Speeches, Remarks & Statements in 2009

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

Signing of Grant Agreement for Restoration of Daut Pasha Hamam
Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation 2009 Project

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Talking Points
Ambassador Philip Reeker

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 3:00 pm
Daut Pasha Hamam / National Gallery
Skopje

Minister Kancheska-Milevska, Director Krstevska, distinguished guests.  It is an honor for me to be here today to sign this Grant for the renovation of the Daut Pasha Hamam through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation. 

The Daut Pasha Hamam is an architectural treasure, a window into history and a powerful symbol of Macedonia’s rich multi-ethnic history.  These massive stones,  powerful walls and fantastic domes are all testament to the work of craftsmen generations ago.  Their work has stood the test of time.  We are greatly pleased to be able to assist in this project to ensure that these walls and domes will stand for generations more through assistance from the United States of America. 

It is only right that these halls serve as a home to the National Gallery and Macedonia’s artistic achievements and cultural history.  By working together to renovate this structure, we preserve a touchstone for remembrance of cultural expression from the past and a place for display of artistic expression for future generations. 

Since our Ambassadors’ Fund for Cultural Preservation began in 2001, the American Embassy in Skopje has supported:

Conservation of the “Stoa” Public Building in Vardarski Rid
Archeological excavation of the pre-Roman Forum in Stobi
Restoration of the Church of the Holy Savior (Sveti Spas) in Skopje
Preservation of the Megalithic observatory in Kokino
Restoration of the Hamam Baths in Tetovo
Conservation of old Slavic and Greek manuscripts dating to 12^th century

Altogether, these projects are worth more than $150,000.  Given the riches of culture and history in this land, we believe this is an excellent use of our resources.  Academics and tourists from around the world are drawn to historical sites.  Preserving them makes Macedonia a more attractive destination and further defines the country in the context of the development of western civilization.  In that way, cultural preservation projects help define Macedonia in the modern world while also shedding light on the country’s rich history.

Dear Minister, dear Director, in closing, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here today to commemorate the beginning of this wonderful project.  Our assistance to Macedonia spans many years and a variety of fields.  Every project provides further evidence of the great friendship between our two countries and our deep commitment to Macedonia.

I look forward to seeing the completed restoration – and working together on more projects to come.  Thank you.