ROAD CONDITIONS IN MACEDONIA

This information is provided by the Trade and Transport Facilitation in the South-Eastern European countries website (TTFSE). Visit www.ttfse.org for more.

The website contains official regional and national information about trade and transport facilitation in the South-Eastern European countries supplied by the Ministries, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and others.

* Control and regulation of the traffic on the roads, as well as the control of the vehicles and drivers on the roads are in competence of Ministry of Interiors or it is performed by policemen

* The participants in the traffic are obliged to act according to the regulations about traffic rules, the traffic signs placed on the road and with the signs and orders given by competent persons

* The vehicles are driven on the right side of the roadway in the direction of the moving

* At the crossroad or in meet with the other vehicle a driver is obliged to pass the vehicle that comes from his right side.

* The using of belts is obligatory

* From getting dark until the complete daylight, as well as in conditions of reduced visibility the driver should turn on the lights to indicate the vehicle and those to light the road.

* The using of protection helmet is obligatory for the drivers of motorcycles and mopeds, as well as the persons that are accompanying the drivers

* The driver must not stop or parking its vehicle on a place that should endanger the security of the other participants in the traffic or should disrupt the normal traffic or moving of pedestrians

* The vehicle should not be overloaded over the registered weight in the traffic licence, nor should drive more passengers than it is registered in the traffic licence

* The allowed quantity of alcohol in the drivers` blood is 0,5 promili. Driver of a motor vehicle of C and D category, driver of a vehicle that carries passengers, and driver who's basic occupation is driving a vehicle, driver -instructor, must not have alcohol in their blood.

* A motor vehicle in the road traffic must be driven by a person that posses a valid driving licence, foreign driving licence or international driving licence.

* In the period from November 15 until March 15 in the following year, every driver in Macedonia is obliged to carry in his vehicle chains for the snow. On the request of the traffic police he is obliged to show them, if he hasn't got chains he will have to pay on-the-spot fine of about 1.400,00 denars.

Reponsible person: Sasko Kocev, Ministry of Interior Affairs. Phone: ++ 389 70 383864; ++ 389 2 3142-908. E-mail:

Contact person: Julijana Jankulovska, Counsellor, Ministry of traffic and communication, Phone: : ++ 389 2 3145 446; 3112 735. E-mail:

ROAD TOLL STATIONS

According to the Public Roads Law ("Official Gazette of RM" No.26/96) it is predicted that a part of the public roads financing to be provided by the compensation for using the highway and section of it (Article 96), if there is a public road with a hard surface road (Article 103). The compensation height is determined by special decisions by the Government. According to those decisions the vehicles are divided in four payment categories.

The price list is valid from 16.01.2001 from 19:00h.

I Category: Motor vehicles- maximum 1.7m height and maximum 5.5m lengths (passenger vehicles)

II Category: Motor vehicles -maximum height 3.3m and maximum 9.5m lengths(passenger vehicles with trailers, jeeps, pickup trucks, half freight vehicles)

III Category: Motor vehicles - maximum height 4.2m and maximum 10.5m lengths (jeeps with trailers, pickup trucks with trailers, half freight vehicles with trailers, freight vehicles with trailers, buses)

IV Category: Motor vehicles- maximum height 4.2m and maximum 10.5m (jeeps with trailers, pickup trucks with trailers, half freight vehicles with trailers, freight vehicles with trailers, buses)

Road toll station / Main road (highway) Section / Stationary (km)

Romanovce M1 Kumanovo-Miladinovci 15+563 (km)

Sopot M1 Petrovec-Veles 61+713 (km)

Otovica M1 Veles-Petrovec 58+623 (km)

Gradsko M1 Veles-Gradsko 87+869 (km)

Petrovec M3 Skopje-Petrovec 0+722 (km)

Miladinovci M4 Skopje-Miladinovci 1+081 (km)

Tetovo M4 Tetovo-Gostivar 54+715 (km)

Gostivar M4 Tetovo-Gostivar 72+391 (km)

1 Category (Height - 1.7m Length 5.5m )

Kumanovo-Miladinovci - 1.7 US$

Skopje-Petrovec - 1 US$

Petrovec-Veles - 2.2 US$

Veles-Gradsko - 2 US$

Skopje-Miladinovci - 1 US$

Tetovo-Gostivar - 1.45 US$

2 Category (Height - 3.3m Length 9.5m )

Kumanovo-Miladinovci - 2.55 US$

Skopje-Petrovec - 1.5 US$

Petrovec-Veles - 3.30 US$

Veles-Gradsko - 3.0 US$

Skopje-Miladinovci - 1.5 US$

Tetovo-Gostivar - 2.20 US$ .

The amounts of the toll are in US$.

The toll is paid in convertible currency according to the current rate of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.

Toll for using the roads: Foreign freight vehicles (trucks, combination of vehicles and auto-trains) that enter in Macedonia should pay the following tolls:

- vehicles with weight not over 15t- 0,006 US$/gross ton/km

- vehicles with weight above 15t - 0,008 US$/gross ton/km

The payment of such toll is made on the border crossing when entering Macedonia. The toll is paid in convertible currency according to the current rate of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.

*60 km per hour in inhabited places if there is traffic sign that indicates differently

On a road out of inhabited place a driver must not drive its vehicle in speed higher than:

* 120 km per hour on highway

* 100 km per hour on road reserved for motor vehicles traffic

* 80 km per hour on other roads

On a road out of a settlement, a driver must not drive its vehicle with a speed higher han it is determined by the traffic sign.

* 80 km per hour for buses and buses with not heavy trailer; freight vehicles with highest permitted mass not above 7500 kg; motor vehicles pulling house trailer and for passenger cars that pull light and small trailers

* 70 km per hour for buses that carry out the organized transport of children, articulated buses without standing places; freight vehicles with highest permitted mass not above 7500 kg; freight vehicles that pull trailers

* 50 km per hour for buses with trailers for transport of passengers; buses for transport of passenger in urban traffic; buses that besides seats have spaces for standing; motor vehicle with chains on their wheels

Vehicles that transport dangerous materials 80 % of the permitted speed, but not higher than 70 km per hour.

Maximum permitted height of the vehicles is 4,0 m.

Maximum permitted width of the vehicles 2,55 m. with exception of the refrigerator truck with a maximum width of 2,6 m.

Maximum permitted length of vehicles: 12 m. - passenger car, bus, freight vehicle, special vehicle, working vehicle

MACEDONIA: FCO TRAVEL ADVICE

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Personal attacks against foreigners are extremely rare. However, since March 2006 there has been a spate of small bombs exploding in central Skopje and some shooting incidents (principally in Cair and the Bit Pazar areas). These have usually been against targeted individuals. There is always, however, the possibility of foreigners being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You should therefore keep to the main areas and streets and be vigilant at all times. There have also been several reported case of foreigners being pick pocketed by gangs of children and bag snatchers in the main shopping and entertainment areas late at night. Foreign nationals appear to have been specifically targeted.

Credit card fraud is widespread and caution should be exercised when making a purchase using this method.

There has been no repetition in Skopje or elsewhere in Macedonia of the public demonstrations that took place against elements of the International Community during the 2001 crisis. However, acts of intimidation and harassment against nationals of western countries have been reported.

In the event of civil disorder, we advise British nationals to stay at home and restrict their movements as much as possible, especially after dark. Avoid crowds and demonstrations generally. Keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel and ensure that travel documents are current. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

Parliamentary Elections were held in Macedonia on 5 July 2006. You should be aware that there were some local volatility during the campaign. Whist not targeted at foreigners, it is possible that you may potentially be caught up in such activity. You should exercise vigilance and caution during this time and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Following the serious inter-ethnic fighting in 2001, the situation in Macedonia has largely stabilised. But the situation is still unsettled and sporadic acts of inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic violence continue to occur. Shootings and other acts of violence have taken place in Skopje, Tetovo, Kumanovo and Gostivar in recent months. While none of these incidents or attacks has been aimed at British nationals or other members of the international community, British nationals living in or visiting Macedonia should exercise particular vigilance given the often indiscriminate nature of these incidents.

There are sometimes sporadic incidents of violence in the north-west of Macedonia, particularly in the town of Tetovo. These may continue. There have also been some reports, which are unconfirmed, that there may be attacks on main transport links.

You should exercise caution when travelling in the northern and western regions of Macedonia. Travel should be restricted to primary roads and daylight hours only. A high level of vigilance should be maintained. Particular care should be taken due to the continuing threat from land mines and unexploded ordnance.

You should exercise caution when travelling to the area bordering Serbia. Apart from designated border crossings, the immediate border area is a military restricted zone. Permission must be obtained from the nearest Macedonian police station before travelling to this zone.

The border between Macedonia and Kosovo can be subject to closure at short notice to all traffic. If you intend to deliver humanitarian goods to Kosovo, in particular foodstuffs, from Macedonia you should take this into consideration. When the border is open, Load Carrying Vehicles transiting Macedonia to Kosovo may be subject to long delays before being permitted to cross. You should ensure that you have the proper customs documentation prior to arrival at any of the Macedonian border crossings.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Macedonia has brought in new laws requiring all vehicles to use side lights/ dipped headlights during the day.

It is illegal to use mobile phones whilst driving.

You should not take photographs of, or near, military or official installations.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

There is currently no requirement for holders of British passports to obtain visas for travel to Macedonia. However, the Macedonian government is considering the introduction of a reciprocal visa regime for those countries who require Macedonian citizens to obtain visas. This would include the UK. No decision has yet been taken on how or when the reciprocal visa regime will be introduced. Holders of UK Refugee Travel Documents travelling to Macedonia or transiting the country en-route to Kosovo, must obtain visas for travel to, or transit through, Macedonia.

If you plan to live in Macedonia you must register at your local police station within three to five days of arrival. Failure to do so may result in deportation.

There have been recent incidents in which Macedonian nationals who also hold dual nationality in another country, have been detained on the grounds that they have avoided military service in either the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM) or in the former Yugoslav National Army (JNA). Dual British/Macedonian nationals visiting the country are advised to carry documents showing that they have completed their military service in either the ARM or JNA if applicable.

Dual nationals who have not completed military service in either the ARM or JNA are advised to check with their nearest Macedonian Embassy regarding their liability for this. You are advised to check with the nearest Macedonian Embassy for up to date information on visa requirements before you travel.

Single parent or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the London Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia: Macedonia Embassy.

HEALTH

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Macedonia. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

NATURAL DISASTERS

Macedonia is in a seismically active zone. An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale occurred in July 2005 with Veles, south of Skopje as the epicentre. Smaller tremors occur periodically. Serious earthquakes are extremely rare, the last such occurrence being in 1963.

GENERAL

You must declare all foreign currency on arrival. Failure to do so may result in detention and forfeiture of funds when attempting to leave Macedonia.

If you are visiting Macedonia for a period of two weeks or more, you are advised to register with the British Embassy, Skopje.

The British Embassy in Skopje no longer issues passports. Before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages. Applications for new passports are accepted in Skopje for forwarding to the British Embassy in Vienna for processing, but this may take up to 2-3 weeks. If a courier service is used to send the application to Vienna and for the new passport to be sent to Skopje, to have the passport issued more quickly, you will have to bear the costs.

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: British Embassy, Salvador Aljende No. 73, Skopje 1000

Telephone: (00) (389) (2) 3299 299

Email:

Office Hours: GMT: Mon-Thurs: 0700-1530; Fri: 0700-1200

Local Time: Mon-Thurs: 0800-1630; Fri: 0800-1300

Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/macedonia

MACEDONIA: FCO COUNTRY PROFILE

BASIC INFORMATION

Full Country Name: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Area: 25,333 sq km (9,928 sq mi)

Population: 2,071,210 (July 2004 est.)

Capital city: Skopje (pop:506,926-2002 Census)

People: (2002 Census) Macedonian 64%, Albanian 25%, Turkish 4%, Roma 3%, Serb 2%, Bosniaks 0.5%, Vlachs 0.5%, Others 1%

Languages: Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, Serbian

Religion: Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%

Currency: Macedonian Denar

Major political parties:: Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – Democratic Party for Macedonian Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), New Social Democratic Party (NSDP), Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – People's Party (VMRO-Narodna), Democratic Party for Integration (DUI), Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA), Party of Democratic Prosperity (PDP), Libeal Party (LP), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Socialist Party of Macedonia (SP), Democratic Renewal of Macedonia (DOM), Party for European Integration (PEI).

Media: There are five National and numerous regional TV stations covering Skopje area and other regions throughout Macedonia. One TV station is state owned and the rest are privately owned.

Government: Parliamentary Democracy

Head of State: President Branko Crvenkovski

Prime Minister: Mr. Nikola Gruevski

Foreign Minister: Mr. Antonio Milosevski

Membership of international groupings / organisations: Candidate Country for EU Membership, Organisation for Co-operation and Security in Europe (OSCE), Council of Europe (COE), South-East Europe Cooperation Process, Stabilisation and Association Agreement with EU, Membership Action Plan with NATO since 1999. Partnership for Peace (PfP) with NATO. Member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Central Europe Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).

GEOGRAPHY

Bordered by Serbia including Kosovo to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south and Albania to the west. It is a land-locked mountain territory with deep valleys and basins, and has three large natural lakes. The river Vardar bisects the country.

HISTORY

On 9 September 1991, Macedonians overwhelmingly voted in favour of independence from Yugoslavia. This led to the adoption on 20 November 1991 of a new constitution, which proclaimed the 'Republic of Macedonia' as a sovereign and independent state. In March 1992 the peaceful withdrawal of the Yugoslav army from its territory was successfully negotiated.

The constitutional name for this country is the Republic of Macedonia. International recognition of Macedonia's split from Yugoslavia in 1991 was held up over Greek fears that the country's name implied territorial ambitions on the northern Greek region of Macedonia. The designation 'The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)' was the term adopted temporarily until a solution could be found. The acronym 'FYROM' is not used by Macedonians and they dislike its use by others. However, discussions continue under UN auspices to reach a mutually acceptable solution on this issue. The UK uses the Republic of Macedonia in bilateral relations but in certain international fora uses The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In 2004, the US Government decided to recognise Macedonia under its constitutional name.

Albanians form the principal minority, comprising 25% of the population according to the census of 2002, the results of which were announced on 1 December 2003. They live mainly in the west of the country, neighbouring Albania and Kosovo. At the end of 1994, inter-ethnic tension increased following the establishment by radical Albanians of an unofficial, unrecognised Albanian-language 'university' in Tetovo, western Macedonia. A private, official trilingual University offering education in Albanian was created with the help of the international community in 2000. Named the South East Europe university, it is also in Tetovo. Since 2005, Tetovo University has been legally recognised .

Stability in Macedonia was seriously affected by the Kosovo crisis in 1999, during which the country received around 300,000 refugees. Violence between ethnic Albanian insurgents and the security forces broke out in February 2001, starting with a number of isolated incidents between the 'National Liberation Army' (NLA) and the Macedonian police in the areas of Tanusevci, near the Kosovo border. Macedonian forces were able to establish tentative control of the area towards the end of March. After a lull, violence resumed in late April with an attack that left eight members of the Government forces dead; in early May the NLA seized villages near the northern town of Kumanovo. Following the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU on 9 April 2001 (see below), a parliamentary 'Europe Committee' was established as a means of enhancing political and particularly inter-ethnic dialogue. As the situation deteriorated, however, the political dialogue made little progress. The humanitarian situation worsened, particularly in the NLA-held villages. Tens of thousands of ethnic Albanians managed to flee the fighting to southern Kosovo and Serbia, whilst ethnic Macedonians tended to flee to other parts of the country. According to UNHCR monitoring, most refugees and internally displaced persons were accommodated by local families.

Fighting was interrupted in June when NATO negotiated a cease-fire between the two sides. The cease-fire more or less held whilst peace talks continued between the ethnic Albanian and Macedonian political leaders and the late President Trajkovski. These talks, facilitated by the European Union, NATO, the US and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), produced a settlement based around a Framework Agreement. In broad terms the Agreement called for an end to the conflict by disarming the NLA, offering them an amnesty, and initiating a reform process to address ethnic Albanian aspirations. It was formally signed in Ohrid on 13 August. In late August, as called for in the Framework Agreement, NATO deployed a Task Force 'Essential Harvest', comprising over 3000 troops, to collect weapons volunteered by the NLA. The mission was successful and during September and early October, the level of violence in the country greatly reduced whilst the political process concentrated efforts on implementing the Framework Agreement.

After much prevarication, the Macedonian Parliament formally ratified the constitutional changes as agreed at Ohrid on 16 November. President Trajkovski promulgated an amnesty for former NLA fighters and an enhanced mission of international monitors was deployed to facilitate both the return of displaced people to their homes and of the Macedonian police to the conflictive areas. Approximately 95% of these people have now returned to their homes or resettled. Successive NATO task forces provided necessary security until the 31 March 2003 when this duty was passed over to the first EU military mission, Operation Concordia, which terminated on 15 December 2003. On the same date, the second ever EU Police Mission, Proxima, was launched. This mission advised the police in Macedonia in order to further develop an efficient and professional police service that lives up to European Standards. Proxima's mandate came to an end in December 2005 and was replaced by the European Union Police Advisory Team (EUPAT). EUPAT closed down in June 2006

On 8 March 2002, the Macedonian Parliament passed an Amnesty Law, providing amnesty to those involved in the conflict. In the summer of 2004, a package of laws on decentralisation were passed. A referendum to go back to the 1996 laws was called and held on 7 November. The referendum failed due to low voter turnout (26% turnout against a required 50% plus one quorom). On 15 July 2005, the Macedonian Parliament passed legislation covering the display of national flags and symbols. This completed the legislative agenda of the Ohrid Framework Agreement.

POLITICS

Macedonia held its first multi-party elections in October 1990 when it was still part of Yugoslavia. The nationalist Macedonian Internal Revolutionary Movement (VMRO) won the most seats, but a bloc including Kiro Gligorov's Social Democratic Alliance (SDSM), the Liberal Party and the Albanian Party for Democratic Prosperity (PDP) held a majority. Gligorov became President of the new Republic and was re-elected as President for a five-year term in 1994. At Macedonia's third parliamentary elections since independence in October / November 1998, the opposition VMRO/Democratic Alternative (centre party led by Vasil Tupurkovski) alliance won with an overall majority of 62 out of 120 seats. They asked the radical Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) to join them in the governing coalition. Ljubco Georgievski, leader of VMRO, became the Prime Minister. Boris Trajkovski, who had served as Deputy Foreign Minister in Georgievski's government, was inaugurated as President on 15 December 1999, after two rounds of elections in which his main opponent was Tito Petkovski of the SDSM. Municipal elections held in September/October 2000 were again marred by some irregularities and a number of violent incidents.

At the height of the crisis in May 2001 a broad coalition government, including the former opposition SDSM and PDP was formed. The SDSM withdrew on 20 November once parliamentary ratification of the Framework Agreement was complete. Georgievski then reconstituted his government including other minor parties.

The third Parliamentary Elections were held on 15 September 2002 and were considered to be largely fair, free and peaceful. The new government composition was a coalition of two ethnic Macedonian parties (the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM) and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)), and the main ethnic Albanian party (the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI)), a successor party to the National Liberation Army of 2001 and led by former NLA commander Ali Ahmeti. The official turnout on the Election Day was 73.15%. The State Election Commission announced on 27 September that the SDSM and LDP led coalition 'For Macedonia Together' won 60 seats; VMRO-DPMNE and LP won 33 seats; DUI 16 seats; DPA 7 seats; PDP 2 seats; NDP 1 seat and SPM 1 seat.

The fourth Parliamentary Elections were held on 5 July 2006. The OSCE declared that the elections had generally met international standard despite isolated incidents during the election campaign and isolated irregularities on polling day itself. The official turnout on the election day itself was 56%. After a revote in some polling stations on 19 July 2006, the State Election Commission announced that the VMRO-DPMNE led coalition held 45 parliamentary seats (44 before the revote). DUI-PDP coalition – 17 (18 before the revote), SDSM led coalition – 32, DPA – 11, NSDP – 7, VMRO-National – 6 DOM nd PEI – 1.

On 26 August 2006, the Macedonian parliament voted in and approved the programme and composition of the new Government of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski with 68 votes in favour and 22 against (17 deputies of the Albanian DUI party boycotted the vote). The new government is a coalition of four ethnic Macedonian parties (Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – Democratic Party for Macedonian Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), New Social Democratic Party (NSDP), Liberal Party (LP), Socialist Party of Macedonia (SP)) and one ethnic Albanian Party (Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA)). The coalition of ethnic Albanian parties DUI-PDP that won more places in the parliament than the ethnic Albanian party DPA, was not included in the new government which led to them boycotting parliament and holding a number of peaceful protests.

Presidential elections were brought forward from the Autumn to April 2004 due to the death of President Trajkovski in a plane crash on 26 February 2004. The incumbent Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski was voted in as President, and former Interior Minister Hari Kostov replaced Crvenkovski as Prime Minister. Kostov resigned on 15 November 2004 and was replaced by Vlado Buchkovski on 17 December 2004. The first round of municipal elections took place on 13 March and the second round on 27 March, with an additional second round in nine municipalities, including the city of Skopje and re-run contests in a further eleven on 10 April. The elections were held six months late due to the delayed agreement over municipal boundaries.

ECONOMY

Basic Economic Facts

GDP: Euro 4.00bn (2005)

GDP per head: Euro 2,000.00 (2005) at market rates, Euro 7,000.00 (2005) PPP (purchasing power parity).

Annual growth: GDP Growth 3.6% (2005)

When Macedonia gained independence in 1991, it was the least developed economy of all the Yugoslav republics. The disintegration of Yugoslavia and the consequent imposition of international customs control among the former Yugoslav states, together with the imposition of UN economic sanctions on Serbia and Montenegro (the then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) from 1992-2000 and the Greek trade embargo from 1993-6, hindered economic growth. The economy bounced back from the effects of the Kosovo crisis better than expected, which undermined investor confidence in the region. However, the 2001 crisis in Macedonia took a serious toll, pushing back Macedonia's prospects of economic revival and resulting in a shrinkage of GDP by 4.5%.

The economy started top ick up in 2004, maintaining macro-economic stability and modest growth in 2005 and the first half of 2006. The new government approved by the Parliament on 26 August 2006, under Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski announced that the economy will be the cornerstone of the work plan for 2006-2010. The work plan focuses on improving living standards, increasing employment and investments, public sector reform and countering corruption. The Prime Minister also intends to build on the ongoing government's record of nearly 4% growth, pledging to expand growth to around 7% and to reduce unemployment (officially running at 36%). During the forthcoming negotiations with IMF, the Prime Minister intends to elaborate details and to ask an increase of the current Stand by Arrangement of 0.6% budget deficit to 1.5% in order to provide him with the leeway he needs to accomplish economic reforms.

Macedonia's biggest trading partner is now the EU, accounting for 55% of Macedonian exports and 45% of imports. Other major trading partners are Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Russia, the Ukraine and the US.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Macedonia enjoys normal relations with all her neighbours. In September 1995 Greece and Macedonia signed an Interim Accord facilitating the normalisation of relations. This followed three years of difficult relations during which Greece had blockaded Macedonia. Greece had objected to the use of the name 'Macedonia' and of the Vergina star on its national flag, saying this implied a territorial claim on the region of Greece bearing the same name. Greece recognised Macedonia under the name 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia' (fYROM) as an independent state. Talks are continuing under UN auspices to find a solution to the name issue. Relations with Serbia have improved dramatically since the return to democratic rule in Belgrade. At the February 2001 summit of the SouthEast Europe Co-operation Process in Skopje, a historic agreement was reached between Macedonia and SaM (then FRY) on the delineation of their long-contested common border. Macedonia also enjoys good relations with Bulgaria and Albania. With the latter Macedonia has cross border co-operation to fight organised crime and security threats.

Macedonia signed a Trade and Co-operation Agreement with the EU on 29 April 1997, which came into force on 1 January 1998. Macedonia was the first candidate for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, signed on 9 April 2001. She subsequently submitted a formal EU membership application on 22 March 2004. The European Commission published its avis on 9 November and recommended that Macedonia be granted EU membership candidate status. No date has been set for the start of accession negotiations. The December European Council concurred with the Commission's recommendation. A NATO Membership Action Plan has been agreed. The OSCE 'Spillover Mission', established in Skopje in November 1992 with the aim of preventing the breakdown in the rest of the former Yugoslavia spreading to Macedonia, has continued to monitor ethnic and wider political divisions in the country, and is playing a key part in the post-conflict confidence-building process.

MACEDONIA'S RELATIONS WITH THE UK

The UK supports Macedonia through the British Embassy in Skopje in the following areas: Democracy and Participation, Justice and Home Affairs and Sustainable and Economic Development.

UK support to Macedonia is made available through several different Foreign and Commonwealth Office funds:

The Global Opportunities Fund (GOF) supports projects which help Macedonia meet its commitments for eventual EU membership. It focuses on three key areas a) creation of a pro business environment and adoption of the "Lisbon" agenda, b) building of administrative capacity for EU integration and c) political and economical accountability and transparency

The Public Diplomacy Fund (PDF) aims to encourage imaginative and innovative oublic diplomacy activity to project the modern, creative, multi-ethnic and diverse UK around the world.

The Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP) is a joint FCO/MOD/DFID fund aimed at preventing conflict through projects in the Security, Crime, Justice, Democracy and Inter-ethnic relations areas.

The Directorate Programme Budget (DPB) is a fund available for small-scale projects in Institution Building, Good Governance and Participatory and Accountable Democracy, Minority Rights, Intra-Regional Co-operation, implementation of SAA/SAP requirements and European Partnerships.

Devolved Directorate Programme Budget (DevDPB) – Embassies have a devolved allocation of money to use to support one-off, low budget activities up to the value of £5000.

EU Action Plan Fund – The FCO's Action Plan Fund provides UK assistance to recently added EU member states and candidates for accession. The projects should build towards Macedonian administrative capacity for EU integration such as – justice and home affairs (JHA), tackling organised crime and corruption, functioning market economy and sustainable development underpinned by democracy, good governance and human rights. The decision for granting assistance under the Action Plan is tken locally by the Embassy.

EU Action Plan Fund – The FCO's Action Plan Fund provides UK assistance to recently added EU member states and candidates for accession. The projects should build towards Macedonian administrative capacity for EU integration such as – justice and home affairs (JHA), tackling organised crime and corruption, functioning market economy and sustainable development underpinned by democracy, good governance and human rights. The decision for granting assistance under the Action Plan is tken locally by the Embassy.

DEFRA – Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – is a fund available to promote environmental protection and sustainable development. It is used for providing small-scale assistance to address immediate environmental problems, promoting sustainable management and use of natural resources, protecting or improving the environment, raising awareness of environmental issues and sustainable development. Project budget should be between £5000 and £15,000.

UK exports to Macedonia (mainly clothing, textiles, office machinery, vehicles and telecommunications apparatus) totalled £17m in 2004. Imports totalled £15m, the main being clothing.

Cultural Relations with the UK

Bilateral relations are excellent. Macedonia and Britain signed a Cultural Agreement in 2000.