Archeological excavations at Crkviste site continue

Excavations at the archaeological site of Crkviste in the Kumanovo village of Klecovce will resume with financial support still being provided by the Ministry of Culture, it was announced on Wednesday.

"For us it is crucial the site to be discovered, restored and put into function as a cultural tourism attraction. One of the main priorities of the ministry and the government in general is the preservation of cultural heritage at archaeological sites. The ministry through its annual programme singles out funds for excavations across the country," stated Culture Minister Elizabeta Kanceska-Milevska.

She announced that more finances would be set aside for excavations at Crkviste next year.

The archaeological site of Crkviste - one of the oldest buildings unearthed in Macedonia - is a large church complex with 35 meters of length and 13 meters of width. It is located in the vicinity of Kokino. 

Jinping-Ivanov: China prepared to give Macedonia a hand

People's Republic of China and the Republic of Macedonia have achieved the highest level of bilateral relations, agreed countries' Presidents Xi Jinping and Gjorge Ivanov on Tuesday, MIA reports from Beijing.

"Our political relations have intensified over the past two decades, which is seen by the high-level meetings, progress and mutual cooperation in diverse areas. China is prepared to give Macedonia a hand towards accelerated development of bilateral relations", said Chinese President Jinping at the meeting.

He announced cooperation with Macedonia in construction and infrastructure projects, agriculture and other sectors - education, culture, Chinese traditional medicine - thus stimulating swift development of bilateral relations.

President Ivanov also stressed that bilateral relations have reached the highest level thus far.

Interlocutors referred to the cooperation established over the past 20 years of diplomatic ties, multilateral support in global terms, bilateral support in international organizations, economic cooperation etc.

"We agreed that political cooperation has intensified to the highest level through meetings between Presidents, PMs, Parliament Speakers", said Ivanov.

Pertaining to economic cooperation, the presidents stressed it has intensified over the years, resulting in the lowering of the trade deficit.

"We showed interest for increased presence of Macedonian products at the Chinese market. In this context, we mentioned the initiative put forward by the Chinese PM over the opening of a free zone for Chinese companies in Macedonia", added Ivanov.

He also referred to the US$10 billion pool that China has allocated for infrastructure projects in Central nd Eastern Europe.

"Macedonia is the first country to finalize its project. Following an approval by the Parliament, Macedonia will be able to use the funds for the construction of motorways Miladinovci-Stip and Ohrid-Kicevo", said Ivanov.

Interlocutors also tackled the initiative over the use of Chinese traditional medicine in Macedonia's health system.

On Wednesday, President Ivanov will attend the opening of the 14. Western China International Fair in Chengdu, where he is set to deliver an address titled "Balanced Development and Common Prosperity".

Kromberg & Schubert plant opens

Plant of German company Kromberg & Schubert opened in Bitola industrial zone Zabeni on Friday. The investment is estimated at EUR 20 million, opening 2,500 jobs.

The plant opens after a one-year construction and training of employees. It is comprised of four operational units - cables, networks, plastic technology and mechatronics.

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski said the Government has done everything to develop the Zabeni industrial zone, in order to meet the investor's requirements and needs.

"The result of these activities was positive, since the company confirmed its interest in the competition of many countries, selecting Macedonia as the destination of their investment, worth over EUR 20 million", said PM Gruevski.

According to him, the significance and benefits from the entry of "Kromberg and Schubert" in Macedonia are indisputable, since the company secures new jobs and contributes to increase of exports.

"The entire Pelagonija region has already felt the benefits from this factory. There have been numerous job ads, with more than 800 people already employed in the plant. Another 200 jobs are to open by the year-end, another 1,000 in 2014, and gradually up to 2,500 by the end of 2015", added Gruevski.

He added the company would contribute to Macedonia's global exports.

"The cooperation with Kromberg & Schubert represents a foundation for further strengthening of economic and political relations with Germany, which is one of Macedonia's most significant partners. The company is well-respected at the world market, which is excellent for our country in being perceived as a favorable and attractive business destination. That is why I believe the presence of Kromberg & Schubert will draw other similar companies to invest in Macedonia", underlined PM Gruevski.

Kromberg & Schubert" is a German family firm with a 100-year-long history. With over thousands of employees around the world, the firm produces hi-tech products, such as  on-board networks, cables, plastic technology and mechatronics.

32nd Skopje Jazz Festival kicks off

The 32nd Skopje Jazz Festival kicks off on Thursday evening with performances by the British-Slovenian duo Evan Parker and Zlatko Kaucic and the UK band 'Get The Blessing".

The festival, which runs till Oct. 21, offers current and renowned acts from the global jazz scene, its director Oliver Belopeta told a press conference on Tuesday.

The opening day is dedicated to British jazz as a way to mark 20 years of friendship between Macedonia and the UK. One of the most prominent jazz musicians in the world, saxophonist Evan Parker will perform in Macedonia for the first time together with Slovenian improviser Zlatko Kaucic. The second act of the evening is Get The Blessing, lauded as one of UK's best live bands.

Sidsel Endresen and Stian Westerhus from Norway and The Abercrombie Quartet from the United States are slated to perform on Friday.

The Balkan premiere of the project "Balkan Fever", presenting Vlatko Stefanovski, Miroslav Tadic and Theodosii Spassov at a concert together with the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra, will take place on Saturday.

Jazz icon Roscoe Mitchell and his trio and legendary jazz singer Cassandra Wilson with Harriet Tubman music collective are scheduled to perform on Sunday.

The festival's final day is reserved for the Paris-based Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf and one of the jazz’s greatest bass players Dave Holland.

Macedonians in Albania urge opening of Consulate in Korca

Representatives of Macedonians in Albania urged President Gjorge Ivanov at Thursday's meeting in Pogradec over the opening of a Macedonian consulate in Korca.

"We ask that the Korca consulate has the required administration, so that we are not forced to travel to Tirana for embassy services", says Vasil Sterjovski, secretary-general of the Macedonian Alliance for European Integration.

According to him, a Macedonian consulate in Korca is of exceptional significance, since it is the administrative city of the namesake municipality, including a population of 220,000.

"Korca also includes areas populated by Macedonians. This consulate will maintain closer contacts with the Macedonian people in the region, who are severely hit by the Greek and Bulgarian propaganda", adds Sterjovski.

According to him, there is a Greek consulate in Korca, although there are no Greeks in the area.

"This consulate is working on the assimilation of Vlachs, Albanians, Roma, and Macedonians", stresses Sterjovski.

Gruevski congratulates citizens October 11, People's Uprising day

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski extended Thursday greetings on October 11 - People's Uprising Day.

"This day symbolizes the people's struggle for freedom, which put an end to the fascist occupation, a day symbolizing the great victory based on the values of freedom and human dignity", says PM Gruevski.

The struggle put Macedonia on the victorious side - the grand coalition of European countries fighting for peace, freedom, democracy and respect of human rights.

"By celebrating this day and remembering the victims, we bow before the altar of all fallen fighters for free and independent Macedonia, resuming our efforts to create new deeds and values", says Gruevski.

He adds that October 11 pays homage to a glorious part of the country's history, which gives inspiration for success, perseverance and personal sacrifice towards the progress and development of modern Macedonia.

Macedonians to wake up with freezing temperatures

Due to cold front across the country, Macedonia will wake up on Friday and this weekend seeing temperatures beloe zero degrees.

Morning temperatures will drop to -3 to 5, reaching up to 10 degrees during the day.

Sar Mountain has already seen its first snow which usually is a precursor for longer, colder winter.