Latest News & Developments

[Bill77]

I will open this thread since i like searching the media from around the world concerning Macedonia and Its neighbours. I tend to find incidences on daily basis These days and enjoy keeping you people up to date, for those that don't mind.

[Bill77]

Macedonian Waterpolo Team held at Greek Border

The Macedonian national waterpolo team is held at the Greek border being denied entry. The reason is the Macedonian insignia and 'MKD' code the national waterpolo players have on their warm-ups.

At the moment it isn't known whether the Macedonian team will play Greece as part of the waterpolo world league. MINA finds the Mak Waterpolo federation will not replace its player's warmups to satisfy the bizarre request from Greece's border authorities.

If the waiting at the border continues, (3 hours have passed), the national team will return to Skopje and inform the waterpolog governing body of the incident.

In the first match of this year's waterpolo league, Macedonia lost to Croatia 9-7, while Greece lost to Russia 9-6.

The match Greece v Macedonia is scheduled for Tuesday at 17:30 in Athens.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/10557/50/

Well this is has hapened many times to our sport representitives. Whats new.

[Bill77]

Greek Riots Commence marking Teen's Police Shooting


Police clashed with hooded youths and the rector of Athens university was injured Sunday as violence flared in demonstrations marking the anniversary of a teenager's killing by a policeman last year, AFP reports.

Athens University rector Christos Kittas was rushed to hospital after protesters broke into the university's central Athens offices to occupy them, a police source said. Media reports said his injuries were light.

In the northern city of Solun, a Starbucks branch was set on fire and clashes also broke out between protesters and riot police on the sidelines of another large demonstration in 15-year-old Alexis Grigoropoulos' memory.

Around 40 people were detained during the Athens protest, during which a number of shops and banks had their windows smashed.

For full story click the link below.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/10517/46/

[Bill77]

Turkey backs Macedonia in Euro-Atlantic integration, in name row with Greece

Istanbul, December 6 (MIA) – Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated the support to Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and name dispute with Greece. At the meeting in Istanbul with PM Nikola Gruevski, Turkish PM underlined that he felt Macedonia as full-fledged member to NATO and in relation to name dispute called Greece not to make problems, to let Macedonia to be named Macedonia and not to be occupied with unimportant affairs in the interest of region's stability.

Both PMs assessed that mutual goal of the two countries is further meeting the EU standards.

- Our two countries know that there are ups and downs and fast and slow steps on the road to EU, Gruevski said adding that Turkish PM should not give up from expected goal.

Both PMs assessed the political relations between the two countries as excellent but consider that economic relations should be improved.

Gruevski addressed the Turkish-Macedonian business forum Saturday and pointed out that two economic promoters in Turkey will be appointed soon in direction to development of the economic cooperation, and offered technological – industrial zone for the Turkish companies in energy and infrastructure projects.

Erdogan encouraged businessmen to invest in Macedonia underlying that desire exists for cooperation between the two countries but it is important to continue. He said that Macedonia has never been far for those living in Turkey.

Turkish – representatives of 200 Turkish and 100 Macedonian companies attended Macedonian Business Forum in Istanbul.

http://www.idividi.com.mk/English/Macedonia/566590/index.html

[Soldier of Macedon]

Good idea for a thread, thanks Bill. This way we can document the minutes of Greek idiocy as they transpire on a regular basis.

[Bill77]

Good idea for a thread, thanks Bill. This way we can document the minutes of Greek idiocy as they transpire on a regular basis.

Its a pleasure SOM



Potpalen car nephew Ljube Boskovski




From the MOI reported that T.B. and M.P., both from Skopje reported to police that the parking space on the boulevard in Skopje ASNOM fire occurred in a car "Rover" with Bulgarian registration plates, owned by the person DK. Vehicle "Rover, owned by Martin Kostadinovski, nephew of the President of the United Macedonia Ljube Boskovski, was completely burnt down zavcheranokj two hours after midnight, the parking lot in Skopje settlement Aerodrom.



Thats the best Google Translate can do. Here is the whole story in Macedonian.

Од МВР соопштуваат дека Т.Б. и М.П., двајцата од Скопје, пријавиле во по*ли*ци*ја дека на паркинг-простор на булеварот АСНОМ во Скопје настанал пожар во ав*то*мо*бил "ровер" со бугарски регистарски ознаки, сопственост на лицето Д.К. Ав*то*мо*бил "ровер", сопственост Мартин Костадиновски, внук на претседателот на Обе*ди*не*ти за Македонија Љубе Бошкоски, бил опожарен и целосно изгорел зав*че*ра*ноќ два часа по полноќ , на паркинг во скопската населба Аеродром.

Од МВР соопштуваат дека Т.Б. и М.П., двајцата од Скопје, пријавиле во по*ли*ци*ја дека на паркинг-простор на булеварот АСНОМ во Скопје настанал пожар во ав*то*мо*бил "ровер" со бугарски регистарски ознаки, сопственост на лицето Д.К..

Вед*наш по пријавата, пожарот бил ло*ка*ли*зи*ран од противпожарната единица, а на местото на настанот бил извршен увид од екипа од СВР Скопје. Било раз*го*ва*ра*но и со сопственикот на автомобилот и со лицето што последно го управувало во*зи*ло*то, и се работи на утврдување на причините за настанувањето на пожарот.

Од Министерството за внатрешни работи велат дека случајот е пријавен , но немаат ин*фор*ма*ции за роднинска поврзаност на сопственикот на автомобилот со Бошкоски.

"Не сакам да коментирам. Возилото е со бугарски регистарски таблички и е сопс*тве*ност на бугарски државјанин. Немам информации за роднинска поврзаност со некоја јав*но експонирана личност", изјави министерката за внатрешни работи Гордана Јан*ку*лов*ска.

Од партијата за Бошкоски велат дека ја чекаат официјалната информација од МВР за да реагираат за случајот. (П.А.Л.)

Извор:Вест

http://www.informator.ws/vesti-od-svetot/8438-2009-12-03-14-51-01.html

[Bill77]

EU Council set to decide over Macedonia accession talks date


Brussels, December 7 (MIA) - EU Foreign Ministers are set to define Monday conclusions regarding the European Commission recommendation on a date for beginning of Macedonia's Union accession negotiations.

Although majority of EU members support the start of negotiations, the chances for determination of a date are slim due to Greece's condition to prior closure of the name row. There is a possibility that foreign ministers leave the decision to the heads of governments at the December 10-11 summit.

According to latest information coming from Brussels, the most realistic option at the moment is delay in the determination of a date, thus avoiding the consequences from a possible Greek veto. It is contemplated that Macedonia's progress is noted and saluted, accompanied by a recommendation for an accession talks date in the future.

The conclusions might also include a recommendation for Macedonia and Greece to work more intensively on settling the name problem. This could mean that a date could be given at an EU summit in the course of 2010, with the first one scheduled in March.

http://www.idividi.com.mk/English/Macedonia/566662/index.html

Delay the date just so Greece does not have to veto? so This Decision is based on covering Greece's pathetic and embaresing actions. Does this club have balls or what.

Also this thing about Macedonia,s progress is noted and saluted, They can wipe there ass with the reports and eat it.



Here is my salute to the EU,

[Risto the Great]

Here is my salute to the EU,

Indeed!

[Prolet]

According to latest information coming from Brussels, the most realistic option at the moment is delay in the determination of a date, thus avoiding the consequences from a possible Greek veto.

It doesnt work that way, they either give us a date or Greece vetoes us and then we will consider our options. If they have the balls to use a veto then they can expect consequences to come out of that.

I think if they veto us this time we should definitely pull out of the negotiations and change our flag back, the only thing is i want the EU to do is give us the exact reason should they decide not to give us a date. Changing our name was not an EU benchmark and they cant use good neighborly relations again because we've never stood in the way or dictated anything to Greece, if they wanna be man enough and veto us for the second time then we have to do something about it.

[Risto the Great]

Guys, some of the headings that might find their way on this thread should be given the attention they deserve in separate threads .... eg. Greece warned about credit rating

[Bill77]

EU postpones Macedonia debate until Tuesday

The European Union foreign ministers will resume Tuesday their debate on the European Commission's recommendation for opening of Macedonia's EU accession talks, it was reported.

The delay comes after several-hours of unsuccessful attempts of the ministers to coordinate their opinions about the draft-statement, proposed by the Swedish Presidency.

The draft calls for deferring a decision on opening membership talks with Macedonia until at least March 2010.

- The Council will revert to the matter in March 2010 with a view to setting a date for the opening of accession negotiations. It also says that the Council notes the Commission's recommendation for the opening of accession negotiations with Macedonia.

The Council stresses that the reform agenda must be continued, it reads.

Greece is against setting of any time frame for opening of Macedonia's EU entry talks prior to resolving of the name dispute.

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen acknowledged that Greece, which is in dispute with Macedonia over the country's name, could be a stumbling block. However, he expressed hope that probably already today the Council could decide in favour of launching Macedonia's accession negotiations.

- It depends quite a lot on Greece ... (but) from the Commission side they are ready to start negotiations, he added.

Athens had used its membership effectively in the EU when it blackmailed the EU with accepting the divided island of Cyprus in order not to veto 7 new members from the Eastern block.


The draft EU foreign ministers' statement referred to the name issue and called on Macedonia to be a "good neighbour".

- Maintaining good neighbourly relations, including a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution on the name issue, under the auspices of the UN, remains essential, it says.

- The Council is encouraged by recent positive developments concerning the relation between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the statement reads.

If EU foreign ministers fail to agree on the matter today, there is a possibility for the final decision on setting a date for Macedonia's EU entry talks to be on the agenda of the EU Summit, scheduled for December 10-11.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/10562/45/

[Bill77]

Quote: Athens had used its membership effectively in the EU when it blackmailed the EU with accepting the divided island of Cyprus in order not to veto 7 new members from the Eastern block.


When oh When are the EU going to say Enough is Enough to the spoiled little Brat. What a Mickey Mouse Club.

[Bill77]

Speeking of spoiled little Brat, i find this cartoon apropriate.

A Cartoon of world powers policing Greece.

Mabe EU can take something out of it.

[Bill77]

PM Gruevski: Events unfolded as expected


The events at the EU Council in Brussels were expected at great extent because Greece announced several times to block Macedonia if it does not give up our identity and our name and does not accept their conditions.

Macedonian PM Nikola Gruevski assessed this on Tuesday at the press conference in Brussels after EU Council deferred a decision on opening membership talks with Macedonia during the Spanish EU presidency for the first half of 2010.

- We are very surprised but this time it was made on more sophisticated manner than in Bucharest Summit, although the possibility to debate the name issue in the next six months leaves hope that something will move in this direction, PM Gruevski said.

According to Gruevski it is obvious that Greece did not want an agreement to be reached.

- They wanted to show arguments of power and this is not a surprise. But now we cannot change anything. We have accomplished what depended from us. We are now facing 18 years old problem and the government that is not ready to come to a solution, Gruevski said.

He announced that Macedonia will continue with efforts to approach towards the EU and to find solution to name dispute. – We will continue also with internal reforms and all matters needed for Euro-Atlantic integration. But this is situation that does not depend only from us. We have fulfilled the benchmarks now there are things that do not only depend from us. Greece obviously requests things from us that no one in the world is requesting from no one, Gruevski said, adding that Macedonian side is ready to meet the Greek side but this depends from them.

Commenting the positions that Macedonia missed historical chance, Gruevski said that for him this chance was giving up the name, language and identity. – All those who criticised that we have missed the historical chance, I am answering that this chance is erasing itself from the map of nations and erasing own identity, Gruevski said.

He thanked the Chairman of the EU Council Carl Bildt who made great efforts. He said that there was support from many states – I am satisfied that Swedish EU Presidency made great efforts even greater than we expected, Gruevski said.

Today’s outcome in Brussels can be defined as new Greek hypocrisy, because as country which allegedly urges all Western Balkans to join EU as soon as possible, at the first opportunity instead of giving chance to our country to start EU accession talks, it blocks it, FM Antonio Milososki said presenting official position of the Macedonian government after EU Council deferred a decision on opening membership talks with Macedonia, after Greece opposed an early start to the negotiations.

Milososki said that blocking will not only harm the EU image but will additionally violate the reputation of the EU integration process. He thanked the Swedish EU Presidency and numerous EU member states that supported considering the issue in March 2010, with a view to setting a date for the opening of accession negotiations.

- This shows that all other member states appreciate our progress, valorize it seriously and this will be our motivation to resume the reforms and to be successful in finding ways in fulfilling our ambitions on legitimate, real and achievable way, Milososki said in the Macedonian Parliament.

Milososki said that blockades from official Athens regarding deserved opening of membership talks will not contribute in improvement of atmosphere in bilateral talks in name dispute, but at the same time Macedonia will continue here which considered constructive contribution aimed at moving forward. - However, I’m pointing out that blockades will not bring advantage; Athens blockades will not change our minds to continue to represent and to defend our constitutional norms and our national, lingual and Macedonian identity. It is European value and it would be contradictory if a member state expects with its abuse of membership to disable a small peaceful nation to clearly express and to promote its national and state identity, Milososki said.

A statement agreed by EU foreign ministers in Brussels today said they would consider the issue again during the Spanish EU presidency in the first half of 2010.

The European Union has deferred decision on opening membership talks with Macedonia for next year, EU Enlargement Commission Olli Rehn said after EU Council meeting ends in Brussels.

- The EU council notes that the commission recommends the opening of accession negotiations with Macedonia and will return to the matter during the Spanish EU Presidency, starting from Jan. 1, 2010, Rehn said at the press conference.

EU foreign ministers in Brussels after two-day debate said Tuesday they would consider the issue again during the Spanish EU Presidency, which runs from 1 January until 30 June 2010, media reports from Brussels.

Although many EU member states backed setting a date for start of membership talks, still it is postponed due to Greece opposing and insisting on previously resolving the name issue. This will only further complicate things in 2010.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/10606/45/

[Bill77]

I tosed and turned and could not decide if i should post this here or the comedy section. hmmmmm i will post here evan though its ridiculously funny.


Greek Media creates a Phone call

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou telephoned late Tuesday Macedonian counterpart Nikola Gruevski, following the EU Council decision for postponement in determining a date for beginning of Macedonia's Union accession negotiations due to Greece's opposition, reported Greek news portal "InNews". Other Greek media outlets followed up on this 'news'.

There is no information on the content of the telephone conversation, which Greek Deputy-Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas announced at a press conference in Brussels, saying that Papandreou would explain to Gruevski the reasons for the fresh Greek blockade, "confirming Athens' readiness for enhancement of bilateral cooperation" - claims Greek media.

No phone call.

The cabine of the Macedonian Prime Minister informed MINA as well as other Macedonian media that no such phone call occurred between the two prime ministers.

Greek media as well as politicians are known for their 'free' hand in announcing and creating news out of thin air. The most recent example being with the visit (that didn't happen) of Turkish PM Erdogan to Athens.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/10700/46/

Are our neighbours for real?