expect to become an EU member state it is obvious that our as member of the United Nations, has thus an ornament not only of the Macedonian country and our institutions are fully capable proved it is highly respected by other mem- diplomacy but also of the city of Skopje by of attaining the objectives and priorities of ber states. Then there is the Macedonian the end of this year. our foreign policy.

4 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 50 – 2011 Interview conducted on 17 July by Dragan Antonov

As regards the question of where I would say I hope that over the course of the next a country using the support and services expect my successor to invest most energy, four years Macedonia would succeed politi- and occasionally the supervision from the the European integration will by all means cally, financially and diplomatically in open- Council of Europe into a member country remain to be a challenge requiring a lot of ing embassies in Brasilia and Tokyo, which producing contents and timetable for work effort, energy, and coordination with other will by all means boost the potential of the bearing in mind the priorities of the Council institutions at home and abroad. Macedonian diplomatic network globally. of Europe. Second, I trust that the regional coopera- The team of some 10 Macedonian dip- tion should stay one of the pivotal compo- In 2010 Macedonia chaired the Commit- lomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nents of the activities of the Macedonian tee of Ministers of the CoE. How do you and Macedonia’s Mission to the Council of MFA, considering Macedonia’s biggest see your experience of being Chairman of Europe in Strasbourg, which defined and commercial, political, security, cultural, this Committee and what are Macedonia’s promoted the Macedonian Chairmanship educational and diplomatic potential rests benefits from the Chairmanship? and its priorities with excellence and in close in the distance from our immediate and coordination with the previous Swiss and more remote neighbors. The experience of being the Chairman of succeeding Turkish Chairmanship, should I trust that the active multilateralism de- the Committee of Ministers of the Council be congratulated most for the successful serves dedication on the part of the Ministry, of Europe was very good for me as minister chairing of the Committee. the minister and all our political stakeholders of foreign affairs from both political and One of the greatest benefits from this that play a role in the foreign policy and in diplomatic viewpoint. But the feeling of Chairmanship was Macedonia’s increased this regard I expect the commenced can- chairing a Pan-European organization with visibility on the European stage, as well as didacy of the Republic of Macedonia for 47 member states was more than that. It the multiple conferences and guests that the membership of the Human Rights Council was amazing for it coincided with the 15th Republic of Macedonia hosted, thus taking of the United Nations in 2013-2016 to be anniversary of Macedonia’s membership of the chance of promoting itself before a great crowned with successes in 2013. the Council of Europe and I believe that with many European politicians as a country, as a And finally, as far as my expectations are the Chairmanship of this organization we culture and as part of the European mosaic concerned, I would take this opportunity to made that quality switch by growing from of peoples and countries.

Over the past five years Macedonia cooper- ated closely with its neighboring countries and the countries of Southeast Europe in general. The country was also very active in the regional initiatives, the sharing of opinions and the concluding of agreements at a regional level. What is your opinion of the contribution of the regional cooperation locally, as well as in the process of Macedonia’s integration into NATO and the European Union?

The Republic of Macedonia continues to be one of the regional actors that make with their conduct measurable and notable contribution to closer cooperation in the region of Southeast Europe. That was and, I am sure, will remain one of the priorities of Macedonia’s foreign policy. Regional cooperation is good for the countries, their trade, mutual trust, and image before the rest of the international community and in general serves as an added value to our serious effort in taking Macedonia closer to the European Union and in taking our deserved place in the North-Atlantic Alliance. I believe that more stress should be laid on the infrastructure projects in our cooperation. The meetings of the heads of state of Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo and Mon- tenegro are a good example of how these concrete needs and priorities receive the highest political attention by the leaderships of the countries in the region. In addition, I hold that the infrastructure priorities should continue being part of the promotion of the

No. 50 – 2011 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN 5 bilateral relations also with the Republic of expectations of its future growth and en- in the past two decades and, as is the case Serbia, the Republic of Bulgaria and neigh- hancement as an important segment of with many other things, having good public boring Greece. diplomacy? diplomacy is not only about having a good Over the period to come, the Ministry idea, enthusiasm and dedicated people but of Foreign Affairs and the other institutions I trust it is good for the smaller countries is also about having money. Hence, it would of the Republic of Macedonia should focus and those having modest foreign policy be much better if in the years to come the on the South-East European Cooperation resources to nurture the concept of public budget allocations for the Ministry of For- Process. This regional organization gets to diplomacy too. In other words, the priori- eign Affairs, including the public diplomacy, play an increasingly more significant role in ties and goals of a country can be put across were bigger so we can produce better effects. regional projects and regional cooperation before the home and international public and it is very important for the Republic not just through the means of the classical At the end of this interview, I would ask of Macedonia to be well prepared for the diplomatic communication but also through you to make an overview of the situation chairmanship of this regional organization magazines, journals, interviews, lectures at in the Macedonian diplomacy in 2011 and from July 2012 to July 2013. In this case too, renowned universities, think-tanks, etc, in draw a comparison with 2006 when you the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have to which an accent is put on the country’s ac- took the office of foreign minister. bear the heaviest burden yet I believe in the complishments, needs, expectations, logic capability and readiness of the Macedonian and arguments in the right light and with In comparison with 2006, I believe that in diplomatic network to prove once again its a positive tone. In my view, this Bulletin, as 2011 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is bigger, deftness and play a key role during Macedo- well as the foreign policy journal Crossroads, more mature and more hard-working. It has nia’s chairmanship. is the beginning of that process, a novelty a broader diplomatic network. The decisions that keeps going with the support of the for opening Macedonian embassies in New Mr. Minister, you are the founder of this MFA team. Delhi, Tel Aviv, Prague, Oslo and Tallinn Bulletin and of the foreign policy journal I also expect the project known as the proved good and beneficial for the Republic Crossroads. At the Ministry of Foreign Macedonia Collection to be completed this of Macedonia and the national interests. Affairs, you introduced public diplomacy autumn. It will cover an array of aspects of I also believe that the establishment of the officially for the first time. What are your the development of the Macedonian state Diplomatic Academy at the Ministry of For-

6 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 50 – 2011 eign Affairs is an additional segment that pro- would even say that it is not very com- a respectable and influential country such vides concrete support, guidelines and train- mon in certain other countries either and as Canada, but also a man with principles ing for the younger diplomats of the MFA. therefore it was a surprise to many of my and convictions and also a believer who Over the past five years at diverse forums, counterparts, ministers of foreign affairs, draws from religion his moral strength in whether at the UN, the OSCE or the Council with whom I had close communication. In taking the right decisions in the interest of of Europe, we showed that the Ministry of any case, the reactions were friendly and his country and in the taking the right ap- Foreign Affairs can also be a pro-active factor they all showed understanding for what I proach in international relations based on in these international institutions, nominat- did. I am happy that all those with whom I the principle of justice and respect of others. ing staff from the Republic of Macedonia communicated closely expressed satisfaction The second most memorable meeting was and taking high-ranking offices. Although with our cooperation, which turned into the meeting with my Russian counterpart, we are a small country by the size of our friendship with many of them. I consider Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during his population or perhaps number of employees this a valuable social benefit for me as well visit to the Republic of Macedonia. What in our institutions, I think that in terms of and I appreciate it greatly. Europe is small, as surprised me in a good way was his request to quality of our human resources we have good we are young and we believe that sooner or hold the meeting in Macedonia’s cultural seat, diplomatic potential that should serve in the later our paths will cross again and we will Ohrid, rather than Skopje, in order for him to future as a base for a more ambitious MFA. have a chance to cooperate again. experience firsthand the cradle of Slav litera- cy. He is a politician and a man with profound Although you are going to remain in the I believe this is the right moment to ask diplomatic experience and our conversation, foreign policy, still with your decision to re- you which one of the innumerable meet- not only about European but also global is- sign as foreign minister you demonstrated ings you have had over the years made the sues, made an indelible impression on me a very human dimension in your conduct biggest impression on you? opening up new horizons in my perception as a politician. What are the reactions of of certain aspects of international relations. your counterparts and other diplomats I would single out two meetings. The you had a chance to meet? first is the meeting of Macedonian Prime Thank you Mr. Minister. The editorial board Minister Nikola Gruevski with his Cana- of the Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin My decision to let go of the wheel at dian counterpart Harper, which I attended would like to wish you success in your new the MFA due to family priorities and for as well. The talks with the Canadian prime office. We are sure that we will be meeting personal reasons is not very commonplace minister made a truly big impression on again on the pages of the Macedonian Dip- in our domestic political environment. I me for I saw in him not just a politician of lomatic Bulletin.

PRESIDENT IVANOV VISITS Macedonia’s independence, he made an overview in his lecture of the results and achievements of the Macedonian diplomacy. He MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS pointed out the challenges facing the Macedonian diplomacy, its On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the independent Mac- weaknesses and flaws, addressing also the influence of the globali- edonian diplomacy, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, zation and information revolution on the traditional, elitist and Gjorge Ivanov, visited the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs closed concept of diplomacy. on 27 June. Within the framework of his visit, President Ivanov had At the meeting with Minister Milososki, President Ivanov a separate meeting with Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and launched an initiative for decoration of meritorious foreign ambas- delivered a lecture before the young diplomats entitled “Twenty sadors upon completion of their term in the Republic of Macedo- Years of Independent Macedonian Diplomacy – Situation, Results nia and initiated also making an assessment of the Macedonian and Future Challenges.” In the run-up to the 20th anniversary of diplomats’ accomplishments.

No. 50 – 2011 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN 7 SUMMIT OF REGIONAL INITIATIVES IN BUDVA contribution to the operations of the Alliance in Afghanistan and the future activities within the framework of this forum. MILOSOSKI AT MEETING OF EU AND WESTERN BALKAN FOREIGN MINISTERS At the initiative of Hungary, the country holding the Presidency of the EU, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mac- edonia, Antonio Milososki, participated in the regular annual meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the countries of the European Union and the Western Balkans in Luxembourg on 20 June. Opinions were shared at the meeting about the ways in which the European perspective of the region could be further promoted and it was emphasized that the process of EU enlargement toward the countries of the Balkans remained a priority standing high on the Union’s agenda. At the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the member Thanking for the positive assessments of the conducted par- countries of the South-East European Cooperation Process, which liamentary elections, Minister Milososki stressed that two of the took place in the Montenegrin resort of Saint Stefan on 29 and basic priorities on the European agenda of the new Macedonian 30 June, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov underscored in Government would still be reforms, with special stress on the his address that Macedonia remained committed to its goals and administration and the judiciary, and making utmost effort in priorities of joining NATO and the EU. He added that Macedonia the process of seeking out a solution to the name issue with the was included in all regional initiatives and was open to cooperation Republic of Greece. with the international community. Pointing out that the Balkans needed support to continue its European and Euro-Atlantic inte- GENERAL STOJANOVSKI DECORATED gration, President Ivanov stressed that the integration was going to contribute to stronger democracy and rule of law in Europe. The greatest power of both our region and Europe rests in their open- ness and unity, as closeness and divisions represent their biggest threats, President Ivanov stressed. At the meeting of the ministers of foreign affairs of the South- East European Cooperation Process, which preceded the Summit of Heads of State and Government, views were shared about promoting further the European perspective of the Region, with special emphasis on the regional cooperation. Minister Milososki stressed in his address that the policy of enlargement of the European Union represents its essential dimension. He also said that the Republic of Macedonia proved it was a credible partner of the international community, a country that contributed to the stabilization of the situation in the region of Southeast Europe, and as a functional At the ceremony held at the Army House on 22 June, the Ambas- multiethnic democracy also showed that the coexistence of its sador of the USA to the Republic of Macedonia, Philip Reeker, diverse ethnic groups and religions represented an added value to handed the Chief of the Macedonian Army General Staff, Lieutenant both the Balkan and the European family. General Miroslav Stojanovski, the Legion of Merit. This highest The meeting of the Partner Commission of the member coun- military decoration of the US Defense Department is awarded to tries of the Charter of Partnership Among Macedonian, Albania, high-ranking foreign officials who made a significant contribution Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the USA, or what to the promotion of bilateral relations in the field of defense and is also known as the Adriatic Charter, took place too, attended by have achieved excellence in performing their job. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. The ministers The ceremony was attended also by representatives of the Min- of foreign affairs of the member states of the Charter, talked about istry of Defense and military attaches accredited to the Republic issues related to the Euro-Atlantic integration of the region, the joint of Macedonia.

MACEDONIA LOSES FRIEND Lawrence Eagleburger, a former US Secretary of State, a career Eagleburger arrived in the shattered Skopje, as Second Secretary diplomat, an excellent connoisseur of the situation in the Balkans at the US Embassy in Belgrade responsible to coordinate the US and a friend of Macedonia, died on 4 June this year. assistance that many of us still remember. Now that he is no longer Following the devastating earthquake in Skopje in 1963, our friend with us, the news reports not only in Macedonia but also in many Larry, was quite deservedly nicknamed Lawrence of Macedonia. world papers that reported the death of the great, diplomat and With his enthusiasm and dedication so typical of him, “he was try- friend, explained his role in Skopje in the capacity of a diplomat ing to help those who survived in the wounded city to restore their at the US Embassy in Belgrade known as Lawrence of Macedonia. normal life,” as was in fact stated on the pages of the Macedonian Therefore highly expected was the initiative of the Ministry of daily papers in their reports of his death or in recollections about Foreign Affairs to name a street in Skopje after Lawrence Eagleburger, Macedonia’s friend, diplomat Lawrence Eagleburger. the diplomat and friend who was with us in the most difficult times.

8 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 50 – 2011 CONFERENCE DEDICATED TO THE EURO- the Conference included the US Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia, Philip Reeker, representatives of the international ATLANTIC INTEGRATION OF THE BALKANS community, as well as leaders of political parties from Macedo- nia. Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov hosted a reception and stressed in his address on that occasion that with the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, Macedonia had enriched its independence and sovereignty with the striving for a stable and functional multiethnic democracy. PRESIDENT IVANOV AT CONFERENCE IN JERUSALEM Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov participated in the international conference “Facing Tomorrow 2011” held in Jerusalem for the third time under Israeli President Shimon Peres’s auspices on 21-23 June. The Conference focused on the situation and future of the Middle East, the fight against terrorism, the proliferation of weapons for The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia mass destruction, media, etc. Over 200 world leaders, representa- and the Aspen Institute of Berlin organized the Conference tives of international organizations, businessmen, scientists and “Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Balkans 2015-2020 – New experts, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Transatlantic Dialogue: German and US Leaders in Dialogue former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Ukrainian Presi- with Leaders from the Western Balkans” in Ohrid on 14-17 June dent Leonid Kuchma and Colombian pop star Shakira as UNICEF 2011. A number of renowned figures from Germany, Austria, the goodwill ambassador, attended the Conference. USA and the Region participated in the Conference. They shared views of the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU, the trans-Atlantic cooperation, the challenges of regional and global security, as well as the contribution of the countries of the Region to the consolidation of the Balkans and its integration into Europe. The Conference was opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, Antonio Milososki, and the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute of Berlin, Charles King Mallory IV. The first session moderated by the first Ambassador to the Re- public of Macedonia, Christopher Hill, was dedicated to the future role of NATO in Southeast Europe. Foreign Minister Milososki and US Ambassador Reeker addressed the conference as well. Minister Milososki raised in his address the issue of the current political and security situation in the region, stressing the enormous President Ivanov addressed the leaders’ meeting dedicated to the progress the countries of the Region made over the past 20 years, economic crisis, resolution of regional conflicts, social progress, particularly in the areas of inner democratization. climate change and responsibility of politicians in reaching key “In comparison with the last decade of the 20th century,” Minister decisions. Also, he had separate meetings with the Israeli President Milososki said, “today differences and open issues that still exist and host of the Conference, Shimon Peres, at which mutual satisfac- between some countries are being settled by way of talks and dia- tion was expressed with the relations between the two countries, logue, while the neighbor’s progress is seen as one’s own progress.” as well as with other conference participants. Within the framework of the Conference, three more session were held focusing on the path of the Western Balkan countries MINISTER MILOSOSKI AT toward full-fledged membership of the EU, the potential security threats in the Western Balkans and the fight against organized CONFERENCE IN VILNIUS crime in the region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Milososki, participated in the Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies in INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Vilnius, Lithuania, on 1 July. The need for strengthening democ- “TOWARD MACEDONIA’S MEMBERSHIP racy, promoting the rule of law and democratic values globally, as well as further strengthening of the role of the civil society and IN THE EU AND NATO” civil organizations in democratic societies in the context of the On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid recent events in the North-African countries were reaffirmed at Framework Agreement, the International Conference “Towards the Conference. Macedonia’s Membership in the EU and NATO” took place at The ministers adopted also the Vilnius Declaration, “Community the University of Ss Cyril and Methodius and the University of of Democracies, Empowered, Energized, Engaged,” reaffirming Southeast Europe on 21 and 22 June. The conference’s topics in- the commitments of the member states of the Community to cluded Macedonia’s progress after signing the Ohrid Framework more efficient, dedicated and focused promotion of democratic Agreement to date, as well as the challenges the country faces on standards, and condemning attempts at repressing progressive its path toward NATO and the EU. The officials who addressed democratic ideas and democracy in the world.

No. 50 – 2011 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN 9 DIPLOMATICS CORPS SOCIAL EVENTS

DAY OF RUSSIA CELEBRATED Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Deputy Prime Minister Vasko Naumovski, representatives of the diplomatic corps and numer- On the occasion of the Day of Russia, the Embassy of the Russian ous eminent public figures. Federation in Skopje hosted a reception at the hotel Continental on 8 June attended by Н.Е. President Gjorge Ivanov, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, as well 2011 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY as heads of the diplomat- PARTY CELEBRATION ic missions and members On 9 June, the British Embassy in Skopje threw the Queen’s Birthday of the Diplomatic Corps, Party (QBP) 2011 at the National Gallery Daut Pashin Amam. In high-ranking politicians, anticipation of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the businessmen, journalists, United Kingdom, the venue was decorated with banners display- representatives of the ing a mixture of sporting motifs and landmarks from around the Russian Diaspora, etc. United Kingdom. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Macedo- nia, Mr. Oleg Nikolae- vich Scherbak, presented at the reception the medals of Pushkin to Velimir Stojkovski, Rector of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University and Krasimira Ilievska of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. RECEPTION IN SKOPJE MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SLOVENIA’S INDEPENDENCE The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Skopje, in cooperation with the Slovenian-Mac- edonian Business Club, hosted a reception on 21 Јune to commemorate the 20th anniversary of This year several themes fused together within the QBP celebra- the independence of the tion, commemorating important current and future events, such Republic of Slovenia. as the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic games in 2012, as Among the guests well as the 15th anniversary of the British Council’s presence in was the Prime Minister Macedonia. Traditional British food, such as fish and chips, was of Macedonia, Nikola being served to guests. Gruevski, as well as the Ministers of Defense, Culture, Education Attendees included the President of Republic of Macedonia, and Science, Information Technology and Public Administration, H.E. Mr. Gjorge Ivanov, the Prime Minister, Mr. Nikola Gruevski, Deputy Ministers, State Secretaries, representatives of opposition and the Foreign Minister, Mr. Antonio Milososki. Representatives parties, representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of all of the Diplomatic Corps, the British Community in Macedonia, three Slovenian associations in Macedonia (France Prešeren from the business community, the NGO sector and the media attended Skopje, Triglav from Bitola and the Slovenian Centre from Skopje), as well. Honorary Consul Mihajlo Mojsov, Slovenian officers and soldiers participating in KFOR, Slovenian language students from the JUNE 6, SWEDISH NATIONAL DAY Faculty of Philology, professors and many other Slovenians who The celebration of the National Day of the Kingdom of Sweden live and work in Macedonia. took place in the Residence of Ambassador Mr. Lars Wahlund in Skopje on 6 June. Ambassador Wahlund welcomed more than 200 CROATIAN NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED guests from Macedonia’s public life, the diplomatic corps, as well The Embassy of the Re- as Swedes living and working in the country public of Croatia in the Republic of Macedonia NATIONAL DAY OF ITALY MARKED marked the Statehood The Embassy of the Italian Republic in the Republic of Macedonia Day and the Day of the marked 2 June, the Day of the Italian Republic, with a traditional Armed Forces of the Re- reception hosted on 1 June in the Daut Pashin Amam National public of Croatia on 20 Gallery. June. The reception was This year the celebrations bore a particular relevance con- attended by the highest sidering they coincided with the 150th anniversary of the uni- representatives of the fication of Italy. Around 500 Macedonian officials, civil society state leadership of the representatives and Italian citizens living in Macedonia took Republic of Macedonia, part to the gathering.

10 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 50 – 2011 MDB would like to extend a warm welcome and wish a successful diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia to the Ambassador: Н.Е. Mr. Renatas JUŠKA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the Republic of Macedonia, resident in Budapest

MDB would like to thank the following Ambassadors for their MDB would like to wish a successful mission completed diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia, wishing to our colleagues: them success in their future life and career: Н.E. Mrs. Ulrike Maria KNOTZ, Mrs. Valmira SELA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Macedonia Republic of Macedonia in Brussels Н.Е. Mr. John MORRISON, Mr. Gazmend RAIMI, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada Third Secretary at the Consulate General of the to the Republic of Macedonia Republic of Macedonia in New York

PUSHKIN MEDAL PRESENTED TO RECTOR which has been performing for over 30 years and represents part of the traditional chamber performing of a wealth of Macedonian STOJKOVSKI AND DR. ILIEVSKA brass musicians, staged a concert at the National Museum “The

With a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Country and the People.” This cultural event was realized within Medvedev, the Rector of the Ss Cyril and Methodius University, the framework of the Program for International Cooperation of Dr. Velimir Stojkovski, and Dr. Krasimira Ilievska were awarded the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia. with the Pushkin Medal for their contribution to the promotion of the Russian language and culture and the strengthening of the AMBASSADOR ANGELOV’S ADDRESS Russian-Macedonian ties. At the European Civil Meeting held in Budapest within the frame- The previous winners of this prestigious Russian award are work of the Hungarian Presidency of the EU, the Ambassador of academicians Gane Todorovski, the first Macedonian ambassador the Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of Hungary, Darko to the Russian Federation, Milan Gjurcinov, the dean of the Blaze Angelov, delivered a speech about Macedonia’s European integra- Koneski Faculty of Philology, Maksim Karanfilovski and director tion. Angelov made a chronological overview of the process of Ivan Popovski, who has lived and worked in the Russian Federation European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, the standstill for nearly twenty years. resulting from the unprincipled Greek block and the expectations EXHIBITION OF MACEDONIAN for a more constructive approach from Greece in the coming period. Ambassador Angelov also thanked Hungary for its strong PAINTERS IN PODGORICA and wholehearted support for Macedonia’s European integration. An exhibition at which Macedonian academic painters Novica Trajkovski and Mirko Vujisik each presented themselves with 13 SIGN UNVEILED AT CEREMONY of their most recently created works took place at the private art The Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to the Republic of gallery Most in Podgorica. Serbia, Ljubisa Georgievski, and the President of the Municipality The exhibition was organized by the initiative Most, the oldest of Plandiste, Zoran Vorkapić, unveiled at a 14 June ceremony the private gallery in Podgorica and the Embassy of Montenegro in the recently mounted sign of the local office Duzine with an inscription Republic of Macedonia and its realization was financial supported in the Macedonian language, whereby the decision of the Council by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia. of the Municiplaity of Plandiste taken a year ago declaring the Macedonian language and its Cyrillic alphabet as official, at an equal CONCERT OF SKOPJE BRASS QUINTET IN SOFIA footing as the Serbian, Romanian and Hungarian, was formally Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia and the confirmed. In the Republic of Serbia, the Macedonian language is Cultural and Information Center in Sofia, the Skopje Brass Quintet, official in the village of Jabuka near Pancevo as well.

No. 50 – 2011 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN 11 DIPLOMATIC DIARY MATEJA MATEVSKI WINS THE ETERNAL CITY ENCHANTING VERSES AWARD When I think of Rome, my Mateja Matevski, the renowned Macedonian poet, literary first association is history, rich and theater critic, essayist and translator, won the Enchant- culture and cultural legacy. ing Verses Award presented by the Indian Enchanting Verses The well-known saying, “All International Poetry Journal. Roads Lead to Rome” is one of Apart from Macedonian poet Matevski, the main features its trademarks. And it is truly of the latest issue of the journal are dedicated also to remark- so considering the city feels that able English Poet John Milton. on a daily basis, as millions of Enchanting Verses is an online English-language journal tourists that visit the city con- updated four times a year. Its chief editor is Professor Ramesh stantly experience firsthand that Chandra Mukhopadhyaya and its managing editor is Indian the city marked a whole epoch poet Sonnet Mondal. of world history. No other city in the world can compare its history with that of the Eternal City. Rome is an “open-air museum,” where every piece MACEDONIAN ART, CULTURE of stone hides inside old and valuable stories from the rich treasure trove of history. It is the city where Vatican is located too. AND TRADITION IN LONDON All of this makes Rome unique, special and glorious. Every day in A few cultural events entitled “Macedoniawn Art, Culture Rome is a like a magic discovery of something new. You have a feeling and Tradition” took place at the cultural center Spiro Ark that you are never in the same place and that every day you discover in London on 16-22 June. The event began with an exhibi- and see something new. tion of 70 children’s drawings on the subject of architecture Being a diplomat in such a city, in which the day and the night always from the Small Bitola Montmartre, which celebrated its intertwine, is above all a privilege, as well as a major responsibility. When 30th anniversary this year. Within the framework of the someone says “Ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia,” you have a event, young Antonija Jovanovska, who lives in London, feeling that people have immense respect for the name Macedonia and performed a 20-minute piano recital; the short film “Amaz- Macedonia’s history. To Italians it is a word that radiates special historical ing Macedonia” was shown, Radojka Helman talked about importance and value and is being talked about with particular attention. the Jewish Community in Macedonia; the children’s choir They say the world remains to the young and so for me my assignment “Golden Nightingale” staged a concert; and Bojana Fabel as ambassador was a motive to prove myself and also the others that the performed a few reworked Macedonian traditional songs. young know how to bring out the best in them. The organizer of the event, MAG-kultura i iskustvo of I make sure that my working day always has a full agenda, which is Skopje, and Pro Art & Co of London have organized in the frequently subject to modification, considering that things change by recent years the performances in Great Britain of Synthesis, the minute. Therefore, talking about my working day, I have to admit Leb i sol, Foltin, Infuse, the Small Drama Theater, the Turk- it is not standardized as I deal with an array of issues, each one of them ish Theater, etc. being a challenge for me. On 2 June this year the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy was RACIN MEETINGS HELD marked and in honor of the jubilee a great many events were organized, The event Racin Meetings was held in Veles on 6-9 June for the main being the parade before Fori Imperiali, which was attended by the 48th time at which in addition to the standard contents numerous heads of state, including Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, there were also new program forms in order to present more at the invitation of Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. dimensions of the life and work of revolutionary and poet Traditionally, in the month of May Rome honors the Holy Brothers, Kosta Solev Racin, the founder of the modern Macedonian Slav missionaries Cyril and Methodius, and this year saw the 43rd edi- literature. tion of the event “Macedonia in Honor of Saint Cyril,” while President Twenty-six poets from Macedonia, Romania, Greece, Gjorge Ivanov headed the Macedonian delegation. Bulgaria, Serbia and Ukraine participated in the event. In December last year, the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in The laureate of the 2011 Racin Award is writer Vladimir Rome took part in the organization of the concert dedicated to Mother Popov for the novel “Against the Wind” as laureate of the Teresa entitled “Ten Stars for Mother Teresa” at which tribute was paid 2011 Honorary Racin Award is Prof. Dr. Zlatko Kramarić, to the deeds of the Blessed Mother, about whom the whole world speaks incumbent Croatian Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia with pride and reverence, as it is a great privilege and honor for us to say to the Republic of Macedonia. that the little big lady was born in Skopje, the capital of the Republic of Macedonia. The concert was shown on 24 December by the Italian national television RAIUNO, immediately after the Christmas mass, conducted by Pope Benedict XVI, which represents a significant promotion of the Republic of Macedonia not only in Italy but also in the world. These are only some of the activities through which we as Embassy and I personally as Ambassador try to promote our country. In the end, after nearly two years, I can say that I feel proud and also content and happy that everyday my family and I convey the message of the Republic of Macedonia to all our local friends and see that they too are content, astounded and keen on learning as much as possible about us, our tradition and culture, and wish to visit Macedonia’s end- less attractions. Ambassador Velibor TOPALOSKI

12 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 50 – 2011