You are on page 1of 20

MDB No.

100

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia

MACEDONIAN
D i p lo m at i c B u l l e t i n

mdb edition
2015

European Union, 2015

IN FOCUS diplomatic news


President Ivanov Addresses
Climate Change Conference
in Paris

European Council President


Tusk Visits Macedonia

november 2015

Government Delegation
Pays Political and Economic
Visit to China

page 5

page 3

page 4

EDITORIAL

100th issue of Macedonian


Diplomatic Bulletin
Dear Readers,
Upon the publication of the 100th issue
of the Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin, I
am very pleased and honoured to address
you on behalf on the team preparing
this specialized publication: the Public
Diplomacy Sector at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and our long-time external
associate and partner - the Macedonian
Information Centre (MIC) - which makes
a considerable professional and technical
contribution to the making of the final
product with modern design.
Today, the Macedonian Diplomatic
Bulletin is a useful and elegant tool to
note and to broadly present the activities
and achievements of all foreign policy
stakeholders of the Republic of Macedonia.
Also, by offering various kinds of
information, it familiarizes readers with
the other activities of the Macedonian
diplomatic service and the Diplomatic
corps in the country in an array of areas,
primarily economy, culture and education.
The Bulletin also features interviews and
addresses by notable figures of different
backgrounds on concrete topics useful
for presenting their views and the policies
of their institutions or states. Just as
important is the column on Macedonias
natural attractions and beauty.
The Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin
is published monthly in print. However,
thanks to modern-day information
technology, it is also available in electronic

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

form on the website of the Ministry of


Foreign Affairs, thus reaching a wider
audience. Moreover, through the Ministry
and the network of diplomatic missions
and consular posts of the Republic of
Macedonia abroad, it is delivered to a great
many distinguished addressees on all
continents.
On this occasion, marking the Bulletins
100th issue, I would like to stress that aside
from meticulously gathering and selecting
information, the hard-working team of the
Public Diplomacy Sector and our partner
the MIC frequently introduce inventive
solutions to the Bulletins content, thus
leaving a personal mark, which gives the
Journal an added value and makes it a
representative tool of Public Diplomacy
as one of the more significant tasks of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the period ahead, I am confident
that our whole team will continue working
with the same intensity and enthusiasm
on this reputable Journal, thus making
a selfless contribution to the promotion
of Macedonias foreign policy and to the
achievement of the long-awaited and
deserved integration into the European and
Euro-Atlantic structures, as well as into
other international processes and relations.
Ambassador Metodija Belevski
Director for Analytics, Public Diplomacy
and Diplomatic Archive,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Macedonia

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

MDB
Macedonian Diplomatic Bulletin
was founded in October 2006 by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Macedonia.

Filip II Makedonski 7, 1000 Skopje


Republic of Macedonia
www.mfa.gov.mk
mdb@mfa.gov.mk

President Ivanov Attends


Brdo-Brijuni Process Summit

acedonian President Gjorge Ivanov


took part in the extraordinary
Summit of the presidents of the countries
of the Brdo-Brijuni Process in Zagreb,
Croatia, on 25 November, centering on
the global security threats, peace and
security in the region, and EU and NATO
enlargement. President Ivanov addressed
the plenary meeting, saying that closer
security cooperation in the region, sharing
of sensitive information and integration

of all the countries as soon as possible was


pivotal in strengthening security.
In the conclusions of the Summit, it is
said that open bilateral and regional issues
should be approached constructively and
in accordance with international law and
principles. The importance of maintaining
communication at an operative level among
the USA, the European Union and the
countries of Southeast Europe on a regular
basis was also emphasized.

Editor:
Vladimir Efremovski
Editorial Board:
Zuko Rizvanski, Shaban Jashari,
Katerina Stavreska, Olga Janevska
Jovanovik, and Sejfullah Shaqiri
Adviser:
Metodija Belevski
Photo:
Ljupco Blagoevski

Published monthly by:


Macedonian Information Centre
Director: Dragan Antonov
Chief Translator: Aleksandra Ilievska

President Ivanov Addresses


Climate Change Conference in Paris
Naum Naumovski Borce 73,
1000 Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
www.micnews.com.mk

The articles published in Macedonian


Diplomatic Bulletin do not necessarily
represent the views of the Macedonian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the
Macedonian Information Centre.
2015

No. 100
November 2015

he President of the Republic of


Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, and
Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki
participated in the opening of the 21st
Climate Change Conference, COP21,
held in Paris from 30 November to 11
December. Attended by 150 heads of state
and government, the Conference was
officially opened by the President of the
French Republic, Franois Hollande, and
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
President Ivanov addressed the main
session of the leaders segment, appealing
for a legally binding climate agreement
that will apply to all. He said he expected

all hitherto declared commitments to be


translated into tangible activities and all
short-term solutions to be replaced by longterm ones. Let us replace the culture of
profligacy with a culture of sustainability,
selfish interests with interests of mankind
and superficial rhetoric with concrete
actions, not for our sake but for the sake of
posterity, President Ivanov said at the end
of his speech.
On the sidelines of the Conference, he
held meetings with a number of leaders,
including with US President Barack
Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel
and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.
No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

President Ivanov Attends UNESCO


General Conference in Paris

rom 15 to 17 November, Macedonias President Gjorge Ivanov


paid a working visit to the French Republic where he attended
the Leaders Forum of the 38th Session of the UNESCO General
Conference in Paris. He addressed the plenary session at the
opening of the Leaders Forum titled UNESCO at 70. Peace and
Sustainable Development in a Complex World and attended the
ceremony held to mark UNESCOs 70th anniversary.
President Ivanov had separate meetings with UNESCO
Director General Irina Bokova and the Secretary General of the
International Organisation of La Francophonie, Michalle Jean, at
which the Paris terrorist attacks were unanimously condemned.
The Macedonian head of state also held informal meetings with his
Bulgarian counterpart Rosen Plevneliev, former UNESCO Director
General Kichir Matsuura and the Slovak Deputy Prime Minister
and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Miroslav Lajk.
He also visited the site near the Bataclan concert hall where he paid respects to the victims of the terrorist attacks.

President Ivanov Meets Timmermans


and Stoltenberg in Brussels

uring his working visit to Brussels on 23 and 24


November, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov held
separate meetings with the First Vice-President of the
European Commission, Frans Timmermans, and NATO
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
The challenges that the Republic of Macedonia faces in
terms of the migrant and refugee crisis and the security
situation in Europe were tabled at President Ivanovs meeting
with Mr. Timmermans.

The Republic of Macedonia honors all international


responsibilities in treating migrants and pays much attention
to the humanitarian aspect despite its capacities being
stretched to the limit, President Ivanov said.
At his meeting with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg,
President Ivanov underlined how important it was for the
worlds largest military and political organization to take
into consideration the new security threats and geopolitical
aspects and not to ignore international law and the Judgment
of the International Court of Justice in Macedonias case.

European Council President Tusk Visits Macedonia

uring his working visit to the Republic of Macedonia on 22


November, the President of the European Council, Donald
Tusk, was received by the President of the Republic of Macedonia,
Gjorge Ivanov, and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.
The ongoing situation in the Republic of Macedonia, particularly
the migrant and refugee crisis, and the countrys European
integration were tabled at the meeting. The stance that Macedonia
would act in compliance with the measures taken by the EU
member states and the countries along the Balkan route, and the
fact that the country was able to provide conditions for temporary
stay of not more than 2,000 people at a time were reiterated in the
course of the talks.
Mr. Tusk emphasized that the EU was a partner to the Republic
of Macedonia and that he would continue to support it toward
its full EU integration. He also said the EU was ready to extend
logistical, humanitarian and technical assistance to the Republic of
Macedonia.

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

Government Delegation Pays


Political and Economic Visit to China

n 24 November, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola


Gruevski together with a government delegation consisting
of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Vladimir
Peevski, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki, and Deputy Economy
Minister Hristijan Delev attended the 4th Summit of Heads of
Government of the Central and Eastern European Countries and
the Peoples Republic of China (16+1) and the 5th China-CEE
Countries Economic and Trade Forum in Suzhou.
The Summit was opened by the Prime Minister of the Peoples
Republic of China, Li Keqiang. Aside from a delegation from
the Republic of Macedonia, it was also attended by delegations
from the Republic of Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Latvia,
the Republic of Lithuania, the Czech Republic, the Republic of

Poland, Romania, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Slovenia,


the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia
and Herzegovina and the Republic of Albania.
Macedonias Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said in his address
that the Republic of Macedonia and the Peoples Republic of China
were tied by traditional friendship, thriving bilateral relations and
close cooperation in the implementation of important projects
within the framework of the Central European Initiative. He also
spoke about the possibilities of future cooperation on projects of
great significance to the country and the region.
Prime Minister Gruevski held fringe meetings with most of his
counterparts.

FM Poposki Meets Chinese Counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing

n 26 November, during the Macedonian delegations visit


to Beijing, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic
of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, met his counterpart from the
Peoples Republic of China, Wang Yi. Minister Poposki reiterated
Macedonias firm commitment to the 16+1 process and the
countrys interest in taking part in infrastructure projects arising
from this process in the future, too. As far as bilateral cooperation
is concerned, the two officials tabled the possibility of carrying out
projects in energy, railway infrastructure, industry and tourism.
The ministers of foreign affairs said they were satisfied with
the bilateral relations Macedonia and China maintained at a
multilateral scale and in the field of culture.

No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

Government Delegation Led by PM Gruevski


Pays Working Visit to Hungary

acedonias Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski paid a working


visit to Budapest on 20 November and met his Hungarian
counterpart, Viktor Orbn. The excellent political relations
between the two countries in all areas of shared interest were
welcomed at the meeting.
The commitment to promoting further economic cooperation,
trade and cooperation in the field of investments was also stressed.
The two officials said there was room for increasing the scope of

trade and plenty of untapped investment potential. Among the


issues the prime ministers of Macedonia and Hungary tabled were
also the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia in
the light of the recently published progress report of the European
Commission, the migrant and refugee crisis and terrorism as the
biggest threat the world faces today. In that context, they both
condemned the Paris terrorist attacks.

FM Poposki Meets Hungarian Counterpart


Szijjrt in Budapest

uring the working visit that the Macedonian


delegation led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski
paid to Budapest, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola
Poposki held a separate meeting with the Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Pter Szijjrt.
Opinions and information on the migrant and refugee
crisis and the security risks for the Republic of Macedonia,
the region and Europe in general were tabled at the
meeting. The ministers also discussed the Euro-Atlantic
integration of the countries of the region.

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Akdoan Visits Macedonia

he President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov,


received the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of
Turkey, Yaln Akdoan, on 9 November. The two officials said
on that occasion they were satisfied with the traditionally friendly
relations between the two countries and the continuous political
dialogue at all levels. They shared views on the situations in both
countries and the migrant crisis in the Region and Europe.
On 8 November, Mr. Akdoan had a meeting with Prime
Minister Nikola Gruevski. This issues discussed on this occasion
included the promotion of political and economic cooperation and
relations in the fields of education, health, and culture by opening
cultural centers in Istanbul and Skopje.
Mr. Akdoan attended the ceremony of opening the Skopjebased office of Turkeys Anadolu Agency (AA) that will provide
news in both Macedonian and Albanian.

FM Poposki Attends Ceremony Marking 20 Years


of Macedonias Council of Europe Membership

n 4 November, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki


paid a working visit to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg
on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Macedonias accession
to the oldest European organization.
He met the Secretary General of the Council of Europe,
Thorbjrn Jagland, at which Macedonias commitment to full
application of the European Convention on Human Rights and
all European standards in terms of human rights, democracy and
rule of law was underlined. Mr. Jagland thanked Macedonia for its
contribution not only to the application but also to the preparation
of new standards and instruments for protection and promotion of
human rights on the European continent.
At his meeting with the President of the European Court of
Human Rights, Guido Raimondi, Minister Poposki reaffirmed
Macedonias support for the reform of the Court and its
commitment to full implementation of the Courts decisions.

A reception addressed by Minister Poposki was also hosted to


mark the 20th anniversary of Macedonias integration into the
Council of Europe.

Macedonian Foreign Minister Pays Visit to Serbia

he Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia,


Nikola Poposki, paid a working visit to the Republic of Serbia
on 8 November. Aside from meeting his host, Serbias Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Ivica Dai, Minister
Poposki was also received by Serbias Prime Minister Aleksandar
Vui.
Both countries commitment to strengthening bilateral relations
in all areas of mutual interest, economic cooperation in particular,
was reiterated at the meetings. The European integration of the two
countries and the support they gave each other on their European
path were also discussed. In regard to the ongoing refugee crisis
and overwhelming surge of refugees from the Middle and Far East
in Macedonia and Serbia, the officials talked about the ways to
increase mutual coordination and coordination with the European
partners in handling this situation.
No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

FM Poposki Attends Ministerial Meeting of


V4 and Western Balkan Countries

acedonias Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki participated


in the Ministerial Meeting of the Visegrd Group (V4) and
the Western Balkan countries in Prague on 12 and 13 November,
which took place under the auspices of the Czech Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. Aside from the ministers of foreign affairs of the
countries of V4, the Western Balkans and Croatia, the Meeting
was also attended by the First Vice-President of the European
Commission, Frans Timmermans, the British Secretary of State
for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond, and
the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council,
Goran Svilanovi. Central topics at the Meeting were enlargement,
migration and regional cooperation. The Visegrd Groups resolve
to continue supporting the Euro-Atlantic integration of the
Western Balkans was reaffirmed at the Meeting. The migrant crisis
was one of the key issues discussed. The Visegrd Group countries
said they were willing to extend concrete aid to the Balkan
countries along the migrant route.
The founding documents of the Western Balkans Fund were
also signed during the Meeting. On the sidelines of the event,

Minister Poposki held several formal and informal meetings with


his counterparts.

FM Poposki Attends Session of


EP Foreign Affairs Committee

n Brussels, on 10 November, invited by the Chairman of the


Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament,
Elmar Brok, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki
attended the Committees session centering on the migrant
influx in the Western Balkan countries. At the session, in
which members of the national assemblies of the EU member
states and high-ranking officials of the Ministries of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Turkey,
UNHCR and the European External Action Service also took
part, opinions were shared on the current state of play and the

activities the countries of the Region and the EU were taking


to cope with the migrant wave. Minister Poposki presented
in his address the activities the Republic of Macedonia
was taking to address the migrant crisis and all the related
concerns.
On the sidelines of the session, he met with Members of the
European Parliament, including with MEP Alojz Peterle,
Chairman of the EU-Macedonia Joint Parliamentary
Committee.

Toward Paris Climate Conference 2015 Held in Skopje

ikola Poposki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic


of Macedonia, addressed the International Ministerial
Conference Toward the Paris Climate Conference 2015:
Challenges for the CEI Member States which took place in
Skopje on 6 November. More than 150 high-ranking officials who
attended the Conference, including nine ministerial delegations
from CEI member states, 16 representatives of embassies in
the Republic of Macedonia, as well as representatives of several
academic institutions, and international and domestic nongovernmental organizations shared experience and views on
the challenges that the CEI member states face in their effort to
reduce CO2 emissions.
At the Conference, which started with Macedonian
Environment Minister Nurhan Izairis opening remarks, a

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

declaration was adopted expressing joint commitment to


cooperation for the purpose of achieving greener growth in the
CEI region.

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

FM Poposki Meets MEPs oltes and Harms

n 6 November, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki


received the Members of the European Parliament, Igor
oltes and Rebecca Harms, Mr. oltes being a member and Ms.
Harms a co-chair of the Greens/EFA Group in the European
Parliament. The two MEPs also visited the countries of the region
to become more closely familiar with the migrant crisis and the
process of European integration. Minister Poposki thanked the
Greens/EFA Group for its support and constructive approach to
the process of Macedonias European integration, while Mr. oltes
and Ms. Harms said their support in unblocking and promoting
Macedonias EU integration would continue.

FM Poposki Meets Delegation of EP


Socialists and Democrats Group

n 5 November, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki received


a delegation of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of
Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament led by Chair
Gianni Pittella from Italy and Vice-Chair Knut Fleckenstein from
Germany. Opinions were shared at the meeting on the current
political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, the countrys
European perspective and the challenges it faced in dealing with
the migrant crisis.

FM Poposki Meets Ernst Reichel

he Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia,


Nikola Poposki, received the special envoy of the German
Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Southeast Europe, Turkey and
EFTA countries, Ernst Reichel, on 12 November. The challenges
and perspectives of Macedonias European integration in the light
of the recently published report of the European Commission on
the progress Macedonia had made in its accession process were
tabled at the meeting.

FM Poposki Holds Monthly Meeting with


EU Ambassadors in Macedonia

n 23 November, Nikola Poposki, the Minister of Foreign


Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia, held his regular
meeting with the ambassadors of the European Union member
states and the EU Delegation. This was their first meeting
following the publication of the European Commissions reports
on the progress the candidate member states, including the
Republic of Macedonia, had made.

Minister Poposki stressed that the Government of the Republic of


Macedonia had already taken steps by defining short-term priorities
in the process of EU integration. The preparations for the elections
and the report to be published afterward were also discussed.
Views were also shared on the migrant crisis in Europe and
the Republic of Macedonia in particular as a country along the
Western Balkan route.
No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

FM Poposki Attends 7th Aspen Institute


Ministerial Conference in Berlin

t the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the


Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier,
and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic, Paolo
Gentiloni, Macedonias Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki took
part in the seventh Aspen Institute Southeast Europe Foreign
Ministers Conference in Berlin on 24 November. The Conference
focused on the process of EU enlargement, regional cooperation,
economic development, and particularly Europes most pressing
concerns at the momentsecurity and the migrant crisis.
Minister Poposki stressed that the process of joining the EU
was the best response to the key challenges of the Balkan countries
and that the European perspective was crucial in stabilizing the
Balkans and ensuring its prosperity in the long run. In regard to
the migrant crisis, he underscored the measures that the Republic
of Macedonia was carrying out: separating migrants from refugees,

and directing and registering refugees with the aim of giving them
humane treatment.

FM Poposki Pays Working Visit to Brussels

oreign Minister Nikola Poposki met with Federica


Mogherini, High Representative of the EU for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the
European Commission, in Brussels on 27 November.
Macedonias prospects of joining the EU in view of the recently
published EC report were discussed at the meeting. Minister
Poposki welcomed the reiterated recommendation for opening

accession negotiations reaffirming the commitment of the


Government of the Republic of Macedonia to fulfilling the
remaining responsibilities of the political agreement and to
implementing the reform priorities in the key areas. The latest
developments in the realm of the Unions foreign and security
policy, including the migrant and refugee crisis, were also
tabled.

FM Poposki Attends Ministerial Meeting of NAC in Brussels

n Brussels on 1 December, Macedonian Foreign Minister


Nikola Poposki participated in the Meeting of the North
Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of Foreign Ministers of
the NATO member states and the countries contributing to
the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Support was
extended at the meeting for continuation of the NATO mission
in Afghanistan in 2016, too, for the purpose of training, advising
and supporting the Afghan security forces. Concurrently,
emphasis was put on the need for ensuring financial
sustainability of the security structures and supporting the
institutional reforms and the long-term partnership process in
accordance with the conclusions of the NATO summit in Lisbon
in 2010.
It was confirmed at the meeting that Macedonias
contribution would remain at the same level next year, too.
The Republic of Macedonia has contributed more than 3,000
military personnel to the missions in Afghanistan since 2002.

10

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Poposki held bilateral


meetings with several participants, including with the Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Mevlt avuolu.

DIPLOMATIC NEWS

First CEI Diplomatic Forum Held

nder the auspices of Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov,


within the framework of Macedonias Presidency of the
Central European Initiative (CEI), the first CEI Diplomatic Forum
on Macro and Micro Development Strategies: Strengthening the
Diplomatic Capacities of the CEI Region was opened in Skopje on
11 November.

Over 50 young diplomats of the CEI member states took part


in the 3-day forum. Lectures were held by experts and university
professors of economy, econometrics, politics and diplomacy from
the Republic of Macedonia and abroad.

Deputy FM Kiprijanovska
Meets Hungary's Director
General for Cultural
Diplomacy Vizi

acedonias Deputy Foreign Minister Dragana Kiprijanovska


received the Director General for Cultural Diplomacy at the
Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lszl Vizi,
on 11 November. The excellent bilateral relations, the dynamic
political dialogue and the cooperation in a number of areas were
underlined at the meeting, as special attention was paid to the
cooperation in the fields of culture and education. The ongoing
migrant crisis was also discussed.

Macedonia and Poland Hold 6th Skopje Conference

nder the auspices of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of


the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Poland, the
6th forum of Polish-Macedonian cooperation in the process of
European integration, also known as the Skopje Conference,
took place in Warsaw on 4 and 5 November. The conference,
attended by Polish and Macedonian officials, focused on Polands

experience of the accession process, especially during the


negotiations over the separate European acquis chapters.
A workshop on Polands public diplomacy experience and
consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of
Macedonia and Poland on bilateral and European matters were also
held.
No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

11

macedonia in focus
INTERVIEW

H.E. Mrs. Lepa Babi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of


Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Republic of Macedonia

Possibilities for Economic and Trade


Cooperation Are Not Fully Used
it is of utter importance for
our two counties, as well
as for other enlargement
countries, to continue
exchanging experiences
and practices in order to
strengthen our capacities.

our Excellency, bilateral relations between the Republic of


Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were established
22 years ago. Bilateral cooperation is successful and without
any outstanding issues. As a new Ambassador of Bosnia and
Herzegovina to the Republic of Macedonia, what are the priority
areas of mutual interest and how can bilateral cooperation
further intensify?
I would like to express my determination to contribute, together
with my Mission in the Republic of Macedonia, to the further
development of long-term friendly relations between Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia. Our two countries
have lasting historical ties, not only because we have repeatedly
shared the same destiny in the previous state unions, but also
because of our common commitment to the EU accession path.
I believe that it is of particular importance for Bosnia and
Herzegovina to develop comprehensive and mutually beneficial
cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia and to keep
improving it in line with European standards.
Bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and
the Republic of Macedonia are very good and friendly, with no
outstanding issues. Both countries are interested in improving
bilateral relations and economic cooperation. I must point out
that, although there are several signed agreements between

12

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia, the


existing possibilities for economic and trade cooperation are
not entirely used. And that is why it is necessary to organize
visits of business delegations and to hold various business
forums between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of
Macedonia which would contribute significantly to promoting
and intensifying economic cooperation and joint participation of
companies in export projects.
We should also intensify cooperation in the field of scientific
research between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia
and Herzegovina and the Republic of Macedonia. Departments
within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to bilateral
cooperation, should be the link for cooperation with research
institutions and universities.
Promotion of cooperation in the field of culture is very
important because it contributes to better mutual understanding
and rapprochement, and the strengthening of friendly relations
between the citizens of our two countries.
Within the framework of regional organizations, initiatives
and processes it is important to continue cooperation in the field
of infrastructure and energy. In the spirit of current events, it
is important to point out the good cooperation in the field of
defense and security structures of the Republic of Macedonia and
Bosnia and Herzegovina. These objectives will be achieved by
intensifying the dynamics of the meetings and high-level visits.

n 23 September, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia


and Herzegovina, Igor Crnadak, paid an official visit to
the Republic of Macedonia. Economic relations between our
two countries lag behind political relations. Our countries are
therefore committed to improving economic cooperation. In
your opinion, what spheres of economic cooperation should be
paid greater attention?

macedonia in focus
During the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Igor Crnadak, to the Republic of Macedonia, a
Joint Statement of the foreign ministers of Macedonia and Bosnia
and Herzegovina was signed. The Joint Statement includes one
point that deals in particular with the necessity of improvement
of economic relations and economic cooperation through
the creation of a favorable business climate, encouragement
of mutual investment, organization of business forums, and
promotion of cooperation in the field of tourism.
Furthermore, it was agreed to organize a major Business
Forum in mid-next year. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there are
great investment opportunities in agriculture, the energy sector,
metal and wood processing industries, infrastructure projects,
textile and leather industries, as well as tourism.

o you believe our countries should pay special attention to


signing more agreements in the period ahead?

The Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have


a number of agreements that have been initiated and ratified.
There are various other agreements that have been signed but
are not subjected to ratification because Bosnia and Herzegovina
and the Republic of Macedonia are members of a number of
multilateral conventions which regulate the field of mutual legal
assistance.
There are a number of agreements which are agreed upon and
should be signed and those which are initiated or are in an initial
phase of preparation, such as the Agreement on Cooperation
in the Field of Tourism, the Cooperation Agreement between
the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and the Council
of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Context of the
EU Accession Process, the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina
and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Macedonia on
Strengthening Cooperation in the Field of Internal Control, and
the Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Agriculture
and Rural Development between the Ministry of Foreign Trade
and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the
Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Water Management of the
Republic of Macedonia. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there is also
interest in concluding an Agreement on Scientific and Technical
Cooperation, and a Memorandum of Understanding in the Field
of Sport and Youth Policy. An Agreement on Collocation of the
Property of the Diplomatic and Consular Representation of
former Yugoslavia between two countries should be soon ready
for signing.

he Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are


on their path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. How do you
assess the need for further exchange of experiences and practices
between the relevant institutions of the two countries with the
aim of strengthening their capacities?
Allow me to clarify one point regarding the Euro-Atlantic
integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While in your country
there is a full commitment to and internal consensus on both
NATO and EU membership, in Bosnia and Herzegovina that

is not the case. We lack internal consensus on full NATO


membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Partnership
for Peace in 2006, and has been invited by NATO to join the
Membership Action Plan. So, the main and consensual objective
of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to get the MAP. In order to join the
MAP, the issue of the immovable defense property needs to be
resolveda difficult task that takes and will take a lot of time to
be resolved entirely.
On the other hand, full EU membership is one of the main
priorities of the foreign policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The
enlargement process in general is getting more and more difficult
and complex. Lessons learnt from the past enlargements have
made the accession process highly challenging and demanding.
Simultaneously, there is an enlargement fatigue, especially
among some EU member states, but also a reform fatigue among
candidate countries and potential candidate countries. The
President of the European Commission said in his inaugural
speech that there would be no enlargement until 2020. Therefore,
all countries in the accession process need to maintain their
enlargement commitment and determination, and to keep
on doing reforms, strengthening institutional capacities,
adjusting their legal framework in accordance with Acquis
Communautaire and fulfilling demands regardless of the fact
that the full membership perspective is quite far away. In that
sense, it is of utter importance for our two counties, as well as for
other enlargement countries, to continue exchanging experiences
and practices in order to strengthen our capacities, but also to
keep on improving regional cooperation.

our Excellency, what is your assessment of the latest


European Commission Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina,
especially the conclusion that Bosnia and Herzegovina is back
on the reform track and has started to address the outstanding
priorities on its EU accession path?
The Reform Agenda, adopted in July this year, was made in
order to put Bosnia and Herzegovina back on the reform track
and the EU path. Bosnia and Herzegovina, still a potential
candidate country for EU membership, has not presented its
application for EU membership yet. This step is expected to be
made by the end of this year and the country will hopefully be
granted the status of a candidate country by the end of 2016
or the beginning of 2017. But in order to achieve that, many
difficult reforms need to be made, including the ones that imply
constitutional changes. The European Court of Human Rights
ruled in 2009 that Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Sejdic-Finci
case violated the European Convention on Human Rights. The
obligation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is to guarantee the right
to be elected to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and
the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia
and Herzegovina to all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity.
And in order to implement the ECoHR ruling, constitutional
changes will be needed, as well as changes to the Election Law. A
highly challenging task that requires a will to compromise from
all the parties involved. The accession process is demanding and
long-term oriented but it is worthwhile if pursuing this goal of
joining the EU family will contribute to creating a stable, secure
and prosperous society.
No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

13

macedonia in focus
INTERVIEW

Ms. Melita Gruevska Graham, ICMPD Representative in Macedonia

Important in Responding
to Migration Challenges is
to Understand Migration Itself
There is no single country that can
adequately and effectively manage
migration alone. Cooperation
among countries is crucial. Such
cooperation needs to build upon
clearly formulated longer term
objectives, taking into account
demographic developments, labour
market needs, and the potential
positive impact of increased
mobility for EU and partner states.

he International Centre for Migration Policy Development is


an organization with 15 member states including the Republic
of Macedonia. Can you tell us more about your activities?
ICMPD's working philosophy is based upon the conviction that
the complexities of migration challenges can only be met by
working in partnership with governments, research institutes,
international organisations, intergovernmental institutions
and civil society. As an international organisation with strong
European roots, ICMPDs activities focus particularly on
developments in Europe and the European Union (EU), as well
as in Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.
The work of ICMPD is based on a three-pillar approach:
Research - migration dialogues - capacity building.
ICMPD was founded in 1993 and at first served to support
informal consultations and provide expertise in multilateral
cooperation on migration and asylum issues. The principles of
partnership and balancing of interests are the foundation of
the organisation.
The Republic of Macedonia became the 15th Member
State of ICMPD on May 2nd, 2012. However, the Agreement

14

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

on the Status of ICMPD in Macedonia and on Cooperation


in the Migration Field was signed in July 1999. Since then
ICMPD has maintained a strong and lasting relationship with
Macedonia through numerous projects implemented together,
in particular in the fight against trafficking in human beings
and in other areas like asylum, border management and visa
regulation, which have contributed to building capacities of
national institutions in managing migration. ICMPD has
particularly supported the Macedonian Government in the
development of National Strategies and National Action Plans
for migration and combating trafficking in human beings, in
establishing transnational referral mechanisms (TRM) for
trafficked persons as well as in carrying out in-depth research
on important matters such as smuggling of migrants and
identification and referral of trafficked persons.

rom the point of view of international cooperation, ICMPD is


a mechanism that observes current developments in the area
of migration and asylum. Does ICMPD have a concrete plan in
regard to refugee crises, especially the ongoing one with refugees
from the Middle East?

macedonia in focus
ICMPD believes that in order to effectively respond to the
associated challenges of these mixed migration flows, separate
approaches will have to be devised. More specifically, responses
will need to go well beyond short-term humanitarian and
logistical support. It is crucial to engage in a collective vision
towards better managing migration and mobility and together
promote rights and responsibility. The conflict and violence
in Syria since 2011 has caused massive loss of life and human
suffering, as well as a complex displacement crisis. Uncertainty
prevails as to when the war in Syria will end and when internally
displaced people will be able to return to their homes. There
are also questions as to whether Syrian refugees abroad will
be able to return to their country of origin, and for how long
the hosting states will be able to meet the refugees needs in
terms of providing access to basic services of accommodation,
healthcare, education and provide opportunities for income
generation in the future. At the same time, countries along the
route are confronted with large numbers of migrants who are not
technically entitled to international protection.
There is no single country that can adequately and effectively
manage migration alone. Cooperation among countries is
crucial. Such cooperation needs to build upon clearly formulated
longer term objectives, taking into account demographic
developments, labour market needs, and the potential positive
impact of increased mobility for EU and partner states. At the
same time, both security concerns and social stability questions
need to be taken into account. In this regard, countries need to
improve their cooperation in addressing the criminal network
profiting from the smuggling of migrants and the exploitation of
their vulnerability.

CMPD has regional centres and representatives around the


world. How do these offices operate and how do you assess
your cooperation with the member states and other international
organisations?
Besides its headquarters in Vienna and a mission in Brussels,
ICMPD has 7 field offices and a total of 150 staff. The Brussels
Mission coordinates contacts and liaises with the European
Commission, the European Parliament, the Council Secretariat,
Member States' representations and other bodies in Brussels
relevant for ICMPD's work. Besides, ICMPD has so-called
Country Representatives - designated individuals who liaise
with national governments and, if and when applicable, provide
support to projects taking place in the country. Currently, there
are six such ICMPD Representatives and I am the one for the
Republic of Macedonia. The growth in operational volume in
recent years has led to a relocation of certain projects to the areas
of operation in the field. Certain projects are managed from our
seven offices in Southeast Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle
East, West Africa and South America.

As mentioned above, our cooperation with the member states


and other international organisations is clearly reflected in the
ICMPDs working philosophy that is based on the conviction
that the complexities of migration challenges can only be met by
working in partnership with governments, research institutes,
international organisations, inter-governmental institutions and
civil society. Over the years, ICMPD has carried out a number of
activities in migration-related fields with about 100 partners in
about 90 countries all over the world.

s. Gruevska Graham, since the beginning of the Syrian


crisis, the Republic of Macedonia has been faced with an
enormous number of refugees that use our territory as a transit
country. What is your opinion on this?
There is no single solution or simple response to this complex
migration and refugee crisis that not only Macedonia but many
other countries along the migration routes are facing. The
capacities of the countries involved are clearly overwhelmed.
Simply, the current systems are not ready to handle such crises.
We witnessed that short term solutions and settlements such
as allowing migrants to legitimately transit the country seem
adequate to tackle emergency situations, but such actions are not
sufficient in the long term. Instead, there is a need to combine
a strategy of a number of short term interventions as part of
a longer term vision. It is important to consider a shift from
focusing solely on humanitarian and logistical support towards
focusing on long lasting migration solutions through evidence
based migration and asylum policies. Only in this way can we
prevent finding ourselves yet again in the surprised state we
are currently operating under. It is very unlikely that the Syrian
war will end any time soon. While around 7.6 million people are
internally displaced in Syria, Turkey hosts around 1.9 million
registered Syrian refugees, Lebanon over 1.1 million, Jordan is
currently hosting around 630,000 people, and the Kurdistan
Region of Iraq (KR-I), an autonomous region in the federal
state, is a host to around 250,000 Syrian refugees. None of
these countries apply the Convention definition of a refugee to
those fleeing the war in Syria. We know that a great number of
Syrians are going to continue leaving Syria and the neighbouring
countries because there is no future for them or their children
where they currently reside.
Long lasting migration crises are dynamic in nature constantly changing their route and method. This demands
a strategy of predictive analyses of possible flows, reactions
which are equally dynamic and continual study of the impact
of measures taken. The timely exchange of information among
states is an essential factor in gaining success.
A driving principle is that the most important step in
responding to migration challenges is to first understand
migration itself.

MDB would like to thank


H.E. Mr. Timo Rajakangas,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland,
resident in Zagreb, for his completed diplomatic mission in the Republic of Macedonia.

No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

15

macedonia in focus
Twenty years of diplomatic relations

H.E. Mr. Darko Angelov, Head of the Liaison Office of


the Republic of Macedonia in Athens

New Beginning in Our Relations is At Hand

eing an ambassador to a neighboring


country in general is both a great
privilege and a responsibility. Being
a Macedonian ambassador to Greece
arguably takes this statement even
further. My first year as Macedonias top
envoy in Greece passes amid domestic
political and economical turbulences of
historical proportions, further burdening
the already specific position of being

a Macedonian diplomat in Greece, a


position defined by the now twentyyear-old Interim Accord determining
the bilateral relations between our two
countries. Despite the general delicate
situation in Greece these days and
the legacy of the tumultuous bilateral
relations in light of the name issue, I
nevertheless encountered a professional
and cordial welcome by my Greek
counterparts in the government and
specifically the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. Gradually, as the frequency of
meetings increased, so did their quality
and we are now talking more about
concrete ideas for enhancing the stalled
cooperation between our two countries.
Ever since my very first meetings in
Greece, I have been repeatedly relaying
the interest and concrete list of proposals
of the Republic of Macedonia for finally
going beyond the name issue as an
obstacle for defining and facilitating
our bilateral cooperation in all areas.
At my meetings I have been revisiting
the list of more than a dozen elaborate
Macedonian proposals for an enhanced
practical cooperation and this was
the main point of my several public
presentations and lectures at leading

Twenty years of diplomatic relations

Greek think-tanks. We are excited


to see that our Greek counterparts
have now taken this initiative with a
similar zest and a new opening in our
relations is at hand, something which
was confirmed at the several meetings
between the two ministers of foreign
affairs and the recent working visit of
Minister Kotzias to Skopje, the first
by a Greek foreign minister in eleven
years. Following their last meeting,
Ministers Poposki and Kotzias presented
the agreed, initially eleven, so-called
confidence building measures by which
the practical cooperation will be defined
and intensified in the forthcoming
period, along with a continuity of
frequent political consultations between
the two foreign ministries, gradually also
involving representatives of other relevant
ministries. Repeating my opening
sentence, I will conclude in the same
light: it is both an immense privilege and
a responsibility to be part of something
which we hope will lead to a breakthrough
in Greek Macedonian relations, for the
sake of both countries, the region and
beyond.

H.E. Mr. Haris Lalacos, Head of the Liaison Office of


the Hellenic Republic in Skopje

Foundations for Stronger Link Are Already There

he 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic


relations between our states is in itself an important
milestone. It becomes even more significant when it applies to
two neighboring countries, which share a common border. And
it gives rise to a sense of bafflement among casual observers,
when, after a twenty-year period, these relations are not full yet
and are still governed by an agreement which was meant to be of
a temporary nature.
What we celebrate this year is the twentieth anniversary of the
signing of the Interim Accord (New York, 13 September 1995).
Though by definition a provisional arrangement, it is still valid
by mutual consent and it still serves as the cornerstone of our
bilateral relationship. It has allowed for a significant degree of

16

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

macedonia in focus
normalcy in official contacts, it opened
the way for a substantial increase of
cooperation in certain areas - notably
trade, investment, travel - and, at the
same time, it serves as a reminder that
more unfinished work lies ahead.
While I am mindful of the complexity
of the overall bilateral relationship, it is
my conviction that there is ample room
for considerable improvement in our
relations in a number of areas, while we
are seeking a mutually acceptable solution
to the name issue. It is my firm belief that
the solution to the name issue is the key to
attaining the full potential of our mutual
goals, interests and complementarities.

Macedonian Young Diplomats

Good neighborly relations are essential


to promote peace, stability and prosperity
in our region. In this context, the
process of confidence building measures,
upon which we have jointly embarked,
will enable us to markedly improve
cooperation in various areas, to achieve
concrete results which have a value of
their own, as well as to create a climate
which will be conducive to tackling the
one big pending issue on the basis of a
mutually acceptable compromise.
One final word: Human contacts are
the essence of trans-border relations. In
our case, the numbers of our nationals
visiting each others country is the most

solid proof that the foundations for a


stronger link are already there. Despite
occasional discrepancies, the constant
increase in two-way travel is a recurrent
vote of confidence by our citizens for their
neighboring country and its people. With
this in mind, one can only be hopeful for
the future.
"This written contribution to the
Bulletin by no means implies acceptance
or recognition by Greece, in whatever
form or content, of a name other than
as referred to in the Security Council
Resolutions 817 and 845 of 1993 and the
Interim Accord of 1995."

Experience is Key to
Success in Diplomacy
Ana Dereban Blaeska is a young diplomat that has worked with utmost dedication on
Macedonias Presidency of the Central European initiative (CEI) in 2015. Upon earning
her Masters degree from the Department of International Relations at the Faculty of
International Economic and Politics in Sofia, Bulgaria, she joined the United Nations
volunteers as a translator. In parallel, she interned with the political section of the
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Skopje as part of the program targeting
young people with an ambition of building a career in an international environment. This
varied international experience contributed to a great extent to the successful start of her
diplomatic career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia.

I believe that as a young diplomat I


had the rare opportunity of gaining
valuable experience over a brief period
of time by working with three different
political directorates responsible for
the bilateral relations of the Republic
of Macedonia with all the countries in
the world: the Directorate for Bilateral
Relations with European Countries,
the Directorate for Bilateral Relations
with non-European Countries and the
Directorate for Bilateral Relations with
the Southeast European Countries and

Regional Initiatives. This beginning of


my professional career helped me become
knowledgeable about the countries of
various regions of the world and their
relations and cooperation with the
Republic of Macedonia.
What I am particularly proud of
is the trust that I was given when I
was made part of the team working
on Macedonias Chairmanship of the
South-East European Cooperation
Process in 2012-2013 and this years
CEI Presidency. Working on the
chairmanship of regional initiatives is
both a challenge and a privilege because
of the extraordinary opportunity of
acquiring priceless diplomatic experience
taking into consideration the tight
schedule of obligations living up to which
requires responsibility, flexibility and
an organized approach. The ongoing
Presidency of CEI is particularly

important to the Republic of Macedonia


because of CEIs missionregional
cooperation for the purpose of achieving
European integration, which is also one of
my countrys strategic goals. That original
approach to my work allowed me to learn
a great deal about the way international
organizations work, which I trust will
help me a lot build a successful career.
In my opinion, a key to success in a
diplomats career is experience. Bearing
this in mind, I keep trying to further
expand the work experience I have so far
gained with knowledge in diverse areas
of the diplomatic activity. I consider this
to be the best way for me to grow into a
professional diplomat that will represent
the Republic of Macedonia with dignity
and will defend its interests in the world
and in international organizations.
Ana Dereban Blaeska
No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

17

EXPERIENCE MACEDONIA

Skopje Old Bazaar


T

he Skopje Old Bazaar (its Macedonian


nameStara skopska arijaderiving
from the Turkish Eski ar, meaning
crossroads) is a blend of the Byzantine and
Ottoman eras and todays modernism and
is one of Macedonias largest old bazaars. It
stretches from the Stone Bridge, Bit Pazar
and the Kale to the river Serava.
Narrow cobblestone alleys, small shops,
tea houses, restaurants, museums, churches,
mosques and hammams (baths) are all
to be found in one place, on the left bank
of the Vardar. Despite undergoing some
reconstruction, the Bazaar still lives in the
spirit of tradition, hiding stories of bygone
times that have left marks at almost every
corner. With its exceptional beauty and
combination of cultures and traditions
easily recognizable in its complex of buildings, the Bazaar is
a synonym of distinction and originality in the Balkans and
beyond.
The first written records in which the existence of a trade
center at the location of todays Bazaar is mentioned date back to
the 12th century. During the Ottoman rule, the place was rapidly
transformed into Skopjes busiest quarter with over 30 mosques,
numerous palaces and inns and other Turkish landmarks. The
Bazaar was severely damaged in the earthquakes of 1555 and 1963,
the fire of 1689 and the two World Wars, and was reconstructed
several times. However, despite the sustained damage, it is still the
only monument of culture in Macedonia boasting simultaneously
the legacy of several cultures and civilizations that participated in
its creation.
By the 17th century Skopje developed into a significant
commercial hub in the European part of the Ottoman Empire and
became a magnet to merchants and travel writers who described in
their journals the look of its bazaar and the way business thrived
there. One of them was the renowned Ottoman travel writer, Evliya
elebi, who visited Skopje twice between 1660 and 1668. During
his first visit (1660-1661) he wrote:

18

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

It has 2,150 shops. There are squares and markets with arches
and domes. The most beautiful of all are the markets of the cotton
fabric makers, umbrella makers, slipper makers, dyers and weavers.
Those are large markets whose construction was well planned. The
streets are clean and covered in cobblestone. Every shop is adorned
with hyacinths, violets, roses, basils, lilacs and lilies in vases and
flowerpots. Their fragrance captivates customers and merchants. The
people are educated and very honorable. During the hot summer
spells, the entire bazaar resembles the Baghdad shadows because all
its markets have sloping shutters and arches like those in Sarajevo
and Halep.
The English doctor and travel writer Edward Brown, who
visited Skopje in 1669, was amazed by the Bazaars covered market
(Bezisten) with its lead roof. He wrote that it was surrounded
by streets paved with boards and lined with various craft shops
and that diverse products were exported from Skopje at the time,
including wool, wax, tobacco, fabric, silk, silver items and various
other decorations.
The reforms of the first half of the 19th century led to better
economic conditions for the Bazaars growth. Macedonians
professing Christianity from the nearby villages started moving

EXPERIENCE MACEDONIA
to the city which drove up the number of Macedonian artisans
and merchants, who also played the main role in the restoration
of the churches in and around the Bazaar, after Sultan Mehmed II
allowed Christians to build churches on the territory of the Empire.
For example, the Church of St. Dimitrija was renovated several
times in the 19th century, the last time in 1896, before it assumed
its present-day look. The local Jews, on the other hand, renovated
the Beth Yaakov Synagogue.
Many buildings were in the style of the authentic Macedonian
architecture yet there were also elements of eclecticism and the
Baroque. Serbian politician and historian Stojan Novakovi
described the Bazaar as a network of narrow and meandering
alleys full of merchant and craft shops. The streets are paved with
boards and the shops are covered with shutters. The bazaar is long
with a number of paved streets lying across.
In his travelogue of 1896, Victor Rerar wrote:
The large Asian markets like those in Bursa, Halep and Damascus
pale in comparison with the Skopje bazaar.
The buildings of the Museum of Macedonia and the Museum of
Contemporary Art exemplify the Bazaars modernist architecture,
while the way the Bazaar developed over the centuries and its
significance are showcased through the exhibits at the Old Bazaar
Museum at Suli An.
With the Skopje Old Bazaar Act that passed Macedonias
Parliament in 2008, the Bazaar was declared a cultural heritage
site under lasting protection of the state and 2010 saw the
beginning of the implementation of the 5-year revitalization
program. As a tourist attraction, the Bazaar abounds in buildings

Kurshumli An

of remarkable historical importance including Daut Pashin


Amam, which is an art gallery today, Kapan An, used in the past
by traveling merchants for spending the night in, ifte Amam,
which together with the Murat Pasha Mosque and Suli An,
constitutes the Islam Three, Bezisten, the commercial hub of the
past from where the development of the Bazaar commenced, the
unique Kurshumli An or otherwise known as the An of Musledin
Hoja, the once largest caravanserai which still captivates visitors
with its splendor, the Churches of the Holy Savior and St.
Dimitrija, and the Mustafa Pasha, Haji Balaban, Ishak Bey and
Sultan Murat Mosques.

An engraving of Skopje made by Dutch artist


Jakobus Haverin in 1594, shown in Nurnberg.

The Bazaar with the Kale in the background, 1920s.

Sultan Murat Mosque in 1919.

No. 100 2015 MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN

19

diplomacy and community

National Day of Albania Marked

n the occasion of the National Day, the Embassy of the Republic


of Albania hosted a reception at Aleksandar Palace Hotel in
Skopje on 26 November 2015.
Once the national anthems of Macedonia and Albania were played,
the Ambassador of Albania to Macedonia, Fatos Reka, welcomed the
numerous guests attending this event.
The reception was honored by the presence of the President of
the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, Deputy Prime
Minister Fatmir Besimi, Minister of Agriculture Mihail Cvetkov,
Minister of Internal Affairs Oliver Spasovski, Minister of Justice
Adnan Jashari, Minister of Education and Science Abdilaqim Ademi,
Minister of Local Self-Government Lirim Shabani, Minister of Environment Nurhan Izairi, Minister of Economy Bekim Neziri, etc.
Among the guests were also Members of the Macedonian Parliament, senior government officials, and representatives of the Foreign
Ministry, Diplomatic Corps, political parties, business community, art and culture, media, civil society, as well as friends and compatriots.

Macedonia at International Cultural Heritage Fair in Paris

rom 5 to 8 November, at Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, the


International Cultural Heritage Fair was held. The Republic of
Macedonia presented itself at this important fair, bringing together
professionals protecting the tangible and intangible cultural heritage
from around the world, for the first time. The Macedonian stand,
organized by the Cultural Heritage Protection Office, displayed
numerous publications, videos and other types of promotional
material on Macedonias rich culture, as well as the latest ten
publications on the cultural heritage of the Republic of Macedonia
that were only recently promoted to the Macedonian public. During
her working visit to the French Republic, Culture Minister Elizabeta
Kaneska-Milevska paid a visit to the Macedonian stand, too.

Over Hundred Films Shown at 14th Cinedays in Skopje

ith the premiere of the film Three Days in September


directed by Darjan Pejovski, the 14th edition of the Festival
of European Film, Cinedays, opened at the Millennium Cinema in
Skopje on 12 November.
Over a hundred films divided into several programsofficial
selection, CineBalkan, Gala Premieres, Music Dox, Country in
Focus, Homage to Pasolini, Short Films, and Migrationswere

screened and numerous workshops, concerts and panel discussions


were held within the framework of the festival that closed on 21
November.
The musical part of the festival featured the British Tech House
DJ Terry Francis, the legendary hip hop artist DJ Premier, and the
dystopian art-punk band Suuns and Jerusalem in My Heart from
Montreal. Workshops on various aspects of cinema were also held.

Simon Trpeski Shines on Stage at Barbican

imon Trpeski brings all his charisma to an evening-long


portrait of Frederic Chopin. With these words, London
media announced the extraordinary first evening-long recital of
Macedonias world-class piano virtuoso, Simon Trpeski, held
at Londons Barbican Centre on 25 November. After London,
Trpeski is to perform as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra
under the baton of renowned conductor Gianandrea Noseda.

20

MACEDONIAN DIPLOMATIC BULLETIN No. 100 2015

You might also like