Embassy News & Events

Ambassador Reeker Speaks at the Round Table Event. (LP)

“The Future of Macedonia through the Prism of its Friends”
Round Table Event Hosted by Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski

Remarks by Ambassador Philip T. Reeker
April 21, 2009

Ambassador Reeker:” We pledged to work together to create opportunities and meet difficult challenges.  As President Obama said recently in Istanbul, “we have shared interests and shared values, and we can have a partnership that serves our common hopes and common dreams.”  As the President’s representative in the Republic of Macedonia I believe this is a timely forum in which to use President Obama’s own statements as the prism thru which to discuss Macedonia’s future.  It is our hope, of course, that these thoughts, in the spirit of friendship and shared values, can foster discussion and reflection well beyond today.”…full text.

Ambassador Reeker and Macedonian officials watch a K-9 demonstration./(LP) -WMV file - size 1.06 MB. Photo Credit: Zoran Jovanovski.

Cooperation to Strengthen Macedonia’s Interdiction Capacity

April 15, 2009

Ambassador Reeker joined the Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior to open a renovated dog training facility, the culmination of a two-year project that required unprecedented cooperation between the Embassy and two Macedonian ministries. In his remarks he highlighted how military and law enforcement officials from the Embassy worked seamlessly with their Macedonian counterparts to modernize a facility that would train canines to intercept drugs and weapons.

◊ To watch TV news coverage of this event (WMV file - size 1.06MB), please click here.
◊ To read his speech, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker speaks to reporters at the NATO Forum. - (WMV file -  size 2.64 MB).

Commemorating 60 Years of NATO         

April 8, 2009

Days after the country completed successful Presidential and local elections, Ambassador Reeker spoke at a forum where the NATO summit was discussed. 

◊ To view the text of his speech, please click here.

◊ To see SITEL TV news footage (WMV/size 2.64 MB), please click here.

Macedonian Presidential and Municipal Elections
Statement by Robert A. Wood, Acting Department Spokesman

April 8, 2009

The United States congratulates President-elect Gjorge Ivanov. The United States looks forward to working with President-elect Ivanov and his team on the critical issues ahead for Macedonia and the region. We also congratulate the Republic of Macedonia for conducting peaceful and democratic presidential and nationwide municipal elections, which concluded April 5.

Ambassador Reeker and President-elect Ivanov speak to the press after their meeting. (LP)/ - WMV/1.25MB

Statement of the US Embassy on the Macedonian Presidential and Local Elections

April 7, 2009

The United States congratulates the people of Macedonia on the April 5 second round of nationwide Presidential and local elections. The citizens of Macedonia, along with the Macedonian authorities, deserve praise for carrying out these elections successfully. We congratulate President-elect Gjorge Ivanov and look forward to working with him to help Macedonia achieve full Euro-Atlantic integration as soon as possible. We also congratulate his opponent, Mr. Frckoski, for running a very spirited campaign and for his gracious concession remarks. Click here for full text.
   
◊ To see A1 TV news footage (WMV/size 1.25 MB), please click here.

President Obama with the leaders of the new NATO member-states. (LP)

Remarks by President Obama at meeting of North Atlantic Council

April 4, 2009, Strasbourg, France

PRESIDENT OBAMA:"I want to address my remarks directly to the delegation from Albania and Croatia and their leadership: Welcome to NATO. We are very excited about your participation. The Atlantic Alliance is 60 years old and it's a measure of our vitality that we are still welcoming new members. . . .I'd also like to note that as we welcome Albania and Croatia to NATO, this will not be the last time that we have such a celebration, and I look forward to the day when we can welcome Macedonia to the Alliance. The door to membership will remain open for other countries that meet NATO's standards and can make a meaningful contribution to allied security." Click here for full text.

Ambassador Reeker discusses the forth- coming second round of the presidential and local elections with ALSAT reporter.  (LP) / - (WMV-size 6.06 MB)

Ambassador Reeker Cautions against Intimidation

April 2, 2009

In an interview with Alsat television where he discussed the second round of the presidential and local elections,  Ambassador Philip Reeker voiced concern about reports of pressure and intimidation of voters. 

◊  To see a transcript of the interview, please click here.

◊  Link to Alsat TV website: Macedonian | Albanian.

◊  To see excerpts of the interview (Alsat video footage/WMV file - size 6.06 MB), please click here.

Ambassador Reeker joined by EU Ambassa- dor Fouéré and OSCE Ambassador Herrero discuss current issues. / (LP)  - A1 footage, WMV -size 5.65MB

Addressing the Challenges of the Second Round              

March 30, 2009

A1 television interviewed Ambassador Reeker,  Ambassador Herrero from OSCE and Ambassador Fouéré of the EU about recent events in the country and necessary improvements to the voting process.  The three spoke candidly about the importance of addressing the bloated voter rolls and eliminating family and group voting. 

◊ To see excerpts of the interview (A1 footage/WMV file - size 5.65 MB), please click here. 

The meeting in Ohrid. / (Credit A1 TV)

Promoting Fair Play for the Second Round

March 30, 2009

On March 30, Ambassador Reeker met with the mayoral candidates from Struga and Ohrid as they prepare for the second round of elections. He congratulated them on advancing to the second round and encouraged them to run honorable campaigns. To read more about this meeting, please click here.

Rogge simulates Lake Ohrid in the classroom. Watch out for run-off from the spray-bottle rain!

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Visits Macedonia for “Blue Waters” Program

March 22-27, 2009

As part of the U.S. Embassy’s Speakers without Borders Program, and in cooperation with the NGO OXO, Mr. Jeff Rogge from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in Annapolis, MD, held several workshops with primary school kids in Veles, Ohrid, and Struga, as well as lectures at the Faculty of Pedagogy “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Skopje and at the American Corner in Bitola. In the interactive sessions, Rogge brought the CBF’s “learn by doing” philiosophy of environmental education to Macedonia. Rogge also appeared on ALSAT TV’s Pet Plus, to see a clip, click here.

Ambassador  Philip T. Reeker

Statement of Ambassador Reeker following the OSCE/ODIHR Press Event on Election Monitoring of the First Round

March 23, 2009

Ambassador Reeker: "The United States is very pleased to see that the elections went well in Macedonia yesterday in the first round of these very important presidential and local elections. We would agree with the assessment that we heard from the OSCE and the other observer organizations that these elections were good overall. We found that the conduct of the campaign was done in a positive atmosphere and certainly many of the problems that were observed last June have been overcome."...full text.

 

U.S. Congratulates Macedonia on March 22 Elections
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing

March 23, 2009 | Briefer: Robert A. Wood, Acting Spokesman

Acting Spokesman Wood: "The United States congratulates Macedonia and its citizens on the March 22 first round of nationwide presidential and local elections, which generally went smoothly and without violence. The people of Macedonia deserve credit for coming out to vote in large numbers despite heavy snowfall. The OSCE’s ODIHR preliminary assessment is that the elections met OSCE and Council of Europe commitments and standards for democratic elections."...more.

Ambassador  Philip T. Reeker

A Time to Shine

By Ambassador Philip T. Reeker

March 20, 2009

As the Republic of Macedonia prepares for its upcoming elections, I encourage every citizen to exercise his or her democratic right to help choose the future course of your country.  This is a right that is yours alone and you should be able to cast your vote free of fear, intimidation and violence.  We expect your government to take the necessary steps to make sure these elections are free and fair.  Your participation on election day is an equally integral part of successful elections... more.

Ambassador Reeker talks to Kanal 77 reporter. / (LP)

Discussing Elections before the Media Blackout

In an interview with Kanal 77 Radio, Ambassador Reeker reiterated the messages he delivered at his meetings with candidates, party leaders and citizens about the importance of the upcoming elections. He also spoke about the name issue and the assistance that the United States provides to Macedonia through USAID. The Ambassador also answered questions related to his past career as a spokesperson. To see a transcript of the interview, please click here.

News footage from A1 Television (LP) WMV file -  size 6.7 MB

Vermont and Macedonia Strengthen Their Partnership

General Michael Dubie of the Vermont National Guard led a delegation of civilian and military officials on a one-week visit to Macedonia. Members of the delegation worked with medical doctors, disaster response teams, park management officials and lawmaking groups among others to exchange ideas and share lessons learned. As a part of the visit, General Dubie also met with President Crvenkovski and members of the Macedonian military.

◊ To see A1 TV news footage (WMV file  - size 6.7MB) about the delegation’s visit, please click here.

Colonel Christopher Benya speaks about his life in the U.S. military

Colonel Christopher Benya Speaks at American Corner Skopje about Life in the U.S. Military

March 19, 2009

In a wide-ranging talk that covered, among other topics, his own personal history in the military, the role of Army chaplains, the ways that the U.S. military trains officers, and how green card holders can join the military, Colonel Christopher Benya gave an insider’s view of his life as an American Army officer. The audience asked many questions after the informal presentation, and Col. Benya gave each participant a lapel pin featuring the American and Macedonian flags. To see upcoming events at American Corner Skopje, please click here.

Major Todd Goff, a member of the Vermont National Guard delegation, discusses national parks and cultural preservation at American Corner Tetovo. (LP)

Running a National Park in Vermont

Park management officials, members of the Vermont National Guard delegation, who visited Macedonia last week, worked with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office to reach out to the Macedonian Ministry of Environment, the National Museum of Macedonia, the Center for Cultural Preservation, the Public Enterprise for Green Parks in Tetovo, the Tetovo Art Gallery, the Natural Science Museum in Struga, and the Pelister National Park, to discuss national parks and cultural preservation. The American Corners in Skopje, Tetovo and Bitola hosted the Vermont delegation for presentations dedicated to National Parks in Vermont called “Running a National Park in Vermont.” The strategies and challenges of establishing and successfully running a park, together with the stunning pictures of Vermont’s picturesque scenery and historic sites, were presented by the Vermont guests John Dumville and Larry T. Simino. On the question how parks in Vermont are funded, the audiences were surprised to hear that only 5% comes from state funding.

Ambassador Reeker comments on the soccer event.  - size 4.9 MB

March 15, 2009

Ambassador Reeker attended a soccer match arranged between the three leading ethnic Albanian parties. He and many others cheered the teams on as they competed on a beautiful spring day. In comments to the media at the event, he praised the parties for coming together to promote fair play in sports and in the campaign and also thanked the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for arranging the event. NDI received a $200,000 grant from the US Embassy to work with local organizations to promote free and fair elections.
◊ To see (ALSAT TV video footage, size 4.9MB) press coverage of this event, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker discusses elections in Macedonia with the chief editor of Utrinski Vesnik (LP)

Discussing the Future with Utrinski Vesnik

March 14, 2009

Ambassador Reeker recently sat down to talk with Utrinski Vesnik editor Ljupco Popovski to discuss the upcoming elections and the challenges that face Macedonia as it works to attain its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, as well as press freedom in Macedonia. 

◊ To see a transcript of the interview, please click here.

Dr. Fields begins his talk.

The Rhetoric of Elections: Digital Video Conference (DVC) with Professor Wayne Fields, Washington University, St. Louis

March 13, 2009

The Public Affairs Section hosted a DVC with local partner Center for Research and Policy Making to discuss the rhetoric of elections with Professor Wayne Fields from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Fields, an expert on American political argument, is the author of Union of Words: A History of Political Eloquence. Fields reviewed the integral place of a “rhetorical culture” in any democracy—one in which citizens expect to have a sustained relationship built on a common cause--before engaging the audience in a spirited question and answer session. The Embassy expects to welcome Dr. Fields to Macedonia for a series of speaking engagements in May. Please continue to check our home page for further details.

U.S. Fulbright Scholar and Poet Dougherty knelt down cleaning the floor in front of him with his bare hands to mark the start of his poetry reading

U.S. Fulbright Scholar and Poet Sean Thomas Dougherty Reads at American Corner Skopje

March 12, 2009

Little did the attendees of the poetry reading at the American Corner Skopje know what they were going to experience when they signed up to attend Fulbrighter Sean Thomas Dougherty’s poetry reading. Many of them were shocked when he took off not only his shoes, but his socks as well, and knelt down to clean the floor in front of him with his bare hands. When he stood up, he rubbed his palms and banged his foot several times, thus marking the official beginning of his performance. Most of the poems he read were from his book entitled Broken Hallelujahs. To bring his poems closer to the many literature students and professors who were present in the audience, he spoke about the poems’ structure, explaining what it was that made him decide to write poems. Dougherty concluded his performance in a shocking way as he had started it, by reading a poem he jokingly claimed might get him deported out of the country; yet by the end, his audience appreciated his poetry even more. Please check this website soon for information about Sean’s next performances.  Please click here for more information about the Fulbright program.

Ambassador Reeker listens as residents of Nikushtak tell him their perspectives on the upcoming elections.(LP)

Hitting the Road to Promote Free and Fair Elections        

March 11, 2009

Ambassador Reeker and a team from the Embassy have traveled to towns throughout Macedonia to talk with candidates, party leaders and citizens about the importance of the upcoming elections. At each stop the Ambassador urged the candidates and political parties to play fair during the campaign and urged the citizens to help choose the future course of Macedonia by voting on election day.
◊ To see media coverage of his stops in Tetovo, please click here. 
◊ To learn more about his visit to Debar, please click here and to learn about the Ambassador’s visit to Veles, go here. 
◊ To read about his message to the candidates in Cair and Saraj, please click here.
◊ To read a report on the Ambassador’s visit to Aracinovo as part of his tour to the region of Kumanovo on March 13, please click here.
◊  To read about his meetings in Strumica and Stip, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker discusses the upcoming elections on ALSAT TV  (LP) (WMV file - size 10MB)

Free and Fair Elections a Must

March 7, 2009

Ambassador Reeker joined Ambassador Herrero from OSCE and Ambassador Fouéré of the EU in a talk show on Alsat TV to discuss the beginning of the campaign and the importance of the upcoming elections for Macedonia. The group agreed that free and fair elections were the responsibility of the authorities and the political parties and encouraged the candidates to set the correct tone during the campaign because that would set the stage for what happened on election day.
◊ To view excerpts of the interview (WMV file - size 10MB), please click here.


 

Breast Cancer Research Stamp

U.S. Speaker Balazs Bodai Unveils Breast Cancer Research Stamp in Macedonia

March 2, 2009

As part of the first-ever international breast cancer conference in Macedonia, Dr. Balazs Bodai, the inventor of the breast cancer research stamp that has raised over $80 million in funds for research in the U.S., unveiled the stamp here in Macedonia as part of his Global Journey project. This event was a collaboration between the Boris Trajkovski International Foundation, the Macedonian Post, and the US Embassy through the Balkans Breast Cancer Initiative (BBCI). Mrs. Solveig Reeker also addressed the crowd on the subject of partnership as part of the conference.
◊ To see an excerpt of Mrs. Reeker’s speech and the unveiling of the stamp, please click here. | To read more about the BBCI, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker visited President Trajkovski’s grave as a part of the commemoration activities. (LP)

Remembering President Trajkovski

Ambassador and Mrs. Reeker attended several events to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the tragic death of President Boris Trajkovski. 

◊ To see a video clip of the Ambassador’s tribute to the President, please click here. 

◊ To link to A1 news coverage of the Youth Leadership Forum, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker and Prime Minister Gruevski sign partnership agreement (LP) Kanal 5 TV video; (wmv - size 1.77MB) ALSAT TV video; (wmv - size 8.52MB)

Partnership between Macedonia and the U.S. Expands the Fulbright Program

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Ambassador Philip T. Reeker signed an agreement in which the Government of Macedonia will donate $100,000 to strengthen the Fulbright program, increasing the number of available scholarships for Macedonian students to study in the U.S. and receive two-year master’s degrees. Since Macedonia declared independence, the United States Government, through the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, has sent 77 citizens of Macedonia to the U.S. on this program. “Today we deepen the bilateral cooperation between the US and the Republic of Macedonia when we sign this agreement to expand the Fulbright Program here. This is an exciting moment in our partnership,” said Ambassador Reeker at the signing ceremony. For more information on the Fulbright program, please click here. | For the full text of his speech, please click here.
◊ To view Kanal 5 TV video footage from this event (WMV/size 1.77 MB), please click here.
◊ To view ALAST TV video footage from this event (WMV/size 8.52 MB), please click here.

Secretary Clinton releases the 2008 Human Rights Report

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Releases the 2008 Human Rights Report

On February 24, Secretary Clinton spoke with the media about the importance of human rights as she released the State Department’s annual report.
◊ To see her comments, please click here.
◊ To view the section related to Macedonia, please click here. 
◊ To view the entire report, please click here.

Ambassador and Mrs. Reeker tour the Macedonian Cinematheque. (LP)

Yee Haw! Western Film Festival Opens at Macedonian Cinematheque

February 24, 2009

February 24--Ambassador Philip T. Reeker opened the Western film program at the Macedonian Cinematheque. The program opened with a screening of High Noon, a classic Western from 1952 directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Gary Cooper, Thomas Mitchell, Katy Jurado, Lloyd Bridges and Grace Kelly. Before the opening, Ambassador Reeker toured the Cinematheque facility and admired old Western movie posters from the region. | To read the ambassador’s speech and his text in the catalogue, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker joined by EU Ambassador Fouéré and OSCE Ambassador Herrero  discuss the upcoming elections. - (WMV size 10.7MB)

Discussing the Upcoming Elections

Ambassador Reeker joined EU Ambassador Fouéré and OSCE Ambassador Herrero on the show X/O to discuss the upcoming presidential and local elections. They all recognized these elections were critical for Macedonia and would be important in helping the country attain its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

◊ To see excerpts of the show (WMV file - size 10.7MB), please click here.

Western Film Program (repertoire)

Ambassador Reeker addresses the audience at AC Skopje’s Fourth Anniversary (LP)  (WMV/size 7.04MB)

America through Macedonian Eyes; Macedonia’s Elections through America’s Eyes

To mark the fourth anniversary of American Corner Skopje, the Corner held a celebration that included live music from the QSI school and the announcement of the winners of a photo contest, “America Through Macedonian Eyes.” Ambassador Philip T. Reeker presented the winner, Mihaljo Naumovski, with New York: Capital of Photography. Ambassador Reeker said that “the American Corner in Skopje represents an opportunity for Macedonians, both young and the old, to come and learn about the US, but it is also an opportunity to tell the US story to the world.” Approximately 120 people attended the event, including students from the past summer’s creative writing camp and winners of the Corner’s Thanksgiving essay contest. Journalists from three television stations were also present; afterwards, Ambassador Reeker spoke to them about how people around the world were watching Macedonia prepare for its upcoming elections in March. He discussed how important it is for Macedonia to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner and that “there is no room in the 21st century in Europe, in Macedonia, for intimidations or any violence or anything that would impair these very important elections because they are important for every single Macedonian."
◊ To view video footage from this event (WMV/size 7.04 MB), please click here.



 

APAO Amy Storrow's Interview with Lajm

APAO Amy Storrow on the Obama Presidency with Lajm

In an Interview with Lajm daily in the Albanian language, Assistant Public Affairs Officer Amy Storrow spoke about President Obama’s first 100 days in office and his commitment to working closely with Muslims from all nations, the significance of the executive order to close Guantanamo Bay, President Obama’s first foreign press interview with Al Arabiya TV, and the appointment of George Mitchell as Special Envoy to the Middle East. She also emphasized that the Obama administration will continue to have very strong relationships with all of the countries in the region and that we will continue to work to secure the best possible future for all who live in the Balkans. To see a transcript of the interview, please click here.

Valentine cookies prepared especially for this event

Valentine’s Day Celebration at American Corner Tetovo

February 11, 2009

What tastes better than a cookie? A cookie shaped like a heart! Thanks to Cynthia Praszcalek, an officer at the US Embassy, a group of third grade students ate those cookies; made valentines for their sweethearts, friends and family members; and learned about Valentine’s Day traditions around the world. They also played some word games provided by the Embassy’s Regional English Language Officer. American Corner Tetovo expects to make this event an annual tradition.

Navratil discusses how telemedicine makes the most of available resources for both small and large countries (Photo Credit: Borka Taneska)/(LP)

Chargé d’Affaires Navratil Speaks at Third Annual Balkans Telemedicine Conference

February 6, 2009

February 6—To a crowd of physicians, academics, and other healthcare professionals, Chargé Thomas Navratil gave opening remarks at the Third Annual Balkans Telemedicine Conference.  This conference, supported by a grant from the Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Bureau of the Department of State, and co-sponsored by the Ministry of Health, focused in part in training doctors in the use of cutting-edge technology.  As part of the project over 45 medical professionals, including doctors, nurses and telemedicine specialists, have traveled to Alaska and Arizona for exchanges that have provided an opportunity for Americans, Kosovars, Montenegrins, Albanians and Macedonians to share their professional expertise, experiences and cultures with each other. “The creation of a telemedicine network will have significant impact for Macedonia and the region, where the patient will become a true and full partner in his or her care and where these technologies will bring health care to every citizen no matter where they live,” said Navratil.

Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Navratil (left) and MOST Executive Director Darko Aleksov (right) at a press conference on the occasion of the Global Elections Day.(LP)

Chargé d’Affaires Navratil Marks Global Elections Day with MOST

February 5, 2009

At a press conference on February 5, on the occasion of Global Elections Day organized by Civic Association MOST and attended by all major media, Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Navratil underlined the importance of the election process and the act of choosing political leaders as the essence of democracy.   Navratil said the U.S. wants to see Macedonia as a full member of the Euro-Atlantic community, also emphasizing efforts of the US Government to support democracy in the country.   To see the full text of the address, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker in Thunderbird Video

Ambassador Reeker on Investing in Macedonia 

February 4th, 2009

In a research piece about investment opportunities in Macedonia posted on Thunderbird School of Global Management website on February 4, Ambassador Reeker speaks about opportunities that the Republic of Macedonia offers to potential foreign investors. “It’s a small corner of Europe that remains largely undiscovered by a lot of people. But they’re moving forward, sometimes with stops and starts. I think the 21st century will be good for Macedonia,” the Ambassador says. To read the full story, please click here.
◊ Video: Ambassador Philip Reeker (2:08).
◊ Video: President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Macedonia (1:29).

Amy jokes about Westerns with the hosts (LP)/ - (WMV/size 5.6MB)

APAO Amy Storrow on ALSAT TV: Actions Speak Louder Than Words

February 4, 2009

February 4—ALSAT TV’s morning show hosted Assistant Public Affairs Officer Amy Storrow, who spoke in Albanian about President Obama’s first few weeks in office and his commitment to working closely with Muslims from all nations. She discussed the significance of the executive order to close Guantanamo Bay, President Obama’s first foreign press interview with Al Arabiya TV, and the appointment of George Mitchell as Special Envoy to the Middle East, all deeds that underscore his plans to create productive and close working relationships. Amy also touched upon the importance of rule of law and emphasized that there should be just “one person, one vote” for the upcoming elections here in Macedonia. Viewers also learned about upcoming cultural programs, including a film festival in partnership with Macedonian Cinematheque that will feature American Westerns.
◊ To see a short video sequence of the show (WMV/size 5.6MB), please click here.

Ambassador Reeker and Prime Minister Gruevski and their teams after the discussion on U.S. assistance to Macedonia.  (LP)

The US Embassy Meets with the Macedonian Government to Discuss Assistance Goals

January 22, 2009

On January 22, Ambassador Reeker led an Embassy team in presenting to Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his Cabinet Ministers an outline of U.S. assistance programs aimed at helping Macedonia meet its development and transition challenges.  The presentation and discussion highlighted successes achieved by the approximately one billion dollars the United States has invested in Macedonia since independence and also addressed areas where collaboration could be improved.  Among the highlights are the increased capabilities of the Macedonian military, improved competitiveness in many business sectors, and improvements to schools and curricula throughout Macedonia.  To see a short video highlighting the school improvement program, please click here.  To learn more about the USAID programs in Macedonia, please click here.




 

Ambassador Reeker with the winners of awards for covering the NGO sector,   (photo credit: Andrej Ginovski)/(LP) - A1 TV News coverage/8.7MB

The Importance of Free Media in a Democracy

January 22, 2009

At an event to award media coverage of nongovernmental organizations, Ambassador Reeker discussed the critical role a free media plays in protecting democracy by promoting the free flow of ideas.  To view a transcript of his speech, please click here.
◊ To see news coverage on A1 TV, please click here (WMV file-size 8.7MB).

Professional Development Year for the Study of Journalism/Mass Communication Program Announcement, 2009-2010

The United States Embassy in Macedonia is pleased to announce the 2009-2010 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 deadline is February 20, 2009.

Ambassador Reeker addresses the guests (LP)/- (WMV/ size 19.5MB)

Celebrating the New President

January 20, 2009

Ambassador and Mrs. Reeker hosted a reception in their home to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the 44^th President of the United States.  The guests at the event were representatives of volunteer groups and nongovernmental organizations who work throughout Macedonia.  In his remarks, Ambassador Reeker commended them for their service to the country and pointed out that similar organizations in the United States were a key part of President Obama’s success in the US elections.  To read his remarks, please click here. To see his speech (video footage - WMV file size 19.5MB), please click here.

Barack Obama waves to a crowd at the Democratic National Convention

Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States

Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden.
◊ Publication: View PDF (774 KB) | Get Adobe Acrobat Reader.
◊ Video: 2008 Elections, Witnessing History.
◊ Meet the Obama Family.

The Mall, Washington, DC

U.S. Presidential Transitions

January 20, 2009

We often read or hear about turmoil before, during, or after elections around the world. An important characteristic of democracy in the United States, however, is the regularly recurring peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. Americans know when the next presidential election will take place – the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years. And power will be transferred to the newly elected (or re-elected) president on January 20 of the following year. TRANSITION, Forming the next government.

U.S. Presidential Transitions: An Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State, January 2009. View PDF (2.02 MB) | Get Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Ambassador Reeker gives Peace Corps volunteer Melissa Hauke a certificate of appreciation (LP)

American Corner Tetovo Celebrates First Anniversary

January 14, 2009

American Corner Tetovo celebrated its first anniversary with speeches by Ambassador Philip Reeker; Elizabeta Kanceska Milevska, the Minister of Culture; and Hazbi Lika, the Mayor of Tetovo.  The crowd—American Corner members, other distinguished guests, Peace Corps volunteers, and local residents--spilled out of the room and into the hallway.  Ambassador Reeker praised the Corner, which now has more than 1,300 members, for “taking a small slice of a building and creating an American presence that far exceeds its physical space.”  The Minister of Culture emphasized that the Corner has built a stronger bridge between the U.S. and the Republic of Macedonia, especially by providing opportunities for high school students to interact with American culture.  The celebration ended with performances by students from Tetovo’s music high school.

To read Ambassador Reeker’s remarks to the press at the anniversary, please click here.

Happy Faces of the Pupils in Renovated School  (LP)/ - video clip in: English, Macedonian, Albanian.

Renovation of Primary Schools Across Macedonia
USAID PRIMARY EDUCATION PROJECT (PEP)

Since 2001 the American people through USAID have made significant investments to improve the quality and relevance of education in Macedonia. One important component of USAID’s assistance is the renovation of primary schools, many of which have not been renovated for decades and do not provide students and teachers with a good environment for learning and teaching. In total, USAID will invest $3,000,000 for school renovations in Macedonia. To date, USAID’s Primary Education Project has renovated 41 primary schools to improve the learning environment and increase energy efficiency. By 2011 USAID will have renovated up to 120 schools, which is nearly one-third of the primary schools in Macedonia...more. | View a video clip on (WMV/size 9.3MB), in English | Macedonian | Albanian. | More videos on the Embassy  channel.

Consul Lauren May talks to A1 TV reporter - A1 TV video footage - 3.4MB

Consul Clarifies Visa Issues and Discusses the Electronic System for Travel Authorization

January 5, 2009

In an interview with A1 TV on January 5, Consular Section Chief Lauren May discussed the criteria that countries must meet for eligibility in the visa waiver program and explained where Macedonia stands in that regard. One key reason why Macedonia has not yet been considered for the visa waiver program is because too many travelers from Macedonia do not return from the U.S on time. Consul May also reviewed the procedures for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for travelers from visa waiver countries. To view the interview, please click here (A1 TV video footage - size 3.4 MB).



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