Embassy News & Events

Archive 2009 [Articles Featured in the third part of 2009]

To get access to the complete list of previous articles featured between (june - september) 2009, please click on thIS link or see the link at the bottom of this page.

Ambassador Reeker thanks the Red Cross Volunteers who participated in the Global Day of Service. /(LP).  -Ambassador Reeker's speech. MTV1 coverage in Macedonian  ALSAT coverage in Albanian.

Remembering 9/11 by Giving Back to the Community

October 21, 2009

On October 21, the US Embassy partnered with the Skopje Red Cross to host a charitable event where donations of blood, food and funds were collected for the citizens of Macedonia. Several hundred people representing a diverse variety of the citizens of Macedonia came out to support the event. This initiative was the result of an idea from President Barack Obama who called on Embassies worldwide to sponsor a global day of service dedicated to the victims of the attacks on September 11. He believed that we would best honor those that were lost that day by bringing together people from different religions, ethnicities and races to focus on a common purpose. The Embassy would like to thank all of those who came out to support this effort and specifically recognize the Red Cross for their outstanding contribution to this successful event.

◊ To see Ambassador Reeker’s speech (WMV-size 6.27MB) at the event, please click here, to read the text, please click here.
◊ To see coverage from MTV1 in Macedonian (WMV-size 2.55MB), please click here.
◊ To see news coverage on Alsat-M TV in Albanian (WMV- size 3.33MB), please click here.

 

 

Ambassador Reeker receives the LOGEX briefing. (LP)

Ambassador Reeker tours LOGEX 09

October 20, 2009

On October 20, Ambassador Reeker joined the Macedonian Army Chief of Staff, General Miroslav Stojanovski, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Wiliam Brown, and other guests for a briefing and tour of the ongoing logistic military workshop of the Adriatic Group countries, LOGEX 09. The event took place at Straso Pindjur Military Barracks near Skopje. After the tour, Ambassador Reeker gave a statement to the media, in which he recognized the Macedonian Army for its contribution to NATO-led peacekeeping missions and emphasized that Macedonia is a loyal ally. He also underscored the continuing U.S. support for Macedonia’s membership in NATO.

◊ To read Ambassador Reeker’s remarks, please click here.

Kosovo-Macedonia Diplomatic Relations Significant Step for Regional Stability

October 18, 2009

The United States warmly welcomes the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kosovo and the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the successful completion of the demarcation of their shared border. We commend the leadership of both countries for their resolve in taking a significant step toward Euro-Atlantic integration by establishing good neighborly relations and enhancing regional stability. We also commend the International Civilian Office for its key mediation role in the completion of border demarcation, an important element of the Ahtisaari Plan.

Ambassador Philip T. Reeker

U.S. Embassy Welcomes Signing of Border Demarcation Agreement

October 16, 2009

The Embassy of the United States warmly welcomes the signing of a bilateral agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Kosovo completing the demarcation of the border between both countries. The leadership of both countries has shown significant resolve and taken a major step forward to ensure regional stability. We look forward to the rapid establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
 
This agreement, as well as the European Commission’s positive assessment of Macedonia of October 14, is a major step forward toward consolidating the country’s Euro-Atlantic future.  We wish to extend our thanks also to the International Civilian Office for its key mediation role in completing the border demarcation process.

Ambassador and Mrs. Reeker at the Painted Mosque in Tetovo with Ambassador and Mrs. Blinken and Director of the National Conservation Center, Behixhudin Shehapi. (LP)

Supporting Macedonia’s Rich Cultural Diversity and Heritage

October 16, 2009

Ambassador and Mrs. Reeker hosted Ambassador Donald Blinken and Mrs. Vera Blinken for a visit to the Painted Mosque in Tetovo to share Macedonia’s rich cultural heritage with their guests. Director of the National Conservation Center, Behixhudin Shehapi, provided a tour of the Painted Mosque as well as the Hamm An in Tetovo. The Hamm An was restored and converted to use as an art gallery with the assistance of a U.S. government grant from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Heritage in 2005. The U.S. Embassy has shown its commitment to preserving cultural heritage in Macedonia, recently announcing a grant to help restore the Daut Pasha Hamam in Skopje and will be releasing news shortly about a major project to restore a Byzantine-era church and its frescoes in Ohrid.

Please Join Us for a Day of Service: Community Blood and Food Drive

October 20, 2009

In remembrance of September 11, many U.S. Embassies all over the world are engaging in an inter-faith day of service during the months of September and October, bringing together people of all faiths and backgrounds, from within the Embassy communities and the general public, in service to the communities in which they live. Embassy Skopje's Day of Service, in cooperation with the Red Cross of the City of Skopje, will take the form of a blood drive and food drive.

From 11:00am on October 21, tents will be set up in our visitor parking lot for those who would like to donate blood. There will also be collection points for non-perishable food items and financial donations. The process of blood donation should take less than one-half hour from start to finish, including registration, a brief medical check/questionnaire from the medical staff of Red Cross, donation of blood, and snack and drink to follow.

We hope to see you there!!

◊ To view a video of Public Affairs Officer Ryan Rowlands on Rano Den discussing this event and other cooperation with Macedonian organizations, please click here.
◊ To view a video excerpt from the announcement for this event on ALAST TV (WMV file - size 3.39 MB), please click here.

Mrs. Solveig Reeker joined by Minister of Health State Secretary Zoran Stojanovski, Cultural Attache John Surface, Integrity Alpha Omega’s Igor Netkovski, Biba Dodeva of BORKA, Oncology Clinic Director Simonida Crvenkova and Integrity Alpha Omega’s Brian Richards at the unveiling of the plaque. (LP)

Go Pink! Walk Organizers Honored for Contribution to Oncology Clinic

October 13, 2009

The Oncology Ward unveiled a plaque thanking the organizers of the Go Pink! Walk for their donation to the Oncology Clinic. The donation went to the purchase of chemotherapy chairs and equipment for the clinic. Mrs. Solveig Reeker highlighted the Embassy’s participation in the Go Pink! Walk in coordination with the NGOs BORKA and Integrity Alfa Omega. Mrs. Reeker praised the coordination between government, medical and non-governmental institutions as a sign of success for health diplomacy and breast cancer awareness and the Embassy’s strategic partnership with Macedonia.

 

Ambassador Reeker discusses the policy initiative with OSCE High Commissioner  Knut Vollebaek, EU Ambassador Erwan Fouere and Prime Minster Nikola Gruevski. (LP)

Committing to a More Diverse and Inclusive Educational System and Society

October 8, 2009

Ambassador Reeker provided opening remarks at the OSCE and USAID Launch of the Policy Paper, “Steps Toward an Integrated Education System.” Ambassador Reeker stated that school is where our young develop their social values, that relations between communities in Macedonia are not a zero-sum game and that language differences must be respected. The Ambassador concluded his remarks with a challenge to all responsible parties to work together to find harmony and to build success for this generation of young students
◊ To read Ambassador Reeker’s remarks, please click here. 
◊ To see more photos from the event, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker address the large crowd attending the Booz Allen Hamilton 10th Anniversary celebration. (LP)

Investing in Macedonia: Booz Allen Hamilton's 10th Anniversary

October 8, 2009

Ambassador Reeker gave opening remarks at a reception held at the National Gallery on Thursday, October 8 in honor of Booz Allen Hamilton’s 10th Anniversary. Booz Allen Hamilton has invested in a wide variety of infrastructure and assistance projects in Macedonia since 1999, including the ongoing Macedonia Defense Reform Project and the Business Environment Activity project. The Ambassador stressed that the “U.S. has worked alongside the Republic of Macedonia through initiatives to implement the rule of law and to strengthen democratic institutions.” The Ambassador also thanked the Macedonian authorities, represented by President Gjorgji Ivanov and Ambassador Zoran Jolevski at the gala event, for their contributions to joint operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

◊ To read Ambassador Reeker’s remarks, please click here.

The Ambassador converses with Ambassador Zoran Jolevski and High Commissioner on National Minorities Knut Vollebaek. (LP)

Deepening our Strategic Partnership Through Cultural Preservation and the Arts

October 7, 2009

Ambassador and Mrs. Reeker hosted a reception at their home on Wednesday, October 7, to exhibit the paintings in their home as a part of the Arts In Embassies program. The State Department curates exhibitions at Ambassador residences across the world, managing 3500 original American art works, ranging from 18th century portraits to contemporary multi-media works. In his speech, Ambassador Reeker also highlighted U.S. contributions to culture in Macedonia in bringing American artists to perform at the Skopje Jazz Festival and the Struga Poetry Festival. The Ambassador emphasized the U.S. commitment to cultural preservation in Macedonia, noting recent grants to restore the Daut Pasha Hamam in Skopje and the Hamam Baths in Tetovo, and informing guests of a major cultural heritage project to be announced later this month.

◊ To read Ambassador Reeker’s remarks, please click here. 
◊ To see more photos from the event, please click here. 

Ambassador Reeker gives his remarks at the opening session of the VIZIJA 7 Microsoft’s Annual Conference. (LP) - mp3 - size 12.1MB MTV1 in Macedonian  (2MB) - MTV2 in Albanian (1.9MB) -

Promoting Technology in Macedonia

October 7, 2009

October 7-Ambassador Reeker joined executives from Microsoft at Vizija, where they addressed participants in the largest business-technology conference held in Macedonia. The conference focused on the latest technological trends and how they will impact businesses in the future. More than 600 participants attended from throughout the region including business and IT managers, applications development experts and Microsoft local partners.

◊ To hear Ambassador Reeker’s speech at the conference (audio mp3 file - size 12.1 MB), please click here.
◊ To read Ambassador Reeker’s remarks, please click here.
◊ View the local coverage of this event on [(MTV1 in Macedonian - video WMV file, size 2.06BM) & (MTV2 in Albanian - video WMV file, size 1.9MB)].

Ambassador  Philip T. Reeker / (LP) - RFE/RL video footage. ALSAT video footage (8.9MB) -

Ambassador Philip T. Reeker interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)

October 6, 2009

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty interviewed Ambassador Reeker to discuss political and policy issues. Regarding the name issue, Ambassador Reeker encourages Macedonia and Greece to sit down together and find a solution for the name dispute. ”We cannot do this for you. This has to be something that Greece and Macedonia resolve together,” emphasized Ambassador Reeker. The Ambassador highlighted the substantial American aid programs to Macedonia, indicating that the U.S. has invested in judicial reform and that Rule of Law is critical to economic development.

◊ To read the text of the interview, please click here.
◊ View the [Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) video footage] of the interview.
◊ View the ALSAT TV video footage – subtitled in Albanian (WMV file, size 8.9MB) of the interview.

Embassy Consular Officer Lauren May presents to the media the two official State Department Web sites for the 2011 Diversity Visa Program. / (LP). video - DV Lottery process.

Don't Be Taken in by Visa Scams
2011 Diversity Visa Lottery Program (DV-2011)

October 2, 2009

Consul Lauren May sat down with Alsat and Sitel to warn Macedonian citizens about scams regarding the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. Ms. May emphasized that the process is free and that no one should pay a fee to enter the lottery. She also discussed the education requirement for those who enter the lottery and explained the application process.

◊ To learn more about the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV), please click here.
◊ The official Diversity visa lottery page is: http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/. 
◊ To see Consul Lauren May explaining the Diversity Visa Lottery (DV) process, please check out our Embassy  video channel.

Education expert Ofelia Garcia meets Muhamet Bahce, Director of Yahya Kemal College. (LP)

Bi-lingual Education Expert Ofelia Garcia Visits Schools in Gostivar, Struga and Skopje

September 28 - October 2, 2009

Ofelia Garcia spent a week in Macedonia meeting students at schools with diverse populations. Her stops included Yehya Kemal College in Gostivar, Niko Nestor High School in Struga and Orce Nikolov High School in Skopje. She additionally met with education experts and public school officials to discuss multiculturalism in the United States and Macedonia and how schools work with students of different backgrounds and cultures. Dr. Garcia noted how important it is that all communities feel that they and their heritage are respected - and that mutual respect is the foundation for sharing the educational environment.

◊ To see more photos from the event please, click here. 

Mrs. Solveig Reeker receiving an award from Dana Stojkova for her contribution to the fight against breast cancer in Macedonia. / (LP).

AVON Conference for Breast Cancer Awareness

October 1, 2009

Mrs. Solveig Reeker gave opening remarks at the Second Annual AVON Breast Cancer Awareness Conference. Mrs. Reeker discussed the American commitment to fighting breast cancer, highlighting the work of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the first ever appointment of a State Department Ambassador-At-Large for Women's Issues, Melanne Verveer. Mrs. Reeker also praised the efforts of organizations engaged in the fight against breast cancer in Macedonia and the work of the conference's honored guests, Minister of Health Bujar Osmani, Biba Dodeva of BORKA, Vera Zlateva of the Women’s Organization of Sveti Nikole and Dana Stojkova of AVON.

◊ To read Mrs. Solveig Reeker’s remarks, please click here.
◊ To see more photos from the event please click here.

Statement of the United States Embassy Regarding the Issue of the MANU Encyclopedia

September 29, 2009

“The focus of American efforts in the Republic of Macedonia is to encourage and support the development of a successful, thriving member of the Euro-Atlantic community. The publication of MANU’s encyclopedia has spurred several reactions, including our own, to erroneous, insulting, or otherwise problematic passages. Macedonia is a multi-ethnic state, and as citizens, politicians and media here respond to the controversy stemming from the shortcomings of this publication we urge that they focus constructively on Macedonia’s long-term goals.”

Santhosh Daniel (GFI) gives a talk on film funding for independent productions at the American Corner Bitola. /(LP)

The Manaki Flim Festival: Bitola Once Again the Center of World Cinematography

September 26, 2009

The 30th Anniversary Manaki Brothers Film Festival opened in Bitola on Saturday, September 26th. The Festival brings together cinematographers and directors from around the world, focusing on achievements in cinematography. The US Embassy supported this year’s festival by bringing two American speakers – Linda Delibero of Johns Hopkins University and Santhoshi Daniel of the Global Film Initiative – to give presentations at the American Corner Bitola and at State University of Tetovo, thus enriching the festival program and the field of film education.

Chargé Thomas Navratil gives his remarks at the Closing Ceremony. /(LP)

Responding to threats from Weapons of Mass Destruction
Closing Ceremony: Weapons of Mass Destruction National Crisis Command Center Exercise

September 26, 2009

On September 26, Chargé d‘Affairs Tom Navratil attended the Closing Ceremony of the “Weapons of Mass Destruction National Crisis Command Center Exercise” conducted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense and Macedonia’s Crisis Management Center. This exercise is an example of the strategic partnership between the United States and the Republic of Macedonia and illustrates the continued U.S. support for the people of Macedonia. The goal of this program was to enhance Macedonia’s ability to deter, detect, investigate and respond to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Since 2001 the U.S. Government has donated over 900,000 dollars worth of equipment to participating Macedonian agencies. Representatives from many Macedonian Ministries participated in the conference held from September 22 through 26, 2009.

◊ To read Chargé d‘Affairs Tom Navratil remarks please, click here.

(L-R), Tetovo Library Director Fitore Rushiti, Vice Prime Minister Abdilaqim Ademi, House of Culture Director Haki Fazliu, APAO John Surface. / (LP)

Tetovo House of Culture Roof Reconstruction Ceremony

September 25, 2009

On Friday, September 25, APAO John Surface, attended the ceremony to mark completion of the reconstruction of the roof at the House of Culture in Tetovo. The project was funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia. The House of Culture plays host to public cultural events for all of the ethnic communities of the region and is also home to the Embassy’s American Corner. Mr. Haki Fazliu, the Director of the House of Culture, hosted the event which included a tour of the roof works and performances by Tetovo music school students.

Nadica Vckova and Urim Vejseli from the Crisis Management Center join Lt. Col. Matthew Haley from the U.S. Defe- nse Threat Reduction Agency(DTRA) at a press  conference to discuss the joint training./ (ГФ)

Making Macedonia and the World Safer

September 24, 2009

The United States teamed with the Macedonian Crisis Management Center for a joint training session for responding to threats from Weapons of Mass Destruction. The national exercise focused on the management of a major incident involving these weapons. Interagency coordination, information management and conducting criminal investigations were all parts of the workshop held September 22-26, 2009.

Amb.  Philip T. Reeker

Reflecting on 10 years of Kapital 
Ambassador Philip T. Reeker interview with KAPITAL

September 17, 2009

Ambassador Reeker sat down with Kapital Magazine to discuss the current situation in Macedonia and reflect on his time in the country. He spoke about the need to continue reforms aimed at Euro Atlantic integration and how this will improve the business climate for both domestic and international investors.

◊ To see the text of the interview, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker and Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska Milevska sign the grant agreement. / (LP) - MTV1 footage - size 4.24MB

Ambassador’s Fund Enables Restoration of Daut Pasha Hamam

September 16, 2009

On September 16, Ambassador Reeker and Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska Milevska signed a grant agreement for the restoration of historic Daut Pasha Hamam. The $54,500 grant is administered through the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), established by Congress in 2001 to assist developing countries in preserving their cultural heritage. This is the seventh year that Macedonia has been awarded funds through the AFCP, with the most recent project being the conservation of 12th-15th century Slavic and Greek manuscripts in the National Institute and Museum in Ohrid in 2008.

◊ To read a copy of Ambassador Reeker’s speech, please click here.
◊ To view local coverage (MTV 1 video footage- WMV file, size 4.24MB) of this event, please click here.
◊ To see more photos from the event please click here.

Ambassador Reeker and Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Vasko Naumovski sign the Memorandum of Understanding. (LP)  - MTV1 footage - size 4.56MB

Protecting a Valuable Investment

September 15, 2009

On September 15, Ambassador Philip Reeker joined Deputy Prime Minister Vasko Naumovski in signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will ensure that individuals who receive training sponsored by the United States government will remain in positions where their training can benefit the citizens of Macedonia. Both the Ambassador and the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that this will improve the civil service within Macedonia by preventing the removal of qualified trained individuals from important positions in the government, military, police, judiciary and education sector.

◊ To read a copy of Ambassador Reeker’s speech, please click here.
◊ To read a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding, please click here.
◊ To view local coverage (MTV 1 video footage- WMV file, size 4.56MB) of this event, please click here.
◊ To see more photos from the event please click here.

Ambassador Reeker takes questions from a reporter after meeting with the former mayoral candidates in Cair. / (LP)

Ambassador Reeker Visits the Municipalities of Cair and Saraj

September 10, 2009

On September 10, Ambassador Reeker met with the former mayoral candidates in Cair and Saraj to congratulate them for participating in fair and successful elections. The Ambassador also spoke with the current mayors, Izet Mexhiti of Cair and Blerim Bexhiti of Saraj, about various issues concerning their municipalities. These visits are part of Ambassador Reeker’s continuing tour of municipalities across Macedonia after the conclusion of local elections.

◊ To see more photos from his visit, please click here.

Remembering 9/11

Remembering 9/11
Obama Declares National Days of Remembrance

September 11, 2009 

In a Presidential proclamation, President Obama paid respect to the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001. They were daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, spouses and partners, family and friends, colleagues and strangers. They hailed from cities and towns across our Nation and world... Proclamation.  

 

  

Musicians Ari Roland (left) and Chris Byars (right) in Gostivar’s City Square. LP

Jazz Quartet Completes 3-City Tour of Macedonia

September 7-9, 2009 

For 3 days in September, the Ari Roland Quartet brought a uniquely American musical form to the cities of Kumanovo, Veles, and Gostivar. People of all ages turned out in considerable numbers, despite rain and cold, for an evening of jazz classics performed by bassist Ari Roland, pianist Sacha Perry, saxophonist Chris Byars, and drummer Keith Balla. The US Embassy was proud to sponsor these outstanding musicians and honored the group with a Cultural Diplomacy Award for their years of work as jazz ambassadors across the region.

◊ To see more photos from the event please click here.

Concert schedule

American Jazz Quartet to Perform Free Outdoor Concerts in Macedonia

September 3, 2009

The US Embassy is proud to sponsor a three-city tour of the Ari Roland Jazz Quartet. The first concert will be held in Kumanovo’s City Square on Monday, September 7 at 21:30. On Tuesday, September 8, the group will travel to Veles for a performance at the Youth Park amphitheater at 19:30. The final concert will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at 20:30 in Gostivar’s City Square. Based in New York City, the Quartet features Ari Roland on double bass, Chris Byars on tenor saxophone, Sacha Perry on piano, and Keith Balla on drums.

◊ To learn more about these free outdoor concerts in Macedonia, please click here.

Ambassador  Philip T. Reeker

Working Together for a Better Future
Op-Ed Piece for Education by U.S. Ambassador Philip T. Reeker

September 1, 2009

Ambassador Reeker:”The United States has been working with the people of Macedonia for over 15 years to support improvements in education. Through USAID, we are partnering with the Government of Macedonia to renovate over 120 schools to create quality and energy-efficient learning environments. We are training thousands of teachers from the pre-school through university level in new student-centered methodologies and use of computers in the classroom.”…full text.

ARCHIVE January - September 2009 • Access the complete list of previous articles featured in the first part of 2009 (June - September 2009). • Access the complete list of previous articles featured in the first part of 2009 (January – May 2009).