Embassy News & Events

Arhive 2007   [Articles Featured in the last third of 2007]


To get access to the complete list of previous articles featured between (January/September) 2007, please click on the links at the bottom of this page.

Our gratitude goes to the staff of the ART in Embassies Program and to all the artists and others who generously made possible the loan of artwork. [The ART in Embassies Program (pdf. 1.51MB)]

The children proudly displaying their Santa Clauses and Snowmen. (large photo)

Children Storytelling Hour

December 22nd and 26th

American Corner Bitola hosted two sessions of Children Storytelling Hour this month. On December 22nd 11 children visited the Corner and enjoyed hearing four stories read to them in English by Tara Trepanier, Peace Corps volunteer. The stories all focused on the winter and holiday season which lead into a short discussion with the children about holiday traditions. A craft time was included where the children then had the opportunity to make their own Santa Clauses and Snowmen …more.

President Bush joins Sara Evans in singing ‘We wish you a Marry Christmas” on stage at the Ellipse during the festivities surround the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. December 6, 2007 (White House photo by Shealah Craighead more photos).

Presidential Message: Christmas 2007

December 21, 2007

President George W. Bush:…”At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ's message of love and mercy, and we are reminded of our responsibility to serve. America is blessed to have fine citizens who reach out with a compassionate hand to help brothers and sisters in need. We also remember our brave men and women in uniform who have volunteered to defend us in distant lands. Many of those who have answered the call of duty will spend Christmas far from home and separated from family. We honor their sacrifice, ask God to watch over them and their families, and pray for their safe return.”…more.

DCM/Thomas Navratil (right) & Mayor of Kocani Ljubomir Janev dispose a plastic waste. (large photo)

USAID and the Municipality of Kocani initiate a successful plastic recycling program

December 19, 2007

Press Release:..”USAID has allocated $30,000 to the Municipality for the construction of “ecological islands” where residents can dispose of plastic waste. The program also includes a comprehensive public awareness campaign to educate youth on the importance of plastic recycling. “This project not only helps local governments to take care of the natural environment, it also propels the establishment of recycling as a viable business in Macedonia,” said the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Tom Navratil at the MOU ceremony…more.

Awards ceremony presentation of medals to members of Iraqi Freedom (laqrge photo)

Awards ceremony presentation of medals to members of Iraqi Freedom

December 14, 2007 at 1435, Army House

Ambassador Milovanovic:…”The United States greatly values Macedonia as an ally in the coalition. Your troops have served with ours since the early days of reconstruction in Iraq. Every day, Macedonian troops perform with valor and professionalism in this vital mission. There can be no doubt: Your partnership with us underscores Macedonia’s successful transition to being an “exporter of security.”…more.

Ambassador Milovanovic swears-in the 42 new Peace Corps Volunteers in Veles (large photo)

Twelfth Group of Peace Corps Volunteers Begin Service in Macedonia

December 14, 2007, VELES, Macedonia

The twelfth group of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers in Macedonia has completed its pre-service training. After being sworn in by U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic in a ceremony attended by government and other dignitaries, the Volunteers officially began their two-year service assignments which will take place in thirty-four communities throughout the Republic of Macedonia…more.

Amb. Milovanovic & PAO Ryan Rowlands presents framed winning cards to Icko Petreski/Principal of the Art High School Lazar Licenoski  (large photo)

Ambassador Milovanovic Address at Holiday Greeting Card Contest

December 13, 2007 (Art High School Lazar Licenoski)

Ambassador Milovanovic:…” It was not easy to choose the winners because there were so many attractive possibilities. Your work was reviewed by an Embassy committee and then I looked at all 80 entries myself. Originally we intended to choose only six cards. But in the end there will be eight winners because we simply could not choose among the eight finalists which two to eliminate. Every winner will receive a digital camera as their prize.”…more.

President George W. Bush (White House Photo by Eric Draper)

Presidential Message on Eid al-Adha

I send holiday greetings to all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha.

During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world reflect on Abraham's unwavering faith and his trust in God when asked to sacrifice his son. These four days are a time for Muslims to honor Abraham's obedience by celebrating with family and friends and showing gratitude for the many blessings bestowed by God. This holiday also helps ensure the important values of compassion and devotion are passed on to future generations...more.

The Winners of the contest. From left to right: Olja Stojkovska, Aleksandra Kostovska and Nina Janeva. (large photo)

Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the Second National English Language Essay Contest

December 10, 2007 (Organized by Peace Corps, ELTAM and American Corner Skopje)

The certificate Awarding Ceremony for the winners of the Second National English Language Essay Contest was held at the American Corner Skopje. Prizes for the winners included books from the US Embassy, ELTAM and the American Corner Skopje as well as a weekend for two at three hotels in Struga and Ohrid...more.

American Literature on Film (program logo)

American Literature on Film program

December 6-15, 2007

The U.S. Embassy, in collaboration with Macedonian Cinemtheque, is pleased to announce the film series “American Literature on Film.” The opening of the program will take place at the Macedonian Cinematheque in Skopje on Thursday, December 6, at 19: 00 with screening of the film Glass Menagerie, directed by Irving Pepper, based on the play by Tennessee Williams. Screenings of the series will also take place in Tetovo in the cultural center Loja, starting on Saturday, December 8 at 19:00, and in Prilep in the House of Culture starting on Saturday, December 8 at 19:00.

Gallery feature HIV/AIDS-related artwork from Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Uganda. (Photo Gallery)

World AIDS Day

December 1, 2007

The U.S. Government theme for World AIDS Day this year is "The Power of Partnerships" to highlight the successes and future promise of partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Working together through the power of partnerships, the American people and the people of the world can and will achieve much more in the fight against HIV/AIDS...more.

Related Items: Discuss With Ambassador Dybul | In Focus: HIV/AIDS

 

Ambassador Milovanovic & Macedonian Minister of Interior Gordana Jankulovska at the donation ceremony. (large photo)

U.S. Government Donates Equipment to the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Macedonia

November 29, 2007

Press Release: ..”The donation, valued at nearly $264,000, is the fruit of professional cooperation involving these U.S. agencies and the Macedonian Ministry of Interior. Donated items include computers, digital cameras, items for evidence collection and explosives detection. This donation is a follow-up to $300,000 in training and equipment donated to the Government of Macedonia in January of this year.”…more.

Ambassador Milovanovic addresses  the celebration of the successful renovation of Nikola Karev school in Krusevo (large photo)

USAID and other donors celebrate the renovation of the Nikola Karev school and pay tribute to its legendary student – Tose Proeski

November 28, 2007

Press Release:...”The American people, through a joint collaboration between the USAID Primary Education project (PEP), the Government of Macedonia, the Municipality of Krusevo, Peace Corps and other donors, celebrated the successful renovation of the Nikola Karev school in Krusevo. This project – which included the installation of new energy efficient aluminum windows and renovation of the school façade – marks the end of the first phase of renovations by the PEP project.”…more.

Amb. Victoria Nuland

Featured WebChat
Wednesday, 5 December 2007 9:30 a.m. EST (1430 GMT)

Topic: Ambassador Victoria Nuland Discusses Security Issues on the Eve of the NATO Ministerial

Transcript: In advance of the arrival of Secretary Rice and other Alliance Foreign Ministers for NATO meetings, Ambassador Nuland responded to questions from webchat participants in the U.S. and Europe on NATO member contributions to operations, burden sharing, the NATO Response Force, missile defense, Kosovo, the progress of Albania and Macedonia in their aspirations for NATO membership, and the benefits of partnership and membership for Serbia and other countries...more.

Myra Brown/IRO Speaker held presentation “U.S. Presidential Elections” at the AC Bitola  (large photo)

U.S. Presidential Elections presentation at American Corner Bitola

November 27, 2007

On November 27th, 2007 the guest speaker Myra Michele Brown, Information Resource Officer for Mediterranean Europe based at US Embassy Rome held the presentation “U.S. Presidential Elections” at the American Corner Bitola. Ms. Brown presented to an audience of 25 people an overview of the significance of the US presidential elections, the current running candidates and important election factors...more.

Fulbright Scholar Program 2008-09
The Embassy of the United States of America in Skopje is pleased to extend the deadline for submitting the application forms for the Fulbright Scholarship Program for study in the United States for the academic year 2008-09. Deadline: November 19, 2007.

DCM/Thomas Navratil & Mayor of Karpos Andrej Petrov at the signing ceremony (large photo)

100,000 US dollars allocated to recycle plastic waste in the Municipality of Karpos

November 15, 2007

Press Relaese:..“Preservation of Macedonia’s environment is an important part of U.S. Government assistance in Macedonia. This project is a perfect example of how the Government, the private sector and the local community can come together to protect the environment and to educate future generations on the importance of recycling,” said the Deputy Chief of U.S. Mission in Macedonia Thomas Navratil...more.

Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (large photo)

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Christopher Hill visits Macedonia

Interviews with Dnevnik daily & VOA Macedonian service
Published on November 15, 2007

Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs:…”I think Macedonia has come through some very difficult times through its short history,...in the late 90’s there were some difficult times; obviously in 2001 the violence that led up to the Ohrid Agreement,... But right now, with this possibility of NATO membership out there, I just feel it’s now not only a difficult time – with such things there are always difficult times – but it’s also a very important and very historical time.”… Dnevnik Daily | VOA Macedonian Service.

Mayor of Neraste Rami Qerimi, the Director of the “Ismail Qemali” primary school Hazir Mustafai and US Embassy representative Peter Neisuler (large photo)

U.S. assistance provides warm classrooms to the students of the “Ismail Qemali” primary school in Neraste

November 14, 2007

Press Release:...“The children are our future, and they deserve to have a good learning environment,” said the Mayor of Tearce Rami Qerimi at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 14, 2007. “Last winter, these students suffered through cold temperatures, smoky air and wood dust. The new central heating system will change the way they feel about their school and improve their performance,” said Qerimi…more.

Amb. Victoria Nuland, (large photo)

Amb. Victoria Nulandat the Press Conf. with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski (large photo)

U.S. Delegation visits Macedonia for consultations on NATO Issues(Press Release)

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland Statement Q&A

November 8, 2007 (Joint Press Availability with PM Gruevski)   

Victoria Nuland, US Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council:..." Macedonia has played a crucial role in the region, particularly in mentoring your neighbor Kosovo, and in promoting positive democratic change in this part of the world. Good neighborly relations are an essential element for NATO membership and in that regard I was very pleased to hear the Prime Minister’s commitment to the Nimetz UN-sponsored process and settling outstanding issues with neighbor Greece."...more.

Related Items: Ambassador Victoria Nuland to give presentation about “year of Balkan opportunity”.

Amb. Victoria Nuland

U.S. Delegation visits Macedonia for consultations on NATO Issues
Interagency Group Will Review Progress on Membership Action Plan

November 7, 2007

Press Release: An interagency U.S. Government delegation headed by Ambassador Victoria Nuland, the Permanent Representative of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), will visit Macedonia on November 8 for consultations with senior government officials and political party representatives. Discussions will focus on Macedonia's progress in meeting the standards outlined in its NATO Membership Action Plan, and on other topics of bilateral significance...more.

Related Items: Ambassador Victoria Nuland to give presentation about “year of Balkan opportunity”.

 

DCM/Thomas Navratil with the Students of the “Goce Delchev” primary school,Vasilevo (large photo)

U.S. assistance helps the Vasilevo municipality to install new central heating system at the “Goce Delchev” primary school

November 1, 2007

Press Release:...“Although we are a small municipality, our children are achieving big results! Each and every one of our children deserves a good learning environment. Installation of this heating system means a lot to our municipality as we try to maintain and upgrade the school. But it means even more to these and future generations of students. They will be able to receive good basic education as a foundation for the future, for achieving their dreams.”...more.

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Halloween Children’s Party at the American Corner Skopje (large photo)

Halloween Children’s Party
American Corner Skopje In observance of Halloween

October 31, 2007

In observance of Halloween, the American Corner organized a children’s Halloween party. Thirty-three children were present, each wearing a costume. Scary stories were read in darkness by the light of a flashlight. Other activities included Halloween bingo, customize your own pumpkin and adopt-a-ghost…more.

Related Items: U.S. Children, Adults Celebrate Halloween.

Ambassador Milovanovic (large photo)

U.S. Perspectives on Business and Investment in Macedonia
Remarks by Ambassador Milovanovic at the opening of the 2nd Macedonia Business & Investment Summit

October 24, 2007

Ambassador Milovanovic: …”Over the past few years, Macedonia has built an admirable record of macro-economic stability and fiscal responsibility. Macedonia is also actively working to become more regionally integrated, through its membership in CEFTA and cooperation with the European Union. In addition, this government has continued the work of its predecessor in enacting a number of important economic reforms.”…more.

 

Students of the “7 Marsi” primary school in Celopek, Brvenica (large photo)

USAID joins the community of Brvenica in renovating the “7 Marsi” primary school

October 25, 2007

Press Release:...”USAID PEP contributed $35,000 to replace 51 old wooden frames with new energy efficient aluminum windows. Before, the school was losing a quarter of its heat during the winter, thus placing additional burden on the municipal budget. These savings can now be invested back into education.”...more.

Tose Proeski at USAID Education benefit concert (large photo)

Statement of US Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic on the death of Tose Proeski

October 16, 2007

US Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic:.."It is with immense shock and sadness that I learned today of the death of Tose Proeski. My family and I, and the entire US Embassy extend our deepest condolences to Tose’s family, his band and manager, his friends and the Macedonian people. You are all in our thoughts and our prayers. Tose touched countless lives in his time with us. He was an outstanding example of how much good one person can accomplish. His music and the joy it gave to millions, and the broader inspiration he provided, particularly to young people, live on as a lasting legacy. ...more. 

Ambassador Milovanovic and Macedonian Minister of Culture Xhemaili at the Opening of the Hammam in Tetovo (large photo)

Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation
Remarks by Ambassador Milovanovic at the Opening of the Hammam Tetovo, Macedonia

October 15, 2007

H. E. Gillian Milovanovic:…”Macedonia has such a rich history, such a rich and varied culture. Since 2001, when the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation began, the people of the United States have helped to conserve and restore Stoa, the archeological excavation of Stobi, the Church of the Holy Savior (Sveti Spas) in Skopje, the Megalithic observatory Kokino, and now the Hammam here in Tetovo. “…more.

DA/S Rosemary DiCarlo  at the Press Conf. with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, (large photo)

Rosemary DiCarlo, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European & Eurasian Affairs, Visits Macedonia

October 9-10, 2007

US Deputy Assistant Rosemary DiCarlo:.."I am very pleased to be back in Macedonia. I had an excellent meeting with the Prime Minister and earlier today with the President, and as the Prime Minister has indicated we discussed a number of issues of mutual concern."...more.
 

Ambassador Milovanovic at the Interview with Robert Popovski from X/O political talks show on Kanal 5 TV (large photo)

Ambassador Milovanovic Interview with X/O political talks show on Kanal 5 TV

October 8, 2007

Ambassador Milovanovic:…” I think attracting investors is a medium-term process, you have to continue to build the reforms, build the proof that things are working, and continue to get people to come here to have a look and maybe they’ll invest. I think that the information, both the Transparency International thing and the World Bank are good. I might add that 4th place is actually fourth most improved, it’s not 4th best country, it’s fourth most improved.”…more.

Ambassador Milovanovic and Minister of Education Rushiti at the stage with Tose Proeski  (large photo)

Tose Proeski and USAID Sing for Macedonian Schools

October 5, 2007

PRESS RELEASE: A benefit concert by Tose Proeski, organized together with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is expected to generate approximately $150,000 in support of educational programs in Macedonia. All the proceeds from the concert will be used to pay for building renovations, new equipment, and educational materials for Macedonian schools. USAID is part of the U.S. Mission in Macedonia…more.

Amb. Milovanovic with P/M Gruevski at the Closeout Ceremony marking the successful end of the Macedonia Connects project. (large photo)

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) brings to an end the project that made Macedonia the first wireless country in the world

October 3, 2007

PRESS RELEASE: ..."Over the past three years, USAID’s Macedonia Connects project (MK Connects) brought free broadband internet to nearly 550 schools throughout the country, made internet affordable to local businesses and individuals, and increased the number of internet users nationwide. “Macedonia Connects has revolutionized life in Macedonia by helping it to become the first wireless country in the world, and by creating competition that has drastically reduced the price of internet access,” said U.S. Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic. ."...more.

ARCHIVE June - September 2007 • Access the complete list of previous articles featured in the second part of 2007 (June - Septemebr).

ARCHIVE January - May 2007 • Access the complete list of previous articles featured in the first part of 2007 (January – May).