Geopolitical News from the modern world

Tag archive

Macedonia - page 2

The Electoral Code will change due to the SEC

in EUROPE/POLITICS by

After voting in the Parliament for the confidence of the Government, the government and the opposition will implement the agreement reached between Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski for a new composition of the State Election Commission. It will be the first test for the reform package, which brings opposition MPs back to parliament, although the change in the election of SEC members was not on Reinhard Priebe’s list, but an independent decision by political leaders in the country. According to the information, it is a request by VMRO-DPMNE, which SDSM accepted only to satisfy the opposition and to force it to return the Parliament in order to pass the reform laws, which require a two-third majority. 

Accordingly, amendments to the Electoral Code should now be adopted in order to change the SEC concept. The model that was agreed during the negotiations in Przino, when there were three members of the SEC from the expert circles and the largest ruling and opposition parties, will no longer be valid. In contrast, it will go to the SEC to function as an administrative body, headed by the Secretary General proposed by the opposition. The composition of the SEC, to be elected also in an announcement, will meet six months before the regular elections and will be in session until the end of the election cycle. 

Agreement reached between Zaev and Mickoski for a new SEC

in EUROPE/POLITICS by

After voting in the Parliament for the confidence of the Government, the government and the opposition will implement the agreement reached between Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski for a new composition of the State Election Commission. It will be the first test for the reform package, which brings opposition MPs back to parliament, although the change in the election of SEC members was not on Reinhard Priebe’s list, but an independent decision by political leaders in the country. According to the information, it is a request by VMRO-DPMNE, which SDSM accepted only to satisfy the opposition and to force it to return the Parliament in order to pass the reform laws, which require a two-third majority.

Accordingly, amendments to the Electoral Code should now be adopted in order to change the SEC concept. The model that was agreed during the negotiations in Przino, when there were three members of the SEC from the expert circles and the largest ruling and opposition parties, will no longer be valid. In contrast, it will go to the SEC to function as an administrative body, headed by the Secretary General proposed by the opposition. The composition of the SEC, to be elected also in an announcement, will meet six months before the regular elections and will be in session until the end of the election cycle.

Mafia welcoming in Economy Minister Bekteshi’s cabinet

in ECONOMY/EUROPE by

The Cabinet of the Minister of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi set a trap for the editor of the web portal Zhurnal, Behgjet Musliu, when about three weeks ago he was called to a meeting at the ministry, so that the mayor of Kicevo appear there. The meeting was preceded by threats after Zhurnal published an article about the wasteful spending from the budget of municipality of Kicevo. At the meeting at the Ministry of Economy, the editor was pressured and forced by the mayor of Kicevo, Fatmir Dehari, to hear everything he had to tell him. Musliu told Republika about the whole case and said that Economy Minister, who is also from Kicevo, was most likely behind it, with the ultimate goal the medium not to criticize mayor Dehari in the future.

Musliu concluded saying that when he sat into the room, the mayor accompanied with another person entered and addressed him with a tone as if he had cought him in something. Then the Mayor began to tell him that he is a good man and that Musliu has a good family and he should live peacefully.

Minister Popovski: the Government’s commitment is enduring, through transparency and accountability, to serve the citizens

in EUROPE by

The Minister without Portfolio, responsible for communication, accountability and transparency, Robert Popovski, participated in the debate “Challanges of the Government and Institutions in Increasing Transparency in the Media and Citizens” organized by the Association of Journalists of the Republic of Macedonia and Onlimit Media.

Welcoming the efforts of Minister Popovski to take part in all the public debates to which he was invited, the present journalists assessed that the Government that represents the Minister drastically changed the attitude towards the media following the principle of openness for discussion and debate, but pointed out that many more work to enable all institutions to be fully transparent.

Minister Popovski, other side, thanked the possibility for Government of the Republic of Macedonia through the debate to present and analyze its policies and, through transparency and accountability, to outline the measures taken in the service of all citizens and the media. Finally, Popovski pointed out that as minister in contacts with the ministers he constantly points to the need for transparency that brings responsible and accountable governance.

Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs in Skopje for historic visit

in EUROPE by

VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski met on Friday with Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Kotzias. Mickoski emphasized that his party supports developing good neighborly relations, based on sincere friendship and mutual respect. Mickoski pointed out that the Republic of Macedonia must continue its Euro-Atlantic agenda and the process should be unblocked. It will also contribute to the integration and stabilization of the region through enhanced cooperation within the framework of the global structures that Macedonia naturally belongs to.

During the meeting, VMRO-DPMNE’s leader expressed concern about certain steps in the Greek society that irritate and incite negative feeling towards Macedonia, and they are not helpful to the overall process: he also stressed that the solution negotiated by the Zaev’s government should respect state and national interests.

Macedonian president remains on his positions

in EUROPE by

Presidet Gjorge Ivanov remains on the already stated position on the Law on the use of Languages and the signing of the decree for its promulgation, the President’s office confirmed for MIA. After the repeated vote on the bill on March 14, Ivanov in an address to the public said that he would not sign the decree for its promulgation saying that the Constitution and his conscience did not allow him to. The law, which had been first passed on January 11, was sent back to Parliament after Ivanov refused to sign it.

The EU’s enlargement strategy neglects Kosovo

in EUROPE/POLITICS by

The recent document about the EU’s enlargement strategy apparently does not contain much mention of Kosovo, according to Pristina press. Kosovo is mentioned only in passages concerning the dialogue with Serbia. The article states that this is a “worse position for Kosovo than before”, and the reason is the presence of different positions in the EU (indeed, 5 members do not recognize Kosovo, such as Spain), but also the lack of progress in Kosovo. The documents focus particularly on Serbia and Montenegro which are “planned to join EU in 2025”, but also on Albania, Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Macedonia and Albania cooperation against terrorism

in DEFENCE/EUROPE by

Skopje and Pristina concluded a memorandum of police cooperation in the field of terrorism. The memorandum has been signed Saturday by Macedonian and Albanian Interior Ministers, respectively, Oliver Spasovski and Fatmir Xhafaj, in Ohrid. The document foresees exchange of information of individuals and groups considered potential perpetrators of terrorist actions both in the two countries and in the whole region. Macedonia’s Interior Ministry expressed to consider the terrorism as a global threat as well as a risk for the countries in the Balkans. Thus, the memorandum envisages the terrorism from a preventive and repressive way. Spasovski stated Interior Ministries ‘are actively cooperating in protection and control of the border but also providing easy flow of people and goods’. From his part, Xhafaj noted that the agreement is on cooperation as for present than for future. Moreover, the two countries ‘should follow the excellent relations between as appropriate to two neighbors and our cooperation as ministries to follow those principles and thus contribute to greater security that can be a positive example for the region. The meeting concerned also the cooperation between Macedonia and Albania in the fields of drug trafficking, arms smuggling, exchange of information, experiences and positives practices, promotion of cooperation bilaterally and in the regional framework. In addition, Spasovski stated to support the initiative of the Albanian Police to establish a regional center for police cooperation of the Western Balkan countries.

EU prepared to accept both Serbia and Kosovo

in EUROPE/POLITICS by

The EU would accept for six Western Balkans countries to enter the organization, according to Financial Times: Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.

Davos meeting between Zaev and Tsipras, of historic importance

in EUROPE/POLITICS by

In an interview with Greek newspaper Khatimerini, Matthew Nimetz, the special envoy for the name issue, stated that the Davos meeting between Prime Ministers Zoran Zaev and Alexis Tsipras is positive and of historic importance. He expressed optimism with regards to find a mutually acceptable solution, thanks to international community cooperation, and the coordination with the UN, US as well as UE. “It’s time that talks are intensified as regards the conditions for a final agreement while treating with caution the issues raised by the two premiers. I’m coming to Athens and Skopje for talks in order to accelerate the process. I believe now there’s a dynamic to find a solution”, declared Nimetz. As Khatimerini reports, Nimetz has proposed the wide use of the new name only once Macedonia integration process into the EU is concluded.  Before that, the new name can be used on the international stage.

1 2 3 4 7
Press Release
0 £0.00
Go to Top
× How can I help you?