'Makfax' and other FYROM press on the Macedonian issue

[zefs]

I want more of a downward trend
Macedonia faces negative demographic trend

Macedonia faces negative demographic trend, lowered birthrate, aging population, serious regional counterbalance regarding population growth and obvious differences between the urban and rural environments.

Thus, the Government adopted in March a Demographic Development Strategy for 2008-2015.

Several ministries are developing incentive models and demographic development policies in Macedonia, which will be incorporated into the Government strategy. The birth of a child will be encouraged by several measures, as well as funding the birth of second or third child, introducing special tax rate for children's clothes, supplies, food and hygiene products, measures for mother's protection etc. The Government has already implemented two measures linked to the demographic strategy - in vitro fertilization and free HPV vaccine for young women.

- The strategy identifies pivotal areas and tasks in setting up a demographic policy aiming at stabilising population's natural growth, increasing the birthrate, reducing mortality by enabling better living standards, Government spokesman Ivica Bocevski told the press conference on Monday.

In 2002 Macedonia had 2.022.547 residents. The number has increased by 3,9% since the 1994 census and by 43% since the 1948 census. According to the data provided by the State Statistical Office, Macedonia had 2.040.228 residents in 2006.

Using UN methodologies, statistical experts have estimated that the number of the population in 2015 will be 2.037.000, in 2025 will drop to 2.001.000, while it is projected to shrink to 1.746.000 by 2050.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/1270/1/

[Amyntas]

This will only make the albos and gypsies have even more children

[zefs]

[quote=zefs;72685]FM Milososki in Washington: Greece doesn't want solution
Washington, May 7 (MINA) - Besides signing a declaration on strategic partnership between Republic of Macedonia and USA, Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice will also refer to the name dispute with Greece, MINA reports from Washington.

FM Milososki will present the position that Macedonia showed its readiness to discuss on the issue opened and imposed by Greece.

"However, we feel that the other side is currently not ready to do this", said Milososki before the meeting.

He believes that Grece's objective is delay and finding excuses, because the name issue "seems to be abused in realizing other clandestine goals by Greece, which touch upon their concept of a pure nation and disrespect to minority identities".

According to Minister Milososki, most NATO member-states have the intention to promote an atmosphere in which compromise would be a necessary outcome from these bilateral talks, but it remains to be seen in the following few months whether this would materialize.

"The objective of this Greek government is for Macedonia to miss out on this NATO train together with Croatia and Albania, and remain in the other with Serbia, Bosnia&Herzegovina and Kosovo. Their goal is not a solution in 2008", stressed Milososki.
He claims the problem at the moment is that Greece does not feel it would have a price to pay for such behavior.

"If they knew this behavior would cost them, they might change their opinion", underlined FM Milososki
http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/1288/1/[/url]

[Astoria]

Possible Al Qaeda cell in Macedonia Skopje /09/05/ 17:32

It is possible that Al Qaeda had installed terrorist cells in FYROMacedonia.
           
FYROMacedonian Interior Ministry (IM) announced that after receiving report
from a FYROMacedonian bank, they set out an investigation on disclosing
suspicious money transfers intended for funding of terrorist activities.

            
The investigation revealed that Bekir Halimi from Skopje received 2,115 euros 
on his foreign currency account, as a salary from the Kuwaiti organization
Revival Islamic Heritage Society.
            
According to IM, this organization is placed at the UN's blacklist of 
organizations linked to Al Qaeda.

            
The money transfer on the Makedonska Banka's swift account was executed
via a Kuwaiti and two German banks.
            
Halimi is in charge of organizing the activities and providing funds for the
humanitarian society Bamiresija.
            
On Thursday, the police searched the premises of Bamiresija as well as of the
publishing house NUN, trading company R-Orient and D&K studio, confiscating
accounting records, technical equipment and computers.
            
IM is suspecting that Halimi might have receiving funds from other 
organizations as well. Since 200, the annual transfers to his account reached 
about 4,5 million euros.
            
Police does not rule the possibility of celefists' ties with other similar 
organizations in the region, more specifically in Kosovo, Sandzak, Albania, BiH 
and Montenegro, under coordination of international-level organizations. Their 
goal is to establish sheriat order in FYROMacedonia.  

http://www.makfax.com.mk/look/novina/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=2&NrArticle=111144&NrIssue=654&NrSection=10

[zefs]

Read this article by the Skopian turds.....Big bad Greeks...We should really do the shit they accuse of us

Macedonia's Prime Minister roots in Aegean Macedonia
We couldn't believe the stories we heard from the citizens in the village of Krushoradi (Ahlada), Lerin, when we visited to check on the Macedonians in the Aegean part.

"The grandfather of Nikola Gruevski lived here. Over there is his house, he died here. Weren't you aware of Gruevski's roots in Aegean Macedonia?" we were asked by the villagers of Krushoradi.

We went up the village to check something that on first look seemed impossible to us. Krushoradi was beautiful, clean, quiet, surrounded by green landscape.
We stopped at a house. "This is the second cousin of Prime Minister Gruevski. His name is Spiro Nikolaidis" the villagers said pointing to a man who had been washing his car outside.
"Is it true that you are related to Prime Minister Gruevski?" we asked. "Yes it is", he answered.

His Macedonian was not 'the best', perhaps because of the presence of our camera, so we continued in English. He explained to us that the Prime Minister's father, Talo Gruevski, lived in Krushoradi until the age of 9. His family moved and now he lives in Skopje. Prime Minister's grand father who had the same name as the Macedonian Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski (name changed to Nikolas Grujos by Greek Authorities), lived in Krushoradi all his life. He is also buried there. Nikola had fought for the Democratic Army of Greece (DAG) in the Greek - Italian war. Was killed in 1939.
"Gruevski's father comes here every year, on August 15th. I have never seen Nikola here, but was told that he had come once, when he was younger. Their house is now empty, we are taking care of it." says Spiro.

Spiro took us to Nikolas Grujos gravesite to convince us that what he told us was indeed the truth. Large monument written in Greek was located on 50 meters from the house. On the monument with large letters said 'Nikolas Grujos'.

We contacted VMRO-DPMNE, Gruevski's party. They also confirmed the information that Gruevski's father, grand father hail from Lerin, Aegean Macedonia. The people of Krushoradi are immensely proud that Macedonia's Prime Minister is from their village. By contrast, the Greek Media, also aware on this fact called Gruevski "The bad boxer from Skopje" explaining his Lerin roots.

Last year, Macedonian organizations from Aegean Macedonia condemned the vandal act when Lerin's remembrance monument to the 1,200 partisans of the Democratic Army of Greece killed in the war was vandalized.
All of Krushoradi's citizens speak Macedonian. The green landscape and the churches would put anyone at ease. As soon as one gets close to the church feels spiritual calmness.

It became strange when we told the Macedonians we'd visit them again. "Why don't you visit us for May 1st or Ilinden. We are the happiest then", they replied.
They explained why they prefer May 1st or Ilinden over any Macedonian religious holiday. "The priests' job here is to make us Greeks. The Greek church here is the same as the Greek Government. The Greek Church didn't allow me to name my daughter Donka, rather Domna. Try to contemplate this, the Greek Church told me I can't name my child Donka, because it wasn't a "Greek" name. If they could, they would have made Jesus Christ a Greek. For this reasons, Aegean Macedonians, specifically the males, don't go to Church. The females sometimes do go. For May 1st and Ilinden, we have massive celebrations, young and old gets together dancing and singing traditional songs. Easter is a great day for Christians everywhere, and for us, a very sad Holiday. In this environment... " says Pando Ashlakov, without finishing his sentence (name changed by Greek Authorities to Panajotis Anastisijadis) from the village of Ovcharani.

Looking from the sidelines, the Aegean Macedonians looked 'happy'. The neighbors showed up, Macedonian music started playing.
"It is not so bad for the Macedonians here" I said jokingly. However my joke was met with a stern response.
"My daughter in all documents is "Domna", and me, I am "Anastisijadis". We live in a dictatorship, not a democracy. We are learning Macedonian from the Macedonian Radio and Television station. It's difficult to live in a country that tells you don't exist and changes your name. So, judge how happy we are".

Then I met 83 year old Levena Dafova. I asked her, "what are you grandma, Greek or Macedonian?" "I am pure Macedonian, everyone here is Macedonian." she said.

"How is life grandma?"
"How could it be, I am alone. My son died at the age of 50. There are less and less people in the village, they are all moving to Canada...."
Her tears started flowing, and I couldn't ask her any questions. We visited her sons grave site.

On the monument didn't say Nikola Dafov, rather "Nikolaidis Dafno". The Greek Authorities have not allowed anyone, living or dead to have a Macedonian name. Apart from changing the names to all rivers, cities, mountains, the people aren't allowed to choose a name for themselves or their children.

We entered a Macedonian Church to find peace. We didn't find it. The Saint's eyes were knifed. Icons and fresques destroyed. "Even the Saints bothered them" said one Macedonian, and continued. "They want us to fall apart, can't you see that?" Macedonians in Aegean Macedonia aren't worried about the NATO Summit veto. "We knew this was coming and it isn't of any concern. Our concern is the Greek attempt to destroy our culture, language, heritage, country.

"I tell my friends in Macedonia, how can you possibly visit here and spend your money, in a country where you are hated", says Marijana Bekjari from the village of Zabrdani (name changed to Lofi), Lerin. She works as a secretary in Rainbow, the Macedonian political Association in Greece. The Greek Church, Media, Government are all turned against this political association. The Greek Media places selective, in many cases controversial information about Rainbow to the Greek public, while the Government degrades them.

The Macedonians in Greece have no way to claim their ethnicity. Nationality is a word erased from the Greek language, the census (there hasn't been once since 1926), from identifications, passports. Most of the Macedonians will never let this go and hope their offspring will continue their fight.

Petre Kaziev (name changed by Greek Government to Petros Kazijas), is a dermatologist who lives in Lerin's center. Not long ago he was present at a European Parliament conference titled "Ignored Greek Minorities".

He refused to speak Greek at the European Parliament Session, rather opted to speak Italian with explanation that the Macedonian Language is not official in the European Union. "We are calling on the Greek Government to start an open dialog with the Macedonian and Turkish minority and deal with all of our open questions. We have good support in Europe, but not on local levels." says Kaziev.

We asked the Greek citizens how they felt about the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece.
"We are from Greece, but we are your friends, not enemies. The problem is not ours, but to those who make money out of it. We love you", says Vera Samoili, Greek from Athens. Greek citizens who didn't support Vera's views avoided responding. "Don't have a comment", was their response.

From a far we were able to hear someone: "Macedonia is Greece".

There is no unity here, I thought. Several people explained the situation. "Some people in Lerin are turned towards the US, some are towards Europe, some are for isolation. We have Macedonians here, scared Macedonians, and Macedonians whose status in society is important to them. People are split, like everywhere. No one is sure which group will gain more power. Those who have reconciled with their future, or those who would preserve their identity at all costs. Both groups have their reasons.

Translated from AustralianMacedonianWeekly

macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/1325/1/

[Slayer]

Originally Posted by zefs

Read this article by the Skopian turds.....Big bad Greeks...We should really do the shit they accuse of us

Macedonia's Prime Minister roots in Aegean Macedonia
We couldn't believe the stories we heard from the citizens in the village of Krushoradi (Ahlada), Lerin, when we visited to check on the Macedonians in the Aegean part.

"The grandfather of Nikola Gruevski lived here. Over there is his house, he died here. Weren't you aware of Gruevski's roots in Aegean Macedonia?" we were asked by the villagers of Krushoradi.

We went up the village to check something that on first look seemed impossible to us. Krushoradi was beautiful, clean, quiet, surrounded by green landscape.
We stopped at a house. "This is the second cousin of Prime Minister Gruevski. His name is Spiro Nikolaidis" the villagers said pointing to a man who had been washing his car outside.
"Is it true that you are related to Prime Minister Gruevski?" we asked. "Yes it is", he answered.

His Macedonian was not 'the best', perhaps because of the presence of our camera, so we continued in English. He explained to us that the Prime Minister's father, Talo Gruevski, lived in Krushoradi until the age of 9. His family moved and now he lives in Skopje. Prime Minister's grand father who had the same name as the Macedonian Prime Minister, Nikola Gruevski (name changed to Nikolas Grujos by Greek Authorities), lived in Krushoradi all his life. He is also buried there. Nikola had fought for the Democratic Army of Greece (DAG) in the Greek - Italian war. Was killed in 1939.
"Gruevski's father comes here every year, on August 15th. I have never seen Nikola here, but was told that he had come once, when he was younger. Their house is now empty, we are taking care of it." says Spiro.

Spiro took us to Nikolas Grujos gravesite to convince us that what he told us was indeed the truth. Large monument written in Greek was located on 50 meters from the house. On the monument with large letters said 'Nikolas Grujos'.

We contacted VMRO-DPMNE, Gruevski's party. They also confirmed the information that Gruevski's father, grand father hail from Lerin, Aegean Macedonia. The people of Krushoradi are immensely proud that Macedonia's Prime Minister is from their village. By contrast, the Greek Media, also aware on this fact called Gruevski "The bad boxer from Skopje" explaining his Lerin roots.

Last year, Macedonian organizations from Aegean Macedonia condemned the vandal act when Lerin's remembrance monument to the 1,200 partisans of the Democratic Army of Greece killed in the war was vandalized.
All of Krushoradi's citizens speak Macedonian. The green landscape and the churches would put anyone at ease. As soon as one gets close to the church feels spiritual calmness.

It became strange when we told the Macedonians we'd visit them again. "Why don't you visit us for May 1st or Ilinden. We are the happiest then", they replied.
They explained why they prefer May 1st or Ilinden over any Macedonian religious holiday. "The priests' job here is to make us Greeks. The Greek church here is the same as the Greek Government. The Greek Church didn't allow me to name my daughter Donka, rather Domna. Try to contemplate this, the Greek Church told me I can't name my child Donka, because it wasn't a "Greek" name. If they could, they would have made Jesus Christ a Greek. For this reasons, Aegean Macedonians, specifically the males, don't go to Church. The females sometimes do go. For May 1st and Ilinden, we have massive celebrations, young and old gets together dancing and singing traditional songs. Easter is a great day for Christians everywhere, and for us, a very sad Holiday. In this environment... " says Pando Ashlakov, without finishing his sentence (name changed by Greek Authorities to Panajotis Anastisijadis) from the village of Ovcharani.

Looking from the sidelines, the Aegean Macedonians looked 'happy'. The neighbors showed up, Macedonian music started playing.
"It is not so bad for the Macedonians here" I said jokingly. However my joke was met with a stern response.
"My daughter in all documents is "Domna", and me, I am "Anastisijadis". We live in a dictatorship, not a democracy. We are learning Macedonian from the Macedonian Radio and Television station. It's difficult to live in a country that tells you don't exist and changes your name. So, judge how happy we are".

Then I met 83 year old Levena Dafova. I asked her, "what are you grandma, Greek or Macedonian?" "I am pure Macedonian, everyone here is Macedonian." she said.

"How is life grandma?"
"How could it be, I am alone. My son died at the age of 50. There are less and less people in the village, they are all moving to Canada...."
Her tears started flowing, and I couldn't ask her any questions. We visited her sons grave site.

On the monument didn't say Nikola Dafov, rather "Nikolaidis Dafno". The Greek Authorities have not allowed anyone, living or dead to have a Macedonian name. Apart from changing the names to all rivers, cities, mountains, the people aren't allowed to choose a name for themselves or their children.

We entered a Macedonian Church to find peace. We didn't find it. The Saint's eyes were knifed. Icons and fresques destroyed. "Even the Saints bothered them" said one Macedonian, and continued. "They want us to fall apart, can't you see that?" Macedonians in Aegean Macedonia aren't worried about the NATO Summit veto. "We knew this was coming and it isn't of any concern. Our concern is the Greek attempt to destroy our culture, language, heritage, country.

"I tell my friends in Macedonia, how can you possibly visit here and spend your money, in a country where you are hated", says Marijana Bekjari from the village of Zabrdani (name changed to Lofi), Lerin. She works as a secretary in Rainbow, the Macedonian political Association in Greece. The Greek Church, Media, Government are all turned against this political association. The Greek Media places selective, in many cases controversial information about Rainbow to the Greek public, while the Government degrades them.

The Macedonians in Greece have no way to claim their ethnicity. Nationality is a word erased from the Greek language, the census (there hasn't been once since 1926), from identifications, passports. Most of the Macedonians will never let this go and hope their offspring will continue their fight.

Petre Kaziev (name changed by Greek Government to Petros Kazijas), is a dermatologist who lives in Lerin's center. Not long ago he was present at a European Parliament conference titled "Ignored Greek Minorities".

He refused to speak Greek at the European Parliament Session, rather opted to speak Italian with explanation that the Macedonian Language is not official in the European Union. "We are calling on the Greek Government to start an open dialog with the Macedonian and Turkish minority and deal with all of our open questions. We have good support in Europe, but not on local levels." says Kaziev.

We asked the Greek citizens how they felt about the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece.
"We are from Greece, but we are your friends, not enemies. The problem is not ours, but to those who make money out of it. We love you", says Vera Samoili, Greek from Athens. Greek citizens who didn't support Vera's views avoided responding. "Don't have a comment", was their response.

From a far we were able to hear someone: "Macedonia is Greece".

There is no unity here, I thought. Several people explained the situation. "Some people in Lerin are turned towards the US, some are towards Europe, some are for isolation. We have Macedonians here, scared Macedonians, and Macedonians whose status in society is important to them. People are split, like everywhere. No one is sure which group will gain more power. Those who have reconciled with their future, or those who would preserve their identity at all costs. Both groups have their reasons.

Translated from AustralianMacedonianWeekly

macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/1325/1/

Isn't this another site run by the infamous Maknews owner

[Truth Bearer]

No Slayer......By an Abramoff.

[zefs]

I know it is a FYROM propoganda sight, but this says it all.
FYROM Airlines owner at Bush - Hager wedding
The daughter of George Bush got married to Henry Hager in front of 200 relatives and close friends.

At the wedding, present was a Macedonian couple, businessman Zivko Gruevski, owner of Macedonian Airlines, who were personally invited by the Hager family (John and Maggie Hager).

Zivko and his wife were at the Crawford Ranch where the wedding was held. Jenna Bush and her husband opted for a simple wedding at the Ranch, instead of glamourous wedding spectacle at the White House.

The newly wed couple will spend their honeymoon in Europe.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/1392/1/

[zefs]

Greek FM: Macedonian minority, non-existent and ungrounded issue
Greece called the issue of the Macedonian minority "non-existent and ungrounded", reaffirming the long-standing of its denial and non-recognition.



This is the first reaction of official Athens, after Macedonian side demanded to include in the name talks the issue of the rights and restitution of properties of the expelled Macedonians from Greece after the civil war.


"An unfortunate attempt to create a non-existent and ungrounded issue," the spokesman of the Greek Foreign Ministry Yorgos Koumoutsakos said, commenting the statements of the government in Skopje about the Macedonian minority in northern Greece.

Koumoutsakos described the statements of the Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki as "ungrounded, unqualified and ungrounded attempt to make an impression" from the Macedonian side.

Koumoutsakos sees the issue of minority as part of the series of unacceptable statements coming from the Macedonian side.

For the Greeks, the only goal in the name talks is to reach "a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue."


Meanwhile, representatives of the Aegean Macedonians have met with Prime Minister Gruevski where it was reaffirmed that in accordance with all international norms, standards and human rights conventions, the Aegean Macedonians have the right to claim their homes and land. The new Parliament is expected to pass a bill reaffirming Macedonia's support to Aegean Macedonians.

According to Greece's Helsinki Monitor Report from 1999, there are, the very minimum of 200,000 Macedonians in Greece (speak Macedonian), however, it is believed their number to be much higher. Large percentage of more than 100,000 Greek citizens expelled during the civil war in 1949 were ethnic Macedonians, from which 29,000 were children.

Macedonian Government spokesperson Ivica Bocevski said "Greece doesn't have a choice whether it wishes or doesn't wish to discuss the return of properties, this is a simple right that is supported by all international laws, to which Greece is a signatory."

[url]http://macedoniaonline.eu

[Tsontos]

The below article itself doesnt mention Greek lobby but the summary points on the main page of makfax's website do.

Reeker's nomination still blocked

The US Government said that appointment of Philip Reeker as the new U.S. Ambassador to Macedonia is still blocked.

"My understanding is that there’s still a hold on his nomination. We would hope that at some point in the very near future his nomination will be allowed to move forward. We believe that the best way that we can clearly communicate our policies to the government there, is with a representative, with an ambassador there in country," deputy spokesman of the State Department Gonzalo Gallegos said.

For all nominations by the US President, as the Reeker's one, a final confirmation of the Senate through voting is needed, Voice of America in Macedonian language reports.

Reeker's nomination in June passed the Senate foreign affairs commission after an inquiry for confirmation of the office, but was subsequently blocked due to additional questions from the Senate which were to be answered by the State Department.

http://www.makfax.com.mk/look/novina/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=2&NrArticle=119654&NrIssue=720&NrSection=10