Inauguration of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski

"I WILL WORK AS A PRESIDENT OF ALL CITIZENS OF MACEDONIA"

Skopje, December 15, 1999

After the official signing ceremony, President Boris Trajkovski presented his inaugural speech.

I believe that we will succeed in our intentions, even though the memories of the incidents of the election process are still fresh in our minds. But, now is not the time for us to live with this. The most important is that we all learn and the democracy won. It is very important that we all together, no matter to what party we belong, to join for the well being of Macedonia and its citizens, said Trajkovski.

Pointing to the former president, Kiro Gligorov, Trajkovski said: you have led us on the road, which helped the Republic of Macedonia avoid the terrible conflicts and human disasters that followed the separation from former Yugoslavia. You, Mr. Gligorov, you have helped us to keep the peace in our homes, and for that again I thank You in the name of all the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. Under your leadership the Republic of Macedonia in a peaceful way became sovereign, independent and respected country in the international community. I wish you long life and health and I hope that we will cooperate in the years that come before us.

He promised, to the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, that he would lead the Republic of Macedonia in the next millennium as a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country. I am giving my hand as a sign of friendship to all that will join for this cause. I am doing this because I believe in Macedonia. I am doing this for the good of my family and all the families throughout Macedonia. I am doing this because I am Macedonian and I will fight for the interests of all the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, the President Boris Trajkovski underlined.

The stability and the defense will be my first priority said Trajkovski, by trying to show and prove that no one in the present government has ever had the intention to separate, sale, federalize or in any way change our country.

As a Commander-in Chief, I will try to make our armed forces highly mobile and technologically ready for effective defense on the borders and for keeping the territorial integrity, he said, adding that the stability of the country, with no suspicions, depends of the internal situation which, in this regions of Southeast Europe, by some written rule, determines the level of harmonization of the inter ethnic relations. The Republic of Macedonia in the past decade many times was pointed as an example of inter ethnic tolerance. I will not allow ethnic hatred, chauvinism and intolerance to destroy the stability of the country. The different ethnicities represent a treasure whose keeping, nourishment and development should be strategic and constant for the Republic of Macedonia.

Further, Boris Trajkovski talked about the economic development of our country as his prime concern, where he asked for all of us to work together for improvement of the use of the constant capacities, for attraction of foreign investments and for increasing export, with necessary continuing steps forward towards integration with the European Union, the World trade organization and other international organizations who will help us in the development of the present economy.

The association and joining in the European Union is strategic goal of the Republic of Macedonia and there is no backing from that. I will not say anything new if I repeat that that road is long and with thorns and that the speed of its passing mostly depends on us. We must move all mechanisms and potentials to fulfill the harsh criteria and standards for entering in the European home.

The Republic of Macedonia must be active functionary on the international field, in the bilateral, as well as in the multilateral relations. It is necessary to lead active good neighborly politics. This painful region must come to full and permanent stabilization. The Republic of Macedonia, which is the center for stability, with same warmth, will give hand to our friends from Greece, Bulgaria, Albania and the FR Yugoslavia. And, we will work together because the cooperation and the good neighborly relations together with the development of the democracy and respect of the human rights will lead to stability in the region, which is the bases for prosperity. The bilateral relations with the USA and with the Russian Federation are especially important and it is necessary to be working on the future improvement of the relations and promotion of the bilateral cooperation, on the political and economic plan, said Trajkovski.

The Macedonian president also talked about the family as most important stone base of one society. The strong family is the base and heart for the free society. The parents, the teachers, the religious temples, the courts, the Parliament and the President, all must be involved in the promotion of the family. The investment in our children and their education is the investment in the future of Macedonia. That’s why, respected citizens, let’s build Macedonia as a country whose citizens can realize their whole potential, he said, by seeing big prosperity in front of us, which can be done only by people with big hearts and spirit. We should build bridges, which will get us closer to different ethnicities. Bridges which will help the weaker, the old, and those who can’t take care of themselves.

God bless you and God Bless Macedonia, said at the end in his speech the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski.

The inauguration in the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia was held in the presence of many parliamentarians, the premier and the ministers, the former president of the country Kiro Gligorov, the diplomatic core, the representatives of the religious communities, as well as the government institutions. As it was announced, at the inauguration of the President there were no representatives from SDSM, absent were the presidential candidates Tito Petkovski, Vasil Tupurkovski and Muhamed Halili, while Muarem Nedzipi and Stojan Andov were present.

Kiro Gligorov's statement after the election of the new chief of the Macedonian country

We have a new president and that is most important, said Kiro Gligorov after the finishing of the inauguration. The country has continuance, and I deeply believe in the basic attributes, which are important for this country. He spoke well at the inauguration, so we will see how things will role in the future, he added.

On the question of the first decision, which should be made by the newly elected President, Gligorov said that that is the Law for denationalization, which is a heavy load.

On the reporter’s question if he expects for the present President with a good will to come for consultations, the former president added that Trajkovski in the elected period couple of times has visited him and consulted with him in regards to his appearances, for which they talked very openly.

For Gligorov the absence of the opposition from the inauguration meeting, represents their decision. But, Macedonia has new President and that is finished business. Everything that happened before the elections should be forgotten and we should give cooperation a chance.

Mils December 8, 1999

EU WILL REEXAMINE RELATIONS WITH MACEDONIA BECAUSE OF THE ELECTIONS

The course of the elections brought suspicion to the democratic qualities in Macedonia, which lead to the reexamination of the position taken not long ago that Macedonia is ready to sign the Agreement for Stabilization and Association with EU. The present situation shows that the democracy is not consolidated to the needed level. The last development of the situations proved that the country is not ready to be moved into the group of the Western Balkan in the higher group. This, A-1 Television informs is the belief of the Eurodiplomats in Brussels in regards to the last incidents on the presidential elections in Macedonia, stated by the representative of EU in Skopje, Hoze Pinto Tesheira.

Mils December 12, 1999

HIGHER PRICES FOR OIL DERIVATIVES FOR 12,1 PERCENT

At yesterday’s meeting, the Government of Macedonia came to a decision to increase the prices of the oil derivatives of around 12,1 percent. The reason for the Government to rich this decision was the dramatical rise of the oil price on the world market. From last night one-liter supreme gas costs 44 Denars, unleaded costs 43 Denars, regular 42,5 Denars, while the diesel costs 27 Denars per liter. The prices of oil and the heating oil are higher only symbolically for about one or two percent.

Mils December 13, 1999

GREEK HELP TO ARM OF 10 ARMORED TRANSPORTERS

It is expected that Macedonia will receive Greek help consisting of 10 armored transporters from the tip ‘leonidas’, the Macedonian Radio informs. It is reported that these transporters are intended for the security of the Macedonian border with Albania and Kosovo. This help, as it was estimated is a step towards better relations between Skopje and Athens and to improve the atmosphere between the two nations.

Mils December 14, 1999

22 MILLION DOLLARS FROM USA FOR SOCIAL COMPENSATION

Yesterday USA presented Macedonia with non returnable help of 22 million dollars, which are intended for the payment of the compensation to the unemployed. The resources are given through the American Agency for international development, and as it was announced, USA soon will give $30 million more as a technical help.

Mils December 15, 1999

AGREEMENT FOR DEFENSE COOPERATION SIGNED BETWEEN GREECE AND MACEDONIA

An agreement for cooperation in the sphere of defense was signed in Skopje between the Ministers for defense of Greece and Macedonia, Akik Cohazopulos and Nikola Kljusev. This agreement, as it was estimated after the signing means expansion of the Greek-Macedonian cooperation in the military field and could bring Macedonia closer to the euro-atlantic structures.

Mils December 16, 1999

LAMB MEAT FROM MACEDONIA TO THE COUNTRIES OF EU

On the ninth of this month the Colleian of the European Commission had adopted the decision which allows import of fresh meat from Macedonia to EU. The ban mostly affected the manufacturers of lamb meat because the import stopped the yearly contingent of around 1.700 tones for the countries of the Union.

HEROIN MIXED WITH CEMENT SOLD BY DEALERS IN SKOPJE

As the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced, the police on the weekend arrested two groups of dealers and seized 43 packages of heroin. In one of the groups the heroin had cement mixed in the narcotics to get more in weight. MIA informs that this is a second case where cement was found mixed in the heroin. The police experts say that this kind of mixture in the blood can cause breakage of the capillaries which can lead to death, and this year the death tall was increased as a result of the use of narcotics.

Mils December 20, 1999

DPM-HOMOGENIZATION FOR THE IDEA FOR GREATER ALBANIA

The leader of the Democratic Party of Macedonia, Tomislav Stojanovski Bombaj at the press conference on Friday estimated that there is a greater homogenization of some political powers around the idea for Greater Albania. In the context of this theses Stojanovski pointed to the movement of the “Tetovo’s university” from Mala Rechica to the center of Tetovo, the reactions to the new Denars and the placing of the cross on Vodno regarding the 2.000 anniversary from Christianity, postponing of the bringing of the law with which Shar Planina is announced for national park, as well as the announced reforms for local self-government. For the higher education of the Albanians, Stojanovski said that it must be resolved in agreement with the Constitution of Macedonia, and that could be done only through private university, and not through Government University in Albanian language as the leaders of VMRO-DPMNE and PDPA-NDPA are negotiating. According to Stojanovski, the announced reforms in the local self-government will only legalize the absence of government presence in the west part of the country.

Mils December 21, 1999

BORIS TRAJKOVSKI- WITH ITS TANDEM GEORGIEVSKI-TRAJKOVSKI BEGINS REAL CHANGES IN THE COUNTRY

The president of the Republic of Macedonia Boris Trajkovski, in the interview for the Bulgarian national television announced that with the coming of the tandem Georgievski-Trajkovski on the position premier and president of the country, symbolically brings the real changes in the country with which a new wave of politicians will join who promise a lot of new things. As MIA informs, Trajkovski in the interview has estimated that the arrival of the tandem Georgievski-Trajkovski was characterized by the wide European public as something positive, having in mind their “background”. "We are people who came in one new time, when the European integration processes begun and behind us does not stand the communist’s past”, said Trajkovski. Among else he announced that he wishes for other countries in the region to experience that change-to be lead by new European oriented politicians who thing of building new spirit and making East Europe belong to Europe. To the question of what he will do in regards to the relations with Bulgaria, Trajkovski answered that he would like to meet with the president Petar Stojanov, with whom he has same point of view regarding the relations between the two countries and who likes honestly to help Macedonia. Regarding the Bulgarization of Macedonia, expressed on the election campaign, Trajkovski estimated that that was used by SDSM for marketing reasons. According to Trajkovski, these statements are not reality based, and with him taking the position of president of the country and the involvement of all political parties in the elections, an integrating component was reached. Macedonia is strengthening as a united, stable and secure country, said the president of Macedonia Boris Trajkovski, in the interview for the Bulgarian national television.

THE PATRIARCH VARTOLOMEJ JOINS IN THE SETTLING OF THE MATTER BETWEEN MOC AND SOC

The Universal Patriarch Vartolomej actively will join in the settling of the matter between the Macedonian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church, is the conclusion from the meeting which happened yesterday in Istanbul between the delegation of the MOC with the head of Istambul's patriarchy. As the Macedonian Radio informs, an this meeting the Patriarch Vartolomej took the duty to inform the Serbian Orthodox Church about the talks and opinions of the delegation of the MOC, where thoughts will be exchanged regarding the status of the Macedonian church. According to the delegation member of the MOC, Mr. Timotej the opinion of the head of Istambul's patriarchy was the disagreement to be solved through a dialog, which means continuation of talks regarding the status of the MOC.

According to Mr. Timotej the Macedonian church delegation has invited the Universal patriarch to visit Macedonia, but the acceptance of the invitation was postponed until the problem was solved about recognition of the MOC independence.

MILS NEWS - 22nd December 1999

EU WILL MONITOR SITUATION IN MACEDONIA MORE CAREFULLY BECAUSE OF THE VELES `SMELTRY' CASE

Macedonian Government disapproved of the events that happened two days ago in Veles `Smeltry' at yesterday's session, concluding that the members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs had violated some of the basic legal solutions and procedures in their intervention. In the light of this comment, it is deduced that if there are any problems concerning the privatization of this plant, it must not be allowed for some members of MIA to overpass legal permits, which violate department establishment and hierarchy of the bodies in charge of particular departments. The Government also objected the legal permits regarding the act of bringing in persons among who were journalists of the Macedonian media. As it was underlined, this deranged the freedom of information, as an important element for the public opinion in Macedonia.

As `Dnevnik' writes, after the session of the Government at which the Minister of Internal Affairs Pavle Trajanov informed about the events in Veles `Smeltry', it was announced that sanctions will be applied to all involved police employees, who did not obey the orders of their superiors. Criminal charges will be submitted against suspended Superintendent of the Internal Affairs Administration in Veles, Jordan Ivanovski, because he took advantage of his office and authorities and illegally arrested several people. In his statement for the media, Trajanov said that Security and Counterintelligence Head Office Deputy Director Ljube Boshkovski's responsibility i.e. involvement in this case is also being investigated and if his involvement is proved he will be suspended too. `Dnevnik's unofficial information say that Boshkovski was most likely the instigator of the police action and he was also involved in this case in the last several months without the knowledge and permission of the Minister and the directors of the `Smeltry'.

After the raid of the police at the Council of shareholders and bringing in several of its members, changes of `Smeltry' management were made. As it is announced, acting Director Zhanko Chado was replaced and DA member of the Parliament Chedo Petrov was assigned to his office, Dimitar Nikolovski became the President of the Council of shareholders, while Jane Trpkov, also DA member, was assigned president of the Board of Directors. Considering that Zhanko Chado remains in the `Smeltry' as Petrov's Deputy and Jane Trpkov is one of `ALMAKO' owners, it is estimated that with all this replacements it is DA and `ALMAKO" grouping position that is strengthened in the `Smeltry'.

Many parties, associations and NGO's also objected to the police raids in Veles `Smeltry', especially the bringing in of the journalists. Thus, the Association of journalists, Helsinki Committee, Democratic Alternative, SDSM, League of democracy as well as many reputable lawyers and professors responded with reports. The main massage as for the police action is that they flagrantly violated the elementary rights and freedom, as well as the freedom and security of a person, the right of private property and the right of freedom of information. They all demanded for the malpractice and arrogance of particular police and security structures to be stopped.

A question arises, who is it that wants Macedonia to gain negative estimates and points in the field of the development of democracy. Probably, the most alarming news regarding the events in Veles `Smeltry' is the one form London BBC (as A1 TV reports) that EU has suggested to monitor the situation in Macedonia more carefully because of the arrests in Veles.

DA leader Vasil Tupurkovski estimated that the Constitution, laws, private property, press freedom as well as the ambition Macedonia to become an European country were assaulted in Veles `Smeltry'. According to Tupurkovski, Veles `Smeltry' case has to be a turning point, because such thing must not recur once again. He suggested that DA has no intention of withdrawing from the `Smeltry' and it will defend it with all the possible legal means. Tupurkovski also stated that the claim that `Smeltry' cannot be sold now is not true. According to him, if it is a matter of supported politics of the Government the shareholders will perceive their personal interests and with the complete privatization of the firm, it can be sold to a foreign partner.

SIGNED AGREEMENT FOR THE SALE OF “STOPANSKA BANKA”

The Government of Macedonia signed an agreement with the Greek national bank, the European bank for reconstruction and development and International Finance Corporation for buying and selling of the biggest bank in the country-Stopanska Banka in Skopje. By this agreement, with transaction which should be executed no later than march next year, the new owners will buy 85 percent of the shares of Stopanska Banka, where the Greek bank will have 10 percent of the shares. For Stopanska Banka the new owners will pay DM116 million. From this sum DM50 million will be invested in the name of capitalization of the bank, which means its whole privatization.

MILS NEWS - 23rd December 1999

GEORGIEVSKI, TUPURKOVSKI AND GAFERI SIGNED THE CONTRACT FOR PEACE IN COALITION

`For Changes' governing coalition i.e. VMRO-DPMNE, DA and PDPA-NDP leaders Ljubcho Georgievski, Vasil Tupurkovski and Arben Gaferi signed the contract for the future actions and mutual relations in terms of common governing with the state. According to VMRO-DPMNE leader and Prime Minister Ljubcho Georgievski, last night's contract is practically extension i.e. continuation of the coalition contract one year ago when the government coalition was constituted. `We continue in the same structure VMRO-DPMNE, DA and DPA (PDPA-NDP). The contract introduces continuity, but with more strengthened moments. Finally, we as politicians, our political parties and the citizens of Macedonia can ease and celebrate New Year's holidays, so that we can approach the new millennium with new tasks', Georgievski stated.

According to PDPA-NDP leader Arben Gaferi, the coalition has found a good solution for the problems that had appeared so far. Gaferi underlined that finding the solution is not only important for the political parties, but also for Macedonia, since with this agreement the country has obtained a strong endorsement to be treated as a serious country in which internal problems, common to each country, are solved with dialogue and democratic means. PDPA-NDP leader estimated yesterday that after this meeting and contract, the country enters an eased period and intensifies the chances for Macedonia to join the Western European integration more quickly.

DA leader Vasil Tupurkovski expressed his content yesterday because the coalition managed to come out of a political crisis in one responsible way. `Since the government coalition gained the mandate for serious changes by the citizens, which changes are not simple to be accomplished in 365 days, it would have been irresponsible and disastrous if we gave up this mandate after only one year. Focusing on the development programs, solving the economic crisis, social issues, quality of live on the basis of reform decision of this Government as well as our strong decision to fight against crime and corruption, we have overtaken the responsibility in the hands of this coalition Government and we will propose solution for the general interests of the citizens', Tupurkovski stated. He also expressed his strong belief that after the contract, democratic Macedonia will be able to begin the negotiations with EU, realize part of its priorities within the Stability Pact, change economic and social situation and mark the time of success and new prosperity of the country in the 21st century.

The contract signed by Georgievski, Tupurkovski and Gaferi, besides the familiar items from the offered DA program for development, turning towards the economy and fight against crime and corruption, considers the new mechanisms of negotiating between the coalition partners and the principles for future acting of the Government. According to unofficial sources, the document includes additional demands of the third coalition partner PDPA-NDP, which refer to the priority passing the Law of high education and the solution for "Tetovo University". Media mention the possibility for Channel 3 of the Macedonian TV to broadcast program during the whole day in Albanian language.

MILS NEWS - 24th December 1999

PARLIAMENT WILL VOTE FOR THE NEW MACEDONIAN GOVERNMENT ON MONDAY

At yesterday's exceptional session of the Government, Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubcho Georgievski resigned form his office in order to enable for the new structure of the Government to be elected. After the session, Prime Minister Georgievski stated that if he the President of the Republic approves his new mandate today the new Government of Macedonia will be elected in the Parliament on Monday.

Georgievski did not want to bring the changes in the Government into the open, but, he pointed out that there will be changes or rotation in at least ten Ministries. He also emphasized that 90% of the changes have already been established, while the rest will be fixed in the period till the session of the Parliament. According to Georgievski, there will be two Ministries less in the reconstructed Government - one Ministry without Portfolio will be repealed and one of the Vice Presidents will gain one ministerial office plus. Prime Minister Georgievski suggested that during next year four to five ministerial offices will also be repealed with the new law for reforms in the administration.

THE GREEKS BOUGHT THE CREDIT BANK IN SKOPJE

The dominant owner of the Credit Bank in Skopje from yesterday is the biggest private bank in Greece-ALFA-credit bank from Athens, the Macedonian media informs. For this transaction yesterday in Skopje was signed an agreement which stipulates that the Greek bank with investment of DM 18,4 million will get 65 percent from the capital of the Credit Bank.

ALFA bank is the biggest private bank chain in Greece and has worth of DM 23 million, and it is classified among the 80 biggest banks in the EU.