21 November 2010

Globochica breaks production record

Hydro power plant Globocica has generated the highest production since its establishment in 1966. With 252gWh, the power plant broke the record of 250gWh in 1986, power utility Elektrana Makedonije (ELEM) informed.

"Annual production of Globocica has been achieved already in July. The value of the result is of significant importance since the hydro power plant continues to generate power in accordance with the needs of the power system," reads the official statement of ELEM.

16 November 2010

Annual Award for the Best Promoter of Macedonia


Annual Award for the Best Promoter of Macedonia is a simple idea  to honor people who have Macedonia in their hearts and they tell others to fell in love with Macedonia. The Award is introduced to recognize achievements of extraordinary People from different walks of life, all over the world, who have one common goal: promotion of various Macedonian causes. A nominee could be a person (or group of persons) who in 2010 has actively promoted the Republic Macedonia and the country causes and interests, regardless of nationality, region of activities, field and form of promotional activities e.g. cultural, social, economic, tourism, political etc. The Award is honorary . The winner receives a special medal and the title of the Best Promoter of Macedonia.

Everybody can support and lobby for  favored candidates in a special Poll posted at the following link www.facebook.com/Macedonia.BestPromoterAward, where Contest Rules are also available. The Best Promoter of Macedonia Award is initiated and organized by the Macedonia Loves You Project www.macedonialovesyou.com. The contest is open, public and organized annually. Nomination period lasts from November 15th , 2010 until  January 15th, 2011. After the first medal is awarded special Web Page will be developed, presenting the winner and all nominees. Hopefully , this will create a forum for Macedonian Promoters from all over the world. The medal is for one but winners are all!

15 November 2010

4th mobile operator in Macedonia

Macedonian Electronic Communications Agency (AEK) has informed that company WTI Macedonia was the first to apply as a virtual mobile operator on the Macedonian market.
This means that the company has the right to use networks of other operators in Macedonia in order to provide services to Macedonian citizens.

For the purpose, the AEK allocated 100,000 numbers to WTI, which the company will be able to sell on its SIM cards. The Netherlands-based company will reportedly start operating in Macedonia in two to three months.

25 October 2010

Skopje Hosting a Wine Festival

Thursday, 14 October 2010 The fourth international wine promotion festival Vino-Skop 2010 will roll out at Makedonija Square from October 13 to 17.

Zito Vardar Group will make sure that visitors are offered delicious food and baked specialties to be served on a 20-meter-long table.

Zito Vardar CEO Risto Tashev said this year more than 200.000 people are expected to show up at the event. The sales of all products will be made through “wine denars” which can be bought at Vino-Skop stands, The wine will be served in glasses, which can be bought at the entrance.

“Besides Macedonian, there will be French, Spanish and Croatian wine,” organizers said.

The concept of this event is to present the long-standing wine production, cultural inheritance and tradition through wine tasting and sale of quality wine, refreshments and lots of entertainment.

17 October 2010

Darryl Hannah - special guest at 31. ICFF "Manaki Brothers"

At today's press conference, International Cinematographers' Film Festival (ICFF) "Manaki Brothers" and Vip operator with great honour and pleasure announced the jury of the "Manaki Brothers Film Festival" (16-22 October in Bitola), and over 150 outstanding guests from the world cinema, of whom many were awarded at various film festivals from A-category, and the guest list includes the exceptional American actress Darryl Hannah.
Daryl Hannah is coming to Macedonia, Bitola to receive the Special Golden Camera 300 Award  for her outstanding contribution to the world cinema. In honour of Daryl Hannah, on October 17 the festival will screen one of her latest films, Kill Bill 2.
Hannah, from her first film role in the Fury (1978) by B. de Palma, played in the films of a series of exceptional directors who are considered the most talented authors of our time. Often she played together with the legends of world cinema, always giving an outstanding acting performance, which brought for her worldwide popularity and appreciation.
Daryl Hannah has played in over 50 titles, including Blade runner (R. Scott), Roxanne (F. Schepisi), Excitement (N. Jordan), Wall Street (O. Stone), Steel Magnolias (H. Ross). Daryl Hannah also worked with many art-house directors like Hector Babenco At Play in the Fields of the Lord, Fernando Trueba Two Much, Robert Altman The Gingerbread Man, Michael Radford Dancing at the Blue Iguana, John Sayles Casa de los babys.
In recent years, Hannah is engaged in pursuit of many social goals, activist movements and civic organizations. After all, Special Award "Golden Camera 300" for outstanding contribution to the world cinema at the 31st International Cinematographers' Film Festival "Manaki Brothers" is awarded to recognize Daryl Hannah for her contribution to the film art, but she also deserves to be praised for her contribution to all-important concerns about environmentalism, protection of bio-diversity, sustainable living and human rights of marginalized groups.
The jury will be headed by Oscar-winning Vilmos Zsigmond, cinematographer from USA / Hungary, a giant of the world cinema. Other members of the jury:
Pawel Pawlikowski, director of UK / Poland, which is known as the author of eccentric documentaries and as a double winner of the BAFTA awards. His most famous films Last Resort (2000) and My summer of love (2004) attended the ICFF "Manaki Brothers," where in 2001 he received the main prize. His last film The woman on the fifth floor, with Kristin Scott Thomas and Ethan Hawk in the main roles, is in post-production.
Christine Dolhofer, festival director from Austria, director of the Crossing Europe film Festival in Linz, one of the most important figures of the Austrian film industry.
Dominique Fury, one of the most interesting visual artists from France. The film as a art form is one of her permanent component in her works.
Natasha Braier, cinematographer from Argentina, nominated for Oscar in this year's foreign film category, and winner of the Golden Bear at Berlin last year and the "Golden Camera 300" Award for her film Milk of Sorrow.
Darko Mitrevski, director from Macedonia, whose previous films have won numerous awards in the world and a huge cinema audiences in Macedonia.
"We believe that we composed an extremely interesting jury, colourful, yet balanced and outstanding in any regard," said Labina Mitevska, manager of the Festival.
The festival will open with the movie Mothers of M. Manchevski who, along with his crew, will also be a guest of the 31st ICFF in the year 2010.
Among around 400 foreign and domestic visitors, the Festival confirms the names of Baris Ozbicer, cinematographer from Turkey, Debie Benoît, cinematographer from Belgium, regular collaborator of the cult director from France, Gaspar Noe, Martin Gschlacht, cinematographer from Austria, Giora  Bejach, cinematographer from Israel, his film Lebanon, won Golden Lion at the last Venice film festival, Daniel Bouquet, the cinematographer from the Netherlands and Katriel Schory, director of the Israeli Film Fund.
This year around 80 students will come to Bitola from the Bulgarian, German, French, and Israeli Film Academy and the Film Academy in Skopje, Macedonia.
Bitola this year will host several hundred cinematographers, directors, screenwriters, actors, filmmakers from all over the world and from Macedonia.
This year the ICFF "Manaki Brothers" will show a record number of 95 films from the latest world production in nine different programme selections. In order to achieve the festival mission that is not just aimed at celebrating the best but also to elevate the knowledge and curiosity for all the issues in relation to the film making, we will hold a number of workshops, master classes, meetings with our special guests, and round tables that will be run by the leading names in many different fields.
This year for the first time in one place will be shown all seven films from the legacy of the Brothers Manaki, and we will have opportunity to hear the Macedonia Philharmonic Orchestra with the concert "Hear film."
The Winner of the Lifetime Achievement award "Golden Camera 300" is Vilmos Zsigmont , ASC, in which honour the festival will show the You will meet tall dark stranger as closing film. Roger Pratt, BSC, cinematographer from United Kingdom signed over 40 movies, and is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Terry Gilliam is the winner of the Special Golden Camera 300 for outstanding contribution to world cinema art. In his honour the festival will show his film 12 Monkeys directed by Terry Gilliam.

08 October 2010

Construction of an elite hotel in Ohrid

Macedonian Ministry of Transport has invited a tender for the sale of a building lot owned by the Republic of Macedonia in Ohrid. A five-star hotel is envisaged to be built at the location.

The initial auction price for the lot of the total surface of 15,878 sqm is MKD 61 sqm. All interested parties can apply for the auction by October 26. The auction will be held on November 2, 2010

30 September 2010

Macedonian Sun Attractive to Foreigners

Wines of Macedonia
The Macedonian Energy Agency has received 57 requests for the construction of solar power plants. Interest in the construction of solar power plants has increased drastically, especially among foreign investors.

A year ago, Macedonia had only one solar power plant, and now it has ten, some of which have already been finished, while others are in the final construction phase.
Most potential investors (35 of them) are foreign investors or combined Macedonian and foreign companies, which want to built power plants of bigger capacity.
Information for investments in Macedonia, should be found at: http://investinmacedonia.com

26 September 2010

Fish specialties for the Dojran visitors

With a carp soup and other fish specialties, typical for the Dojran region, the Dojran citizens have celebrated the end of an successful tourism season.
Fish dishes in Dojran
"A Dojran soup of fish is made with Dojran carp, adding spices and at the end it gots it's whitey colour using eggs.", said Orhideja Georgieva, one of the participants.
With realized 141.000 nights (22% more than 2009), Dojran had the best tourism season, after the ecologic disaster. The citizens of Dojran, in fiture, will be expecting the tourists within the whole year, with cultural manifestations, like this one.
"I beleive that within time, we will contribute for the development of alternative tourism an that the old style of fishing will be turned into tourism as well", said Gligor Čabulev, major of Dojran.

Source: a1.com.mk

24 September 2010

Popova Sapka gets ready for night ski

Popova Šapka in summer
These days, Popova Sapka has started to get ready for the new ski season 2010/2011. Currently the channels of the little flows within the ski-resort are being paved, between Ceripasina and Golgota.
A square is planned to be built around the Popova Sapka hotel.
Night skiing and a new snow machine are among the improvements for the following season.
A new coffe-tea bar (Bacilo) is planned to be built, with a capacity of 300 skiers, which would work even at night during the weekend.

19 September 2010

Bing is a Fan

The Macedonian town of Debar found itself on the front page of Microsoft's search engine "Bing" www.bing.com. As Bing explained, the beautiful lake on the photo is artificial lake "Spilje" near the town of Debar."Apart from the natural beatuies around the city of Debar, the city itself is very old and has been a part of the Roman and the Ottoman empires," explains Bing.
Bing - Debar lake

For the residents of Debar, Bing's front page was the best promo the city could have received. 
Bing's monthly visits have reached to around 300 million. This also isn't the first time Bing has shown photos of Macedonia.

13 September 2010

09 September 2010

Macedonia marks 19 years of independence

Macedonia (September 8th) is marking 19 years of its independence Wednesday (September 8th). During a referendum on September 8th 1991, 95% of Macedonians voted in favour of independence. Macedonia has established diplomatic relations with 160 countries so far and has been recognised under its constitutional name by 125 states. On the eve of the holiday, Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanovski hosted a reception, saying Macedonia remains committed to its EU and NATO bids and to efforts to resolve its long-standing name dispute with Greece.

05 September 2010

Reporters from Czech Republic in Ohrid

Group of Czech reporters have arrived in Macedonia yesterday, and will stay until September 8th. The group is about to visit Ohrid, Struga, Galicica, Mavrovo and Skopje. Their visit is discover the tourism potential of Macedonia. The visit is being organized by the Economic promotor of Macedonia in the Czech Republic & Slovakia, Danco Vidov, and by the Agency for Promotion & Support of tourism.

-Our goal is to make the interest for the Czech tourist to visit Macedonia, so the country can finaly enter the tourist map of the Czech touroperators, - mentioned Vidov for MIA.

30 August 2010

China and Macedonia to improve Economic relations

In the meeting between Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruveski and the high delegation of the Chinese Communist Party, possibilities of improvement and increasing of economic cooperation and trade were discussed, and the participants commented on the influences of the global crisis.

Special emphasis was put on possible cooperation in the field of energy, tobacco trade and visit of Chinese tourists to  Macedonia. During the meeting, stands on peaceful policy based on respect of the international law and universal value were reaffirmed.
The high Chinese delegation should also meet the leader of the Macedonian opposition, Branko Crvenkovski.

25 August 2010

49th Struga Poetry Evenings beginns

Struga - flow of Crni Drim from Ohrid lake.
The 49th edition of the Struga Poetry Evenings (SPE) starts Thursday evening in Struga with a manifestation titled "Meridians". This year's laureate is Lyubomir Levchev - the first poet from Bulgaria to be awarded with Golden Wreath in SPE's five-decade history.

Organisers have said that sixty poets from all around the world and about 50 Macedonian authors will participate at the event. The festival will introduce several novelties - a compilation of poetry, music and art with performances by musicians from Israel, Spain, Italy, Serbia...

The festival is comprised of its traditional contents - poetry readings "Bridges" and "Meridians", a portrait of laureate Levchev, promotion of young poets at a manifestation dubbed "A Night Without Punctuation", National Poetry Evening - which this years is dedicated to Azerbaijan, etc.

Levchev, 75, has written 50 books of poetry in Bulgarian, published between 1957 and 2007 in Bulgaria, and 70 separate books in 34 countries in the world. He has won 17 national and international awards of poetry in almost every continent in the world.

Estonian poet Siim Kera, the winner of an award for best debut book, will be also presented at SPE. The "Miladinov Brothers" award, which is presented to the best book of poetry by a Macedonian author, this year was given to poet Vladimir Martinovski.

24 August 2010

Archeological researches in Strumica area

Golema Trpeza - Konjarevo village
Researches at the archaeological site of Golema Trpeza, Konjarevo village, near the Macedonian-Bulgarian border, were launched recently. The researches are organized for the first time and 10 member team that conducted field work in the next few months.
- Our knowledge is that it is a prehistoric site near the village of Staro Konjarevo in the municipality of Novo Selo, where we expect to find significant artifacts. For us, important in this area are the prehistoric sites of Carevi Kuli and the settlement Angelci. With the completion of excavations in the three sites, we are planning to finalize the prehistoric period in Strumica, according to the Institute-Museum in Strumica.

20 August 2010

US Congressional staffers visit Macedonia

In organisation of the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) this week 18 senior US Congressional staffers will pay a visit to Macedonia.

Over the course of their stay in Macedonia, the delegation will meet with the leadership of the country, including President Gjorge Ivanov, Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki, and Defense Minister Zoran Konjanovski, as well as with MPs and representatives of the non-governmental sectors.

The US delegation is led by Lincoln McCurdy, president of the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA), which fully sponsors the visit to Macedonia.

UMD and TCA have established strategic partnership.

The delegation will visit three cities, Skopje, the birthplace of Mother Teresa and Justinian the Great; Bitola, where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk went to military academy; as well as Ohrid, considered to be the Pearl and Jerusalem of the Balkans.

13-member delegation from Turkey, consisted of NGO representatives, will accompany the guests from US.

16 August 2010

24th Ohrid Swimming Marathon begins

The 24. Ohrid Swimming Marathon, held under the auspices of President Gjorge Ivanov, began Saturday, including 22 competitors from 10 countries.
The 13 male and 9 female swimmers are expected to pass the 30km-long track "Klime Savin" in 5-6 hours, depending on the weather conditions.
Eight-time winner and current leader in the world ranking, Bulgarian Petar Stoychev is among the competitors, along with closest rival Damien Blaum from Argentina. Macedonia is represented by five swimmers, with Evgenij Pop-Acev, who is sixth in the Grand Prix standings, leading the charge.
Geijo Pilar, who is first in the general classification among women, is among the swimmers, alongside Esther Nunez Morera, who won the Ohrid marathon three years ago. There are no female representatives from Macedonia this year.
The Ohrid marathon is the ninth of 10 marathons within the Grand Prix series of the International Swimming Federation (FINA). The event is organized by the Macedonian Swimming Federation and Ohrid-based water sports club "Ohridski Branovi".

13 August 2010

Malta 1:1 Macedonia - Stone Age

With no TV signal, Radio, Live Commentary or Pigeons from the Ta'Qali National Stadium in Malta, Macedonian journalists not present in Malta could just imagine what the scoreline is in todays' friendly match. At the end, they certainly didn't imagine 1:1 against Malta who has lost to Macedonia five times in a row.
Ivan Trickovski scored his second goal in his second match for Macedonia (two for two) in the 36th minute with a header.
Malta tied the match in the beginning moments of the second half. In the 47th minute, Malta's best player Mifsud tied the score also with a header.
This was the last friendly match for Macedonia before traveling to Bratislava in September for the first match of the Euro2012 qualifying campaign against Slovakia.
Macedonia has not lost in its last six matches, however todays 1-1 result against minnows Malta has certainly raised eyebrows in the general public.

10 August 2010

Alexander the Great poisoned by the Styx River

Alexander the Great (336-323 BC)
Scientists from the US Stanford University believe that Alexander the Great, the King of Macedonia, was poisoned by the water from the River Styx in Greece.

The river was believed to be the mythical entrance to Hell.

It was based on a real steam now known as the Mavroneri, or Black Water, which springs from mountains on the Peloponnesian peninsula.

The researchers have found correlation between the symptoms suffered by Alexander before his death, and the effects of the highly toxic bacterium found in the river.

The King of Macedonia fell ill during a party at the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon, and after a 12-day agony died aged 33.
For many centuries historians believed he had died of typhoid or malaria.

06 August 2010

Macedonia Celebrates Ilinden

If Ilinden 1903 was one of Macedonian disobedience, Ilinden 1944 one of Macedonian perseverance and unity, then Ilinden 2010 is one of Macedonian struggle for success, economic development, better and dignified life of all citizens, said Monday Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in the address at site Meckin Kamen near Krusevo on occasion of August 2-Day of Republic.
According to him, this struggle can be won only through unity and overcoming differences, high moral, patriotism and healthy values.
"Our goal is for the Republic of Macedonia to turn into a country with high quality of life, higher standards and happier people. There is no barrier that can't be overcome. We are determined to achieve the high European ideals and civilization achievements", stressed Gruevski.
He said significant results have been achieved in the past period, such as meeting criteria for NATO accession and the European Commission recommendation for start of EU accession negotiations.
"We must enter with pride and dignity on this path towards our deserved place in the European family of nations, so that we can give the EU additional value. This means it is not good for us, our neighbors and Europe if we accede with low moral, devalued status and damaged feelings. It is rational, humane and culturally the right thing to sit at the table with our friends as Macedonians", stated PM Gruevski.
Unfortunately, he added, when we obtained independence we believed the struggle of generations to come would be progress, education, upgrading of ethnic and religious coexistence, NATO and EU accession, but we are faced with a cruel reality that even in the 21st century, we are still forced to fight for our identity, language, name, nationality and self-determination.
"However, this imposed issue by our neighbor to deal with challenges we believed have long been overcome, will not deter us from our strategic priorities for EU and NATO accession, or the modernization of our society, so that our citizens enjoy a better, safer, richer and quality life", said Gruevski.
"We respect all our neighbors and we want to cooperate with all of them, as we are already doing. We do not want to take away anything from anyone, be it territory, culture, history etc. However, we do not want anything taken away from us too. We are a tolerant and peaceful nation and I believe we will find solutions to the problems in this spirit", he emphasized.
PM Gruevski urged for unity and opening a new modern page in political life.
"Let us try to work together, united behind the platform of a stable, independent and democratic Republic of Macedonia with developed market economy, state ruled by law, a good and respected neighbor and ally. Political differences and difficulties will always exist, like in all other democracies. However, when essential national and civil interests take the stage, we should find the strength to overcome political differences", added Gruevski.
According to him, time has come when the eternal struggle for a better tomorrow should be valued, where everyone would feel happier, more dignified and fulfilled.
"We have an obligation before the remains of the Ilinden fighters to create conditions for general prosperity. We must stage an uprising of intellectual and moral progress. Changes are natural and necessary. We should invest every atom of our strength into the interest of the common good, development of each individual. This is the struggle of today, the struggle of this generation, a struggle that must be won", underlined Gruevski.
The Government delegation attending the central event on occasion of the 107th anniversary from the Ilinden Uprising and 66 years of the first Anti-Fascist Assembly for the People's Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM) also included Justice Minister Mihajlo Manevski, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Nexhati Jakupi and Minister of Information Society Ivo Ivanovski.
The delegation laid flowers at the grave of Nikola Karev, site Sliva and Krusevo Republic monument at Meckin Kamen.

31 July 2010

Macedonians Vacation at Home... 20% increase

Ever more Macedonian citizens have started to discover their own country. The number of Macedonian tourists marked a growth of 20 percent this year, above all because of campaigns such as "Discover Macedonia", but also due to the crisis because it’s cheaper for people to vacation at home, said Zoran Nikolovski, the head of the Economy Ministry’s Tourism Sector.

According to Macedonia’s media, an increase in the number of Macedonian tourists who vacation at home is expected this year because of the crisis.
Moreover, according to the latest data by Macedonia’s State Statistical Office, the number of tourists in May went up 0.8 percent in comparison to May 2009, while the number of overnights went up 13.8 percent.

27 July 2010

Travel Channel: Macedonia an exciting destination

Starting from September the Travel Channel International will broadcast a 30-minute documentary about Macedonia's tourist potentials and natural resources.

The documentary 'Essential Macedonia & Travel Today' will depict the country's essence by presenting its natural, historic and cultural treasury and images of the every-day life of its citizens, movie's producer Ged Celugh said Thursday at a press conference.

The documentary will be presented in 20 languages and 120 countries across the globe for the next three years. 

The Travel Channel International has chosen to reserch Macedonia as it reflects the network's concept for a series of documentaries about interesting, exciting destinations, Celugh said.

Presenter Danny Robins is satisfied with Macedonia's hospitality, delicious food, possibilities for mountain biking, the Ohrid Lake beauty, wine tourism and dazzling landscape.

Our knowledge about Macedonia is poor, so the country is a kind of mystery we are about to reveal, Robins said.

23 July 2010

"Krusevo ethno-town" event begins

The pigeons and fluttering flag in front of the Makedonium memorial at Gumenje marked Saturday evening the start of "Krusevo ethno-town" event.
According to that project, Krusevo shall look like a town from the beginning of the 20th century, while it was the centre of the Ilinden Uprising in 1903, leading to the creation of the first Republic on the Balkans, The Krusevo Republic. People will be dressed like Ottoman Turks and Macedonian revolutionary freedom fighters.
Deputy PM Vasko Naumovski, Culture Minister Elizabeta Kancevska Mileska, Interior Minister Gordana Jankuloska and Minister of Transport and Communications Mile Janakieski all dressed in folk costumes, attended the event.
Culture Minister Kancevska Mileska said that she was satisfied with the presentation of traditional customs, architecture, cultural heritage of Krusevo and Macedonia in the frames of the event, which was supported by UNESCO through the Ministry of Culture.
EU Ambassador Erwan Fouere also attended the event dressed like revolutionary freedom fighter who said that this ethno-project which promotes tourism and rich tradition is excellent.

19 July 2010

New secret discovered at cave Vrelo

The divers have discovered large quantity of sufficient oxygen, on a depth of 120 meters. The measurements determined that the hall has a 19.8 percent oxygen, which is enough breathing man.

- They also found droppings and bats, suggesting that this part of the underwater cave is life. It suggests that somewhere
there’s a supply of oxygen and that there is input through which the bats enter – said Vasil Sokolov, diver from Vrelo.
MANU, the Macedonian Academy of Sciense and Arts has taken part in the cave Vrelo research process.

17 July 2010

Countdown to Prilep Beer Fest 2010

The 8th annual Beer Fest will open Thursday evening on Prilep main square.
Over 300.000 guests are expected to attend the festival where 18 types of beer and famous grill from Prilep and Leskovac will be offered.
Many renowned beer producers from the Balkans and beyond will participate in this event.
The Beer Fest, which will last until July 18, many famous music stars and bands will perform.

14 July 2010

50th Ohrid Summer Festival opens

 Opening ceremony of the 50th Ohrid Summer Festival will be held Monday evening in the Antique Theatre with a concert of Russian National Orchestra and Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski conducted by Mikhail Pletnev.

The concert as maestro Pletnev announced will include pieces by the great Russian composers - Fourth Symphony of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and great concert of Sergei Rachmaninoff.

- Simon Trpceski is part of the new generation of artists who will represent the classical art with dignity in the future. Today there is a lack of great artists, but I hope that coming generations will raise the level of classical music, the conductor Pletnev said.

Pletnev said he was amazed by the beauties of Ohrid, its cultural heritage and history.

Jubilee festival’s edition will offer numerous performances of domestic and foreign artists, ensembles, soloists, chamber structures, theatre and ballet plays.

Up to August 20, visitors will see 25 concerts, 13 theatre plays, one ballet performance and one opera gala-concert.

The music section is comprised of tours by world-renowned names, such as violinist Julian Rachlin, pianists Peter Laul, Nikolai Lugansky, Ramzi Yassa and Denis Matsuev, as well as numerous artists from Switzerland, Serbia, Russia, Austria, Albania, Slovenia, Germany, Egypt, Hungary and Czech Republic.

Domestic musicians will hold eight concerts, including the Macedonian Philharmonic, Youth Chamber Orchestra, Macedonian Opera and Ballet etc.

The dramatic part includes eight Macedonian theatre performances and five tours.

13 July 2010

Macedonia revamps Blace Border Crossing

Blace border crossing will be modernized in line with European standards. A new facility will be built for customs administration, police and phytosanitary and veterinary inspection. A building for control of buses and passengers will be constructed as well, while traffic lanes will be expanded.
This was stated Sunday by Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski marking the start of construction works for a section for light vehicles, buses and passengers at Blace border crossing.
He informed that the new border crossing was expected to bolster permeability at the border towards Kosovo two to threefold compared to the current situation, as well as the security and safety of passengers.
- The modern border crossing has many benefits, not only improved traffic and alleviated cross-border trade, but also Macedonian products will have a better access on European markets and better competitiveness, said Stavreski adding the project wouldn't have been realised without the funds allocated by the World Bank.
Kosovo is one of Macedonia's top ten trade partners with $324 million trade exchange accomplished last year. - In trade exchange, Macedonia has the biggest surplus with Kosovo. Hence, the importance of this project is even greater, because it will enable the trade exchange to be intensified by facilitating the flow of goods and services, said Stavreski.
Minister of Economy Fatmir Besimi said the project would significantly increase the economic and trade cooperation between Macedonia and Kosovo.
- Kosovo is an important trade and economic partner. The mutual cooperation needs to be expanded i.e. the communication between the countries to be alleviated, he stated.
Bekim Imeri, World Bank representative in Macedonia, said the modernization activities were part of the Trade and Transport Facilitation in Southeast Europe Project, financed by the World Bank.
The Euro 1.7 million project envisages the number of traffic lanes to be increased (four for entering and three for exiting) and a construction of modern facilities for conducting the necessary border and customs formalities. Construction works, which will be conducted by Granit company, are expected to be completed in 14 months. [ Macedonia borders ]

12 July 2010

Macedonia to invest 17 Mil. Euros for Faster Trains

Loan of EUR 17,500,000 will be used for improvement of railroad infrastructure of Corridor 10. The money has been provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and construction work is expected to start next year.

Four sections Tabanovce-Kumanovo, Miravci-Smokvica, Zgropolac-Negotin will be renovated by 2013. The investment should speed up the railroad traffic in Macedonia. Mile Janakieski, Macedonian transport minister says that Corridor 10 is of great importance for Macedonia because 90 percent of goods are transported by trains.


Moreover, Corridor 8 is still waiting for better recovery conditions to be established, the same goes for replacement of old trains. However, more than EUR 400 million have to be obtained first.

09 July 2010

Finnish tour-operator signs agreements with Struga, Ohrid hotels


Organized by the Agency for promotion and support of tourism and our economic promoter in Finland, Katerina Orovcanec in Macedonia for the first time stayed representatives of the largest Finnish tour operator "Aurinkomatkat" who signed contracts with several hotels from Ohrid and Struga coast for the next tourist season. As reported by the Agency for promotion and support of tourism, they had the opportunity to experience the tourist potentials of Macedonia, hotel facilities and the airport in Ohrid, after which they’ve decided to put Macedonia in their program in 2011.According to this, for the first time in Macedonian tourism opens the possibility, next year to establish a charter flight between Helsinki - Ohrid, which would begin from June 1 and would last until the end of August 2011. For this manner, the Agency for promotion of tourism and support the next year, will participate in the tourism fair held in Helsinki in the period from January 20 to 23. At the same time, several activities such as study trips, will be scheduled for Finnish journalists in Macedonia, promotion in printed media and other activities - a statement by the Agency to promote and support tourism.Finnish tour operator "Aurinkomatkat is part of the airline company Finn Air, which serves that 350,000 tourists from different destinations in Finland in the world.

08 July 2010

Macedonia timeless - Mountains

A new tourism video has been released.

Although easily accessible in the heart of southeastern Europe, Macedonia's ancient sites and natural beauty remain largely undiscovered.
Lose yourself in Macedonia's myths and its untouched mountains,feel the warmth of its people, enjoy fine accommodation and exotic food, hear new rhythms, dive in to centuries of unbroken tradition.

12 June 2010

Macedonia observes Air Force Day


A special line-up and parade of the members of ARM’s Wing will mark the Day of ARM Air Force.
The development of the Macedonian Air Force and Air Defence Forces started from scratch in 1992, when air force command and air defense command was established within the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM),
In 1994, the then command of air force and air defense force acquired the first transport helicopters Mi-17.
In 2001, the air force acquired Mi-24V Hind-E combat helicopters, UH-1H Huey helicopters and warplanes Sukhoi Su-25.
The Macedonian Air Force and Air Defense Forces underwent several reorganizations and changes. In October 2003, the Strategic Defense Review was written, outlining the future of the Macedonian Armed Forces with the emphasis on more flexibility, better integration and future NATO partnership.
By the end of 2005, the Macedonian Air Force would cease to exist all together. Instead, the air arm of the Macedonian Armed Forces would become “Wing” and report to the newly created Joint Operations Command. The Wing structure would also be different from the previous Macedonian Air Force squadron structure, with squadrons renamed or disbanded and new squadrons created.
The ceremony will be held at the Petrovec-based Straso Pinndjur Military Barracks.

13 May 2010

13th Century gold coins unearthed at Skopje Fortress


Archaeologists have unearthed at the Skopje Fortress a jug with 46 gold coins from the 13th century – when Skopje was ruled by John III Doukas – and 77 Venetian silver coins from periods of various rulers.
Manager of the excavations Dragi Mitrevski said the discovery was one of the most luxurious findings at the fortress and its importance laid in the fact that it determined the periods of rule in Skopje.
- The coins determine the historical moment of the demolition of the Byzantine city and the moment when Serbs conquered Skopje and ruled it in the next 110 years. The artifact is the most beautiful illustration of the moment from the history of the city. Now, we are researching the residues of these layers where the jug was found. Women’s jewelry worn probably by the highest class in the Byzantine aristocracy was also excavated today. It depicts the specific historic moment in late 13th century, which is now being excavated, said Mitreski.
Minister of Culture Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska visited Wednesday the archaeological site, which is being researched for three years in a row.
- This is a crucial site and one of those that contain the entire cultural and historical tradition of the Republic of Macedonia, she said.

05 May 2010

Samsung and Kosep to build windmills in Macedonia


South Korea, too, is interested in the wind from Stip. Korea South-East Power CO (KOSEP), the largest electricity-producer in South Korea, together with companies Samsung and Spanish Inval, is in Stip, looking into the possibilities of windmill construction in the area.
From KOSEP, they say that they are interested in the project because it has growth potential. The company plans to enter the investment in partnership with Samsung and Inval. The launch of works will depend on the licenses, which should be obtained within the next 2-3 months, the KOSEP informs.
Spanish Inval has been working in Macedonia for three years, taking care of documentation needed for the windmill. The company claims there are no delays in the project and that it is being carried out according to the legal dynamics.

30 April 2010

Germans interested in Macedonian sun


Six German companies and a representative of the German Ministry of Economy will examine the possibility of investing in photovoltaic power plants and solar collectors in Macedonia.
For the possible construction of renewable energy resource capacities, German companies demand transparency, efficient approval of projects, medium and long-term prospects for the development of solar and photovoltaic projects as well as support through preferred tariffs. Germany is among leading global countries in use of green technologies.
Macedonia has 270 sunny days on average, which represents an excellent possibility for the production of electricity by photovoltaic collectors and warm water by solar collectors.

28 April 2010

Macedonia native wins World’s Top Restaurant Award


Copenhagen’s Noma, which showcases the work of a young Macedonian-born Danish chef, edged out the top two eateries to win the award for world’s best restaurant, the World Street Journal said.
René Redzepi, 32, chef at the two Michelin star-rated Noma on Copenhagen’s docks, brought seven of his top eight staff to celebrate winning first place in the S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant awards.
Redzepi claims he doesn’t use olive oil, tomatoes or nonseasonal garlic, as all of staff’s produce is from Denmark and the neighboring Nordic countries. He has championed such obscure ingredients as 45-year-old horse mussels from the Faroe Islands, monkfish livers and wild beach roses.
“I love this award and am so happy about what it can do for our country and our products,“ the World Street Journal quotes the 32-year-old chef saying.
Redzepi, who is half Dannish, half Macedonian, was the insider’s favorite to knock both Ferran Adriŕ’s El Bulli and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck from their culinary perch, where they have exchanged the top two positions for the past six years.
The list was announced at a chef-studded ceremony at Guildhall, in London’s financial district.

25 April 2010

Optimism of German companies in Macedonia

Several German companies operating in Macedonia are satisfied with their business situation, but they still point to certain factors in Macedonia that have to be changed urgently, show the results of an opinion poll conducted by the Federation of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry-Skopje branch in cooperation with Macedonian-German Economic Association. German investors still complain about lack of efficiency of public administration, transparency in tenders, legal certainty, poor approach to state aid and EU financial support as well as slow prevention of corruption and crime. Despite the problems, German companies are optimistic and 79 percent of them are satisfied with their situation in Macedonia.

19 April 2010

PM Gruevski visits Tetovo's flooded area

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski visited Sunday the flooded area, Tetovo's Raotince village, where in the past couple of days the river Vardar spilled out of its banks, inundating about 30 houses and 200 hectares of cultivable soil along the river.
The PM together with Agriculture Minister Ljupco Dimovski and the directors of the Crisis Management Center and the Protection and Rescue Directorate visited Raotince residents to oversee the situation and determine whether the Government is able to provide assistance. After meeting with residents, Gruevski said yesterday was the most critical day, adding that the water has receded. - This is not happening for the first time. Inundations have emerged before.
Evidently, this region is critical and a long-term solution must be found, PM Gruevski stated. He vowed to review the project envisaging overhaul and arrangement of the Vardar river bank 7 kilometers lengthwise. The village of Raotnice has been facing this problem for over 30 years. A project to overhaul the river bank has been made back in 1974 and it was renewed in 2005, but it remains unfinished. The situation in Raotnice today is back to normal, the water has receded into the river bank.