Cultural Attaché John Surface discusses the State Department sponsored Professional Development Year (PDY) for journalists with ALSAT M TV reporter. - WMV file size 5 MB

Journalists Encouraged to Apply for a Free Year of Study in the United States

February 8, 2010

In an interview with ALSAT, Educational Attache John Surface discussed the State Department sponsored Professional Development Year (PDY) for journalists to study for two semesters in the United States. Young and mid-career journalists from East and Central Europe have the opportunity to gain professional development in journalism and mass communication. The PDY program provides training in the techniques of U.S. journalism and opportunities to work with local media while giving journalists the chance to become directly familiar with the American way of life. All expenses for this program are covered for the participants.

◊ To view the interview, please click here (ALSAT M TV video footage, WMV – size 5 MB).

Ambassador Reeker emphasizes the need for independence and transparency in the judiciary. (LP).  - (MTV1 footage-size 3.95 MB)

Ambassador Reeker: “An independent judiciary is paramount to a democracy.”

February 3, 2010

In remarks at the Academy for Training of Judges and Prosecutors, Ambassador Reeker strongly highlighted the roles of Rule of Law and judicial independence as means to build public trust between the government and its citizenry. The Academy hosted Ambassador Reeker and representatives from the Microsoft Corporation on February 3 for the unveiling of a Microsoft-designed software system to aid in tracking court cases across Macedonia. The Ambassador indicated that the system is designed to aid transparency and help Macedonia meet European standards for application of the law. He also praised the initiative as an excellent example of international public-private partnership and highlighted the Academy’s vital role in strengthening Rule of Law through educating future generations of Macedonian judges and prosecutors.

◊ To read the Ambassador’s speech click here.
◊ To view local coverage (MTV1 video footage-WMV file, size 3.95MB) of this event, please click here.

Professional Development Year for the Study of Journalism/Mass Communication Program Announcement, 2010-2011

The United States Embassy in Macedonia is pleased to announce the 2010-2011 Professional Development Year Program (PDY) for the study of journalism and/or mass communication in the United States. The program enables young and mid-career journalists and media professionals who are citizens of the Republic of Macedonia to enhance their skills through study and practice at leading universities in the U.S. The awards are granted through an open competition, and applicants will be required to appear for an interview by a committee...more. | Application Form

Application deadline is February 15, 2010.

The U.S Embassy Economic Affairs Officer Darren Hultman giving the interview for Alsat M Television.  (LP) - WMV file - size 3.2 MB

Investing in Macedonia: The Embassy’s Deep Engagement with Interested U.S. Companies

January 30, 2010

Economic Counselor Darren Hultman met with ALSAT journalists to discuss business inquiries and foreign investment in the Macedonian economy. He highlighted Embassy engagement with American business investors and through the American Chamber of Commerce, noting that the decision to invest is based on actual conditions in regard to tender procedures, transparency in the judiciary and respect for rule of law.

◊ To read the text of the interview, please click here.
◊ To see a short video story from ALSAT TV (WMV file - size 3.2 MB) about the foreign investments in Macedonian, please click here.

Sec. of State Hillary Clinton

Future of European Security
Clinton Signals Unwavering U.S. Commitment to European Security

January 29, 2010

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton outlined a set of principles that guide U.S. foreign and security policies with Europe, and also signaled the “unwavering commitment” of the United States to European security in a speech January 29 in Paris. Speaking at France’s École Militaire, Clinton emphasized that the Vienna-based Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO, the two largest and most comprehensive security organizations in Europe, are well-suited to deal with the 21st-century security environment and should be the venues for future discussions. ...Full Text» | Fact Sheet» | Video».

USAID Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, Roberta Mahoney tours the renovated primary school “Kiril Pejcionvic” in Kisela Voda. (LP)

USAID European Administrator: Rebuilding Schools to Build Better Futures for Schoolkids

January 28, 2010

On Thursday, January 28th 2010, the USAID Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, Roberta Mahoney visited “Kiril Pejcionvic” primary school in Kisela Voda to see the renovation project currently being implemented in the school. Mrs. Mahoney was greeted by the Mayor of Kisela Voda Mr. Marjan Gjorcev and the director of the primary school Mrs. Lence Maneva. USAID Primary Education Project (PEP) is working with the municipality to replace 30 old wooden windows at the school with new aluminum energy efficient windows. By 2011, USAID will have renovated over 120 schools, nearly one-third of the primary schools in Macedonia, to create a better learning environment for the children of Macedonia.

Ambassador Reeker joins the award recip- ients on stage at the MIM Awards.  (LP)

Ambassador Reeker Highlights the Importance of an Independent and Objective Press

January 27, 2010

Before an audience of journalists, NGO representatives and members of the international community, Ambassador Reeker commended this year’s recipients of the Annual Civil Society Media Award at a ceremony held at the Museum of Skopje on January 27. The Ambassador stressed the critical role of an independent media as well as the need for a vibrant civil society to maintaining a free and democratic society. These awards are made possible through a partnership between the Macedonian Institute for Media and the USAID Civil Society Strengthening Project.

◊ To read the Ambassador’s speech click here.

 

President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 27, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) (AP Images) |

2010 State of the Union Address
Putting Washington at the Service of the Middle Class

January 27, 2010

In his State of the Union Address tonight, the President laid out an agenda attempting to attack one problem from every conceivable angle: the terrible squeeze felt by America’s middle class. Fundamentally, that means prying government away from special interests and dedicating it to measures that put Americans to work and lay the foundation for a stronger economy for our country – lowering health care and tuition costs, spurring creation of the next generation of clean energy jobs. It also means putting a cop on the beat on Wall Street, so major banks can no longer take advantage of families and taxpayers. "Putting Washington at the Service of the Middle Class" this was the vision that shaped the President's address, but this is not just a matter of rhetoric. The President made clear that there is tremendously busy agenda ahead for his second year.

◊ To watch the President's address, click here | to read the transcript of his remarks, click here.

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