Remembering Senator Kennedy-August 29, 2009

Chargé Thomas Navratil spoke with nationally broadcast Sitel Television about the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy and his legacy in United States politics. He stressed that for decades Kennedy fought for equal rights and opportunities for all of the citizens of our country regardless of race or ethnicity. He went on to say that every country would benefit from having a leader with similar goals.  Full story on Sitel TV »

Poet Li-Young Lee Headlines at the Struga Poetry Festival-August 20-26, 2009(PDF-1mb)

The Struga Poetry Festival hosted eighty international poets to a week-long poetry festival from August 20-26. The U.S. Embassy was especially pleased to bring over Poet Li-Young Lee and saw to a selection and translation of his works for the Festival audience. The Poet was presented with the book of his works in Macedonian at a reception in his honor. The opening ceremony in Struga, Meridians, highlighted the round the world offerings including poets from Syria, Thailand, Slovenia, Venezuela, Mongolia, Australia and scores of other countries. The Festival ended with the traditional reading from the bridge of the fast-flowing river Crni Drim in Struga and included a Poetry Slam event, readings in Bitola and at the soaring Matka Gorge near Skopje. A link to his bio and a selection of poems: http://www.universeofpoetry.org/usa_p2.shtml. »

Macedonian and Albanian Football Camp in Ohrid-August 22-26, 2009(PDF-677kb)

One hundred twenty schoolchildren from Macedonia and Albania came together to participate in the Open Fun Football Schools (OFFS) regional camp in Ohrid over the last week of August. In addition to playing football and building new friendships, the participants cleaned waste from the shores of beautiful Lake Ohrid in a project focusing on the environment. The Embassy collaborated with OFFS, a project implemented by the Cross Cultures Project Association - Copenhagen (CCPA) in cooperation with the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) that is active in youth and community projects throughout Macedonia. The diverse group of participants hailed from the SOS Children’s Village in Skopje, the Mala Prespa region in Albania, and the municipalities of Suto Orizari, Kavadarci, Sveti Nikole, Dracevo, and Ohrid. Large Photo »

To see a short video about this OFFS regional camp in Ohrid, please check out our Embassy YouTube video channel.

 More videos on the Embassy YouTube channel. »

President Obama Delivers Message on Ramadan-August 21, 2009

President Obama: "I know...that Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection – a time when Muslims fast during the day and perform tarawih prayers at night, reciting and listening to the entire Koran over the course of the month. These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam's role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings." Video »

U.S. Ambassador Philip Reeker Sends Greetings on the Occasion of the Start of the Holy Month of Ramadan-August 21, 2009

On the occasion of the start of the holy month of Ramadan, I would like to send my greetings, on behalf of President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton, to Muslims observing Ramadan throughout Macedonia. Throughout Macedonia and around the world, Muslims will join together with their families and communities in fasting, prayer, and reflection during this holy month. May Ramadan remind us all of serving each other in charity and compassion, and of mutual respect for the free expression of religious values. Allow me, once again, to offer my wishes, on behalf of the whole U.S. Embassy team, for a blessed and meaningful observance of Ramadan. Philip Reeker's Biography »

Ambassador Reeker Gives Interview to Stit, Magazine of the Macedonian Ministry of Defense-August 20, 2009(PDF-640kb)

The new magazine of the Macedonian Defense Ministry, Stit (Shield) features an interview with Ambassador Reeker. With the headline, “We are Looking Forward to Welcoming Macedonia as Full NATO Member,” Ambassador Reeker discusses developments in the process of Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, the name issue, U.S. policy towards Macedonia, Macedonian Army participation in multi-national troops, and bilateral military cooperation. He also discusses his impressions of Macedonia over the last decade since his last tour in Skopje and how the arc of his career has brought him back to Macedonia. Large Photo »

Ednooki Studios host Ambassador Reeker-August 19, 2009

Ambassador Reeker visited the studio and offices of the Ednooki team on Wednesday, August 19. The Ambassador met the entire staff including the computer graphics team, the voice-over actors and the creative minds behind the cartoons – Boris Damovski and Aleksandar Rusjakov. Mr. Damvoski and the Ambassador discussed the history of the Ednooki cartoons from their origins as well as the current business situation with television media in Macedonia. The Ambassador noted how much he enjoyed the political commentary in the Ednooki cartoons, how they are relevant and insightful and how important it is for even the targets of the satire to be able to laugh at the situations and laugh at themselves. Large Photo »

To see photos from his visit, please click here(PDF-692kb).

Ambassador Reeker visits Suto Orizari and Aracinovo-August 17, 2009

On August 17, 2009 Ambassador Philip Reeker visited the municipalities of Shuto Orizari and Aracinovo. He met with Mayor Elvis Bajram and Mayor Bastri Bajrami as well as with the former mayoral candidates of both Municipalities. Discussions focused on decentralization issues, community problems and the progress achieved since the Ambassador’s last visit during the parliamentary election campaign. In both municipalities, the Ambassador encouraged the Mayors to work with other leaders in the community – regardless of party affiliation – and to the benefit of the entire community. In Shuto Orizari, the Ambassador observed the USAID “Local Government Activity” project directed to assisting the Municipality meet management and reporting standards, while in Aracinovo the Ambassador toured the town and met with the local population. Large Photo »

Aracinovo remarks are here.

 To see photos from his visit, please click here.(PDF-897kb) »

USAID Plastic Recycling Project

A few years ago, illegal dump sites and scattered plastic bottles were regular scenery throughout Macedonia—in the capital, along main roads, and even at tourist locations. This desperate situation could only by changed through the commitment and engagement of local governments, public utility companies, NGOs and citizens. The American people, through USAID, invested $1.3 million toward the Plastic Recycling Project. Today, after only a few years, plastic waste collection has increased dramatically and an estimated 5000 people earn a living in the recycling industry. To see a short video about this USAID Plastic Recycling Project, please visit our Embassy YouTube video channel (English) »

To see a short video about this USAID Plastic Recycling Project, please visit our Embassy YouTube video channel (Macedonian).

 To see a short video about this USAID Plastic Recycling Project, please visit our Embassy YouTube video channel (Albanian).  »

2009 Creative Writing Workshop: “The Art of Words” covered by A1 Television show Ranoden

This summer’s Creative Writing Workshop, which held week long courses at the American Corners in Skopje, Tetovo and Bitola, was covered by Macedonian A1 television. The courses, which ran from July 20 to August 7, focused on activities, storytelling and dramatic presentations in an atmosphere of fun and learning. The two minute television clip ran on the morning show “Ranoden,” receiving nationwide exposure. The Workshop also received extensive newspaper coverage in each of the local markets in which it was held. More videos on the Embassy YouTube channel. »

About the cultural envoy: Merrilee Cunningham BIO/WITS Writer(PDF-855kb)

YES High School Exchange Students Depart for a Year of Study in the U.S.A.(PDF-450kb)

In a pioneering new exchange program, high school students from Macedonia will participate in the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Ambassador Reeker welcomed fifteen YES program students and their parents to a barbecue in their honor. Initiated in 2003, the YES program seeks to build bridges of international understanding, especially between Americans and people in countries with significant Muslim populations. YES students live as a “son” or “daughter” in an American family, engage in school activities and volunteer in their communities. They learn about American society and values while helping to educate others about the customs and culture of their homelands. Large Photo »

Building Leadership Skills for Macedonian Youth-August 3-9, 2009(PDF-570kb)

The Red Cross of Skopje organized the 2009 National Leadership Camp for Boys in Krushevo, Macedonia August 3-9. The camp brought together dozens of high-school age boys from across the country to participate in a week-long program focused on the development of leadership skills, respect for the environment, knowledge about democracy and civil society, and the value of diversity and inter-ethnic understanding. The U.S. Embassy Skopje proudly contributes to this and similar projects through the Democracy Commission Small Grants Program. Large Photo »

Joint statement by the Head of the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje Ambassador Jose-Luis Herrero; EU Special Representative and Head of EC Delegation Erwan Fouéré and United States Ambassador Philip T. Reeker-Skopje, 13 August 2009

The Skopje missions of the OSCE, the European Union and the U.S. Embassy issued the following statement today to mark the eighth anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Ambassador Philip T. Reeker's Biography »

Ambassador Reeker encourages the work of local NGO, Youth Council of Ohrid-August 10, 2009(PDF-700kb)

Ambassador Philip Reeker visited the USAID funded YCO (Youth Council of Ohrid), a local NGO that is working in youth outreach in the Ohrid and Struga region. The Ambassador visited one of the handcrafts stands of YCO in the streets of downtown Ohrid. Also in Ohrid, Ambassador Reeker visited the Hydrobiological Institute in Ohrid, the first scientific research institution in the city of Ohrid and the first research institute devoted to the environmental conditions and preservation of freshwater resources in the Balkans. Large Photo »

Ambassador Reeker Congratulates the K-15 Team on its 15th Anniversary-July 31, 2009(PDF-983kb)

K-15 hosted Ambassador Reeker for a tour of their studio and the chance to talk about the role of political humor. The K-15 team told stories about the beginnings of their career and noted that a USAID grant for recording equipment had helped get them started fifteen years ago. The Ambassador agreed that political satire has an important role to play in a healthy democracy and a vibrant media. He went on to say that poking fun at public figures is an American tradition and that K-15 has been essential in giving satire deep roots in Macedonia. Large Photo »

Ambassador Reeker Visits Mayor of Bitola, Jewish Cemetery-July 23, 2009

On July 23, Ambassador Reeker met with Mayor Vladimir Taleski of Bitola and toured the historic “City of Consuls.” The Ambassador also visited the Bitola Jewish Cemetery that was founded in 1497 and was destroyed during the Second World War. The cemetery’s monumental entrance gate was recently renovated with funding from the Government of Macedonia and U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad. A small exhibition inside the gate organized by the Bitola Museum sheds light on the history and culture of Bitola’s lost Jewish community. To see photos from his visit, please click here(PDF-332kb). »

Ambassador Reeker Tours IMB Dairy in Bitola-July 23, 2009(PDF-438kb)

On July 23, Ambassador Reeker was hosted by IMB Dairy’s President of the Managing Board, Predrag Cvetkovic, and General Manager, Roko Vodopija, at the company’s modern new facility in Bitola. IMB Dairy is the largest producer of milk, dairy products, and natural fruit juices in Macedonia, including their BiMilk and BiFruit product lines. The directors discussed with the Ambassador how they are expanding their export markets and have recently begun exporting their high-quality Pecorino cheese to the United States. Large Photo »

Kiril Lazarov, Macedonian Handball Great, Visits the New Embassy-July 21, 2009

July 21—All-time top goal scorer and captain of the Macedonian national handball team, Kiril Lazarov, toured the new US Embassy in Skopje. On January 29, 2009, Lazarov became the world record-holder for the number of goals scored in one world championship. In nine games, he scored 92 goals for the Macedonian national team at the 2009 World Men's Handball Championship that took place in Croatia. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Ambassador Reeker joined all of Macedonia in celebrating his success. Large Photo »

The Tradition Continues – 2009 Summer Creative Writing Workshop: The Art of Words With Professor Merrilee Cunningham-July 20th – 24th, 2009

The Tradition Continues! Inspired by the excellent feedback from last year, the U.S. Embassy in partnership with Writers in the Schools of Houston, Texas, this summer again organized the Creative Writing Workshop for children and teenagers and hosted Professor Merrilee Cunningham at the American Corner Bitola. Cunningham, an accomplished poet, university professor, and experienced creative writing teacher from Houston, Texas, was delighted to see some of her former students and to teach many new “young authors” in Bitola. During this free-of-charge five-day writing camp, 30 children, aged 7 to 14, engaged in writing stories, poetry, essays, and plays, as well as directing and acting their own plays. On the forth day of the workshop, the United States Ambassador to Macedonia Mr. Philip Reeker and Mrs. Solveig Reeker came, with the Mayor of Bitola, to give certificates to the children. Beside their great memories from this summer camp, the children went home with a stage performance of their plays, many awards and certificates and anthology CDs with pictures and all writings completed during the workshop. About the cultural envoy: Merrilee Cunningham BIO/WITS Writer(PDF-855kb). »

To see more photos from the event held at the AC Bitola, please view a video slide show on the Embassy YouTube channel on .

 More videos on the Embassy YouTube channel. »

Enjoy Today, Protect Tomorrow- July 20, 2009

Daily Newspapers Dnevnik and Koha published a column from Ambassador Reeker highlighting recent changes to US law to help preserve our natural resources and also calling for a joint effort to protect our planet. Ambassador Philip T. Reeker's Biography »

Ambassador Reeker Meets With Political and Religious Leaders in Tetov- July 20, 2009

On July 20, Ambassador Reeker met with Tetovo Mayor Sadi Bexhati at the city’s recently-opened McDonald’s. They were joined for lunch by the representatives of a local organization for the disabled to discuss issues facing the handicapped, most notably street and building accessibility. The Ambassador was pleased to learn that McDonald’s is one of the most accessible facilities for wheelchairs in Tetovo. Ambassador Reeker also met with all the candidates from the recent mayoral campaign to congratulate them on a successful election. In his first visit to the Bektashi community of Tetovo, Ambassador Reeker met with community leader Baba Edmond Brahimaj. To see photos from his visit, please click here(PDF-764kb). »

40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Celebrated at American Corners-July 20, 2009

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, Consular Officer Charles Hornbostel recalled the feats of the U.S. space program. Hornbostel brought presentations to the American Corners in Tetovo on July 14 and Skopje on July 15. The program covered the scientific research and accomplishments of NASA, the technical history of rocketry and the biographies of the early astronauts. Hornbostel took questions from his audiences ranging from the risks and achievements of the lunar program to the race for the moon with the former Soviet Union as well as the heroism of Laika, the first dog in space. Large Photo »

Ambassador Inaugurates New Family Park in Prilep-July 17, 2009(PDF-1.1mb)

On July 17, Mayor Marjan Risteski gave Ambassador Reeker the honor of cutting the ribbon to officially open a new park in Prilep. The park, a project of the local government, features a wooden tree-house and playground for small children as well as a charming footbridge and a small lake. The Friday afternoon visit coincided with Prilep’s annual Beer Fest, allowing the Ambassador to sample the city’s local beer and cuisine. Ambassador Reeker and his wife Solveig also toured the historic Monastery Saint Archangel Mihail in Varos, containing the second oldest known inscription in Cyrillic. Large Photo »

Democracy Year-round-July 17, 2009(PDF-419kb)

On July 16, 2009, Ambassador Reeker again demonstrated that the democratic process doesn’t end with election day. Throughout the summer, Ambassador Reeker will continue to meet with newly elected mayors, as well as with former mayoral candidates, to thank them for upholding their pledges to support a peaceful election process. The meetings also provide an opportunity for local leaders to recognize their shared interest in resolving important issues in their communities. On Thursday, the Ambassador visited with Mayor Fatmir Izairi of Zhelino and Hazbi Idrizi of Bogovinje, participated in post-election meetings with the former candidates, and toured the local towns.  Large Photo »

Recognizing Excellence in the Macedonian Army- July 15, 2009

Ambassador Reeker joined Defense Minister Konjanovski and Chief of Staff General Stojanovski to congratulate Command Sergeant Major Boban Stojanovik for being placed in the Hall of Fame at the United States Army Sergeant Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas. Sergeant Major Stojanovik is one of only three soldiers from outside the United States to have received this distinction in the Academy’s 36 year history. In that time, more than 500 soldiers from 66 countries have received training from this flagship academy for training senior noncommissioned officers. Both Minister Konjanovski and General Stojanovski also took the opportunity to thank Lt. Col. Tom Wilson and Lt. Col. Wes Gould for their cooperation with the Macedonian military in efforts to modernize the capabilities of the Macedonian armed forces.  Large Photo  »

USASMA opens International Student Hall of Fame.

Fourth of July Reception and Dedication of the New American Embassy

On July 2nd, Ambassador Reeker and the Deputy Director of the Overseas Building Office, Lydia Muniz, were joined by over 800 guests at a reception held to honor the American Independence Day. The celebration also served as a formal dedication of the New U.S. Embassy in Skopje. Ambassador Reeker spoke about the importance of Independence Day to Americans as a celebration of American ideals. He also indicated that the new embassy is a sign of the commitment of the U.S. Government to its partnership and friendship with the Republic of Macedonia. The Ambassador highlighted the strengths of the U.S. relationship with Macedonia over the years and announced continued support and cooperation with Macedonia into the future. Large Photo »

To see more photos from this event, please view a video slide show on the Embassy YouTube channel on .

 More videos on the Embassy YouTube channel.  »

The Tradition Continues – 2009 Summer Creative Writing Workshop: The Art of Words(PDF-272kb)

“Everyone has a personal story to tell. The Summer Creative Writing Workshops provide opportunities for storytelling and the skills needed to do it well.” The U.S. Embassy announces with pleasure that, in partnership with Writers in the Schools of Houston, Texas and the Cultural Envoy program of the Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau at the Department of State, our three American Corners will again host Cultural Envoy Merrilee Cunningham and her creative writing classes for children and teenagers. Cunningham, a noted poet and university professor, was in Macedonia for three weeks last summer and held successful creative writing workshops. The excellent feedback from the participants inspired us to invite her again, so from July 20th – August 7th, she will be working at the American Corners in Bitola, Tetovo and Skopje, reaching and teaching even more children in Macedonia About the cultural envoy: Merrilee Cunningham Bio/WITS Writer(PDF-855kb) »

Triathlon Brings People Together at Lake Ohrid-July 11, 2009

Integrity AlphaOmega, a locally-based non-governmental organization, brought together 70 competitors this weekend to swim, bike, and run in and around the famous Lake Ohrid. The U.S. Embassy Skopje works regularly with Integrity AO and others to promote sports for youth in Macedonia. This triathlon represents the latest joint effort in which sports are employed as the means to unite people from around the country in fun outdoor activities. Special thanks goes to the city of Ohrid, as well as a number of corporate sponsors, who should be commended for supporting this initiative of civil society and helping people enjoy the natural beauty of Macedonia. Large Photo »

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

The US Embassy’s Democracy Commission provided a grant to the Center for Intercultural Dialogue (CID) to hold the Girls Leading Our World (GLOW) summer camp in Strezevo, Pelister. A total of 71 girls from 27 different communities throughout Macedonia are participating in the camp learning about topics ranging from career planning and decision making strategies to healthy lifestyle choices. The camp is run by a group of Peace Corps volunteers who teamed with local counselors. This is the second year the Embassy supported this project and it is one of several youth activities with Embassy involvement. Large Photo »

2009 Trafficking in Persons Report Released-June 16, 2009

Secretary Clinton: "The ninth annual Trafficking in Persons Report sheds light on the faces of modern-day slavery and on new facets of this global problem. The human trafficking phenomenon affects virtually every country, including the United States. In acknowledging America’s own struggle with modern-day slavery and slavery-related practices, we offer partnership. We call on every government to join us in working to build consensus and leverage resources to eliminate all forms of human trafficking." Remarks at Release of the Ninth Annual Trafficking in Persons Report Alongside Leaders in Congress. »

Republic of Macedonia: 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report...full text(PDF-52kb).

 To see a recent op/ed by Ambassador Reeker on the topic, please click here. »

Keeping Promises Gostivar, July 1, 2009

On July 1, 2009, Ambassador Reeker returned to Gostivar to meet with the new mayor, Rufi Osmani, and the former candidates for that position, as he had promised during the election campaign earlier this year. While in town, Ambassador Reeker received an award from the Permaculture and Peacebuilding Center for cooperation between the U.S. Embassy and that organization. The Ambassador also supported local business by visiting Gostivar’s newest café, Cafeterria Obama, a name the local owner chose to honor U.S. President Barack Obama. To see more photos of his visit to Gostivar, please click here.  »

To view local coverage (MTV 1 footage- WMV file, size 3.17 MB) of this event, please click here.

Spreading Music and Smiles-June 25, 2009

World renowned Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski joined Venezuelan-American conductor Ilyich Rivas in a visit to 11 October Orphanage. The kids enjoyed hearing about how both musicians first became interested in classical music and learning that both were also big soccer fans. They also learned how orchestras function and saw demonstrations of how the violin and trombone are played. Ilyich will direct KulturOp's Youth Orchestra in a concert on June 29 that is being sponsored in part by the United States Embassy. He is one of the youngest conductors in the world and came to Macedonia on the invitation of Simon Trpceski. To see a short video sequence of this event (WMV/size 5.88 MB), please click here. »

The Fourth of July: Celebrating U.S. Independence Day

July 4th has been recognized as Independence Day in the United States ever since the country’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. To mark the occasion, Americans celebrate with parades, fireworks, concerts and other festive activities. America.gov invites readers to join in as the nation observes a patriotic and fun-filled holiday. Independence Day Photo gallery »

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 4th of July Video

Ambassador Reeker speaks with On-line magazine Veles News-June 15, 2009

Ambassador Reeker: "Well I think democracy, is a constantly evolving process and our country after 233 years, since our independence; we continue to evolve, discuss and debate, so democracy has to be something that is constantly tended, you have to practice democracy. I think one of the strengths or perhaps the greatest strength this country has is its diversity and that of course has been the greatest strength of the United States as well." Large Photo »

The First World Conference for the United Macedonian Diaspora- June 13, 2009

Ambassador Reeker traveled to Washington to attend the first worldwide conference organized by the United Macedonian Diaspora. In speaking with the group, he outlined the challenges that lie ahead and the joint successes the United States and Macedonia have shared. Here are his remarks at the Gala Dinner. To see his remarks at a working lunch,please click here.  »

To see his interview with Voice of America, please click here.

Ambassador Reeker Discusses with Dnevnik His Upcoming Trip to Washington, the Name Issue, and other Relevant Topics- June 8, 2009

Ambassador Reeker: “I will go Tuesday to Washington and have lot of meetings there. I will participate at the United Macedonian Diaspora Conference, which is, they told me, the first such event. I think it is a global event and they want to make it an annual event, so I’m pleased to be a part of that.“  Large Photo »

Recognizing Tomorrow’s Leaders- June 6, 2009

On Saturday, June 6, Ambassador Reeker spoke to the graduates of South East European University at their commencement ceremony. He congratulated them for completing their undergraduate studies and challenged them to make a difference in the world. To see Ambassador Reeker’s comments to the media at the event, please click here. »

A New Beginning: President Obama Speaks to the Muslim World from Cairo-June 4, 2009

President Obama (June 4): "I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles -- principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings." - Full Text.  View a video on YouTube »

The Fulbright Program competition for academic year 2010-2011 is now open

2010-2011 Application for the Fulbright Student program in the United States (Non-Degree and Degree). …more. 

Our New Location-April 27, 2009(PDF-2mb)

On April 27, the United States Embassy moved from the location on Ilinden Boulevard to the new facility built on Skopje’s “Gradiste.”  Large Photo »