Interview 2008

Ambassador Philip T. Reeker interview with Tea Moderna magazine

December 24, 2008

While you were Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Macedonia, people recall you were very communicative, direct and open.  People say you had the same features while serving as spokesman for the State Department.  Will you be the same as Ambassador, too? 

That is always my goal.  Direct communication solves a lot of problems before they start.  I really enjoy interacting with people and since the citizens of Macedonia are so welcoming, it comes naturally to spend a lot of time learning more about them and their country.  

You speak both Macedonian and Albanian.  What motivated you to learn these two languages well?

I studied Macedonian before I came here in 1997.  I was motivated not only because I wanted to communicate with people directly in their own language but also because in learning a new language, you learn something about how people think.  I wish my Macedonian were better; I need to find more time to practice and study!

I speak very little Albanian.  It is a fascinating language and would be well worth the effort if I could find time to study that too.  In this multi-ethnic democracy, people with abilities in both Macedonian and Albanian will have the benefits and advantages of more effective communication.

What did you remember Macedonia for at that time?

I remember many friends and colleagues, the warmth of the people of Macedonia.  I remember discovering the beauty and diversity of the Macedonian countryside.  I remember working very hard, during good times and tough times.  I remember some great parties at my house (I was not married then, so we do not need to tell my wife!).  And, of course, I remember some great food!

You come back to Macedonia after almost ten years, this time as U.S. Ambassador.  What is your impression of the situation in the country?  Have you noticed any changes?

I did not have the opportunity to visit Macedonia since I left on July 1, 1999.  So of course I have noticed some changes.  I have also really enjoyed returning to parts of Macedonia that are truly timeless, like Ohrid, where there has been some beautiful development of the Kale and other historical and archaeological sites.
Many things feel very much the same.  To be honest, I am surprised by efforts that focus on the past, and seem more interested in the ancient than the modern.  Some people say, “that is the Balkans,” but that kind of thinking shows a failure of the imagination and a lack of confidence.  I have always promoted Macedonia as a crossroads of cultures and traditions at the heart of Europe in the 21^st century.  I think this country should take pride in what it has accomplished, overcoming many obstacles in its seventeen year history, rather than being diverted by abstractions and interpretations of the past.

There is an impression that this is a bad year for Macedonia.  We failed to become a member of NATO; we failed again to receive a date for EU membership talks; there has been no progress in the name talks with Greece; there has been no EU visa liberalization; poverty is in increase!  What essentially needs to be done to overcome this situation of stagnation, isolation and regression?

You know, it is really not a question for me to answer.  It’s a question for Macedonia’s citizens and leadership to answer.  The Republic of Macedonia is a sovereign democratic country, and as such determines its own priorities and strategies.  The United States supports and assists Macedonia; we do what we can to help Macedonia achieve better lives for all its people.  We want to see Macedonia in NATO and the EU.  We believe that the name dispute is resolvable in a way which preserves the core interests of both countries.  We will remain a true friend of Macedonia.  Our active support for democratic government, economic growth, and Euro-Atlantic integration will continue.  We hope that Macedonia makes choices that advance these goals.

Although Macedonia was leader as compared to many countries in the region it seems now that they have all surpassed us.  What happened to these advantages that Macedonia used to have?

I often say that Macedonia spends too much time thinking about other countries.  If Macedonians are going to compare themselves to other countries, my recommendation is to make it constructive.  Look for ways to make positive changes here in Macedonia.   It’s time to stop thinking about the past and what might have been.  Instead think about the future and how it can and should be.

In your statements you often stress the issue of responsibility of politicians, who need to make decisions in the interest of the country and its citizens.  What would you tell them in particular?

Politicians everywhere have the same fundamental challenges and responsibilities, and my message to politicians has been the same for every country.  In a democracy, elected leaders must represent not just those who voted for them, but those who voted against them or did not vote at all.  Politicians the world over face the temptation of putting their own interests ahead of those of their constituencies.   Debate and disagreement are valuable; transparency and flexibility will always benefit the long-term interests of the people and the State.  Democratic institutions of Government must be respected, along with rule of law.  Criticism of politicians is part of democracy; it should not be feared.  I would ask every political figure to think every day how he or she is helping Macedonia to build a prosperous future for all of its citizens. 

Do you have contacts with common people and youth?  What do they tell you?

I guess I am no longer a youth myself (I am 43), but I do consider myself a common person! One of the first things the Embassy did after I arrived here was to host a duathalon race for 300 kids.  I also attended a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by Peace Corps Volunteers for seven very talented young essayists at our American Corner in Skopje.  This week I will be meeting several young artists from the High School for the Arts here in Skopje.  We held a contest; they designed the Embassy greeting cards for us.  They are incredibly talented, and a reminder that Macedonia’s greatest resource is its people. What do kids tell me?  They talk about their goals and aspirations; their challenges and frustrations, very much like young people in the United States.

You have been to many places in Macedonia.  Which places will you revisit and where do you plan to go for the first time?

I have already revisited Ohrid, Struga, Bitola, Prilep, Tetovo, Gostivar, and many other cities.  I still haven’t been to Shtip, Berevo, and Strumitsa, to name a few, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing them and as many other places in this wonderful country as I can.

You recently celebrated a very interesting holiday - Thanksgiving.  What is the message of this holiday?

The holiday has its origins in a momentous feast, when the Pilgrims from England and Native Americans—the Indians--sat down together after the Pilgrims’ first long winter in Massachusetts.  The Pilgrims were grateful to the Native Americans for helping them to survive.  So it is a time for sharing and gratitude.  These days, it’s usually celebrated by families and close friends.  Of course, most Americans aren’t descended from anybody who was at that feast—we’re a nation of immigrants—but we still think back on it as our history.  In a way, our common ancestry is not through bloodlines but rather through the stories that unite us and the ideals we share, expressed eloquently in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. This year we enjoyed two Thanksgiving dinners.  First with Macedonian and American friends, and then with our staff, who take such good care of us, along with their families.  They are our Macedonian Family, and we are truly grateful.

Where will you celebrate Christmas?

I will be at home here in Skopje with my wife, Solveig.  We’re lucky because we’ll get to celebrate Christmas twice—once on December 25, and again according to the Macedonian calendar.

What are your expectations for 2009, both personally and professionally?

Personally, I hope to travel to parts of Macedonia that I have not yet seen.  I look forward to hearing concerts at the Macedonian Philharmonic and to seeing lively art in the galleries.  Professionally, I want to continue working productively with the Government of Macedonia to achieve common goals.   I also hope to be able to applaud the Government and people of Macedonia, and the Government and people of Greece, when they resolve the name issue.  And of course in the Spring, we expect to move into our new Embassy buildings!

On President-elect Obama and the historic elections

You recently said these elections were historic for both the U.S. and the world, because a new generation of politicians is coming to the global political scene.  What is the phenomenon of Barack Obama and his election for U.S. President?

He is the first African-American president of the United States, as we all know.  His election is something that many, many people thought they would not see in their lifetimes.  Forty years ago, Martin Luther King spoke of his “dream” for America, and now that dream has become reality.  So for many of us, it means looking beyond race, looking beyond our differences, to support and endorse merit.  President-elect Obama is also very much engaged in working with his former rivals, including our future Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and Robert Gates, the Secretary of Defense, whom President Bush appointed.  This bipartisan approach makes me very proud as a citizen. 

Have you met him in person?

Not yet.

How do you see the fact that at these elections, the U.S. citizens were queuing to cast vote?

Americans usually line up to vote in U.S. presidential elections, in fact.  Sometimes the lines move a bit slowly because the election board is doing its routine job of checking to make sure that all the documentation is in order.  It is worth waiting a bit for an election that is free and fair.  Turnout in this election was very high, breaking some records.  As an American, I am proud that so many people voted. I hope we will see a similar display of democracy in action in the upcoming Macedonian elections.  

I’ve read in several analyses that Barack Obama’s team and campaign will be included in books as example of successful and meticulous campaigning.  What made this campaign different from others?

I am not a politician or a specialist on campaigns, so my thoughts are based on what I read in the newspapers along with you.  The campaign used the Internet in new ways.  Many campaign contributions were very small and came from people who had never donated to a political campaign before.  It was a “cyber-grass roots campaign.”  Senator Obama developed a strategy and remained steadfast and focused.  He was not afraid of criticism and demonstrated strong self-confidence and qualities of leadership.

Many have also noted how President-elect Obama mobilized the youth vote.  This has not always been an extremely active segment of our electorate but I believe his messages of change and hope really resonated with voters under 25.  

Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State.  How do you see this personnel step of Barack Obama? You know Hillary Clinton personally?

I think it is great news for the State Department and for Macedonia.  Hillary Rodham Clinton has a great deal of global experience and has been an excellent Senator representing the people of the State of New York.  As you know, Senator Clinton has visited Macedonia. Yes, I know Hillary Clinton.

Questions for Mrs. Solveig Reeker

What did your husband tell you about Macedonia when he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the country – what kind of country is Macedonia? 

I had a little glimpse of Macedonia before we arrived.  Philip and I were dating when he lived in Macedonia ten years ago.  I came for a very short visit from Reykjavik, Iceland where I was working at our embassy.  I am still learning a lot about Macedonia – people and places, but I had a very good impression before I arrived.  I think more than anything was the feeling I got from listening to Philip and other foreign service friends, including Ambassador Hill and Ambassador Butler when they spoke about Macedonia.  They are all very passionate about and love Macedonia and its people.

What is your first impression of Macedonia? 

Both Philip and I have been so warmly welcomed in Macedonia that I already feel very much at home.  My first impressions of Macedonia are all very positive and I’m very happy to be here.      

Although you have been here for a short time, what has pleased you and what has left a negative impression about the country?

I think I am enjoying Macedonian food and wine a bit too much.  I’ve gained 5-kilo since we arrived!  I’m also enjoying meeting so many people.  In these two short months, Philip and I have done so many interesting things and met so many interesting people.  We arrived just in time for the Skopje Jazz Festival, the Manaki Brothers Film Festival, and Vinoskop wine festival.  I am already looking forward to these events next year.  I come from a very small farming town in Minnesota (population 500) and am really a farm girl at heart, so another highlight for me was visiting AgBiz projects Vipro in Gevgelija and Badzo in Bogdanci. 
Negative impressions?  No, I wouldn’t say I have a negative impression, but maybe frustrations that I know everybody shares – the drivers are crazy and the traffic is terrible.  But, I could also be talking about New York City, Washington, DC, Paris or London.

Do you have a hobby or some activity that you plan to continue with in Macedonia?

I am very fortunate because I have a lot of hobbies and a lot of interests.  I don’t think I will be bored while in Macedonia.  My first priority is to learn Macedonian and to get to know Macedonia.  I have a great Macedonian language teacher and I have been spending my days exploring Skopje.  I am also taking every opportunity to visit places outside of  Skopje.