Macedonia

[sToRmR1dR]

Macedonia under neocon's 'democracy'


Political precedent for exerting pressure on the media

http://english.republika.mk/political-precedent-for-exerting-pressure-on-the-media/

The world’s best handball player Nikola Karabatić, who is part of the French national team and who was sentenced for involvement in match-fixing in the period when he played for Montpellier, is one of the highest paid handball players. Karabatic, who currently plays for PSG, annually encashes 1.1 million euros, which means that he earns six times more money than our best handball player Kire Lazarov, who annually earns 180,000 euros.

This seemingly looks like a usual information from the media. Information about what he does and how much a person involved in a public work earns. Everyday life … But it seems that according to the Macedonian judiciary and Macedonian practice such a sentence cannot be found in the mass media. Otherwise, the media will have to pay a penalty, and the director of the same will receive a prison sentence. Although it sounds unrealistic, it’s still something that’s really happening. At least here in Macedonia!

For such sentence, first, you will be fined by the Directorate for Personal Data Protection, because you have published a name and surname and a working engagement of a person performing a public work, who has published his public activity. At the same time, for some of the persons the amount of money they received as compensation for that engagement was published, or it was pointed out that they were on a certain payroll. These are people who represent themselves as professors and political analysts, journalists, human rights activists, president of the Helsinki Committee… People who perform public work and who are part of various debates, from public gatherings where they hold speeches, send messages, photograph and publish their own photos of their participation in those gatherings. The fine amounts to 1,800 euros for the medium and 550 euros for the director, i.e. a fine of 2,350 euros (about 150,000 denars). This is the first time the Directorate pronounces a fine for a medium, and “Republika” has been fined for publishing personal data (names, surnames, work engagements, and monetary compensation), which have already been published in other media for the most part.

After the fine from the Directorate for Personal Data Protection, another fine for the same offense follows. The court, without any notification and invitation to the defendant, without a single court hearing, pronounces another fine for the same offense. And not just that. The court also pronounces imprisonment for the responsible person i.e. the director of the medium, who at the same time is the owner, for a period of 3 months, conditionally not to commit another offense for up to a year, because the medium has published persons from the public life with full name and surname and information about their work engagement. Let’s be clear. The persons mentioned do not deny the contents of the text, nor the information that has been published. They did not file a lawsuit for defamation and insult. The publishing of their personal names is being judged.

“Republika” received such a judgment recently. All the lawyers we talked to say that this is something that has not been part of the court practice so far because we have already been sanctioned in the misdemeanor procedure and we have paid a fine that was pronounced by the Directorate for Personal Data Protection. Surprised by the judgment, they comment that this has never happened before.

“Republika” cannot interpret this decision of the court differently, except as a judicial precedent for pressuring the medium. An attempt was made to silence the medium, harm it, with the aim to close it. Even more that comes at a time when the party in power is the same one that used to hold press-conferences outside the premises of the medium during the time it was opposition, in which many lies and slander were expressed, accusing the medium of taking large sum money for government ads. A two-year court dispute for such untruths is taking place in front of these same courts. They are not coming to the scheduled court hearings and this is most humbly tolerated by the courts.

It seems that the government has one goal – to silence and shut down any medium that is not on their side and is critical of their work. The leader of this Government pointed out the media as an enemy number 1. Although they promised life and democracy, freedom for the media, without fear of repression, the opposite is happening. Direct pressure is exerted on the media, journalists are being intimidated, the persons who run the media are being punished. This is neither the first nor the only pressure on the medium. A photographer and a journalist of “Republika” were attacked, there were attempts for detention, direct threats by former intelligence officers who barged into the medium’s premises, threatening “You will all end up in Drisla [landfill] .” Several others who said to be from the DBK barged in, although they did not have any legitimacy or any written document that they were from the DBK. They demanded lists of employees, footage of security cameras, and at our insistence to legitimize, they left with a notice that they would return with their IDs. They never returned. Supporters and members of the ruling party are constantly hurling swear words at “Republika” outside its offices, threatening …

And now came a prison sentence for publishing the name and surname of a person performing public work. Does this sound normal, democratic, libertarian ?! Is this the LIFE that was sought and that was promised?! Is SDSM trying to threaten and intimidate media workers in order to encourage self-censorship or putting critically-oriented media outlets out of business?!

All relevant institutions – from associations of journalists, through ombudsmen, all foreign embassies in the country, to the EU Office – will be informed of this tendentious decision by the court and the Directorate for Personal Data Protection. We hope that in this case, they will stand in defense of the journalists and the journalistic work, and they will stand behind the media.

Long live the freedom brought by the new government, long live free journalism with decisions for prison sentences, long live democracy in which there is no democracy! Life came!

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'Mission accomplished or hot summer?'

Saboteur Jess Baily leaving by end of July?

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/23/saboteur-jess-baily-leaving-by-end-of-july/

According to unofficial information, the CIA operative and US ambassador in the country is preparing to leave no later than the beginning of July this year. The information is not confirmed by officials, but from well-informed sources who allege that Bailey will end his engagement in Macedonia this summer.

Bailey is considered to be the most controversial “diplomat” who began his mission in Macedonia as a US Ambassador, having been previously deputy ambassador to the United States in Turkey. The media there associated Jess Baily with sabotage and organization of the bloody protests at Taksim square in which several people were killed and hundreds were injured. For this purpose the Turkish Government labeled Baily as persona-non-grata.

In Macedonia, Bailey is associated with significant interference in the country’s internal affairs, providing political and financial assistance to the current government that during his mandate was in opposition, and interference in the work of the Courts through his resident advisers. The US Embassy in Macedonia also had its fingerprints of the Kumanovo terrorist attack in which 8 policemen were killed as well as 4 American and British special ops who aided the terrorists.

In addition, US Congress opened an investigation into the abuse of USAid funds by the US Embassy and Jess Baily in which over 10 million dollars were handed to Soros based NGOs and leftists extremists organization to promote Soros’ liberal values.

The experts say that if Bailey really leaves Macedonia this summer, then the Zaev government should not last much longer afterwards, bearing in mind that all operational guidelines for its functioning are received by the American ‘diplomat’.

Baily’s Court approves release of Chento, Damovski, Ilievski from prison

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/21/bailys-court-approves-release-of-chento-damovski-ilievski-from-prison/

MP Ljuben Arnaudov, and the organizers of the protests for “Joined Macedonia” Boris Damovski and Bogdan Ilievski were released from prison. Baily’s Appellate Court accepted their appeals and changed the measure of detention to house arrest, while at the same time taking away their passports, confirmed their attorneys earlier today.

In addition, the Appeals court ordered the house arrest and confiscation of Jane Cento’s passport, which yesterday demanded public release from custody, Ivan Cvetanovski, who worked in the office of Veljanovski and Oliver Radulov from UBK.

For the other six ‘suspects’, the Skopje Appellate Court upheld the measures set by the Criminal Court. After yesterday’s public session, the Court ruled ex-Interior Minister Mitko Cavkov to remain in custody, Johan Tarculovski under house arrest, Goran Angelovski, Ilija Slavevski from patriotic associations to remain in custody, and dismissed the complaints of Saso Markovski and William Mihajlovski.

'Someday' - Same old shit to change the name

Hahn: EC to recommend starting accession talks with Macedonia this summer

http://english.republika.mk/hahn-ec-to-recommend-starting-accession-talks-with-macedonia-this-summer/

The European Commission will recommend starting accession talks with Macedonia and Albania, Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations said in an interview with German newspaper Die Welt.

“The European Commission will very soon, most probably by the end of the summer, recommend that the countries members start accession talks with Albania and Macedonia. We believe that these two countries have made significant reforms and that is why they are qualified for this step forward”, said Hahn.

Greek media have exclusive news: Draft-treaty prepared, in Tsipras’ hands

http://english.republika.mk/p193211/

The 20-page draft-treaty is prepared and in the hands of Alexis Tsipras, reports Greek web portal Iefimerida.

According to the portal, the draft-treaty does not contain only the Greek positions, but also takes into consideration the stance of the other side. The diplomatic document will be presented to the Macedonian side once it is approved by the Greek government, MIA reports from Athens.

“Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias had the final word in compiling the diplomatic document,” reads Iefimerida.

It adds there is optimism in Greece for an agreement amid favorable circumstances, international interest, but also because of Skopje’s acts of good will by renaming the airport and the motorway, as well as the removal of its monument.

However, the Greek side is not that much concerned about Skopje’s stance as it is from the position of junior coalition partner Panos Kammenos, stresses the web portal.

SDSM junta removes monument of Andon Kjoseto

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/22/sdsm-junta-removes-monument-of-andon-kjoseto/

The reactions after the removal of the monument of Andon Kjoseto in Skopje have not diminished.

At three o’clock in the morning, in a typical SDSM way, the monument was removed.

Twitter and FB ‘warriors’ were displeased with the city authorities.

“You want to play demolition, come on, go ahead. The government will demolish the monuments, and we will demolish the government.”

“The Macedonian monument of the Kjoseto is demolished, let’s see you demolish the UCK monuments throughout Macedonia”

“With the demolition of monuments, you cannot erase the collective consciousness of the Macedonians” – are some of the remarks in social media.

One can see why the monument of Andon Kjoseto was seen as trouble for the SDSM. Kjoseto assassinated dozens of traitors to the Macedonian cause.

 

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Ta Nea: Names in draft-treaty in Macedonian, without translation, as one word

http://english.republika.mk/ta-nea-names-in-draft-treaty-in-macedonian-without-translation-as-one-word/

Athens prefers that the new name is in Macedonian language, without translation and as one word, reads Greek daily “Ta Nea” in Monday’s analysis of the draft-treaty that Greece will present to Macedonia, MIA reports from Athens.

The paper claims that Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias handed over the 20-page document to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras prior to last week’s visit to Brussels, so that the content is presented to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

“It seems that Athens prefers that the new name is written in Slavic, without translation and having one word (for example Gornamakedonija or Novamakedonija). The key issue for Athens is the constitutional change,” reads Ta Nea.

Greece also urges for legal guarantees that a future government in Skopje would not make additional changes to the constitution, but also proposes that the Greek parliament ratifies the agreement following a referendum in Macedonia.

Zaev for Euronews: There has been no discussion of identity, but there was a paragraph about citizenship

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-for-euronews-there-has-been-no-discussion-of-identity-but-there-was-a-paragraph-about-citizenship/

“There is no need to change the Constitution. It is a home rulebook. It does not implicate the outside,” Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said in an interview for Euronews, MIA Athens correspondent reports.

“We amended the Constitution in 1993,” Zaev said, “because of the feelings of our Greek friends. They wanted to be more covered, more comfortable, so we added amendment two to our Constitution to take care of possible irredentism. All these steps that we have taken until now are to put out irredentism. Greek citizens surely know by now that we do not have any territorial pretensions or anything like that.”

Asked if the talks have included the topic of ethnicity, Macedonia’s PM gave a negative answer. There has been no discussion of identity in the sense of ethnicity, he said, but there was a paragraph about citizenship.

Zaev explained that the erga omnes name applies to the rest of the world.

“’Erga omnes’ means implication for the rest of the world, for the whole rest of the world. And we are prepared to discuss this implication because I know it is very important to the Greek side. We must understand them, and why it is necessary for them to have ‘erga omnes’,” Zoran Zaev said.

Someday, one day, 'never' day...

Juncker: We haven’t come here to announce date, we are here to tell you that your’re on the right track

http://english.republika.mk/juncker-we-havent-come-here-to-announce-date-we-are-here-to-tell-you-that-yourre-on-the-right-track/

President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker said Sunday that he hadn’t come to Skopje to announce an exact date for the opening of EU negotiations, but underscored that Macedonia was on the right track after making progress.

“We haven’t come here to announce a date, we are here to tell you that your’re on the right track, and if you continue taking this path, within months you will give an opportunity to the European Commission to propose opening of talks to the Council of the EU,” Juncker told a joint news conference in Skopje with Premier Zoran Zaev, held after their meeting.

Juncker, who is accompanied by EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn, said the country had made impressive progress, but it had to take more steps on its path to the EU and noted that the EU would reach decisions about the countries separately, based on their individual merits.

He urged the Macedonian authorities to solve the name issue with their Greek ‘friends.’

Juncker said he had met with Greece’s PM Alexis Tsipras in Brussels, where he urged him to remain on the road the two countries were taking at the moment and to keep making the efforts required for solving the name issue.

The top EU official said progress had been made in the process, which was evident with the government’s decision to rename the Alexander the Great airport ‘as a sign of concession in the negotiating process.’

PM Zaev said he told the EC President at their meeting that the country was making efforts to improve its good neighborly relations.

“Macedonia has put an emphasis on building new bridges of cooperation, open dialogue based on mutual respect. It’s not easy to close long-running issues. Encouraged by the friendship treaty with Bulgaria, we have kept on being seriously committed to finding ways to solve the issue Greece has with our constitutional name,” he stated.

Zaev stressed that for the government, a name with a geographical qualifier was acceptable as a solution that would make a distinction between Macedonia and the region in Greece, which is also called Macedonia.

“We are insisting on a solution, a permanent one, a solution that will respect the dignity and protect the identity of the two countries,” the Macedonian Premier concluded.

Baily: EU, NATO accession support to be converted into political will

http://english.republika.mk/p193352/

The United States and Europe have helped Macedonia in getting out of a deep political crisis, said U.S. Ambassador Jess Baily at a conference of Committees for European Affairs/Integration of countries within the Stabilization and Association Process of South-East Europe (COSAP) in Skopje on Monday.

The ambassador believes that the successful completion of reforms in Macedonia requires the transformation of the 75-percent support for EU and NATO accession into political will.

According to him, the rule of law is one of the biggest challenges for the country, with states often becoming vulnerable to corruption and crime due to lack of it.

“Citizens require accountability, transparency and information from institutions. This means that citizens have to refuse turning the other way when facing violation of laws and corruption, but also that things should not be accepted as they are especially when facing nepotism,” said Baily.

He said courts in Macedonia should take into account the issue of transparency, because important court cases are very often shrouded by a veil of mystery and it is no wonder that citizens have no trust in them.

Shekerinska: We are doing all we can to join NATO, but it is not only up to us

http://english.republika.mk/shekerinska-we-are-doing-all-we-can-to-join-nato-but-it-is-not-only-up-to-us/

“Each country must guarantee its security no matter what, and to become a NATO member it should vouch for its contributions to global stability. We are working on our national security as well as NATO membership,” Minister of Defense Radmila Shekerinska said Monday in a response to a question about Macedonia’s NATO prospects this year.

Minister Shekerinska spoke about the government’s expectations that the European Commission’s report in April would show that Macedonia had overcome its challenges on its course toward NATO.

“Our goal as government,” she said, “was to remove all doubts about whether Macedonia deserves to be a member of NATO and the EU. I am convinced we will achieve this.”

Minister Shekerinska added, however, that another prerequisite for our being invited to join NATO was solving the name dispute with Greece.

“We are doing all we can to come to a mutually satisfactory solution. We have clearly shown our readiness to resolve the issue this year, and not ten years from now,” Shekerinska said.

She said that our decisions were ours alone and not enough to find a solution. Still, she insisted that EU and NATO were truly interested in supporting the security of the region and all of Europe.

DPNE Clowns get defensive: We have nothing to do with protests on 27th

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/26/dpne-clowns-defensive-we-have-nothing-to-do-with-protests-on-27th/

The party says that when VRO-DPNE organizes protests, they will be publicly announced and citizens will be called to join in massively. Perhaps like the ‘massive’ protests the party organized to voice their opposition for the jailing of 5 DPNE MPs where roughly 50 people showed up, mostly relatives of those jailed.

At today’s press conference, asked about the organization of tomorrow’s protest, the opposition party stated:

– “VMRO-DPMNE supports the constitutionally guaranteed right to participate and organize protests. Regarding the protest scheduled for tomorrow, VMRO-DPMNE is not the organizer of the protest. If VMRO-DPMNE decides to organize protests, the public will be notified in time about the nature of that protest.”

Да светне сонце среде мрак – Семакедонски протест за одбрана на името на државата и идентитетот на нацијата

http://republika.mk/887723

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[sToRmR1dR]

Major protest in Skopje in defense of the name of the state and the identity of the nation

http://english.republika.mk/major-protest-in-skopje-in-defense-of-the-name-of-the-state-and-the-identity-of-the-nation/

Macedonian communities around the world on the occasion of the anniversary of the “For United Macedonia” movement, on February 27, 2018, organize a protest for the defense of the name of the state and the identity of the nation in Skopje!

The protest will start at 18:00h in front of the European Union delegation premises, and then will move along the “St. Clement of Ohrid” boulevard and “Dimitrie Chupovski” boulevard to the Parliament’s building.

Macedonians around the world demand:

(1) Unconditional end of the name talks with the Government in Athens and continuation of membership in the United Nations and in all international organizations under the state name of Macedonia;

(2) Withdrawal of the Law on the Use of Languages;

(3) Withdrawal of the Zaev-Borisov agreement;

(4) Urgent release of the people detained in relation to the events of 27 April 2017 in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia.

Russian Ministry warns citizens of travel to Macedonia

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/26/russian-ministry-warns-citizens-of-travel-to-macedonia/

The Crisis Center of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends their citizens avoid places of mass gatherings of people in Macedonia, Peru and Dominican Republic, where large protests are planned in the coming days.

“Macedonia – On February 27, protests are planned in the capital city Skopje. It is recommended to avoid places of mass gatherings of citizens, “the foreign ministry spokesman said.

It has been announced that it is necessary to be careful when traveling to Peru, where large protests are expected in Lima. A big rally is expected in the Dominican Republic against the wave of refugees arriving in the country. It is not certain either in Catalonia, where protests, riots and clashes with the police remain frequent – says the Russian federation in its travel advisory to citizens.

Zaev’s mental retardation on display in interview for Euronews

http://www.minareport.com/2018/02/26/zaevs-mental-retardation-on-display-in-interview-for-euronews/

The illegal Prime Minister of “our country” Zoran Zaev reached a new bottom in the humiliation of Macedonia and the Macedonian people world-wide.

In a Euronews interview that lasted 11 minutes, Zaev literally never uttered the word Macedonia, in addition he said “our country”, “our citizens”, “our side” at least 27 times.

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At the same time, Zaev was quite pleased to discuss the terms Greece, Greek people, Greek side on at least 10 occasions.

A great shame for Macedonia was also Zaev’s miserable proficiency of the English language. His in advance written responses were riddled with errors, where not a single sentence was properly stated or pronounced. This, despite getting an English and “progressive” training by MI6 in London for six months and nearly two years of English training by the US Embassy in Skopje.

Considering Zaev’s mental retardation and his child-like behavior, expect just about anything from this anti-Macedonian implant.

 

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Protest in Skopje for defending Macedonia’s constitutional name (photo+video)

http://english.republika.mk/protest-in-skopje-for-defending-macedonias-constitutional-name-photovideo/

The civic initiative ‘For United Macedonia’ staged a protest Tuesday in Skopje for ‘defending the country’s name and the nation’s identity’.

Defying freezing temperatures and snow, the protesters held umbrellas in the colors of the Macedonian flag and chanted ‘Long live Macedonia!’ and ‘Macedonians!’

The protesters demanded an end to ongoing talks between Macedonia’s government and their Greek counterparts aimed at solving the 25-year dispute, annulment of the law on languages and renouncement of the recently signed friendship agreement with Bulgaria.

They also demanded an immediate release of those detained for the 27 April 2017 incident in Macedonia’s parliament.

The crowd gathered in front of the EU Office in Skopje and marched to the parliament.

Petir: Macedonians, keep the most valuable thing you are proud of – your name and identity

http://english.republika.mk/petir-macedonians-keep-the-most-valuable-thing-you-are-proud-of-your-name-and-identity/

From the very beginning of my work in the European Parliament, I have always been committed to Macedonia starting EU and NATO membership negotiations because Macedonia belongs to the European family, says Marijana Petir.

“For years, Macedonia has been plagued by numerous injustices, which left it behind closed doors of Euro-Atlantic integrations. I insisted on a country that is ready to join the EU and to start negotiations, and open issues with Greece to be resolved during the negotiations. I believed then, and today I believe that the EU does not behave honestly and objectively with the Republic of Macedonia and that it is losing its credibility that allows bilateral problems to stand as an obstacle on the road,” she says in her video address.

Petir referees to the talks that the Macedonian government holds with Greece which, as she says, “give it a finger, and it’ll take the whole hand”.

“I share the concerns with the Macedonian people because of the announcements of changing the name of the state and the loss of the identity of which the Macedonian people are very proud. I believe that my concern also affects those who led to it, so these days I have been informed that the new Macedonian government has formed a new group of friends in the EP, with a new president at the helm. Although this decision is completely political, I hope that this group will be guided by the goodness of the Macedonian people in its work, and the Macedonian people will continue to have a faithful and committed friend who will continue to take care,” she stressed.

She says that the greatest acknowledgment for her friendship with our country is not only the award for Macedonian friendship that was given to Washington by the Macedonian Diaspora but also the daily messages for the support that the citizens of Macedonia receive.

“Dear Macedonians, I am with you in your struggles, your identity is part of you, the Macedonian culture and tradition are an invaluable part of Europe. In this way, I want to encourage you to keep the most valuable thing you have. I believe that with joint forces we will succeed in the goal and we will see Macedonia as a full-fledged and proud member of the EU,” she stressed.

Zaev for Financial Times: Macedonia and Greece are moving closer to solving name dispute

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-for-financial-times-macedonia-and-greece-are-moving-closer-to-solving-name-dispute/

Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in an interview the Financial Times (FT) said Macedonia and Greece are moving closer to solving longstanding name dispute.

Zaev hopes that they will find a compromise before a Nato summit in Brussels on July 11-12.

“I’m optimistic. It’s very difficult, we’re aware of that. But it would be smart for both sides to find a solution as early as possible,” Zaev said.

“Now the new requirement from Greece is that we need to change our constitution. But a constitution is a home rule book. It doesn’t have implications outside the country. In any case, changing the constitution wouldn’t be a final guarantee, because a new government in the future could just change the constitution back again,” Zaev said.

In regard to the names proposed by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz including the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje), Northern Macedonia, Upper Macedonia, Vardar Macedonia and New Macedonia, Zaev said New Macedonia was unacceptable because it lacked geographical precision, but he was open to negotiation on the other four names.

Zaev said Macedonia’s integration into the west’s alliances should go ahead despite Russian objections to Nato’s expansion.

“Russia has nothing against our integration with the EU, but it is not so positive about our integration with Nato. We have good relations with Russia. They should be aware that there’s no alternative for our country to integration with the EU and Nato,” he said.

If they reach an accord, both Mr Zaev and Mr Tsipras will need the support of at least some opposition politicians to steer the deal through their respective parliaments. This may not be easy. “There’s a lot of nationalism, a lot of criticism, persons and groups who are against an agreement in both countries,” Mr Zaev said in an interview with Financial Times.

Optimism for name solution still high: gov’t spokesman

http://english.republika.mk/optimism-for-name-solution-still-high-govt-spokesman/

Activities related to the name issue settlement are progressing as planned and optimism is still high. We want the problem to be solved sooner and in a dignified way through a mutually acceptable solution, said Government Spokesman Mile Bosnjakovski on Wednesday.

“Negotiations are mediated exclusively by Matthew Nimetz and the UN. Everything that foreign ministers Dimitrov and Kotzias are discussing goes through the Nimetz filter and everything will be put on the table solely by him,” Bosnjakovski told a press conference.

He added that the Government knows what it is doing, knows where it is headed and what it wants to do for the citizens.

“Optimism regarding the name issue settlement is still high. We are not negotiating via media and are not sending messages through media, but saying that positions of both sides have approximated. There is a document on the table, which represents the foundation for the negotiations. It is clear what could be the solution, but we are not excluding anything while the talks are ongoing. We always release information when we believe it is in the public interest,” said Bosnjakovski.

He said Reuters has corrected their news item regarding the interview of PM Zaev, since their initial report was erroneous.

“In the interview, the PM reiterated the proposals of envoy Nimetz, something that the public is already familiar with. These are not Macedonia’s proposals, but part of the package that Nimetz has put forward to Macedonia and Greece,” stressed Bosnjakovski.

He added that PM Zaev has never mentioned that the constitution could undergo slight changes.

Parliament Speaker expects solution over VMRO-DPMNE amendments to language law

http://english.republika.mk/parliament-speaker-expects-solution-over-vmro-dpmne-amendments-to-language-law/

Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi expects a solution over the 35,000 amendments that opposition VMRO-DPMNE has filed regarding the Law on the Use of Languages.

“I am in continual communication with MP groups, including VMRO-DPMNE. I believe we are close to a solution,” Xhaferi told reporters on Wednesday.

According to him, the objective is to avoid obstruction of the Parliament’s work, saying the opening of a debate on the amendments would make the institution ineffective.

The language law was also on the agenda of the meetings with the visiting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Ivo Vajgl, Knut Fleckenstein and Eduard Kukan, who are the initiators of talks within the Jean Monnet Process.

The first meeting is expected on March 15, but it could be delayed until May if Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and experts cannot attend.

In addition, Speaker Xhaferi voiced belief that the opposition could soon return to the Parliament.

 

[sToRmR1dR]

Google Translate:

IN 1889, MACEDONIA IS RECOGNIZED BY THE GREEK ACADEMY

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=mk&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbukefal.club%2F2018%2F02%2F28%2Fvo-1889-godina-makedonija-e-priznaena-od-grchakata-akademija%2F&sandbox=1

https://bukefal.club/2018/02/28/vo-1889-godina-makedonija-e-priznaena-od-grchakata-akademija/

MESSAGE TO ROBERT POPOSKI: MACEDONIA IN 1889 IS RECOGNIZED BY THE GREEK ACADEMY (FAKSIMILY)!

Macedonia to the Macedonians, there is no compromise here, who wants to change, but Macedonia remains and after the 12th century enslavement, Mr. Robert Poposki will remain.

Today in the 21st century to discuss changing a name, running into stupid situations to prove that the daughter is older than the mother, it is certainly a gross disgrace! Not to mention, to resurrect the greatest traitor, Srdjan Kerim (the snitch, the last director of the SID - Information and Documentation Service of the SFRY), that the one who for 27 years gambles with his friend Alexandros Rondos (Chief of the Greek secret service) and through his loving partner Boto Hombach, he was pretty stupid.

In 2008, two books were handed over to the President of the Republic of Macedonia (FIKUS), my property received by inheritance.
Books are not accidental at all, but are of critical importance to the Macedonian people, identity and territory. They were not written by anyone else, but in the distant 1899 they were printed in Athens from the Greek Academy of Sciences in two volumes entitled "HISTORY OF THE MACEDONIAN ELINISM" - TOM I, entitled "HISTORY OF THE BIG ALEXANDER", and the second Volume entitled "MACEDONIAN PEOPLE AND TERRITORY"
Dear gentlemen, Robert Popovski and others, when you already want to go through a small door that can not be passed on to a big door, then you are looking for a five-word "journalist" to pass a strategy that does not go so easily.

Poposki and others, these two books are worth Identity, Nation, Territory. Ivanov's services in his cabinet tried to sell them without our knowledge to the Greek services, of course, unsuccessfully, I immediately found out and I searched for them with a letter back. They are worthy of the fact that in Macedonia only two are left, the rest of the Greeks destroyed them, why exactly their Academy recognizes in the books that there is Macedonian territory, the Macedonian people, but also recognizes that Aleksandar Makedonski subdued the Athenians and struck the head of Demosthenes , which they call the book as the greatest evil that has happened to the Hellenic people.

In addition, a small gallery of photographs from the two books, I will publish to you every day with a translation, not for anything else, anyway you are sitting with Politiko, Kramarska and the rest of the "ghee" political patriots.

S.Denevski - Personally

 

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Google Translate:

GREEK RECOGNITION OF THE MACEDONIAN NAME AND THE ALPHABET

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=mk&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbukefal.club%2F2018%2F03%2F01%2Fgrchko-priznanie-na-makedonskoto-ime-azbuka%2F&sandbox=1

https://bukefal.club/2018/03/01/grchko-priznanie-na-makedonskoto-ime-azbuka/

In the seventies of the last century, the then Greek administrations committed twice, for the first time in 1977 and for the second time in 1982, at the UN conferences to respect the name Macedonia.

Here's what is written in the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini":

At the Third United Nations Conference on Typisation of Geographical Names, held in Athens in 1977, Greece accepted the Conference's Resolution without any reservations.
Under this resolution, the systems that are accepted in the Annex to this Resolution are adopted as international transcription systems for Latin, Serbian-Croatian and Macedonian geographical names in Yugoslavia.

In 1982, at the Fourth United Nations Conference, held on the same subject in Geneva, the Greek side proposed the following:

"Regarding the exonyms, despite the long historical use of Greek toponyms in territories beyond the boundaries of today's Greek state, Greece supports all relevant resolutions of the United Nations Conference on the Typisation of Geographical Names, in particular to those concerned: the elimination of exonyms that are in international use (maps, travel documents, propaganda material), as soon as possible; to respect national toponyms, as they are typified by the competent authorities of geographical names in each country. "

This text of the Resolution was transferred to the Greek newspaper "Kathimerini" by journalist KI. Angelopoulos, and the article dates back to February 14, 1993.

All this means that thirty years ago, official Athens recognized us the rights to use the name Macedonia and the adjective Macedonian, including the language.

Simply and clearly, in 1982, in Geneva, Greece recognized the name Macedonia.

Documents and maps have been attached to the Agreement as material evidence of this.

For its part, Greece offered geographic maps for its territory, which did not have any region, nor one area of ​​today's Greek state, which is called Macedonia.

It happened only in 1988.

The documents were passed without a vote, with acclamation, on August 31, 1982.

The first Resolution of 1977 is recorded under number E / CONF.69 / C.IV / L.4.

The 1982 Resolution was enrolled in the United Nations under number E / CONF.74 / L.107 as part of the conclusions of the Conference on the Typing of Geographical Names.

The registry of adopted resolutions states that it is prepared by Blagoj Zasov.

The Greek resolution, which also includes the above article in "Kathimerini", is recorded under number E / CONF.74 / L.110 and its author mentions the controversial Evangelos Kofos.

1982 E / CONF 74 / L.110 is the number under which is the UN Resolution that Greece agrees with the use of the Macedonian alphabet and the Macedonian geographical names.

BESA to enter Zaev’s Government after US led coup removed party’s leadership

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/01/besa-to-enter-zaevs-government-after-us-led-coup-removed-partys-leadership/

Zoran Zaev today held a working meeting with the new president of the Besa movement, Afrim Gashi.

BESA is a two year old political party financed directly by official Ankara, however, operatives from the US Embassy had other plans… Zaev’s Government is barely standing on its feet holding only a single seat majority in Parliament. A week old coup within BESA which suddenly banned its president from access to party’s offices, saw Afrim Gashi being swiftly appointed as the party’s new president.

Gashi and key BESA MPs are said to have been recruited by US State Department’s OTI operatives which are crawling at the US Embassy in Skopje. OTI is essentially another acronym for the CIA as all OTI ’employees’ are CIA operatives. Of course this happened with major financial compensation, more than what Erdogan initially provided to the party.

As a result, Gashi a day after his illegal “appointment” as the party’s new president stated his primary goal is to join (strengthen) Zaev’s government. BESA’s previous and legal president, Bilal Kasami had no intention of joining Zaev’s government, hence his forced replacement.

Certainly, this will not sit well with Erdogan, considering the AKP is directly behind BESA’s existence from day one, and the fact the US outmaneuvered Ankara in Macedonia.

Earlier today Gashi met with Zaev. The meeting discussed the current reform processes with a special emphasis on the Euro-Atlantic integrations, as well as the economic trends in Macedonia which at this time are catastrophic.

Zaev informed Gashi about the course of negotiations over the problem that the Republic of Greece has with the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, emphasizing that the process is at an essential stage and that there are differences between the negotiating parties, but that there is optimism about finding a solution that will protect the dignity and identity of the citizens of both countries.

 

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Zaev: Clear recommendation and for commencing EU accession talks in June

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-clear-recommendation-and-for-commencing-eu-accession-talks-in-june/

Macedonia has a chance and expects to obtain a clear recommendation in April and a date for commencing the EU accession talks in June, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told reporters on Thursday in Sofia.

Today, Zaev attended a working meeting in Sofia of the Heads of Government of Western Balkan countries with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn, hosted by Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, whose country currently holds the EU Presidency, Macedonia’s government said in a press release.

The message of today’s working meeting is that the EU needs good news from the Balkans and that the countries in the region are expected to show efficiency in implementing regional initiatives, namely economic cooperation, political stability, fight against corruption and crime.

Speaking to members of the media after the meeting, PM Zaev said that the top EU officials had reaffirmed that the Union was committed to integration process of the Western Balkan countries.

“Today, the high representatives of the European Commission have said that now the Western Balkans perspectives for joining the EU are serious,” stated Zaev.

Substantial financial support in billions of euros for the countries in the region with respect to infrastructure has been also announced, according to him.

Moreover, Zaev added, a message was relayed that ‘reform implementation should serve as beacon in these processes.’

The Euro-representatives encouraged the Western Balkan leaders to keep championing regional cooperation and infrastructural connectivity. They also notified their expectation for the Western Balkan countries to make reform progress in key areas, namely the judiciary, media, public administration, intelligence service and police.

PM Zaev also extended gratitude to his Bulgarian counterpart Borisov.

‘A substantial part of (Bulgaria)’s EU Presidency is dedicated to friends and neighbors, which deserves high appreciation,’ Zaev said.

Tzanakopoulos: Compound name for all uses, framework for solution

http://english.republika.mk/tzanakopoulos-compound-name-for-all-uses-framework-for-solution/

Greek Government Spokesperson Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said Friday that based on a compound erga omnes name, dignified, mutually acceptable and sustainable solution to the name issue can be found whereat will from both sides is necessary.

Tzanakopoulos at Friday’s regular press briefing once again reiterated Greek positions in the name talks, MIA reports.

“The Greek Government has presented its negotiating positions in the concrete talks. We need a compound name for all uses. I think based on this framework, we can find a dignified, sustainable and mutually acceptable solution for which we all work,” Tzanakopoulos told today’s briefing.

Macedonians in London curse traitor Zaev, police intervened to prevent fight

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/02/macedonians-in-london-cursed-traitor-zaev-police-intervened-to-prevent-fight/

http://www.dudinka.org/%D1%86%D1%80%D0%BF%D0%BA%D0%BE-%D0%B3%D0%BE-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D0%BB-%D0%B2%D0%BE-%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BD/

On February 26th, a day before the big protest rally in Skopje, Zoran Crpko Zaev went to London to attend the Western Balkans Summit. Few hundred Macedonian patriots in London gathered before the entrance where the forum was held and blocked the entry of the illegal Prime Minister of Macedonia with chants “Death to the Traitors”, “Macedonia Has a Name” , “Zaev = Crpko” reports Milenko Nedelkovski in his portal Dudinka.

The situation was very tense, and the contact between Zaev’s security and the protesters was imminent particularly after Zaev (Crpko’s) security attempted to attack the closest protesters to them. This prompted dozens of Macedonian patriots to move toward Zaev’s security detail. At that point the police had to react to separate the groups – reports Dudinka.

Despite having a MTV TV crew and journalists on the scene who filmed the entire incident, no footage or any sort of report has been released, typical for a nation of cowards – reports Dudinka.
MTV dismissed the incident as being “orchestrated by VMRO party soldiers”. Apparently all Macedonians worldwide have somehow been recruited as “party soldiers”. The SDSM led MTV has clearly entered the nonsense zone.

One thing is certain, Crpko’s visit to western capitals are becoming more and more unsafe.

 

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Rally to defend Macedonia’s name held in Skopje (video)

http://english.republika.mk/rally-to-defend-macedonias-name-held-in-skopje-video/

Peaceful rally for defence of country’s name was held Sunday in Macedonia Square in Skopje organised by ‘We Are Macedonia’ movement.

“We demand to break off the negotiations led by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz and to address the UN General Assembly as the only international organisation in which the Republic of Macedonia is an equal member with all the countries that recognise it under its constitutional name. To end the use of the reference and a resolution in the UN General Assembly to be adopted that would guarantee the free admission to international organisations under the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, actress Kamka Tocinovski, supporter of the movement, said.

“We demand the organisation of early parliamentary elections that will allow the Macedonians in diaspora to be represented according to the principle of proportionality,” said actor Straso Milosevski, who read a letter addressed to the government and the opposition, which was signed by two hundred prominent figures.

Similar rallies to defend country’s name and identity are being held Sunday in Netherlands, Sweden, USA, Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.

People demand Prime Minister Zoran Zaev’s resignation (video + photos)

http://english.republika.mk/people-demand-prime-minister-zoran-zaevs-resignation-video/

Thousands of Macedonian citizens demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Zoran Zaev at Sunday’s protest in defense of Macedonia’s constitutional name because of his policy in the name dispute with Greece. With slogans “Cursed be the traitor of Macedonia” they chanted “resignation, resignation”.

The protest is organized by the “Our name is our right” movement.

People are expressing discontent with the policies that jeopardize the national interests of the Macedonian people.

The “We Are Macedonia” movement started in January with a symbolic gathering in front of the Macedonian Embassy in Washington, where a declaration was issued for the first time requiring immediate termination of the name talks and the submission of a resolution to the UN General Assembly on the recognition of the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia.

“We are Macedonia” – London rally (video)

http://english.republika.mk/we-are-macedonia-london-rally-video/

Macedonians living in England are also holding a rally on possible changes to their home country’s name.

They demand from Macedonian government to break off the negotiations with Greece and protection of Macedonian identity.

Similar rallies are being held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Netherlands, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Malta.

Protest against name change in Washington (video)

http://english.republika.mk/protest-against-name-change-in-washington-video/

Macedonians living in the US took to the streets in Washington DC to rally against changing the name of the Republic of Macedonia, organized by the “We Are Macedonia” initiative.

“We Are Macedonia” – Macedonians living in Sweden stage protest against name change (photo gallery)

http://english.republika.mk/we-are-macedonia-macedonians-living-in-sweden-stage-protest-against-name-change-photo-gallery/

Several hundred Macedonians living in Sweden took to the streets Saturday to protest against the name change of the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonians from the diaspora have gathered in the city of Malmo to support the initiative “We Are Macedonia”.

The protest movement expresses support for respecting the fundamental human right to self-identification.

Macedonians living in Sydney took to the streets – Macedonia has one name, one language and identity (photo+video)

http://english.republika.mk/macedonians-living-in-sydney-took-to-the-streets-macedonia-has-one-name-one-language-and-identity-photovideo/

Macedonians living in Sydney massively took to the streets to protest against the constitutional name of our country.

They are sending a message that Macedonia has one name, one language and one identity and that they will not allow anyone to sell these holy things to the people.

Macedonia’s national anthem sang on the streets of Melbourne (video)

http://english.republika.mk/p193807/

Protesters who gathered in Melbourne sung the national anthem of Macedonia. The streets were colored in red and yellow. Our people stood in defense of the name, language, and identity of our country Macedonia.

Macedonians living abroad rally against name change

http://english.republika.mk/macedonians-living-abroad-rally-against-name-change/

Macedonians living in US and several other countries are holding rallies Saturday and Sunday on possible changes to their home country’s name, MIA reports from Washington.

Organisations and groups from New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York and Washington took part at the ‘We Are Macedonia’ rally. They demand from Macedonian government to break off the negotiations with Greece and protection of Macedonian identity.

“The meaning of our appeal is not to criticize, we are not against anyone and we do not spread chauvinism, but we defend fundamental rights. Our ancestors succeeded the country to be called Macedonia and fought the name to be kept. They have given us that right and our goal is to preserve it,” Goran Mitrevski, one of the leaders of ‘We are Macedonia’ movement said.

Slobodan Petkovski, priest of the Orthodox Church “St. Cyril and Methodius” from New Jersey, United Macedonian Diaspora leaders Aleksandar Mitevski and Metod Koloski, as well as the leaders of the Organization for Macedonian Human Rights in North America addressed the rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

“The two great injustices our country face is the change of the name as the requirement for joining NATO and the EU and imposing additional conditions for Macedonia’s membership notwithstanding the fact that Republic of Macedonia fulfilled the criteria for membership laid out in Article 4 of the UN Charter,” Mitrevski said.

Similar rallies are being held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Netherlands, England, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Malta.

Zaev and Mickoski agreed political parties to be financed from state budget

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-and-mickoski-agreed-political-parties-to-be-financed-from-state-budget/

Political parties will not be financed by donations from individuals and legal entities, but from the state budget, where for this purpose several million euros should be allocated, according to the achieved election results. This was confirmed by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev after Sunday’s two-hour meeting with VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski.

“The purpose of financing political parties is a change that will make them virtually resistant to political influences, through donations, through the help of any kind. We will go to such a calculation that will enable much greater independence of all political parties in the Republic of Macedonia,” the Prime Minister said.

“Also, membership fees and donations and other income such as loans or other income should remain. They come from all over the world. However, that means that political parties will use them less and less when they will have such independence,” Zaev says.

Zaev after meeting with Mickoski: I informed him about the course of the name talks, we agreed to see each other again

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-after-meeting-with-mickoski-i-informed-him-about-the-course-of-the-name-talks-we-agreed-to-see-each-other-again/

I understand the position of VMRO-DPMNE not to return to Parliament until they are complete, but our position also remains unchanged – we do not intend to influence the judiciary and the decisions of the court regarding the detained MPs over the events of April 27, Zaev said after Sunday’s meeting with the leader of VMRO-DPMNE.

He added that there was a serious move towards the laws requiring a two-thirds majority, such as the witness protection law.

“I informed Miskovski about the course of the name negotiations. And there is no movement here. We talked about our strategies, about the intentions in the negotiation processes. But, here too, we both remained on our positions. I conveyed the position of the Government and the options and our optimism. I asked to find a solution to the thousands of amendments to the law on languages, but Miskoski’s proposal to form a working group to assess the constitutionality of the law is unacceptable. The Constitutional Court is competent for this,” Zaev said and added that they agreed to see each other again.

Mickoski after meeting with Zaev: VMRO-DPMNE will return to Parliament when the parliamentary group is complete

http://english.republika.mk/mickoski-after-meeting-with-zaev-vmro-dpmne-will-return-to-parliament-when-the-parliamentary-group-is-complete/

At the moment, VMRO-DPMNE remains on the position that we cannot be completely active in the Parliament from mathematical and political nature. I have the feeling that these problems will be overcome and the VMRO-DPMNE will return to the Parliament, said VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski after a two-hour meeting with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev held in the Government building on Sunday.

Mickoski said that the feeling that the MPs of VMRO-DPMNE will be complete is based on information and facts. Asked whether this means that the detained VMRO-DPMNE MPs will return, Mickoski responded that he had repeatedly said that he would try to be mathematically precise and that his feelings were based on facts.

Of course, complete means 100 percent parliamentary group, said Mickoski.

He says that at the meeting with Zaev, he stressed that there is a situation of political terror in the country and that the opposition does not feel comfortable.

The opposition should feel comfortable, and all this is in the hands of the government, as the international community said, said the leader of VMRO-DPMNE.

Mickoski said they agreed with Zaev that it is necessary for the State Election Commission to be functional and that Zaev has agreed to return the old model where the State Election Commission chairman will be proposed by the opposition and the majority will be proposed by the government.

He said that the meeting, which was held at the invitation of Zaev, they also discussed the negotiations with Greece.

Regarding the law on languages, Mickoski reiterated that VMRO-DPMNE remains on the position that it is unconstitutional, and still inapplicable.

Kotzias in Skopje, fresh round of name talks by March-end

http://english.republika.mk/kotzias-in-skopje-fresh-round-of-name-talks-by-march-end/

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias is scheduled to arrive in Skopje for a meeting with counterpart Nikola Dimitrov in the second half of March, while a fresh round of the name talks mediated by UN envoy Matthew Nimetz is expected by the end of the month or the beginning of April, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.

“According to announcements, Kotzias will arrive at the Skopje airport in the third or fourth week of March, in order to make efforts to bring positions closer, while the negotiating process will resume under Nimetz’s mediation,” said Zaev after Sunday’s meeting with VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski.

PM Zaev expects FM Kotzias to present the Greek draft-document for the name issue settlement during the Skopje visit.

“As agreed, I expect Kotzias to present the first draft. We have the right to our comments, it can help, but also might not be reviewed and be excluded from the talks. However, it is always good to have ideas that could be reviewed when coming to the table,” he added.

Zaev briefed Mickoski on details in the name talks and the negotiating process, saying both sides are maintaining their positions.

“They have reconfirmed their positions, as did we. We remain optimistic that a solution to this problem can be found, of course maintaining the dignity and identity of both sides in the talks. We will continue to exchange information and I hope national consensus can be built on this issue,” said PM Zaev.

Mickoski said after the meeting that VMRO-DPMNE remained on its positions over the name issue.

“I can confirm there is no nudging of our consistent stance – VMRO-DPMNE will not support constitutional changes regarding the name, while identity issues such as language and nation should not be part of the negotiations,” stressed Mickoski.

Secret talks outside the UN

Is the name dispute being resolved outside the Republic of Macedonia?

http://english.republika.mk/is-the-name-dispute-being-resolved-outside-the-republic-of-macedonia/

Behind closed doors, the government negotiates a change outside the United Nations process.

In addition to the official meetings, the name is on the table also in many closed meetings. One of them is the one held in Potsdam, Germany last December. Many politicians and analysts from Macedonia took part in the meeting.

The debate obviously has gone further because the documents, among other things, show and that a monopoly on the name Macedonia is desired.

Possible names, some of which were mentioned by Prime Minister Zaev in an interview with Reuters, were put on the table.

Speaking about the Greek-Macedonian issue at the Delphi Economic Forum, former Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said that the Macedonian Prime Minister was an easy negotiator.

According to Kathimerini

A name, scope of use, and acronyms agreement has been reached

http://republika.mk/890905

 

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Court recognizes tape of Zaev asking for bribe as evidence

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/06/court-recognizes-tape-of-zaev-asking-for-bribe-as-evidence/

The trial against SDS leader Zoran Zaev for the “Bribe” case begun today, in which he is charged with taking 160,000-euro in bribe from a Strumica businessman for legalization of state-owned construction land, a case for which there is a video recording where it can clearly be seen and heard how Zaev seeks cash bribes.

Zaev was present, but the witness Ivan Nikolov did not come, for whom, there was no evidence that he was duly summoned.

From the footage that was posted on YouTube, you can see and hear how Zaev seeks bribes for legalization of state owned land, which as a municipality and mayor at that time was obliged to do. From the footage we hear how Zaev says that giving a bribe for legalization is a practice that everyone did. The SPO led by Katica Janeva has refused to investigate this case, and the suspicion is that Zaev has asked dozens of businessmen to pay bribes for legalizing the land.

http://<iframe width="560" height="...y; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

For more than 2 years, the hearings for “Bribe” have been postponed for various reasons, while Zaev has postponed the hearings with the most blatant excuses, while the court unconditionally any excuse from Zaev, 10 times.

The previous hearing was postponed with the excuse that Zaev is on a business trip to London. The media wrote that Zaev knew last year in December that he would go on a business trip on February 26, but neither he nor his defense reported to the court that Zaev would not be able to attend the hearing.

For this delay obviously Zaev and the court knew in advance, and in a document that came out in the media, and was sent by the president of the court to the court through the system of statements, no camera was sought for recording the hearing on February 26th.

According to information published by the media, the brother of Judge Todorovski is a longtime activist of SDSM, Jordan Todorovski, who is employed as an IT specialist in SDSM.

The whole saga with the Zaev trial began on January 25th last year, but the hearing was endlessly delayed. The first two times, the trial was postponed because Zaev was not in Macedonia (allegedly). Two more hearings were subsequently postponed due to the absence of his lawyers who simply decided not to show up, then the trial was postponed due to a meeting with the Italian ambassador which ended as fake news, with the Italian ambassador officially stating he did not meet with Zaev.

In September, however, the hearing was adjourned due to the illness of the judge Diana Gruevska-Ilievska. Prior to this the Court proceeding was delayed after Zaev’s lawyers asked the Court to remove the actual tape from the proceedings, according to them, the tape was not going to benefit their client.

 

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Macedonian Parliament like Circus: Some making coffee, Talat prefers hitting the Bars

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/06/macedonian-parliament-like-circus-some-making-coffee-talat-prefers-hitting-the-bars/

The session to discuss the law on languages was postponed for unknown reasons. Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi confirmed to Makfax that the session was postponed and blamed the political parties.

“Ask the parties why the session has been postponed,” Xhaferi told us in a telephone conversation.

“So I waited here, and could have hit the bars instead,” Xhaferi added.

The coordinator of the VRO-DPNE Parliamentary Group, Dragan Danev, said they did not know why the session was postponed, while the SDS coordinator Tomislav Tuntev did not answer our phone calls.

Initially the session was scheduled for 12 o’clock, so it was rescheduled at 3 pm. Only the MP Amdi Bajram appeared in the Assembly Hall at 3 pm. The MP from VRO-DPNE, Ilija Dimovski, who appeared shortly in the plenary hall with a cup of coffee, could not answer the journalists if today there will be a debate on the amendments to the law on languages. Earlier, Danev said that the opposition MPs did not participate in the coordination with the President of the Assembly.

While there was still no information about the session, Makfax twice called in Xhaferi’s office, from which both times said that the session would take place.

The session did not take place and no information was provided of the new date.

 

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Xhaferi: Next steps on language law to comply with Constitution, Rules of Procedures

http://english.republika.mk/xhaferi-next-steps-on-language-law-to-comply-with-constitution-rules-of-procedures/

Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi did not specify Thursday the next steps regarding the adoption of the Law on the Use of Languages, only saying that moves would comply with the Constitution and the Parliament’s Rules of Procedures.

“The Speaker has no plan A, B, C, D on this issue. The Speaker has the Constitution and the Rules of Procedures, which regulate everything. The Speaker does not think about deals but implements the Rules of Procedures and the Constitution. Political parties make the deals,” Xhaferi told reporters during a visit to Tetovo municipality.

Tetovo mayor Teuta Arifi said there was no reason why the law could not be adopted, adding the ruling coalition was not in crisis and that DUI was always prepared to take part at meetings aimed at overcoming existing differences.

VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickovski said earlier today that the 35,000 amendments that the party has filed regarding the law would be withdrawn only if the law itself is withdrawn.

On Tuesday, Xhaferi postponed the session over the language law, giving parties a week to reach a deal.

Man who gave SDS millions via Soros ‘NGO’s unhappy with Zaev

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/08/man-who-gave-sds-millions-via-soros-ngos-unhappy-with-zaev/

Former senior official of the Social Democrats and long time head of Soros’ Open Society Vladimir Milchin in his guest appearance on Channel 5 show “Truth Only”, strongly criticized Zoran Zaev’s policies and the ruling majority in Parliament. Per Milchin, the Law on Languages, which was unanimously supported by SDS MPs, does not represent a European priority for the Republic of Macedonia, and can wait to be voted in Parliament.

– I fully agree with the French ambassador, this law has no European priority. The law has to wait and it will give us enough time to really discuss it. For example, I have one question, and that is that each draft law should also contain financial implications for its implementation. I have not seen this anywhere; maybe the MPs had an insight into how much money it would cost for this law, for this absurd translation in cities where there are no Albanians… how much this will cost, are there any money in the budget for this, Milchin asked.

He compared the whole situation with the Language Law with the lack of information for our citizens when it comes to the name issue.

“That law is as clear as the name negotiations. Again, none of us have any idea what is Zaev discussing with the Greeks, the Greek citizens know much more than any of us. We are downplayed in the whole story as if we have nothing to do with it, and the name simply does not affect us, again, this is absurd, Milcin pointed out.

According to him, these issues can not be important only for political bargains, because the Parliament is not an open bazaar for political bargaining on issues that are important and sensitive to citizens.

Milchin appears to be waking up, but it’s a bit too late for him. He too seems to know what’s coming.

PM Zaev: Greece should also open its Constitution

http://english.republika.mk/pm-zaev-greece-should-also-open-its-constitution/

Any change in the legal system of Macedonia is not a permanent guarantee for Greece because the change can be revoked, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Tuesday, responding to a journalist question about the demands from Athens to change the Constitution as a guarantee for a possible solution to the name dispute.

“It is very important to apply what the world knows, and this is the well-known international practice of resolving such disputes – international agreements, ratifications in parliaments, UN decisions and then the solution will be eternal. I am convinced that by such approaches, by taking into account what is important for the citizens of Greece and ‘Macedonia’, we can find a solution to the dispute we have with Greece,” Zaev said after Tuesday’s Bribe case hearing in the Criminal Court.

“We should not set red lines if we want to find a solution. We must take care of each other in order to preserve the dignity of both peoples, of the two countries and of the two nations and, in any case, to preserve what is emotional, and that is identity. Identity is emotion, no one can negotiate and barter emotion. I believe that, in this spirit, by carefully approaching the partners with whom we are negotiating, we will find a solution,” Zaev said.

In this context, Zaev proposed opening the Constitution of Greece on how Athens treats Greeks outside the country, and he said that the same practice will be followed by Macedonia.

“Let’s open the Constitution of Greece and see how they care for Greeks outside Greece. I am ready, as they care for Greeks outside of Greece, to care for Macedonians who live outside Macedonia,” Zaev said.

In terms of the renaming of Skopje’s main airport and a major highway, he said his country has removed all signs of irredentism.

Kotzias presents supplemented draft agreement which is to be delivered to Skopje

http://english.republika.mk/p194189/

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias at late Wednesday’s informal meeting in the government in Athens presented key aspects of draft agreement which will be delivered to the authorities in Skopje.

Iefimerida daily reports that Kotzias presented the new elements that were additionally added to the draft document, MIA reports.

Greek Foreign Ministry sources told that Kotzias could travel to Skopje next week to deliver the draft agreement. Meanwhile, the Greek side wants to prevent parts of document to leak in public and to avoid diplomatic consultations to appear on the front pages in the media. To that end, Kotzias will personally deliver the Greek draft agreement to the Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov.

The main obstacle remains request for change of the Macedonian Constitution as a guarantee for name deal, Iefimerida reports.

 

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Jakimovski: Parliament incident was carefully staged, dozens of foreign operatives were inside

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/10/jakimovski-parliament-incident-was-carefully-staged-dozens-of-foreign-operatives-were-inside/

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Avramopoulos: EU must avoid balkanisation of Balkans

http://english.republika.mk/avramopoulos-eu-must-avoid-balkanisation-of-balkans/

The EU must avoid balkanisation of the Balkans and bring the Western Balkans closer on its European path, said European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos on Thursday, MIA reports from Brussels.

EU’s cooperation with countries of the Western Balkans, which is one of the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency, was among the topics at today’s Justice and Home Affairs Council that tackled security, borders, and migration.

“Cooperation with the Western Balkans in the issues of migration, security, borders has become more important than ever. We want to continue engaging with the Western Balkans on all aspects, including border management, fight against terrorism, countering radicalisation, fight against serious and organised crime, drugs, migrant smuggling, and trafficking in firearms,” said Avramopoulos after the meeting.

He added that now is the time to bring the Western Balkans closer on the European path, because it is already part of Europe, historically, culturally and geographically.

“We must at all cost avoid reverting to the dark pages of history, to the balkanisation of the Balkans. Now is the moment to open a new and reinforced chapter in our relations. It is in the interest of our own stability, prosperity, and security to help this region move forward, in its European perspective,” stressed the EU commissioner.

The Diaspora does not 'rest': a new name protest on March 18 in Toronto

http://expres.mk/%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B5-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B8/

 

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Zaev: Law on Languages should finally be adopted this week

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-law-on-languages-should-finally-be-adopted-this-week/

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev expects the issue on the Law on Languages to be closed this week and the debate that has been kept open for nine months to be closed.

“ The issue on the Law on Languages should be closed as soon as possible. Earlier these laws were passed after the end of the parliamentary elections, we have now given a nine-month debate. Everyone said what they had to say. It has been denied the constitutional right of citizens from other ethnic communities. The law should finally be realized and implemented and everyone will see that it is not something painful, difficult or tragic, but something that will make it easier to understand each other,” said Zaev today at the joint press conference in the government with Denis Zvizdic, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He added that lawmakers from the parliamentary majority gave another week a chance to dialogue and discussion over a solution acceptable to the opposition.

But this week the law should finally be adopted. The steps will move according to democratic procedures and such issues, which will bolster the country’s multiethnicity, will finally be closed, he added.

Mickoski to Zaev: VMRO-DPMNE will support the Government if you give up the Law on Languages

http://english.republika.mk/mickoski-to-zaev-vmro-dpmne-will-support-the-government-if-you-give-up-the-law-on-languages/

VMRO – DPMNE leader Christian Motzkoski, in an interview for Sitel, said that the party clearly and unequivocally stated its position on the Law on Languages in front of DUI leader Ali Ahmeti and SDSM leader Zoran Zaev, emphasizing that there was no change. Mickoski said there are two ways to overcome this problem:

The first way is to form working groups, to consider how to make the law constitutional and applicable.

The second way is if they decide to forcefully violate all procedures in the Parliament, violate the rules of procedure, laws and the constitution, violate democracy and pass the law illegally, then I have two things to say to Mr. Zoran Zaev, Mickoski said.

If he honestly means well for the Republic of Macedonia, and if he really declares himself as a reformist politician, then we will continue with the reform process because it is the real priority for the development of the Republic of Macedonia. If Mr. Zoran Zaev has a concession, we, VMRO-DPMNE as a political party and if he is blackmailed by that concession that the Government will fall apart and if there is a deal for the Government to remain, here we are offering our MPs, to support his Government in all these reform processes under one condition – to remove the Law on Languages from the parliamentary procedure, said VMRO-DPMNE leader Mickoski.

Zaev: Name solution protecting identity and dignity of Macedonia and Greece

http://english.republika.mk/zaev-name-solution-protecting-identity-and-dignity-of-macedonia-and-greece/

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Monday he wished Macedonia and Greece to find a solution to the name dispute, which will protect the dignity and identity of both sides.

Responding to a journalist question about the more frequent initiatives of the Greek side to change the Macedonian Constitution, Zaev said he wants to give a chance to the negotiating process.

“In my opinion, the ongoing talks are bringing us closer to a solution. Of course, it’s not easy with messages sent to the public, it’s about a serious issue, which could not be solved for 25 years. I would not give detailed comments because I sincerely wish for a solution to this long-standing issue that will protect the dignity and identity of both sides in the negotiations,” Zaev said.

He did not say when exactly Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias is expected to arrive in Skopje.

The Greek Foreign Minister is expected to arrive in Skopje later this month. He will land at the Skopje airport after the government made concessions in the negotiations with Greece, and one of them was renaming the airport. Kotzias is expected to bring to Skopje the Greek draft agreement on name solution.

Kotzias: Change of Constitution or no deal

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/12/kotzias-change-of-constitution-or-no-deal/

It is necessary to change the Constitution, for the name to be for internal and international use, but also to avoid future allegations that the constitutional provisions have been violated, says the Greek Foreign Minister in an interview with the Greek newspaper ‘Dokumento’. Nikos Kodzias, says he is moderately optimistic and that there is still a lot of work on both sides.

The Greek Foreign Minister, explaining why Greece insists on Macedonia making a constitutional change, says MIA’s correspondent in Athens.

– The change of the constitution of our friend and neighbor, that is, the first implementation of the erga omnes, ie the use of the new name in all cases, internationally and internally, as well as avoiding future disagreements that would arise without this change. Secondly, in the future, another government may ask for explanations for a violation of the Constitution if the International Treaty comes out of its framework, says the head of Greek diplomacy, and for disagreements about which he speaks, he explains that in a period of globalization when there are two different names one for international, another for internal use, then disagreements are inevitable.

According to Kotzias, the solution should not be “one to impose their opinion on the other,” but in a package agreement that will contain the necessary mutual compromises.

The treaty, he believes, should be a package of agreements, include the issues we are discussing at the UN, eliminating irredentism and predicting specific measures and conditions for no new occurrence, support for the integration of the neighboring country into international organizations and joint activities, and adds that it takes a period of time to implement these things because, as he says, “the world does not change in one day, even the Lord, according to the Bible, it took 6 days to create it.”

– Of course, this is not the implementation of an abstract method of partitioning partition resolution, but an element of pragmatism, realism, decisiveness and sense of responsibility, Kotzias says regarding the implementation of a possible solution.

Asked if an International Agreement would be sufficient to avoid constitutional changes in our country, Kotzias recalled the experience so far in the decisions of the national courts of the European Union member states.

– Based on Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on Contracts, the content prevails over national legislation. But this principle is more often not implemented. We know the decisions of the national constitutional courts of the EU member states regarding the subordination of the national legislation to the European, on issues related to the hard core of the Constitution, and the name is one of them. According to them, the Constitution exceeds any international agreement, explains Kodzias, MIA reports.

This means Zaev must find a way to change the Macedonian Constitution in order to appease the Greek side.

 

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Rush, rush

US State Department hawk urges Macedonia to quickly resolve name negotiations

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/13/us-state-department-hawk-urges-macedonia-to-quickly-resolve-name-negotiations/

A senior US official has urged Macedonia and Greece to “seize the moment” and resolve a decades-long dispute over the Balkan country’s name, which has prevented it from joining NATO.

Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchel was in Macedonia’s capital, Skopje, on Tuesday as part of a Balkan tour. He told reporters that “there is a tremendous opportunity” for Skopje and Athens to reach a deal over the long-running spat, AP reported.

The two countries have intensified talks recently in the hope of finding a compromise to end the dispute. They have been at odds for a quarter of a century over the name Macedonia, but have pledged to resolve the dispute by the summer. Greece argues the country’s name harbors territorial claims on its own northern province of Macedonia which Athens renamed after the independence of Macedonia.

Kathimerini: Pace of name talks slows down

http://english.republika.mk/kathimerini-pace-of-name-talks-slows-down/

After a strong start, talks between government officials from Athens and Skopje over the name dispute have slowed down significantly, Greek daily Kathimerini reports.

There had been hopes that Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias would visit Skopje last week but the drop in momentum has postponed that trip indefinitely.

“This week he is due to speak at Tufts University in Boston and so would not have been able to travel to Skopje anyway. But the differences that continue to separate Greek and FYROM officials could mean that a trip will not happen until the end of March,” reads Kathimerini.

Kotzias’s trip, when it comes, will be the first direct flight from Athens to Skopje in 12 years.

Meanwhile, diplomats will be closely monitoring a scheduled visit to Skopje on Tuesday by US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell, who is due to arrive in Athens on Thursday.

In a statement released before his trip, the State Department said Mitchell will reaffirm US support for FYROM’s “Euro-Atlantic aspirations” and for its “ongoing negotiations with Greece.”

“Although FYROM has followed through on pledges to make symbolic changes – such as changing the names of Skopje’s international airport and a key highway which had both included the name of Alexander the Great – Greek officials are concerned at the absence of any shift on matters of substance,” says Kathimerini.

Micko to start roaming farms to explain why he met Baily four times in a month

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/13/micko-to-start-roaming-farms-to-explain-why-he-met-baily-four-times-in-a-month/

The party says that the salon policy is not a feature of VRO-DPNE and that the main intention is to communicate with citizens who are facing everyday problems. From there they say that Macedonia stagnates in every area. Needless to say, the country has also dropped in various business rankings of little known magazines, something Mickoski’s predecessor was very focused on. As for the name, and the federalization, well who cares?

– Citizens have more problems and are left to themselves. Such a gambling policy has pushed the country to the most corrupt country in Europe, at the bottom after economic growth, without the prospect of improving it, citizens have betrayed expectations from the government, which is comfortable in their cabinets and do not listen to the voice of the people, VRO- DPNE.

As the illegal language law and defacto federalization comes ahead this week, Mickoski (Crpko #2) is leaving the capital “to be closer” to his people and will first visit the Strumica region. He will meet with the youth in Strumica today, then visit Konce and Veljusa, and at the end of the day he will hold a meeting with the municipal committee of the party in Strumica.

While in Skopje, Crpko #2 doesn’t meet with locals, instead frequently meets with the US Ambassador and his representatives.

The party says that the daily communication with the citizens will become a permanent feature of the party, and not a principle of work as outlined.

This is essentially the same scenario when Gruevski fired himself from the PM position with assistance from his “partners” and begun roaming the countryside for months as Macedonia faced the most difficult period in its existence.

 

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SDS junta illegally passes unconstitutional Language Law

http://www.minareport.com/2018/03/14/sds-junta-illegally-passes-language-law/

The Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, without opposition and by breaking Parliament procedures forcefully voted in the Language Law. No one saw the voting, but it doesn’t quite matter because this is an unlawful Parliament.

Xhaferi and DUI carefully selected March 14 as the date the illegal law must be passed because on March 14th 2001 begun the NATO sponsored UCK attack on Tetovo.

Lawmakers from the opposition tried to stop voting in the law and to ask for a procedural address, but UCK’s Talat Xhaferi interrupted the session and left. Shortly after Xhaferi returned and announced the law had passed!

Earlier, when Xhaferi tried to open the session, lawmakers from the opposition called for procedural review, but he ignored them and continued its work after several MPs of VMRO-DPMNE, including former leader Nikola Gruevski, took to the podium.

One can safely say, Macedonia is a circus country, at best, however today, on March 14, marks the day Macedonia stopped being a country.