Macedonia

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On this day began the exodus of Macedonians from Aegean Macedonia 31.03.2018

http://english.republika.mk/on-this-day-began-the-exodus-of-macedonians-from-aegean-macedonia-video/

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the exodus of the “refugee children” from Aegean Macedonia (Northern Greece). Their story is sad. They fled their homes amidst a raging civil war and grew up separated from parents and siblings. When they became adults, they could not return to their native Greece nor claim their land. Some 25-30,000 children were exiled from northern Greece in the later phase of its 1945-1949 civil war. On this day, the British Air Force planes launched the napalm bombing of villages and settlements of Macedonians, forcing the Aegean Macedonians to leave their centuries-old homes.

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DPNE to return to Parliament, Baily’s orders

DPNE to return to Parliament, Baily’s orders | MINA Report

After the shocking announcement by DPNE’s VP Aleksandar (Britain) Nikolovski that the DPNE leadership is siding with Zaev over the expulsion of a Russian diplomat, the sellouts in the opposition led by Mickoski today decided to return to Parliament, in order to give legitimacy of the upcoming name change.

Of course, this decision made by DPNE came after close consultation with US Ambassador Jess Baily.

Mickoski claims they will follow very closely the work of the Government in meeting the necessary EU reforms.

 

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Macedonian public wants British diplomat kicked out of country, Russian returned | MINA Report

There is no evidence that Russia poisoned the Skripals, in fact the British hoax is crumbling with lightning speed, particularly after the UK Chem Lab at Porton Down stated they don’t know where the chem agent was made, despite prior statements by the UK Foreign Ministry that it was “highly likely” it was Russia.

In an absurd and very vassal like behavior two dozen nations expelled Russian diplomats despite the UK presenting zero evidence in the case. Macedonia was, of course, one of these vassal states.

After the latest admission by the UK, the Macedonian public wants a British diplomat kicked out of the country. It’s only fitting and logical response to the hoax perpetrated by official London. They are also asking for the return of the Russian diplomat.

EU’s Mogherini and Hahn to visit Macedonia on April 18

EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn are expected to visit Macedonia on April 18, a day after the release of the progress reports of the European Commission, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Tuesday.

“It is expected the visit to take place after the reports are published, slated for April 17. It will happen most likely on April 18 as Skopje will be hosting the Western Balkans Digital Summit. I believe that April 18-19 are the dates when Commissioner Hahn and High Representative Mogherini will visit Macedonia,” PM Zaev said answering a journalist question at a joint press conference alongside his Slovenian counterpart Miro Cerar.

Asked whether he expected Russia and China – two permanent members of the UN Security Council – to use the right to veto over Macedonia’s expulsion of a Russian diplomat and recognition of Taiwan (in 1999), Zaev said that he didn’t expect Moscow and Beijing to exercise the veto ‘if Macedonia and Greece found a name settlement before it was sent to the UN Security Council.’

We are friends with China and Russia, the Macedonian Premier stressed saying that Macedonia and China were cooperating as part of the 16+1 process and that he hoped cooperation could be resumed with Russia.

“When domestic laws and the Vienna Convention are breached, it is our duty to act in line and to abide by international laws, which apply equally for all countries all the while respecting our laws. We can build friendship through mutual respect. I except any possible name agreement with Greece to be supported both by Russia and China,” he told the news conference.

Slovenian PM Cerar said he was confident that ‘now is the right time’ for Macedonia to solve the name dispute.

“Slovenia welcomes the fact that the name talks have intensified, we sincerely wish for a name solution to be found as soon as possible. It seems to me that now is the right time, the conditions have matured for finding a settlement. Thus, I express my wish for some kind of agreement to be concluded, an agreement that would allow Macedonia to breathe freely,” stated Cerar.

 

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PM Zaev optimist, says there is progress in name talks

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev is an optimist in regard to Skopje-Athens name talks after the recent meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Macedonia and Greece, who ‘sincerely voiced their positions’.

‘They know what is possible and not possible. So we can say that progress has been made. I hope that the FMs will meet again, most probably in Ohrid on 11-12 April. I don’t know if the meeting is confirmed, if not it will be rescheduled,’ Zaev told reporters on Thursday during his visit to Stip.

The process for settling the name dispute resumes, and if both sides make efforts to take care for each other their future agreement on the name issue will be embraced by the institutions and citizens of the two countries, Zaev said.
‘This is the only way to resolve the problem. I believe in finding a solution that will preserve the dignity and identity of the two countries,’ the Prime Minister said.

FMs Kotzias and Dimitrov to meet in Ohrid next week

Greek media sources say Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias and his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Dimitrov are set to meet again on 12 April in Ohrid, MIA reports from Athens.

The meeting in Ohrid is part of Greek FM Kotzias’ mini Balkan tour, as he is also set to visit Belgrade and Pristina, the sources say.

The meeting in Ohrid would be a third one of the FMs of both countries for a period of about 20 days.

Name dispute settlement is main security issue in region, says British ambassador

The name dispute settlement is the main security issue for the region, says British Ambassador Charles Garrett.

In an interview with Telma TV station Ambassador Garrett says he expects Macedonia and Greece to make a compromise, whereas the solution will be a turning point in Macedonia’s future.

“I am a cautious optimist. I see the talks are continuing. There are positive comments, the commitment is clear from both sides, and it is up to Greece and Macedonia to solve this issue once and for all. I know there are difficulties. Political courage is required in order to come to an agreement,” says Garrett.

According to him, two aspects need to be taken into consideration, the first being that each side must make compromises.

“The second is the opportunity opening for both sides. If there is an agreement, this opportunity can be the turning point for Macedonia,” stresses Garrett.

Regarding assistance from allies, including Great Britain, in the process, he says the support has always been there.

“We have always supported both sides. This issue is important not only for the region but also for other countries, including Great Britain. It has serious security interest for the Balkans, but also a main security issue. That is why we strongly support and encourage both sides,” underlines Garrett in the Telma interview.

New Democracy MP: Skopje as NATO observer if there is no name agreement

Skopje could be an observer in NATO if there is no agreement in the name issue, says New Democracy (ND) MP and Deputy Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, MIA reports from Athens.

In an interview with Greek radio 247, Kaklamanis says it will be difficult to reach an agreement by the NATO summit in July, the constitutional revision being one of the main obstacles.

“I predict there could be a proposal on the table for Skopje to be an observer in NATO if there is no agreement by the Alliance summit, especially regarding the constitutional revision,” says the ND MP.

Firefight in Mala Rechica between DUI members, two killed | MINA Report

Today at around 18:20 hours gunshots rang out in the Tetovo village of Mala Rechica. Blood traces can be seen on the spot of the incident which according to our sources in Tetovo occurred between DUI’s Skopje section ran by Ali Ahmeti and DUI’s Kumanovo section which is run by Hazbi Lika. The clinical hospital reported that two people had been brought in with gunshot wounds, one was badly hurt, the other was reported as ‘dead on arrival’.

Strong police forces are now patroling Mala Recica and Kumanovo’s Diva Naselba due to the firefights of former UCK terrorists turned DUI politicians. Baily will undoubtedly have a busy day to calm Ahmeti and Hazbi Lika.

The dead DUI official is Naim Rexhepi. Namely, Hazbi Lika who holds the current role of Minister for Implementation of Framework Agreement was visited in Mala Rechica by DUI officials from Kumanovo. Lika gave them all Government posts, however outside, Ali Ahmeti had sent his people to confront the new Governmental employees because Ahmeti wanted those jobs to go to the DUI’s Skopje fraction.

The verbal fight quickly turned into a firefight which for now Ali Ahmeti’s people seemed to have gotten the upper hand. Certainly Hazbi Lika can do better than this considering he too was a high ranking member in the UCK.

It is obvious DUI has great deal of fractions within the party and at the moment there is a actual gunfight for Government positions.

Police has not detained anyone, how can they, considering DUI is part of the criminal Government.

Update: MINA has find, a second DUI official has died in hospital, though his identity is not known at this time. Just like Rexhepi, he too is believed to belong to DUI’s Kumanovo based fraction.

DUI has issued a press release (and this is not a joke) that they are not aware of an incident in Mala Rechica despite the firefight taking place in front of the door of their HQ building.

And now for the irony: The last FB status for Naim Rexhepi was: Not all who are born as men, die as a man.

 

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Six more detained over Mala Recica incident

The Tetovo police has detained six more persons in regard to Thursday's armed incident in Tetovo village Mala Recica.

Four persons were detained following the incident.

Naip Rexhepi, member of the DUI party branch in Kumanovo, was killed, while two other were injured.

According to reports, the incident began when passengers from two vehicles started to quarrel and afterwards engaged into a shootout.

British psycho Charles Garrett sees Macedonia’s name as a ‘threat’ | MINA Report

The World Macedonian Congress (WMC) strongly condemned the statement of British psychopath and UK Ambassador Charles Garrett in an interview with TV TELMA that “the solution to the name dispute is a central security issue for the whole region, and for the Western countries along with the UK,” implying that Macedonia can’t keep its name because it is a security threat to other countries!?

The WMC strongly believes that Macedonia is a guarantee of lasting peace in the Balkans. However, any change of the name of the state and the identity of the nation will awaken the appetites of the Balkan Wars from 1912 to 1913 and will be the cause of destabilization of Europe!

The WMC reiterates that Charles Garrett’s statement on changing the name of the state and the identity of the nation is a continuing gross interference in Macedonia’s internal affairs and therefore requires it to be declared a persona non grata and expelled from Macedonia immediately!

It’s astonishing what the Government and Macedonians in general allow diplomats to do and say at home.

 

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PM Zaev announces government reshuffle

Regarding the pending government reshuffle in an interview with MIA, PM Zoran Zaev says he has a pretty clear picture of the moves to be taken.

“We are in the midst of the final consultations. Dismissals should immediately be followed by new appointments. To me it is quite logical that the ones who can’t deliver results are dismissed or they withdraw by themselves,” adds Zaev.

Quizzed if this reshuffle will also refer to the largest coalition partner, considering there are many remarks over their work, whereas people were expecting a fresh set of people, Zaev says DUI offered people who were not part of the previous authorities.

“I do not see the people in the Government as those coming from SDSM, the order of experts, the civil sector or any other party. I see them as people who have to deliver results. As additional criterion is how much their work affects the perception of noticing a difference between the policies of the previous authorities, whether the operations of the institution has changed for the better. The people changed the authorities and it is logical to expect concrete, visible changes in institutions. Next comes the question whether we have realized at least a portion of our promises, the programme that we offered. Public officials must deliver results that improve citizens’ lives. This is our thinking when deciding about the future changes,” stresses PM Zaev.

VMRO-DPMNE requests a vote of no confidence, Zaev widens the coalition

VMRO-DPMNE has submitted in Parliament its request for a vote of no confidence for the government. The head of this political party, Hristijan Mickoski is expecting parliament to introduce this on Wednesday’s agenda, while being optimistic about the support that the incentive will receive.

“I’m hoping that on Wednesday, we will be able to argue our position. I’m expecting the vote of no confidence to be held at the end of the day and then we expect early elections to be held”, Mickoski said.

But, it’s hard for VMRO-DPMNE to obtain 61 votes in parliament, because 4 out of 50 MPs of the opposition have joined the majority, while a part of them are being detained for their involvement in the violence taken place on 27 April last year. Also, so far, Albanian parties have not expressed their readiness to back the initiative of the largest opposition party.

On the other hand, PM Zoran Zaev has talked about the government changes. According to him, until the end of the month, the majority will have 70 seats and this will include MPs who have left VMRO-DPMNE’s coalition and Albanian opposition parties.

“This widening of the majority is a necessity to strengthen the parliamentary majority”, Zaev declared.

Analysts say that with this, Zaev is aiming to have a more stable government and approve laws which are part of the reforms.

 

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Baily’s new orders to Albanian puppets: Congratulate Easter | MINA Report

As if a gun is pointed to the head of DUI officials, one by one, starting with Ahmeti, then the mayor of Kicevo Fatmir Dehari concluding with the snake himself Bujar Osmani congratulated Easter to all Macedonians.

Their forced and weird congratulations did not meet the approval of any Macedonian, certainly anyone we know. There was great deal of ridicule online as well, all noticing that DUI officials appeared forced, as it was a chore.

DUI officials have never congratulated on any Macedonian holiday for the past 17 years, and suddenly, every single DUI official did it in front of camera. The order for this congratulatory fiesta came from DUI’s long time manager and US Ambassador Jess Baily. What made the entire scenario ridiculous is that Bujar Osmani visited Monastery Jovan Bigorski, and filmed his Easter wishes standing in front of the monastery managing in the process not to burst in flames.




Here is Fatmir Dehari, in his golden days as a terrorist, now the mayor of Kicevo.

Macedonian Parliament debates no-confidence motion against government

Parliament is to hold Wednesday 42nd session to debate a no-confidence motion against the government filed by opposition VMRO-DPMNE party.

VMRO-DPMNE no-confidence motion, signed by 41 MPs, accuses the government led by SDSM and DUI of having no capacity to run the country.

Motion accuses that the ruling parties in the past 10-months forget about pre-election party programmes and promises they made to the citizens and did not implement even one single project and reform.

VMRO-DPMNE accused the government of incompetence, citing this economic stagnation along with a rise in corruption and crime. It also criticizes the government, without consultation with the opposition, MPs and the president, neglects issues of national interest, as treaty with Bulgaria that can block Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and not having strategy and consensus on name dispute with Greece.

VMRO-DPMNE would need 61 votes for the motion to be successful.

MP Danev called on all deputes tomorrow to put the interest of the citizens above all partisan and personal interests. “If they are guided by these interests, I’m confident that the motion will be passed by 61 votes,” the coordinator of the VMRO-DPMNE parliamentary group told reporters on Tuesday.

Danev: This is the most criminal government so far, it should be a thing of the past (video)

The coordinator of the VMRO-DPMNE parliamentary group, Dragan Danev, told Prime Minister Zoran Zaev today during the no-confidence motion debate in Parliament, that he was the leader of the most incompetent government in the history of the Republic of Macedonia.

According to him, the government does not have the capacity to run the institutions.

Instead of trying to solve the real problems and needs of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, as you promised in the pre-election period, you work exclusively for the fulfillment of your party and personal interests. And to maintain, above all, the fragile coalition. To stay in power, you seriously undermine the national and state interests of my country and your homeland, said Danev from the parliamentary rostrum.

The coordinator of the parliamentary group stressed that this, as he said, non-democratic, incompetent and the most criminal government should be a thing of the past.

Zaev prepares the public for a solution

In the eve of the meeting of the foreign ministers Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias, in Ohrid on Thursday, messages arrive from Athens that resolving the name dispute for Greece is of great importance as for Macedonia. European Parliament Vice President and head of the SYRIZA MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis said in an interview with Greek television Skai that Zoran Zaev’s government has created an opportunity that Greece should not miss.

"We shouldn't miss the chance to solve this issue. The Zoran Zaev-led government has opened a window of opportunity. There are difficulties, which in fact have left the dispute unsolved for 25 years. It is in our best national interest to find a solution to the name issue," Papadimoulis said. He fell short of giving any predictions about the upcoming meeting of the foreign ministers of Macedonia and Greece, but he commented on the remarks of PM Zoran Zaev in his interview with the Macedonian Information Agency (MIA).

- PM Zaev’s comments are a proof that he is preparing his country's public opinion about a possible name solution that will include some serious concessions on their part," Papadimoulis said adding Brussels 'almost unanimously' supported the initiatives of PMs Tsipras and Zaev to find a solution. By closing the issue, Papadimoulis elaborated, Greece would start to feel the economic benefits, especially in the north, and would be able to focus on the issue with Turkey.

- By resolving the issue of irredentism and the name with the neighbors in Skopje, we will be able to literally cut off all attempts to increase Turkish influence in the Balkans - says the vice president of the European Parliament and head of the MEP group SYRIZA.

Regarding the dilemma if a possible agreement would go to the Greek parliament, as the coalition partner in the Greek government has a program approved by parliament and supported by the Independent Greeks.

- I assess that despite the disagreement, Panos Kammenos will not overthrow the government because it is a coalition government of SYRIZA and the Independent Greeks, and is based on a program that has gained confidence from the Greek parliament. I recall that the government's program speaks of a compound name, a common acceptance and a striving for a solution - explains Papadimoulis and assesses that if the agreement is within this framework, then it will be approved by a clear majority in parliament because it will be supported by MPs and parties from the opposition.

Will we become Upper Macedonia?!

Radio Free Europe announced that the latest variant of the name does not contain the word Republic, that is, the name “Upper Macedonia” is being negotiated.

According to RFE financed by the US Congress, the language would be solved by the formula: Language: Macedonian * (a footnote would read that the language belongs to the group of Slavic languages)

The nationality would be Upper Macedonia.

RFE quotes sources referred by Nezavisen vesnik saying that a step has been made in the negotiations, referring to the name Upper Macedonia, the language Macedonian with an asterisk, ie a footnote reading that it belongs to the Slavic group of languages, while in the column Nationality would read Upper Macedonia.

 

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DPNE’s joke of a “no confidence’ vote was the excuse to return to Parliament | MINA Report

Do we start with today’s joke, the ‘no-confidence’ vote by DPNE, or with Mickoski’s meeting with US Ambassador Jess Baily (three times in March) that eventually led to the sham vote today.

Everyone knew the DPNE had zero chance to to win a ‘no-confidence’ vote against Zaev. But Mickoski felt “very upbeat” he would get it, at least in his interviews during the past week.

In reality, something else was on the agenda. The SDS cannot change the name (it won’t look good) when the opposition is boycotting Parliament. MINA reported from sources in the SDS that the name was agreed back in December of 2017 to be UpperMacedonia. This is not a typo, at the time this was the agreement, we aren’t certain if the two words are now disconnected, and it doesn’t matter.

The so called name “negotiations” thus far have been and are a complete sham, a show for the masses.

To make everything ‘stick’, Micko, the DPNE mathematician who isn’t good at math, was told by Jess Baily that DPNE must be back in Parliament to make the whole process look legit. Micko promised to relay his message to the Executive Board and they quickly obliged. However, once again, to avoid looking like the sellouts they are, they came up with the dumbest idea of all (DPNE tradition since 2012), to call for a “no-confidence” vote as a way for them to return to Parliament.

The vote came and went as expected, failed 40-62, and the DPNE is back in Parliament.

This is how seriously the ‘no-confidence’ vote was taken by MPs – most watched Real Madrid – Juventus while the vote took place.

Ambassador Baily: Opposition's comeback in Parliament is vital for democracy

It’s very important that VMRO-DPMNE is coming back in the Parliament as a leading opposition party, US Ambassador to Macedonia Jess Baily said late Wednesday in an interview with TV 24 Vesti (News).

‘Having a strong opposition, active in Parliament, discussing laws is a critical part of the democracy, and very much a part of being the European democracy,’ Baily said.

Referring to the reform process in Macedonia, Baily notified that some reforms were going faster than others, which he considered as normal.

‘Some of these reforms are quite complex and it’s not just a matter of passing a law when you talk about the reform process, what you trying to do is change how the institutions function and in the end how people function,’ the US Ambassador said.

With regards to Athens-Skopje name dispute, Baily underlined the need of settling the matter, as stipulated in the Declaration of the 2008 NATO Summit in Bucharest.

"I think right now there is a very important opportunity as you have governments in Macedonia and Greece that are committed to finding a solution that will be in the interest of the regional stability. It will improve the bilateral relations, open up areas of cooperation in business and commerce. So it is in the interest of both countries and certainly if we see it more broadly in the interest of Europe and the transatlantic security. So I think it is an important opportunity in the moment to be seized. It’s not going to get easier as time goes on," Baily said.

Progress made, but the hardest issues remain to be solved, say Dimitrov and Kotzias

Progress has been made involving some of the issues that have already matured and there are still differences for others, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov stated Thursday after his meeting in Ohrid with Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.

Dimitrov said that the talks were ‘open and sincere’ and that for the first time a time frame was discussed as well as the steps that needed to be taken to implement any agreement, which might be reached.

“We have talked without outsmarting each other all the while showing great understanding about the needs of the other party. Our main challenge is how to formulate the primary concerns of the two parties and to find the combination,” noted the Macedonian top diplomat.

He told reporters in Ohird that the working groups of the two ministries, consisting of high diplomats, had also held a meeting, which managed to align a text on a future cooperation in various areas based in the progress of the Vienna talks (on March 30). Diplomats have been also assigned to draft a document on preventing irredentism by the two parties and to work on segments of the preamble of a possible bilateral deal.

On his part, FM Kotzias confirmed that progress was made both by the ministers and by the working groups.

“There’s progress. The closer we get to solving our problems, the more we are left with fewer issues to solve, which in fact are the hardest. Today we made a positive step and we hope that we can make the difficult issues become more easy. We are trying to solve problems that had been created in the past by someone else, but that’s the job of diplomacy,” Kotzias said.

FMs Dimitrov and Kotzias will inform the countries’ premiers, namely Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras, about today’s name talks. They said the process would continue with several meetings already being planned. Namely, the ministers will meet on May 3 and 4 in Thessaloniki followed by another round of talks on May 11 and 12.

 

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The interpellation split VMRO-DPMNE

The legitimate right of the opposition to bring down the government, or an alibi for returning to Parliament, and giving legitimacy to the government because of a previous agreement between party leader Hristijan Mickoski and Prime Minister Zoran Zaev?

The members of VMRO-DPMNE are not exactly clear what the new leadership wanted to get in a situation when it was absolutely clear that they were not able to have 61 MPs' votes against the work of the Government. Many of them are angry because the boycott is interrupted, when neither the mathematical requirements for releasing all of the detained opposition MPs for the events of last April have been met.

Professor Jove Kekenovski, who is a member of VMRO-DPMNE since 1990 and currently heads the faction for change, says the interpellation should not be submitted when the submitter is not sure that it will at least slightly disrupt the government's rating.

"An interpellation should not be submitted even when the submitter knows in advance that by doing so, it will only strengthen the parliamentary majority and the government's policy.

Interpellation also should not be submitted if the party that submits it does not have a sufficient number of votes, when it knows in advance that it is convicted of failure and when it will not be supported by other opposition parties. The interpellation is more dangerous for the opposition and can come back to the submitter as a boomerang in a situation when the Government has a secure and guaranteed parliamentary majority, and support from a large number of the media. It seems that this is an alibi after tête-à-tête deal between Zaev and Mickoski, with which the latter will receive protection for those who he needs to protect," Kekenovski said.

The musician Vasko Beleski’s first remarks are that the current policies of the Government are long term harmful for the country on all grounds, but that he expected greater engagement from the new leadership of VMRO-DPMNE, better attitude, action and determination to do more to protect the national interests of Macedonia and to be a real opposition, instead of acting as one.

"First of all, your leadership did not keep its promise. They said that they would not return to the Parliament and play extras until all of their MPs were free. Today, two or three lawmakers are still in house arrest, three or four are still under political-court charges of terrorism, and yet MPs of VMRO-DPMNE will enter the Parliament to debate the oil excise tax and the poetry published by the Sports Agency. Strange motivation in an unmet condition?!" he commented on his Facebook profile.

He reminded that the political conditions have not been met: there is an illegal proposal for a law on bilingualism with abuse of the European flag, a humiliating rejection of all 35,000 amendments submitted by elected MPs, non-government rape of the voting process in the Parliament led by the illegitimate Speaker Talat Xhaferi, unconstitutional arrest of MP Pesevska and holding in custody without an explanation from the Minister of Internal Affairs or Prosecutor, illegal dismissal and election of judges in appellate courts, party pressures and dismissals in the administration, humiliating assaults against a police officer by a local sheriff from Cair, party-political blocking of the work of the Municipality of Gostivar, party interference in court decisions for murderers in the cases "Monster" and "Divo Naselje", murder as a verdict in the settlement of Mala Recica etc.

The interpellation is just a rigged move that should look like an attack on the government, and yet it is obvious that it is an improvisation to cover the opposition's participation in the government's scenario. Ask yourself, with how many MPs was Zaev's government adopted? With 62 votes 'in favor' and 45 votes 'against'! And since the president of VMRO-DPMNE likes math, he knows very well that the vote on the interpellation on Wednesday will end with 37-38 votes 'against' and 66-67 votes ‘in favor' of confidence. So, with precise mathematics, Mickoski will give Zaev greater legitimacy with the improvised interpellation, and will give him the next 100 days as a bonus, because he is not allowed to raise no-confidence during that period (when the name changes) and will cause additional fragmentation in the ranks of opposition", writes Beleski.

In the end, he asks whether the new leadership may be blackmailed to be an obedient opposition through the cases of the SPO against Mijalkov and Gruevski, who at the convention set Mickoski as president, then whether perhaps the "white palace" is mortgaged and forces the new management to ask for more loans from the Komercijalna Bank and to lower interest with servility; is it true that Mickoski, along with two or three members of the management, has a business with hydroelectric power plants under different names, so why does Zaev condition it, and whether VMRO-DPMNE, as a party, the Law on Financing of Parties and the Law for Protected Witnesses are more important than the unconstitutional law on bilingualism, the announcement of the change of the constitutional name and the political detentions of the patriots?

However, Aleksandar Mihajlovski, who is part of the reform initiative in VMRO-DPMNE, and who was considered a fierce critic of Gruevski, thinks that the new leadership is moving in the right direction, but it is too early to expect spectacular results because it is a process and it takes time to introduce updated policies.

"First, the interpellation: I think the main task of the opposition is to criticize the government, to emphasize the issues of criticism of the government, and this should be accepted by the public. It is a chance for serious and substantiated criticism of the work of the Government. As for the internal party processes in VMRO-DPMNE, things are moving in a positive direction. VMRO-DPMNE goes through a phase of serious restructuring, both organizational and political. It is preparing for the future period, correcting the mistakes in the past, promoting new staffing solutions and creating a credible alternative to this Government, which has no capacity to manage Macedonia. I am convinced that citizens need such a thing. As for Gruevski, at least from what we’ve seen so far, I think that he no longer holds all the strings in his hands, on the contrary, I think that the new leadership is independent and runs the party in accordance with the democratic processes," Mihajlovski stated for “Nezavisen/Independent” newspaper.

 

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PM Zaev: Greece shows understanding for our identity

Macedonia and Greece have never been closer to settling the name dispute. Only a geographic identifier is on the table. There are differences over amending of the Constitution, which is related with the scope of the name’s usage. Greece shows understanding for our identity, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told TV24 Vesti (News) on Friday.

‘I am the first Macedonian Premier to say that a name with a geographic qualifier is acceptable for us and I believe this statement has contributed to the negotiating process. The Greek side has shown understanding for our identity and I believe that we shall succeed,’ Zaev said.

We shall try to resolve the dispute by ourselves, as we did when reaching an agreement with Bulgaria, because it will be beneficial for advancing the relations with Greece, as well as offer an opportunity to Macedonia to move forward, join NATO, commence the EU accession talks and improve the living standard of its citizens, the PM said.

‘If I have a meeting with my Greek colleague Alexis Tsipras it will probably mean that there is a possibility for finding a solution that will be accepted by the citizens of both countries,’ Zaev said. I’ll meet Tsipras at the EU-Western Balkan summit in Sofia on 17-18 April, he said.

He pointed out that the renaming of Skopje Airport and the highway was a gesture of goodwill. The removal of the ‘Warrior on Horse’ statue is not related to the name talks, he added.

In case of no (name) solution, Zaev said, Macedonia ‘will keep on with reforms because they are vital for the citizens.’ Macedonia, he said, will remain committed to realizing its strategic goals – the EU/NATO membership – which also enjoys the opposition’s support.

 

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Ta Nea: Berlin to award Athens in case of name settlement

In case of settling the dispute over Macedonia’s name, Berlin will allow Athens to postpone an implementation of austerity measure – cutting of pensions - for six months, according to Greek newspaper Ta Nea.

Citing credible European sources, the paper says that the measure, which should be set into force on 1 January 2019, would be postponed for six months as Germany's award to Greek government in case of settling the name dispute.

During Athens-Berlin discussions, Germany promised Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras a reward plus political benefits for himself and his SYRIZA ‘if he comes to an agreement on the name of Skopje with his counterpart Zoran Zaev’, Ta Nea says, pointing out that the delay of this measure will offer a breathing space to the Greek government on the way to elections in May 2019.

 

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Milenko: Greece wants debt removed to approve Macedonian name change | MINA Report

The Macedonian quislings in the SDS and DPNE are not an obstacle for the name change, instead the real issue are Greek demands towards Berlin, London and Paris – reports Milenko Nedelkovski on his blog.

“Here is the situation: There are the traitors Zaeb, homo-Dimitrov and their CIA handlers on one side, and Tsipras and the same CIA handlers on the other side, who are allegedly stuck in the name negotiations. Then there are CIA contractors Borisov and Rama who assist as much as they can, while USAid through its player Soros are the main financiers of the media who are selling the name change. The Albanians are per their usual, cannon fodder and proxies for the CIA whose main job is to provoke and insult Macedonia and Macedonians – says Milenkovski.
According to the popular Macedonian journalist, and repeated here at MINA dozens of times, Macedonia does not have opposition, the DPNE is completely under control of the US Embassy.

“Why are the DPNE losers waiting for the end of May to supposedly stage protests? Who are they kidding?” Asks Nedelkovski, adding “Are these losers going to change the name and Constitution during a World Cup match?

Nedelkovski goes on to explain that Zaev’s career as a politician is over. However, in a recent interview the SDS leader stated he did not care for his career, instead, accidentally admitted that Zaev is mostly concerned for the career of his counterpart in Athens, Tzipras and his party Siriza.

“Zaev already has a place where he will retire in – Bern, Switzerland” says Nedelkovski, alluding to the fact the Albanian mafia purchased a large residential property in Bern and gifted it to Zaev for “his work”.

Greece owes countless billions to NATO members Germany, France and UK. Bizarrely, the Macedonian quislings are not a problem, they never were to begin with. There is only one side in the current negotiations, explains Nedelkovski.

Tzipras will have to betray his voters, the Greek opposition and interests and agree to name change, with which the Globalists will quickly take Macedonia in NATO, similarly to Montenegro.

Tzipras, smartly requested from Merkel, Macron and May to remove hundreds of billions of euros in Greek debt for Athens to agree Macedonia to enter NATO via a changed name – explains Nedelkovski.

Keep in mind, Tzipras was invited by Merkel just two weeks ago, perhaps to discuss the latest “request” by Athens. This is a nightmare for the globalists as they have Greece on a leash precisely because of their debt and can do to it whatever they want in the next decades as Athens will never be able to repay their massive credits.

For the globalists, Macedonia must be swallowed by NATO. For Greece, it’s all about strategy. The globalists’ plan is perfect, however as Milenko pointed out, the field players are too dumb to implement it. Athens demands 100s of Billions for it to agree to change Macedonia’s name. Everything is a game, though in this case quite a strategic game.
Meanwhile, the DPNE is ‘getting ready’ for protests… first announced in early May, now ‘postponed’ to late May…

In the end, Milenko adds, if you shake a hand with a Greek, count your fingers.

Protesters in front of Macedonia’s presidents’ home demand end of ‘name negotiations’ | MINA Report

The termination of the name negotiations and the defense of the constitutional name require the members and supporters of the associations Macedonian National Council – Makedonium and the Christian Brotherhood.

Between fifty and one hundred demonstrators are currently in front of the President’s residence and are looking for a meeting with Gjorge Ivanov, reported Skopje media.

Demonstrators demand that the president notify the UN that Macedonia is stopping the talks (name talks) with the Republic of Greece and submitting a request to the UN General Assembly by passing through a simple majority of the present member states to continue membership in the UN as the Republic of Macedonia.

'Recommendation' to change the name

Hahn: EC recommendation – an incentive to finally solve name issue

Johannes Hahn says he hopes that this year’s report will serve as an additional motivation for solving the name issue, but warns of risks of instability in the region if it fails to join the EU.

Talking to MIA after the release of the 2018 progress reports, the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations underscores that the clear recommendation should further stimulate reform implementation and the efforts made to solve the name issue.

“Now, it’s important to make sure the process continues and the opportunity is seized to enable reform-oriented progress. The main remarks to the authorities are that they must tackle corruption, close issues that are part of the Urgent Reform Priorities, and find finally a name solution,” Hahn states noting: “Today’s decision will be yet another strong motivation to find a name row settlement and to walk the last remaining mile.”

The EU Commissioner fell short of commenting the possibility of Macedonia obtaining a date for start of negotiations by July elaborating that the EU ministers ‘now should sit down and analyze the report.’ One of the most pressing issues in the EU is the resistance of a number of member countries towards the EU enlargement process. Commissioner Hahn, however, remains an optimist.

“Take my country for example – recently an opinion poll was released showing an increase in the support of EU enlargement. The majority still doesn’t support enlargement, but the fact that support is on the rise proves that public debate becomes more intensive. Either we export stability or we import instability. These goals can be fulfilled only if we help the countries implement European standards.”

Hahn, in fact, has reaffirmed the message of the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, who earlier in the day said that the region should integrate into the EU for stability, MIA’s correspondent reports from Strasbourg.

“Yes, of course there have always been risks of instability in the region, I have always said that using different words. The region is fragile, European perspective contributes to reconciliation, and better good neighborly ties. The EU is a factor of stability,”(THE EU IS A FACTOR OF BS!!!) Commissioner Hahn tells MIA.

Ta-da!

Macron: EU shouldn't accept any new member countries until the 28-nation bloc is more deeply integrated

French President Emmanuel Macron says the European Union shouldn't accept any new member countries until the 28-nation bloc is more deeply integrated and has undergone thorough reform.

Macron has told EU lawmakers that he wants to anchor countries of the Western Balkans to the European project, but that now isn't the time to allow any to join.

He said: "I will only support an enlargement when there is first a deepening and a reform of our Europe."

Macron added: "I don't want a Balkans that turns toward Turkey or Russia, but I don't want a Europe that, functioning with difficulty at 28 and tomorrow as 27, would decide that we can continue to gallop off, to be tomorrow 30 or 32, with the same rules."

EU and Balkans leaders meet next month to discuss the volatile region's future, but the 28-nation bloc is unlikely to invite any country in the region to join.

Zaev: We are now one step closer to the European Union

This is one of the days when the citizens of Macedonia should be proud. Now we are one step closer to the European Union, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev announced after the publication of the EC Report.

The recommendation is clear and unconditional, the prime minister said, pointing out that this means providing a start for EU membership negotiations.

- Today we are closer to the EU and to the achievement of the economic standards of the Union, for all citizens of our country. In his report to the European Council, the EU proposed a crystal clear unconditional recommendation for the start of the negotiations of the Republic of Macedonia, Zaev said.

FM Dimitrov: EC clear recommendation ‘a great victory’ for Macedonia

The unconditional recommendation of the European Commission for Macedonia today is a great victory for its citizens, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov said Tuesday in a meeting with a delegation of the Czech Senate, led by its Vice President Jiri Sestak.

“Unconditional report is a great victory for all Europeans – the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia – that had raised their voice managing to get the country back on the right track. This is a marvelous day to meet with European friends, especially with friends from the Czech Republic, who are strong supporters of the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Macedonia and the region,” stated Dimitrov.

Saying he was pleased that Macedonia had finally gotten a confirmation, the Minister thanked for the Czech support in the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The focal point of the meeting was close cooperation between Macedonia and the Czech Republic with an accent on Czech support to Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions and the opening of accession talks with the EU as soon as possible.

Talks also focused on ways to further strengthen cooperation in several areas of mutual interest, the Foreign Ministry said.

The delegation of the Czech Senate is paying a two-day visit to Macedonia.

Smilkovsko Lake Case: Parents of murdered teens say DUI officials Aziri and Bejta involved | MINA Report

The parents of the executed teens at Smilkovsko Lake demanded the trials to go faster and for their agony to end. Under moral and criminal responsibility, they went before the court and said the Court was manipulating the fate of their children. They demand that the court announce the identity of the two allegedly unknown persons, whose voices are heard on the recordings of telephone conversations – the newspaper “Independent” reported.

They also insist on establishing the responsibility of the five DUI officials, who are openly allegedly implicated in the murder. Goran Nakjeski, the father of one of the killed teens, said on behalf of all parents that Zoran Zaev has promised several times that he will name the names of the DUI officials who are involved – the daily writes.

-There are transcripts of conversation between Fejzi Aziri and Nevzat Bejta, but at the time DUI were Zaev’s political opponents, and now they are together in power. For these reasons, Zaev now does not want to give us evidence that allegedly was a state secret. We ask the Court to search the SDSM headquarters and find the evidence that Zaev uses to manipulate and blackmail. If the Court considers that we are untrue, let them call the prime minister to face us, and we will wait for him as long as it’s needed – said Nakjevski.

 

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Ivanov: We receive mixed messages of enlargement fatigue from some EU member states

Our region needs partnership in the field of security which is achievable by building confidence for reliable data, joint operations and protection of information, President Gjorge Ivanov said Friday in Skopje opening the meeting of heads of intelligence agencies of the participating countries of Brdo-Brijuni Process.

“The future of our region is in the European Union, yet we receive mixed messages of enlargement fatigue. This fatigue is due to the perception of the Balkans as the periphery of Europe, as a region that is inherently unstable. The lack of trust between us is a perfect chance for third parties to influence the economic prosperity of the countries, to revive ethno-nationalist projects and to prevent integration into the EU and NATO. To change this perception, we must instead of reactive, be proactive. The threats we face require creativity, partnership and unconventional thinking,” Ivanov said, reads the press release of president’s office.

According to Ivanov, the use of the Internet for subversion, hybrid threats and non-linear war require data interoperability, joint work and mutual assistance are necessary as never before to prevent international terrorism, illegal migration and transnational organised crime.

“We should use this first meeting to send a clear message to European centers that we, the countries of the region, can work together in this area of vital importance for our societies and for Europe. Our intelligence agencies can together offer creative and pragmatic solutions to the security challenges we face,” Ivanov said.

He underlined that the most important lesson we learned from the migrant crisis is that, if the region’s biggest weakness is division, the greatest strength is cooperation.

The meeting of the heads of the intelligence agencies of the participating countries of Brdo-Brijuni Process is held for the first time upon the initiative of the Republic of Macedonia to discuss the security connectivity as a segment of the regional cooperation.

The meeting is held ahead of Brdo-Brijuni Process Leaders’ Meeting scheduled to take place on April 27 in Skopje.

Dimitrov: We’re trying to persuade Greece that our accession in the NATO and EU is a good thing

The government is focused on convincing everybody, including neighboring Greece, that it is good Macedonia to become an EU, NATO ally, not only for Greece but also for the entire region, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov told a press conference on Thursday.

Asked if there is plan B if the name talks fail considering the Greek demands, Dimitrov said the focus should remain on the plan A.

“We’re focused on plan A. We want to persuade everyone, including Greece, that Macedonia’s accession in the EU and NATO is a good thing not only for Greece, but for other countries too. I think that chances for success are greater now and we should focus on this plan”, Dimitrov said.

Kotzias: FYROM not joining NATO in June due to time limitations

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias says Macedonia will not join NATO at the coming summit because of time limitations, MIA reports from Athens.

In an interview with radio 247, Kotzias says the country will not join NATO in June because the name agreement should be ratified in different ways, with April already in its second half.

“They want to schedule a referendum, which requires couple of months, namely June. Afterwards, the agreement should go to the Parliament, meaning another half or a whole month. This should be followed by constitutional changes, because a possible agreement requires this aspect. Therefore, autumn will come,” says Kotzias and adds that NATO decisions can, however, be taken by permanent representatives.

Regarding the name talks, the Greek FM says the identity is a self-determination issue, while the new name would be used for the nationality, meaning the country’s passports would read ‘national of (agreed name of country)’.

“Identity is an issue of self-determination. Let’s remember this, because we should not violate international law,” explained Kotzias.

He does not say if countries are close to an agreement over name ‘Upper Macedonia’, only that Nimetz’s proposal ‘Republic of Macedonia (Skopje)’ has been eliminated, adding that Greece has left it to its neighbor to choose the qualifier.

“We will not have any objections once there is a geographic qualifier, but this qualifier should be valid within the country too,” says Kotzias.

He says an agreement is impossible if there is no constitutional revision and a name for all uses.

“If there is no name for all uses, in international and bilateral relations, in international organizations, but also within the country, we are investing in quarrels and misunderstandings in the next century. This is what I am trying to explain to FYROM. Documents, licenses, diplomas will circulate internationally with the national name, we will say they violate the agreement and they will say that mistakes happen. These misunderstandings will be continual, create an impasse and worsen bilateral relations,” notes Kotzias.

He reiterated that diplomatic affairs cannot be solved by statements and interviews, saying that everyone, including himself, should be more responsible, sober and serious.

Dimitrov, Kotzias to meet by end of April: Government Spokesman

Government Spokesman Mile Bosnjakovski confirmed Friday that Macedonian and Greek Foreign Ministers, Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias respectively, are set to meet by the end of April without confirming the exact date.

“A new meeting will be held by the end of the month but the date is still to be confirmed by the foreign ministers. We are still optimistic, as stated by the Macedonian PM and FM, seeking and expecting a dignified solution,” Bosnjakovski told reporters regarding Greek media reports that Dimitrov and Kotzias would meet UN envoy Matthew Nimetz in Vienna on April 25.

Pertaining to the position by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the EU Council has a final say over the start of the accession talks, despite the EC recommendation, Bosnjakovski said the Council should come to a decision in the coming months, but developments in the name talks are resuming according to the planned schedule.

 

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EU’s Hahn wishes new name for Macedonia in two weeks | MINA Report

EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn expects the name issue between Macedonia and Greece to be resolved within the next two weeks.

– I am optimistic that in the next two weeks a solution will be found for the name or at least a solution that will pave the way for starting accession negotiations with Macedonia. I think that everyone agrees that it would be useful for the country and for the entire region of the Western Balkans, Hahn told the Foreign Policy Committee of the European Parliament.

Hahn pointed out that Macedonia successfully overcame the deep political crisis and made progress in implementing reforms and establishing good neighborly relations particularly with Bulgaria, but warned that much remains to be done, MIA reports.

UN confirms new round of name talks in Vienna

The UN mediator in Macedonia-Greece negotiations on settling the name dispute, Matthew Nimetz, will meet the Foreign Ministers of both countries, Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias respectively, on 25 April in Vienna.

The meeting is part of United Nations’ ongoing efforts to assist the sides in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the ‘name’ issue, the UN said Monday in a press release.

 

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Serwer: Accept accept the EU and NATO conditions and we will admit you

The triangle the progress in the Balkans depends on constitutes of the United States, the EU and yourselves. When these three are harmonized, nothing can stop them. When out of balance, all issues, even those that affect peace and stability, are at risk.

This was stated by Daniel Serwer, professor at the Washington-based Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and expert on Balkan affairs, at Tuesday’s session of Parliament’s Committee on European Affairs commenting on the Progress Report on Macedonia of the European Commission.

According to him, the past 10 years were difficult for the EU and the US administration has faced some changes. But, despite all the changes and uncertainty, the US and the EU and their Balkan policy have remained the same – all the Balkan countries that strive to join the EU should become its members.

Serwer said that the EU concerned over several developments involving Russia had opened a window of political negotiations in February. According to him, those countries in the Balkans that will qualify by 2025 have the chance to become members two years later. “It will be difficult to join the EU, because there is no guarantee, but it is also an exceptional opportunity for your country to get on the path to membership in the EU and NATO,” stated Serwer.

Referring to all the reforms Macedonia needs to implement, the same ones that are noted in the EC report, the American professor said that more efforts should be made to make the judiciary and the administration more independent, fight against organized crime and corruption must be strengthened, etc.

Moreover, Serwer commended the opposition for returning to Parliament. As regards the name dispute, he stressed that the issue must be settled, being one of the prerequisites allowing Macedonia to join both the EU and NATO.

Even if Macedonia, the expert said, does everything the EU asks, is Athens still going to be a problem – the short answer is yes. “But you have a choice. There are two choices – a downward spiral of despair or the choice you made a year ago to rise, which is a spiral that accepts the EU and NATO conditions. I would choose the latter.”

The only effective way for the country to align with the EU and the US is to align with Athens, according to Serwer.

“I know it’s painful but time has come. You should meet Athens halfway. Only then will NATO and the EU become a reality for you. Whatever the name solution, your friends will keep calling you citizens of Macedonia, your language will be Macedonian, even if the name settlement covers the countries that have recognized your constitutional name,” noted professor Serwer.

The session also saw addresses by PM Zoran Zaev, EU Ambassador Samuel Zbogar, and officials of political parties represented in Parliament.

Fresh round of name talks in Vienna

Macedonian and Greek foreign ministers Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias and the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz are to hold fresh meeting on Wednesday afternoon in Vienna.

The previous meeting in the same format was also held in Vienna on March 30. Meanwhile, Kotzias and Dimitrov held bilateral meeting on April 12 in Ohrid.

Kotzias told 24/7 radio station that agreement cannot be reached until NATO Summit in July.

The European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, expects for the Athens-Skopje name dispute to be solved in the next 15 days.

‘There must be at least one solution which would give way to the start of the EU accession talks for fYRoM. I believe everybody agrees that it will be good for the country and the entire Western Balkan region,’ Hahn said in his address at the European Parliament Committee for Foreign Affairs, IBNA reported.

Prime Minister Zoran Zaev does not believe that the name issue can be solved in two weeks, referring to an earlier statement by Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn claiming that Athens and Skopje can reach agreement in the coming fortnight.

“Commissioner Hahn is a friend of Macedonia and God willing he has information that talks can finish in a couple of weeks. I also wish this, but do not believe it is possible. The countries’ foreign ministers will meet tomorrow and I know what discussions will focus on and the projected outcome. In general, I expect that maximum efforts will be invested up to the EU Council decision, because a solution by then is the definite guarantee for an accession talks date,” PM Zaev told reporters at the joint press conference with former NATO chief George Robertson.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn to refrain from giving a wrong image of the name talks.

“We call on Commissioner Hahn to stop giving a wrong image of the negotiations which, as it seems, he does not understand. The least he can do is to stop undermining them,” reads the press release.

As announced after Ohrid meeting, Dimitrov and Kotzias will hold the next two meetings on May 3-4, at Thessaloniki’s quadrilateral cross-border meeting, and on May 11-12 in Sounio, at a meeting of the foreign ministers of Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania and Greece, the Visegrad countries and the Western Balkans.