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MILS: News from the FYROM, 97-06-19

Macedonian Information Liaison Service Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: "Macedonian Information Liaison Service" <mils@mils.spic.org.mk>


CONTENTS

  • [01] BILL CLINTON: `MACEDONIA A ROLE-MODEL FOR STABILITY IN EVERY TURBULENT REGION'
  • [02] ATHENS: `POSITIVE FEEDBACK ON GLIGOROV STATEMENTS'
  • [03] NEW ROUND OF GREEK-MACEDONIAN NEGOTIATIONS IN AUGUST
  • [04] BBC: `BULGARIAN-MACEDONIAN ISSUES - ECONOMY-RELATED'
  • [05] OHRID: `SEMINAR ON SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE BALKANS'
  • [06] PM CRVENKOVSKI TO ATTEND `CRAN MONTANA' FORUM ON 26TH JUNE
  • [07] CHARGES AGAINST FORMER `NBM' VICE-GOVERNOR TOME NENOVSKI
  • [08] POLICE TO VOTE ON STRIKE
  • [09] 55% OF PAYMENT FLOW IN MACEDONIA NOT CONDUCTED VIA GIRO ACCOUNTS
  • [10] FINAL VERDICT ON `AUDI A 3' PROJECT POSSIBLE TODAY
  • [11] `MAC DONALD'S' OPENS IN SKOPJE AT THE END OF AUGUST
  • [12] AGRICULTURE PRODUCE MARKET STABILIZED
  • [13] GOVERNMENT OBLIGED TO ENFORCE COURT ORDER

    MILS SUPPLEMENT

  • [14] `Government Bill Contrary to the Constitution' (`Vecher' - 18th June 1997)

  • MILS NEWS

    Skopje, 19 June, 1997

    [01] BILL CLINTON: `MACEDONIA A ROLE-MODEL FOR STABILITY IN EVERY TURBULENT REGION'

    The White House press release on the meeting between Presidents Bill Clinton and Kiro Gligorov two days ago - has been issued yesterday. The release states that both leaders discussed bilateral and regional issues, and the US President underlined that Macedonia represented a role-model for stability in a very turbulent region. In this context President Clinton also expressed his favourable view on the approach employed by President Gligorov in addressing divergent opinions between Macedonia and its neighbours - and in promoting ethnic tolerance throughout the country. The US Head of State also aired the appreciation of his country for the hospitality extended to US troops in Macedonia, while emphasising the coordinated support rendered by the USA in supporting stability in Macedonia and the region in general.

    Both leaders have analyzed the security conditions in the Balkans and the involvement of Macedonia within the `PFP' Programme - according to the White House press release. The Macedonian Radio reports that talks with top White House officials, representatives of the State Dept. and the Pentagon yielded the confirmation that Macedonia's admission into NATO would not be influenced by relations with Greece. With respect to his meeting with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, President Gligorov revealed to the press that discussions had been open and friendly, concentrating on Macedonia's candidacy for temporary UN Security Council membership, the situation in Albania and minority issues in Macedonia.

    According to President Gligorov other thematic focuses were the economic problems of Macedonia - complemented by President Clinton's statement that at present Macedonia was in need of economic assistance above everything. The meeting with WB Chairperson Wolfensson - Gligorov said - was indicative of the considerably high opinion this international financial institution had of restructuring conducted so far - complemented by the persistence with which Macedonia adhered to this course. The WB was aware of the great price the country paid for the execution of these reforms - and of all threats (in the social sector particularly) conducive to their slowing down or being suspended completely, which is why the WB was ready to allocate funds to establish joint financial institutions in Macedonia.

    A-1 TV reports from New York that the Macedonian Head of State has also delivered a lecture at the Carnegie Institute yesterday, in addition to meeting the Head of the International Financial Cooperation, members of the US Senate and the editors of `The Washington Post.'

    [02] ATHENS: `POSITIVE FEEDBACK ON GLIGOROV STATEMENTS'

    The Government in Athens is in the spirit of cooperation and good neighbourliness with regards to Skopje', stated Yannis Nikolaou, Secretary-General of the Greek Information Ministry. In response to the positive statements given by President Kiro Gligorov on the Government of PM Costas Simitis during the meeting with President Clinton, the Greek official stated that every kind word was welcome and that the Government supported this encouraging atmosphere.

    [03] NEW ROUND OF GREEK-MACEDONIAN NEGOTIATIONS IN AUGUST

    The latest round of negotiations between Greek Ambassador Christos Zacharakis and his Macedonian counterpart Ivan Toshevski - commenced under the auspices of Cyrus Vance two days ago - continued in New York yesterday. MTV is quoting unofficial sources upon reporting that Toshevski has proposed to the Greek side to select a name for bilateral communication while the international community could use the name Macedonia. Most recent news aired by the Greek Radio indicate that no concrete outcomes had been achieved during negotiations in New York, while the next round had been scheduled for August.

    [04] BBC: `BULGARIAN-MACEDONIAN ISSUES - ECONOMY-RELATED'

    Problems between Bulgaria and Macedonia are not to be attributed to the language or to minority rights - but to economy... this has been part of an assessment aired during the Macedonian-language broadcast on the BBC. The same comment is also being covered by Sofia paper `Trud' which underlines the pessimism expressed with respect to the question whether a concrete agreement between Sofia and Skopje will be reached as regards unaddressed bilateral issues. The article further states that the key problem emerging on this level was founded on a lack of economic interest. `The economy of Bulgaria is undergoing a total collapse, while the economy of Macedonia is about to fall into a coma', the BBC noted. `Makfax' also conveyed the assessment that in the past there had been greater possibilities for bilateral relations to develop.

    Concordant to the leader of the Greater-Bulgarian party IMRO, Krasimir Karakachanov, Skopje was sabotaging all contacts to Sofia. In an interview for Sofia periodical `Standard' Karakachanov stated that Skopje was seized by panic at the prospect that democratization processes in Macedonia were just as inevitable as in the remaining SE countries. This, in the opinion of Karakachanov, would mean that the whole house of cards on the Macedonian nation and the Macedonian language would fall apart.

    [05] OHRID: `SEMINAR ON SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE BALKANS'

    Security and stability in the Balkans are key issues to be analyzed at the ROSS-ROT Seminar opened at Ohrid today, under the auspices of the North Atlantic Council and the Parliament of Macedonia. The Seminar, which is to last till 21st June, will be attended by app. 200 guests of which 100 from NATO member-states and `PFP' countries. According to the Head of the Macedonian Delegation within the North Atlantic Council, Nano Ruzhin, this Seminar is the key event within this association prior to the beginning of the Madrid Conference, where the new NATO member-states are to be announced.

    Ruzhin informed that the Seminar would focus on acquainting those attending the event with regional conditions while placing particular emphasis on events in Macedonia and its perspectives in terms of economy and security. Other tpoics of discussion will include inter-ethnic relations and preventive diplomacy. Nano Ruzhin further reveled to the media that Macedonia would endeavour to establish this Seminar as a regular event.

    [06] PM CRVENKOVSKI TO ATTEND `CRAN MONTANA' FORUM ON 26TH JUNE

    PM Crvenkovski is to head the Macedonian delegation attending the `Cran Montana' Forum between 26th and 29th June. MTV reports that the Forum is to be attended by heads of state, PMs, ministers and representatives of international organisations - in addition to the banking and business elite from all over Europe and the world.

    [07] CHARGES AGAINST FORMER `NBM' VICE-GOVERNOR TOME NENOVSKI

    The DA's Office of Skopje has pressed charges against Tome Nenovski, the former NBM Vice-Governor, on grounds of his involvement in the largest financial scandal in this country: the bankruptcy of the `TAT' bank. The accused, `Nova Makedonija' reports, is being charged with closing fictional saving deposits contracts (worth up to 50 000 DM), with ordering the destruction of evidence and papers confirming his involvement in the scandal - as well as with establishing a fictional relation of employment between the `TAT' bank and his sister and the influencing of inspection authorities monitoring the work of `TAT.'

    [08] POLICE TO VOTE ON STRIKE

    On 24th June, the 8 500 member of the Police Trade Union are to decide whether they will go on strike via a referendum in shape of a questionnaire. Should the outcome be in favour of a strike, the Union Presidium will start operating as a Strike Board as early as 25th June, and decide on the mode of conducting the strike. `Vecher' reports that the questionnaire contains questions on whether the variable pay component should be suspended, and means for surplus work should be provided.

    [09] 55% OF PAYMENT FLOW IN MACEDONIA NOT CONDUCTED VIA GIRO ACCOUNTS

    During yesterday's session of the Parliamentary Financing and Budget Commission it was stated that almost 40% of all tax obligations were evaded and withheld in the Macedonian business sector, while 55% of all payment flow transactions were not being handled via giro accounts. It has also been registered that the trend of avoiding to pay personal income tax, revenue tax, luxury goods tax, customs duty and payroll contributions to health care, retirement pension and disability funds - was on the rise. Thus the Commission decided to address these issues in detail at the next session following the obtaining of all necessary data by the Ministry of Finance.

    In addition to these deficiencies within the payment flow system, Commission members have also approved the data as regards the enforcement of the Payment Flow Act. Besides this the Commission aired a positive evaluation on the returning of the 25-million-dollar, short-term credit granted to Macedonia by the `George Soros Foundation' in 1993. In this context NBM Vice-Governor Gligor Bishev stated that 13 million dollars had been used to procure crude oil and 12 million had been implemented to stimulate export activities. The loans had been issued by `Stopanska Banka' and `Komercijalna Banka'; therefore these two banks are accountable for the repayment of these funds.

    [10] FINAL VERDICT ON `AUDI A 3' PROJECT POSSIBLE TODAY

    The Macedonian radio has been quoting unofficial sources upon revealing that negotiations between German car manufacturer `Audi' and the Macedonian Government had also been attended by PM Branko Crvenkovski. The same sources state that the general atmosphere with regards to the `Audi A 3' project was marked by mutual readiness to settle contentious issues. It may be possible that a final decision on the fate of this project may be reached today, at the close of this final round of negotiations.

    [11] `MAC DONALD'S' OPENS IN SKOPJE AT THE END OF AUGUST

    The first `Mac Donald's' fast food restaurant is to be opened towards the end of August in Skopje, near the Ministry of Education. Three more restaurants are to be set up throughout Skopje in the near future, while nine more `fast food shrines' are to be opened at Shtip, Tetovo, Ohrid, Kumanovo and Bitola over the next three years. This has been revealed by Svetozar Janevski, the General Director of the `Skopje Brewery' at yesterday's press conference.

    Janevski obtained the development license for Macedonia by the `Mac Donald's' fast food chain, and in his opinion the entire venture will create around 1 000 jobs. In the initial stages some of the raw materials are to be imported from FR Yugoslavia and several other countries. The objective however is to ensure that most of the materials are eventually produced in Macedonia. Thus we should very soon witness the upgrading and improvement of the production of ketchup, buns and beef.

    [12] AGRICULTURE PRODUCE MARKET STABILIZED

    A stabilizing trend can already be felt on the Macedonian markets for agricultural produce, especially following the ratification of treaties with other former Yugoslav constituents. `This embodies the return to a realistic level', stated newly-appointed Agriculture, Forestry and Water Resources Management Minister Kiro Topuzovski. In the future the Ministry would concentrate on upholding strict legislation on the exploitation of timber, on wine production, on the protection of the flora, on veterinary medicine, etc. in addition to enacting necessary complementary acts.

    During yesterday's press conference Topuzovski further revealed that the transformation of agriculture cooperatives was nearly completed, in spite of the fact that the WB recommendation to break up large complexes is not being adhered to. He also informed that it has been agreed to set up a mutual risk fund with the WB, business banks and the Ministry of Agriculture in order to implement the 18-million-dollar loan granted by the WB for this sector. This fund is to embody a guarantee for all loans, and the Ministry is to procure its share through budget means and donations.

    [13] GOVERNMENT OBLIGED TO ENFORCE COURT ORDER

    `On grounds of the request submitted by the Consitutional Court of Macedonia, the Government is obliged of enforce the court order regarding the removal of the flags in front of the Gostivar Municipality building. As the order is of an executive nature this is not debatable. The same opinion has been aired by PM Branko Crvenkovski. This makes the statements of Justice Secretary that the Government had no intention to enforce the order, all the more bizarre..' This, according to `Nova Makedonija' has been stated by the Chairman of the Constitutional Court Milan Nedkov yesterday in reply to the recent statements given by Justice Secretary Gjorgji Spasov.

    Concordant to Nedkov it is the Constitutional duty of the Government to comply with the ruling of this court, without room for any discussiona on deadlines or modalities. The same had been indicated to Gostivar Mayor Rufi Osmani. `Thus there is a divergence between statements made by the PM and the Secretary of Justice - an issue which has to be resolved by the former as this is not within the competency of the Constitutional Court. the latter is merely concerned with / about the enforcement of its ruling by the Government', says Constitutional Court Chairman Milan Nedkov.

    MILS SUPPLEMENT

    [14] `Government Bill Contrary to the Constitution'

    (`Vecher' - 18th June 1997)

    In spite of being carefully compiled in order to prevent any possibility of opposing the Constitution, the proposed bill regulating the use of minority flags nevertheless is contrary to the Constitution. This may be attributed to the fact that its provisions - which in practice will entail the legalization of foreign national flags in our country - are on a collision course with Constitutional articles regarding the sovereignty of those symbols expressing the territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia.

    The bill, however, is also contradictory to all binding international conventions referring to the use of foreign national flags. `I think that a rather contentious thesis has been pushed through; the thesis establishing flags as a national symbol. In their essence flags have always been a state symbol denoting the affiliation to a particular state. Thus the present proposal is countering both theory and practice as - I am stressing this once more - flags do not embody a nationality but a state. The flag of Albania for instance is not merely a symbol of all Albanians - but of all citizens of Albania regardless of their ethnic affiliation. Thus it represents the Greeks, Serbs, Montenegrins and Macedonians living there. As this simple illustration reveals that a flag symbolizes a state rather than a nation, the notion of minority flags becomes even more odd.

    Thus the draft-bill does not consider the factual state of affairs. It does not solve the debated issue either as the issue will re- surface, only in a different shape. It appears of key relevance to proclaim the flag of another country as the symbol of a certain ethnicity, which would question the integrity of the Republic of Macedonia to a certain extent. Whenever the interests of the state and issues of this scope are concerned, there cannot be room for any inter-party compromises. One more thought on this subject: why does the change of a state/political system entail the change of the flag? Were the latter a national symbol there would be nothing to change, as the system within the state is being altered', states university reader Ljubomir Cuculovski. Those with expert knowledge of constitutional provisions (the foundation of any legal order) claim that the right of minorities to use their own flags may be deduced on the basis of Article 48 which states that they `possess the right to freely express, nurture and develop their own identity and national traits.'

    The catch to the entire matter however, lies in the fact that the flag `chosen or utilized to express identity and national traits' happens to be the flag of another country. This - experts claim - cannot but be contrary to those Constitutional provisions clarifying that `the seal, flag and anthem are symbols of this state' expressing its sovereignty and territorial integrity. `What will practically occur is the expanding of one state's sovereignty on account of the territory of another. In such a context it does not make a difference that the side proposing the bill has not determined the look of this flag but leaves it to the ethnicities - as the flag (already) chosen is that of another country. The law would be upheld only in the case when the selected flag were not identical to that of another state.

    In contrast to this - experts point out - the questioning of the proposed draft-bill may also be induced by the fact that it is contrary to the binding provisions on using the flags of other countries in conditions such as ours. Domestic law does not contain precise regulations outlining the exhibiting of foreign flags, i.e. it is not stated when and how they may be used. In such a case international conventions, inherited during the old federal system, become the valid guideline. Part of them, such as the Vienna Convention of 1961, allow the use of foreign flags on the grounds of a diplomatic mission, the residence of the chief-of-mission and her/his vehicle.

    Other conventions make provisions for the use of foreign flags on vessels in international waters or during the visit of a foreign head of state. The hoisting of foreign flags in front of local government institutions represents an expansion and transgression of regulations given within such treaties. Another apple of discord emerges in the shape of an article within this draft-bill concordant to which these flags may be used `on other occasions' as well. `The greatest deficiency of this draft-bill in my opinion is the fact that it will practically allow the use of a foreign flag . I consider this unacceptable as it ignores the sovereignty of this state, or introduces a dual sovereignty. It should not be tolerated that a foreign flag is simultaneously used to express the identity of an ethnic minority.' says historian Mihajlo Minovski, while adding that `every legal state codifies regulations determining the symbols used on its territory. In this sense it may decide to allow the use of flags as a symbol of the identity of an ethnic minority, while precisely defining the time and conditions of such occasions. I think that even in cases of private use of such symbols - during, for example, cultural manifestations, festivities,etc. there should be detailed provisions.'

    (end)

    mils news 19 June, 1997


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