Number of airport passengers increases

The number of passengers at the two airports in Macedonia has increased by 6.1 percent over the past two months, compared to the same period in 2011.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications said in Thursday's press release that 200,516 passengers were transported at Skopje-based "Alexander the Great" and Ohrid-based "St. Paul the Apostle" in June and July, compared to the 189,019 in the same period last year.

Most notable is the rise in the number of passengers at the Ohrid airport, where 28,658 were registered, a 16.5-percent increase from last year.

In addition, the number of passengers at the Skopje airport amounted to 171,858, which is 4.5 percent higher compared to 2011.

Multimillionaire Subrata Roy wants to build a Las Vegas in Macedonia

In a statement for the Indian newspaper “Financial chronicle” the head of the company “Sahara India Parivar,” said that he plans to build a complex of casinos, hotels and entertainment centers in Macedonia.

-The concept of the design we made for “Las Vegas” will be proposed to the Macedonian government in September and the structural design early in next year. Once approved, we hope to start working on it in a year and a half, says Roy.

The multimillionaire, who after his visit to the country in the middle of June announced a major investment in Macedonia, did not say for the newspaper exactly how much the planned project would cost.

Impressed with the people in Macedonia and the country itself, Roy said he plans to invest in something huge.

-I intend to start a business that would result in a great production that will be exported. I want my business here to draw many tourists and help with employment, stated the Indian businessman.

Despite the announced “Las Vegas” project, the Indians have shown interest in investing in tourism, agriculture and mining.

Government: EUR 3 million for direct tourism support

The Government will stimulate tourism development with EUR 3 million in 2013, expecting foreign currency revenues to exceed EUR 200 million.

Spokesman Aleksandar Gjorgjiev said at Monday's press conference the Government has passed a Program for Macedonia's tourism promotion and tourism support, worth EUR 2,5 million. Additional EUR 500,000 would be allocated through separate programs by ministries, stimulating the development of alternative, wine, rural, cultural, sports tourism etc.

"The Program also tackles subsidies for attraction of foreign tourists, which have been increased from the current EUR 800,000", added Gjorgjiev.

Macedonia had revenues in the amount of EUR 171 million from last year's tourism operations.

Turbulent weather in Ohrid and Prespa region

Ohrid and Prespa region saw turbulent weather this evening. More than 40 liters of rain per sq. meters were measured in Ohrid

The rain was accompanied by 90km/h winds who knocked down trees and electric poles.

The Resen region avoided the brunt of the storm because of their timely firing of five anti-hail rockets who dispersed the clouds.

Tose Proeski sculpture goes up at Art Bridge

A sculpture of late Macedonian singer Tose Proeski was erected at the Art Bridge on river Vardar in Skopje on Thursday.

The sculpture is part of 29 to be placed at the new bridge, 14 each on both sides and one in the center.

The central sculpture is dedicated to the Miladinov brothers, whereas the ones at the sides will represent renowned authors, artists, composers, actors etc.

Macedonia in orange alert phase, temperatures to exceed 40C

Macedonia is set to enter the so-called orange alert phase on Tuesday, with temperatures exceeding 40C.

The Health Ministry commission urges citizens to observe preventive measures in order to reduce risks from high temperatures.

According to the Action Plan for the population's protection from high temperatures, employers are recommended to spare most vulnerable groups, namely pregnant women and persons over the age of 60, from work. Kindergartens are recommended to refrain from taking children out in the open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Moreover, construction companies are urged to follow regulations with regards to exposure of workers.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC DURING HEAT WAVES

Stay in closed, air-conditioned rooms. During the day, close windows and shutters; at night when the outside temperature is lower, open windows and shutters.

Wear light and loose fitting clothes (light colours reflect light) of natural materials and, if exposed to direct sunlight, a brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses.

Eat several small, light meals a day. Avoid food which contains fat and high-calories, as well as food with a lot of sugar.

Drink plenty of fluids (do not wait to become thirsty), including regular drinks of water and non-alcohol beverages. Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and extremely cold beverages.

When driving, keep the vehicle window open for ventilation. Completely closed vehicles become too hot. Do not leave anybody in the vehicle!

People who are chronically ill, especially those with cardiovascular, neurological or pulmonary illnesses, need to be especially vigilant in following these recommendations and taking their medicines. For any changes in the medical condition, consult your doctor.

Consume cooked food immediately after preparation. If this is not the case, the prepared food should be stored in the refrigerator at 8°C and heated to at least 100°C before consumption!

Avoid products containing raw food, such as home-made mayonnaise (eggs). Care should also be taken when consuming ice-cream and different creams!

Avoid strenuous physical activities (including sport and recreational activities) during the hottest time of the day. Do them before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

If you have to go outdoors in this period, take frequent rests in the shade and avoid direct exposure to the sun.

Take cool showers or baths several times a day. Alternatives include cold packs and wraps, foot baths, etc.

O'Neal: Time for Macedonia to enter UN as Macedonia

Now it’s the right time when the Republic of Macedonia can rightfully seek from the UN General Assembly and from those 130+ countries that have already recognised it under its constitutional name, to agree to be recognised in the world organisation under this name.

British diplomat and first international mediator in Greek-Macedonia name dispute, Robin O'Neil, assessed this in an interview with MTV's ‘Porta’ program.

The recent visit of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to Macedonia means support, who commented that current dispute is ‘regretful’ and should be ‘urgently’ resolved adding that he is personally committed to help in this, O’Neil said.

He explained that two foreign political goals of the Macedonian Government – sooner membership in NATO and EU and resolving the name dispute are connected, but are not identical, adding that 1995 Interim Accord offers solutions to first of the two problems. The Government in Greece agreed in Article 11.1 of this Accord that will not hinder admission of Macedonia in international organisations under the name FYR of Macedonia.

The International Court of Justice in the Hague verified that Greece is obliged to obey this obligation. As far as I know so far Macedonia has not submitted request to join in any of these two organisations under the name FYR of Macedonia. It should be remembered that the Interim Accord recognises the name FYR of Macedonia only as provisional name, O’Neil said.

The UN Security Council Resolution 817 (1993) is the same, which recommended Macedonia to be admitted in the UN under that name while the talks between Greece and Macedonia last. It is second important aspect of this issue for which entire international community agrees that the name issue is simply bilateral dispute between Greece and Macedonia, he said, adding that this is somehow forgotten by the international community.

The dispute between Macedonia and Greece is purely bilateral and accordingly other counties should not be interested in this. Other countries can be interested in the dispute if it is a threat for the peace or stability of the Balkans, but it is not the case. UN Security Council resolutions requested from Greece and Macedonia to resolve their bilateral dispute however in the period of 20 years Greece refused any kind of reasonable compromise.

Since the dispute is only between Greece and Macedonia one possible direction towards progress would be Greece in relations with Macedonia to use name different from “Republic of Macedonia,” and Macedonia to accept it in this relations. Macedonia would continue not to have problem to use the constitutional name of “Hellenic Republic” and I do not see any problem here, and I hope that Macedonia will be flexible in relation to the name, which Greece will use towards (it) Macedonia.

Such an agreement would only have bilateral meaning and the same will not be used or will have influence on the name under which Macedonia will be known in the UN or international organisations including here NATO and EU.

Commenting the statement of Daniel Serwer on importance of Macedonia’s admission in NATO as the factor of providing stability in the region, O’Neil reiterated his position saying “is the most relevant for Greece which has many direct interests in the stability of the region and in good-neighbourly relations with all around it.” This interest will be fully met through establishing close relations with Macedonia as member of the NATO and as EU partner, O’Neil said.

The name dispute is exaggerated as highly emotional political problem and for this no one should be blamed but political parties in Greece. Once resolved, it would show that the solution will not bring any wrong either to Greek state or Greek nation, Robin O'Neil said in his interview with MTV's  ‘Porta’ program.

World Paragliders go nuts after Macedonia

World's best paragliders are meeting in Krusevo for the 2012 world cup in paragliding. The participants are loving every second of their stay, here is how the Paragliding Federation describes Macedonia... 

"MACEDONIA - that unforgettable name evoking images of ancient, great civilizations and exotic adventure - is also a warm and welcoming modern-day republic.

A small and beautiful country nestled in the southeast of Europe, Macedonia offers its visitors a unique blend of natural wonders, traditions and cultures as well as a long tradition of unrivalled hospitality.

From their savoury cuisine to their love of music, dance and general merrymaking, Macedonians know how to make their guests feel at home. Combining these qualities with the country’s dramatic mountains and canyons, its deep lakes and rivers, Macedonia has something for everyone.

Macedonia is a predominantly mountainous country. The average altitude of the terrain is 850 meters. Highest peak is Golem Korab in Western Macedonia 2764m ASL. About 80% of the country consists of hills and mountains. Lucky them!"

Photos: Macedonia celebrates Ilinden

Sveta Petka hydro plant put into use

Sveta Petka hydro plant.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Macedonian Power Plants (ELEM) director Vlatko Cingoski officially put into use Wednesday hydro plant "Sveta Petka".

The plant construction is worth EUR 75 million, which makes it one of the most expensive investments in the area of utilizing the country's energy potentials.

"After enormous efforts by all stakeholders and years of hard work, the project has been completed", said PM Gruevski.

Slovenian contractor "Riko" and Macedonian companies "Beton" and "Granit" as sub-contractors were involved in the project.

"The dam has been built, the reservoir has started to accumulate, and the system is ready for use. The missing link for the maximum use of river Treska's hydro potential has been set. The installed power of the hydro plant is 36,4MW and the annual output is about 66GWh. Sveta Petka completes the Skopsko Pole hydro system, which also includes Kozjak and Matka hydro plants", added Gruevski.

He referred to the fight for energy independence, including numerous projects for revitalization, enlargement and enhancement of Macedonia's energy system.

"Our work in this field will continue, whereas citizens will feel the benefits", said PM Gruevski.

ELEM director Cingoski stressed that the facility enriched the country from a technical, energy and economic aspect.

"The plant is fully automated and its operation can be remotely monitored and controlled by using the modern telecommunication and processing equipment", said Cingoski.