[AMCC-News] (1) A Network of Minoprity Rights Organisations established in Macedonia; (2) Finance peace in Macedonia, not corruption; (3) Donors pledge $515 mln aid for Macedonia; (4) Opening of ECMI NGO Resource Centres in Tetovo and Bitola, Macedonia

[Mentor Cana]

1. A Network of Minority Rights Organizations established in Macedonia
2. Finance peace in Macedonia, not corruption
3. Donors pledge $515 mln aid for Macedonia
4. Opening of ECMI NGO Resource Centres in Tetovo and Bitola, Macedonia


### (1) ###

Betreff:  [balkanhr] A Network of Minority Rights Organizations established in Macedonia
Datum: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 20:29:16 +0200
Von: "albert" <office at greekhelsinki.gr> (by way of Greek Helsinki Monitor <office at greekhelsinki.gr>)

Established the Network of Minority Rights Organizations in Macedonia

On the 04-07th of march 2002 in Ohrid, a seminar on "Increasing
Knowledge on Minority Rights Standards" was organized by the Association
for Democratic Initiatives-ADI in cooperation with the Council of
Europe's Secretariat of the FCNM in the framework of the Stability Pact
project concerning Minorities Acceptance and Implementation of existing
standards with a voluntary contribution of the United Kingdom.

After a three days intensive meetings, the 34 participating NGO's from
all the regions of the country, representing organizations working in
the field of minority rights as well as minority based organizations
decided to establish a Network of Minority Rights Organizations in
Macedonia. The Network decided upon the activity plan for the following
two years and it's long term strategy, while two immediate tasks
resulted at the end of the seminar.

The appeal of the network to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Skopje
to submit the State report on the Implementation of the Provisions of
the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in
Macedonia, which report was due to be submitted in 1999 by the
Government of Macedonia.

The network adopted a strategy for an Advocacy Campaign for Ratifying
the Charter on Regional and Minority Languages by the Macedonian
Parliament. which was signed by the government of Macedonia 6 years ago,
but not yet ratified.

The report from he seminar with the list of participants and lecturers
will be available at the beginning of April 2002, for any further
information, please contact the
 Association for Democratic Initiatives ADI
 B. Jovanoski St. 61
 1230 Gostivar
 Macedonia
 tel: +389 42 22 11 00
 fax: +389 42 22 11 02
 e-mail: albert at adi.org.mk
 URL: http://www.adi.org.mk


### (2) ###

http://www.reliefweb.int/w/rwb.nsf/480fa8736b88bbc3c12564f6004c8ad5/8357c4d90cd7dd3dc1256b7a004c64c4?OpenDocument

Source: International Crisis Group (ICG)
Date: 11 Mar 2002

Finance peace in Macedonia, not corruption

Skopje/Brussels, 11 March 2002: As EU, U.S. and World Bank officials
prepare to meet tomorrow in Brussels at a donors' conference for the
Republic of Macedonia, the International Crisis Group urges them to be
vigilant on two key issues that threaten the fledgling peace effort:
endemic corruption and economic reform. ICG calls for the joint
appointment of an anti-corruption adviser to assist the Macedonian
government and monitor spending of donor funds.

Macedonia's leaders deserve generous support to re-build their
country and pay for the costly reforms that were the key to getting
Albanian insurgents to lay down arms. However, ICG President Gareth
Evans warned: "The target for the aid package is not small, a quarter of
a billion dollars, and it should be met. But if donors commit this sum
without demanding serious anti-corruption and reform efforts, they will
put at risk the investment they have made in peace."

Corruption plagues all transition countries, but in Macedonia it
threatens the viability of the state. Albanian minority participation in
today's government rests on a simple principle: they get one third of
the spoils enjoyed by the Macedonian leadership. At the same time both
Macedonian and Albanian political leaders flirt cynically with ethnic
extremism, deepening communal divisions and corroding the rule of law
and public trust in institutions - as they connive at siphoning off
national assets.

The corruption concerns include reports of kickbacks, customs and
licensing rackets, cigarette smuggling and illegal privatisation deals
that benefit government insiders. The stories are not - as some
politicians claim - simply anecdotes. The Macedonian media is replete
with detailed, credible allegations that are privately corroborated by
diplomats. The Macedonian leadership is also seeking leniency on
important IMF targets. The Prime Minister is reportedly balking at a
follow-on IMF credit arrangement that would replace the current,
voluntary set of spending criteria. With an election due this year, he
seeks more relaxed terms. However delaying reform will only protract
economic transition.

Where donors need to channel attention is on creating and sustaining
jobs for both Macedonians and Albanians, especially in rural areas and
regions that were affected by fighting. Applications for emigration by
Macedonians have soared, while the unemployment rate for rural Albanians
remains alarmingly high. The job base is shrinking as loss-making
enterprises close their doors and otherwise profitable private firms
lose their credit rating due to bank-perceived "risk".

More re-training is needed for laid-off workers, as well as credit
incentives for Macedonia's banks to lend to private firms located in
these crisis zones. Otherwise, Macedonia risks further ethnic division
due to economic circumstances.

But these measures will mean little if the international community
does not insist that Macedonia tackles corruption. Traditional
prescriptions - regulatory reform, conferences, legislation - have had
paltry results, as international officials concede. The knowledge that
corruption is rampant has eviscerated trust in all levels of government
and created cynicism toward "institution building" efforts. Civil
society groups like Transparency International show promise, but they
depend on a critical mass of citizens who believe their efforts will
result in change - something utterly absent in Macedonia.

An outside catalyst is needed to demonstrate international
seriousness and give ordinary Macedonians confidence that change is
possible. ICG therefore recommends that the donors and the Macedonian
government jointly ask the European Commission to send an
anti-corruption adviser to Macedonia. The adviser's role would be to
activate moribund checks against corruption, and stimulate the efforts
of government and civil society to develop and implement an
anti-corruption strategy. Stonewalling by the authorities should incur
the suspension of EU funding. ICG believes that the government could be
persuaded to accept such an adviser, if only the international community
would insist. ICG also urges donors to fund fully watchdog and oversight
mechanisms for the nation's heath fund.

Raising the profile and effectiveness of the fight against
corruption, and insisting on economic reforms, could reorient politics
away from a zero-sum tussle over resources and ethnic rights into a
joint struggle against a common opponent.

ICG's Macedonia Project Director Edward Joseph said: "Ethnic
Macedonians and Albanians alike are fed up with 'the way the game is
played' and are eager for the rule of law. But they can't achieve change
on their own. As Macedonia seeks generous international support at this
donor's conference, now is the ideal time to demand economic reform and
serious measures to combat corruption."


### (3) ###

http://famulus.msnbc.com/FamulusIntl/reuters03-12-033537.asp?reg=EUROPE

Donors pledge $515 mln aid for Macedonia

BRUSSELS, March 12 - International donors approved a $515 million aid
package for Macedonia on Tuesday, more than double the amount expected,
to help it recover from last year's fighting between government forces
and ethnic Albanian rebels.

    The European Commission and the World Bank organized the one-day
pledging conference to reward authorities in the tiny ex-Yugoslav
republic and ethnic Albanian leaders for respecting a peace deal sealed
last August to end seven months of violence.
    ''This meeting has demonstrated strong and continuing support for
Macedonia and gives the country and its people a chance to move
forward,'' Reinhard Priebe, a senior official of the EU's executive
Commission, told reporters.
    Monies pledged include $274 million for macroeconomic assistance,
support of reconstruction and implementing last August's framework
agreement. Donors promised a further $241 million for ''general economic
development purposes in 2002,'' the Commission and World Bank said in a
joint statement.
    Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski, regarded as one of the
hardliners in last year's conflict, welcomed the pledges, which in total
would mean every inhabitant of the small land-locked state receiving
more than $250 each.

LOOKING TO FUTURE

    ''I am convinced that by virtue of this donors' meeting we will
leave behind us political and economic insecurity and turn a new page of
economic prosperity and accelerated economic development in our country
and the region as a whole,'' he said.
    The Commission alone contributed 104 million euros and the 15 member
states of the European Union a further 103 million euros in total. The
World Bank provided $50 million of aid.
    Some 38 countries and 19 organizations attended the meeting.
    The aid scheme is to help Macedonia rein in its ballooning budget
deficit and huge current account gap, rebuild damaged homes and
infrastructure as well as to create institutions needed to maintain a
multi-ethnic democracy.
    Donors stressed the assistance would be conditional on Macedonia
implementing last year's peace accord and pushing ahead with economic
reforms to create jobs in the private sector and make the state more
efficient.
    Macedonia has already ceded more powers to local government to
improve the status of ethnic Albanians, who make up about a third of the
country's two million population.
    Skopje approved an amnesty for the rebels last week in a move hailed
by the EU and NATO, which maintains a 700-soldier peacekeeping mission
in the country.

SCOURGE OF CORRUPTION

    But many Western politicians and international organizations say
there is rampant corruption in Macedonia and strict measures are needed
to prevent the aid going into the wrong pockets.
    ''We will continue to link the delivery of (European) Community
assistance to the efficient implementation in good faith of...the peace
agreement,'' the Commission's Priebe said.
    This week, the International Crisis Group (ICG), a respected
Brussels-based think-tank, urged the EU to send an anti-corruption
adviser to Skopje.
    ''Corruption plagues all transition countries, but in Macedonia it
threatens the viability of the state,'' the ICG said in a statement.
    ''The corruption concerns include reports of kickbacks, customs and
licensing rackets, cigarette smuggling and illegal privatisation deals
that benefit government insiders,'' it said.
    About $165 million of the cash pledged on Tuesday is to help
Macedonia reduce its budget deficit, which soared to six percent of
gross domestic product last year from a surplus in 2000.
    The sum is also to be used to lower the current account shortfall,
which widened to nearly 11 percent of GDP last year.

Copyright 2002 Reuters Limited


### (4) ###

Betreff:  [balkanhr] [mkakademija] Opening of ECMI NGO Resource Centres in Tetovo and Bitola, Macedonia
Datum: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 19:01:00 +0200
Von: office at greekhelsinki.gr

Subject: Opening of ECMI NGO Resource Centre Tetovo, Macedonia

The ECMI Regional NGO Resource Centre opened in Tetovo on Monday 1st
March 2002 at 1200 hrs. The Regional Centre is located on Street
Ilindenska 97,Tetovo. The opening ceremony was attended by
representatives of Non-Governmental Sector in Tetovo, Local Government,
International NGOs and Inter-Governmental Organizations and Media.
Present were also the Chairperson of the Coordinating Body of the ECMI
NGO Network for the Improvement of Inter-Ethnic Relations in Macedonia
and Members of the Coordinating Body. Mr. Nader Redjepi, Representative
of the Tetovo NGOs in the National Coordinating Body of the Network
welcomed the guests and introduced the Action Plan of the Tetovo Centre.
This was followed by a brief address with an overview of the project by
the ECMI Regional Representative Dr. Sunoor Verma. Ms. Suncica Milkovic,
Member of the National Coordinating Body of the Network cut the ribbon
and declared the ECMI Regional NGO Resource Centre open. This was
followed by cocktail.
The Regional Centre has a conference room with a conference table for 20
and 20 chairs, one flip chart board, one bulletin board. The office room
has one PC, one laser printer, one fax machine and internet access
(telephone connection being activated).

Background Information

ECMI NGO Network exists to enhance the cooperation of the member NGOs
towards the development and improvement of interethnic tolerance,
respect for differences and dialogue among all those living in the
Republic of Macedonia.  In particular, this NGO Network aims to
strengthen the capacities of the participating NGOs to generate joint
projects and other initiatives with a strong interethnic dimension and
to implement such initiatives (For details please visit the Network Web
site www.ecmingonet.org.mk).

In the framework of the concept of the ECMI NGO Network for improvement
of interethnic relations (Enclosed list of Members) in Macedonia six
ECMI Regional NGO Centres will be established and will function in the
following cities: Kumanovo, Bitola, Stip, Tetovo, Gostivar and Skopje.
These Regional NGO Centres shall serve the aim of improving interethnic
tolerance, respect for differences and dialogue among all communities
living in the country. They shall enhance the capacity of member
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) subscribing to these aims and
facilitate the development and implementation of joint interethnic
projects on the basis of locally established priorities. The Regional
NGO Centres shall also seek cooperation of local administration, while
maintaining full independence in the design and execution of the
projects.

The Network will also provide a means through which the strong
contribution that NGOs can make to the development of civil society in
the Republic of Macedonia can be highlighted. This includes joint
lobbying for an environment in which NGOs dedicated to the principles of
this Network can flourish and effectively deliver their mandates.

Sunoor Verma
Regional Representative
European Centre for Minority Issues
Branch Office Skopje
Street Dresdenska No. 9, Skopje 1000, Macedonia.
Telephone and Fax 00389 2 361 379, 367 688
sunoor at ecmingonet.org.mk
www.ecmingonet.org.mk
www.ecmi.de


Subject: Opening of ECMI NGO Resource Centre in Bitola, Macedonia

The ECMI Regional NGO Resource Centre opened in Bitola on Thursday 7th
March 2002 at 1200 hrs. The Regional Centre is located on Josif
Josifovski str. 4/4. (Building- Grozd). The telephone and fax number of
the Regional Resource Centre in Bitola is 00 389 47 236 874.
The opening ceremony was attended by all members of the Bitola Regional
Resource Centre, representatives of Non-Governmental Sector in Bitola,
Local Government, Police Authority, University of Bitola, City Library,
Social Welfare department, City Hospital, International NGOs and
Inter-Governmental Organizations, electronic and print media. Present
also were Members of the Coordinating Body of the ECMI NGO Network for
the Improvement of Inter-Ethnic Relations in Macedonia. Dr. Dijana
Georgievska, Representative of the Bitola NGOs in the National
Coordinating Body of the Network welcomed the guests and introduced the
Action Plan of the Bitola Centre.
This was followed by a brief address with an overview of the project by
the ECMI Regional Representative Sunoor Verma. The Mayor of Bitola was
represented by his advisor on NGOs Ms. Violeta Nalevska. She assured
those present of the full support of the Municipality of Bitola and its
Mayor to the ECMI Regional NGO Resource Centre initiative. Mr. Senat
Beqiri, Member of the National Coordinating Body of the Network greeted
the Bitola Members on behalf of the National Coordinating Body, then cut
the ribbon and declared the ECMI Regional NGO Resource Centre in Bitola
open. This was followed by cocktail.
At 1400 Working lunch of the Coordinating Body was held. The dates for
the opening of the Gostivar and Shtip Centre were discussed. The two
Centers are expected to open between the 15th and 20th March 2002. The
Regional Centre has a conference room with a conference table for 20 and
20 chairs, one flip chart board, one bulletin board. There are two
office rooms and are furnished with two desks, lockers for members, two
PCs (with in-built fax capability), one scanner, one laser printer, and
internet access.

Background Information on ECMI initiative in Macedonia

ECMI NGO Network exists to enhance the cooperation of the member NGOs
towards the development and improvement of interethnic tolerance,
respect for differences and dialogue among all those living in the
Republic of Macedonia.  In particular, this NGO Network aims to
strengthen the capacities of the participating NGOs to generate joint
projects and other initiatives with a strong interethnic dimension and
to implement such initiatives (For details please visit the Network Web
site www.ecmingonet.org.mk).

In the framework of the concept of the ECMI NGO Network for improvement
of interethnic relations (Enclosed list of Members) in Macedonia six
ECMI Regional NGO Centres will be established and will function in the
following cities: Kumanovo, Bitola, Stip, Tetovo, Gostivar and Skopje.
These Regional NGO Centres shall serve the aim of improving interethnic
tolerance, respect for differences and dialogue among all communities
living in the country. They shall enhance the capacity of member
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) subscribing to these aims and
facilitate the development and implementation of joint interethnic
projects on the basis of locally established priorities. The Regional
NGO Centres shall also seek cooperation of local administration, while
maintaining full independence in the design and execution of the
projects.

The Network will also provide a means through which the strong
contribution that NGOs can make to the development of civil society in
the Republic of Macedonia can be highlighted. This includes joint
lobbying for an environment in which NGOs dedicated to the principles of
this Network can flourish and effectively deliver their mandates.

Sunoor Verma
Regional Representative
European Centre for Minority Issues
Branch Office Skopje
Street Dresdenska No. 9, Skopje 1000, Macedonia.
Telephone and Fax 00389 2 361 379, 367 688
sunoor at ecmingonet.org.mk
www.ecmingonet.org.mk
www.ecmi.de