Statement of Ambassador Aggeler at Press-Conference in U.S. Embassy

Good afternoon.  Yesterday, the U.S. Treasury Department designated Jordan “Orce” Kamcev under Executive Order 14033 for corrupt acts and criminal offenses. I hope recent actions from Washington have made it clear that the United States can and will continue to use any and all tools at its disposal to hold accountable those individuals and organizations …

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Remarks by Ambassador Aggeler on the occasion of the United States’ 247th Independence Day

July 6, 2023 Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker, Ministers, fellow Ambassadors, friends: Good evening and thank you for joining me to commemorate the 247th anniversary of the independence of the United States. It is the honor of my lifetime to represent my country in yours – to serve as the American ambassador in …

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Ambassador Aggeler Remarks at the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption 20th Anniversary Event

November 15, 2022   Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, President Ivanovska, Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers, Excellencies, friends, good evening, Добровечер, and congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption. I’m glad to be here with you and glad to be back in North Macedonia, a place I know and love. …

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Remarks of Ambassador Angela Aggeler at the Credentialing Ceremony

Remarks of Ambassador Aggeler at the Credentialing Ceremony November 8, 2022 President Pendarovski. Thank you for your warm welcome to Villa Vodno today.  It is a great honor to offer to you my letter of credence from President Biden. I am proud to represent the President and the American people as Ambassador of the United …

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Remarks of Chargé d’affaires Eric Meyer at the Anti-Corruption Project of the Institute for Human Rights

Institute for Human Rights September 28, 2022, Skopje Good morning and thank you to the Institute for Human Rights for inviting me to join you today.  Deputy Prime Minister Grkovska, civil society colleagues, partners from the State Commission for the Prevention of Corruption – it’s great to see you.  Combating corruption is one of the …

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Ambassador Byrnes’ Remarks at the Southeast Europe Energy Forum

Regional Ambassadors Panel: “The U.S. Perspective for Southeast Europe’s Energy Role” (as prepared) September 9, 2022 Thessaloniki, Greece Thank you, I’m happy to be here today alongside my fellow ambassadors from across the region.  This regional focus is entirely the point because, while energy is essential to national security, it is not an exclusive national …

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Remarks of Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar at Prespa Forum Dialogue

June 17, 2022 “Western Balkans:  Navigating in Turbulent Times”  Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar    Thank you very much.  First of all I want to thank the organizers of the conference. I want to thank North Macedonia for this tremendous initiative to bring people together to discuss issues and to have a common framework going forward.  The important …

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Statement of Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried

Statement of Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried at press availability with Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani April 28, 2022 Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia Thank you so much and good morning to all of you. It has already been a full, productive day meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister Osmani to discuss issues of mutual interest …

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Ambassador Byrnes Speaks at “Trade Mission: Business Beyond Borders”

Ambassador Byrnes attended the “Trade Mission: Business Beyond Borders” event, organized by the American Chamber of North Macedonia and the  Greek American Chamber of Commerce , which aims at supporting trade and businesses in North Macedonia and Greece, while strengthening bilateral relationship between the two countries. Read below Ambassador Byrnes’ remarks: ————————————————————————– Remarks of Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes “Trade Mission: …

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Ambassador Byrnes’ Remarks at Holocaust Commemoration Event

Remarks of Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes Holocaust Commemoration Event March 2022 Good evening.  It is always a privilege, albeit a somber one, to commemorate the Holocaust of the Jews of the North Macedonia alongside the Jewish community and numerous other supportive embassies and institutions.  Today, we stop to remember and honor the more than 7,000 …

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Our Strength is Our Unity: Putin Chose War. We Remain United with Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Op-Ed – Western Balkans Our Strength is Our Unity: Putin Chose War.  We Remain United with Ukraine.                                        By Gabriel Escobar Deputy Assistant Secretary The world has changed because of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the outpouring of support for Ukraine over the last few days has been remarkable.  We join the international call …

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Ambassador Byrnes spoke to 21TV on corruption, Ukraine, rule of law and more

Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes sat down with 21 Television to discuss the recent developments in North Macedonia and the region, corruption, rule of law, the war in Ukraine and more. You can watch the interview here . —————- Interview of U.S. Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes with 21 Television March 1, 2022, Skopje Borjan Jovanovski: Ambassador Byrnes, …

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Op-Ed by Ambassador Kate Byrnes on Russia-Ukraine

Diplomacy over War; Truth over Lies The world is watching Russia’s unprovoked aggression toward Ukraine. Russia’s actions are a threat not only to Ukraine, but to Europe and to the international rules-based order. Our aims are simple. We stand with our allies and partners to support European cohesion, strengthen our transatlantic relationship, and reinforce democratic …

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Ambassador Byrnes remarks for SFAB Opening Ceremony

November 8, 2021 Ambassador Byrnes remarks for SFAB Opening Ceremony As prepared Minister Shekerinska, General Emini, Colonel Lafchiski, Colonel Born, I’m thrilled to be here to mark a significant milestone in the defense cooperation relationship between our two countries.  For well over two decades, the United States has been committed to assisting North Macedonia modernize …

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Testimony by DAS Gabriel Escobar at a HFAC hearing on U.S. engagement in the Balkans

Testimony by Deputy Assistant Secretary Gabriel Escobar House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber Hearing on U.S. Engagement in the Balkans October 28, 2021 Chairman Keating, Ranking Member Fitzpatrick, distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for inviting me to discuss U.S. engagement in the Western Balkans. For over three decades, …

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Ambassador Byrnes attends The Economist Western Balkans Summit 2021

Ambassador Byrnes attended The Economist Western Balkans Summit 2021 for discussions on our common challenges and opportunities, to include the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the climate crisis, corruption, rule of law and U.S. engagement in North Macedonia, and throughout the Western Balkans. Read below Ambassador Byrnes’ remarks. —————- Western Balkans Summit 2021 South-East Europe: Enhancing Peace …

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Ambassador Kate Byrnes speaks at Ohrid School of Natural Law conference

On October 12, 2021, Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes delivered remarks at a virtual gathering of 30 graduate law students and academicians at the 2021 Ohrid School of Natural Law, titled “Fundamentals of the Legal Reform in the Republic of North Macedonia and Environmental Justice.”  Read the remarks below to learn more. Ambassador Byrnes’ opening remarks …

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J.M. Kaplan Fund funds Master Conservation Plan for archeological site Stobi

On September 30th, 2021, Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes attended the ceremony for promotion of the Master Conservation Plan for the archeological site Stobi, funded by the J.M. Kaplan Fund from the United States. The Master Conservation Plan for Stobi was created through a cooperation between National Institution (NI) Stobi and Balkan Heritage Foundation from Bulgaria, …

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Embassy Hosts 13th Annual Blood and Food Drive

For the 13th consecutive September, we partnered with the Red Cross of the City of Skopje and the Institute of Transfusion Medicine to collect blood and food supplies for those in need.  Our Food and Blood Drive started in 2002 to honor the victims, survivors, and first responders of the September 11 attacks through community service. This year …

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United States’ Independence Day virtual celebration

For the second time, we held some of our Independence Day celebrations on-line due to the situation with COVID. On July 4th, we aired a premiere program on our Facebook profile and Kanal 5 TV, which enabled our audience to participate in our celebration. To watch this year’s July 4th video, click here .  

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Ambassador Philip T. Reeker Remarks at High-Level Plenary Session “Resetting the EU-U.S. Synergy Towards the Western Balkans”

Ambassador Philip T. Reeker Remarks at High-Level Plenary Session “Resetting the EU-U.S. Synergy Towards the Western Balkans” Ohrid, North Macedonia July 2, 2021 Thank you, blagordoram and good morning. It’s a distinct honor for me to follow three distinguished presidents who I consider good friends, mentors, friends of the United States, as well as our …

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Ambassador Byrnes’ remarks on the occasion of the United States’ 245th Independence Day

AMBASSADOR KATE BYRNES’ INDEPENDENCE DAY REMARKS Good evening, Добровечер, Mirëmbrëma, Thank you for joining us tonight for this virtual celebration of the 245th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. For the second time we have decided to hold some of our celebrations on-line.  While the situation with COVID is far better today than …

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Remarks of Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker at the Opening Ceremony of Prespa Forum Dialogue

Acting Assistant Secretary Reeker’s Participation in Prespa Forum for Dialogue Official Opening “Road to Prespa” Ohrid, North Macedonia Metropol Lake Resort Thursday, July 1, 2021 (as prepared)   It’s such a pleasure to be here, back in beautiful Ohrid, and among a group of such distinction.  What a setting, as this year we observe the 20th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and recognize the Agreement …

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Ambassador Byrnes’ Remarks at Skopje Economic Forum

Remarks of U.S. Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes at the first Skopje Economic Forum (as prepared) June 23, 2021 – Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia Good morning – it is a pleasure to be here with you today. Before I make some brief remarks, I want to thank the organizers of today’s event, Delphi Economic Forum …

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Remarks by Ambassador Byrnes at the Konrad Adenaur Stiftung Event

May 18, 2021 “Regional Security School:  External actors and their impact on the regional security and the integration process of the Western Balkans Region” Ambassador Byrnes: Thank you for the warm welcome.  I want to thank the Konrad Adenaur Stiftung Foundation as well as the Wilfried Martens Center for European Studies for inviting me to …

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Remarks by Ambassador Byrnes at the Event Marking of V-E Day at U.S. and North Macedonia Memorials in Vratnica

May 9, 2021 Thank you Prime Minister Zaev, for inviting me to participate together with you in this event today.  I also want to recognize all of the veterans present, and of course the people of Vratnica.   This site is a special one, a place where people from both of our countries can gather to celebrate courage and bravery in the face of danger and conflict.  It was …

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Remarks by Ambassador Byrnes at the meeting regarding the upcoming Leaders Summit on Climate

April 21, 2011   Deputy Prime Minister Bytyqi, Minister Nuredini, Minister Bekteshi, Ambassador Galloway, and Ambassador Silvestri, we are at a critical juncture. In 2020, the earth’s surface temperature was one of the warmest on record, and in the last few years, global temperatures have been consistently among the hottest ever seen. This increase in …

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2020 Human Rights Reports

The annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices – the Human Rights Reports – cover internationally recognized individual, civil, political, and worker rights, as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international agreements. The U.S. Department of State submits reports on all countries receiving assistance and all United Nations member states …

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Joe Biden Sworn in as 46th U.S. President

Joseph R. Biden Jr. was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday, January 20. Minutes before, Kamala D. Harris took the oath of office to become the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected vice president. “We’ll be a strong and trusted …

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Ambassador Byrnes Hosts Inauguration Event

  Ambassador Byrnes hosted President Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani to jointly watch the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America. The presidential inauguration is one of the most important American traditions, highlighting values of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. Below …

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Assistant Secretary Fannon’s Press Availability with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev

During his visit to Skopje, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) at the U.S Department of State Francis R. Fannon had a press conference with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. Here you can read Assistant Secretary’s remarks at the press availability.

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Virtual Consular Town Hall for American citizens living in North Macedonia

On August 31, Ambassador Kate Byrnes hosted a Virtual Consular Town Hall for American citizens living in North Macedonia. In her remarks, the Ambassador highlighted consular services during the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming U.S. elections. She encouraged U.S. citizens in North Macedonia to use absentee ballots to cast their votes in the November elections.  …

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An Open Letter from U.S. Ambassador Kate Marie Byrnes to the People of North Macedonia

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF NORTH MACEDONIA FROM U.S. AMBASSADOR KATE MARIE BYRNES    Here in Europe, in the United States and around the world we are all grappling with fundamental challenges to life as we have known it.  The toll COVID-19 is taking, in terms of human lives and in our daily lives—school, work, …

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Remarks of Ambassador Byrnes at “The Harmful Influence of Disinformation“

President Pendarovski, journalists, representatives of civil society and the media, distinguished guests and colleagues, thank you for inviting me to participate in the opening of this conference today.  This event could not be more timely, given the nexus of events—North Macedonia’s imminent NATO membership, the upcoming elections, concerns about the coronavirus—which we know are all …

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Remarks of Chargé D’ Affaires Jennifer R. Littlejohn on Anti-Corruption

Policy Forum on “Delivering on the Promise of EU Enlargement: 30 Years of Governance and Anticorruption Reforms in Central and Eastern Europe” December 13, 2019 President Pendarovski, members of the government and the judiciary, representatives of civil society and the media, distinguished guests and colleagues, Good morning and thank you so much for inviting me …

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Ambassador Byrnes’ Op-Ed on the Occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9, 2019

The United States has been a strong supporter of North Macedonia’s aspirations to be a prosperous, secure, and inclusive democracy, fully embedded in NATO, the EU, and other transatlantic institutions. A very important part of that is the strong security partnership our two nations enjoy.  Just last week in London, we witnessed, for the very …

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WIN 2019 Promotes Greater Role for Women in Industry

Ambassador Byrnes’ Opening Remarks at Women in Industry Conference October 9, 2019 Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Professor Spasevska, Stefan, panelists, participants, media, ladies and gentlemen!  Thank you for inviting me to speak at this Women in Industry conference.  Congratulations to EVN and the Engineering Institute of Macedonia for again organizing and expanding this event to …

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Ambassador Byrnes’ remarks at The Economist’s “Western Balkans Summit” in Skopje

On October 1, 2019, U.S. Ambassador Kate M. Byrnes joined The Economist’s “Western Balkans Summit,” where she highlighted that the Secretary Pompeo’s visit to the region, and the recent appointment of Matthew Palmer as a special representative for the region signal that the United States remains keenly focused on the region, as a lynchpin of …

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Celebrating the Work of 360 Degrees and its Partnership with the United States in the Past Three Years  

President Pendarovski, Prime Minister Zaev, Honorable Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the judiciary and political party leaders, Representatives of the media, Friends from the diplomatic corps, Esteemed colleagues, It is an honor and a pleasure to join you here tonight.  Not often does such an auspicious group of people gather in one place, but …

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Remarks of Deputy Chief of Mission JR Littlejohn at the closing of ICITAP Regional Case Organization and Presentation Training

Remarks of Deputy Chief of Mission Jennifer R. Littlejohn At the closing of the Regional Case Organization and Presentation Training September 13, 2019 – Skopje, North Macedonia     Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Director Tasevski, partners, colleagues, and investigators and prosecutors from throughout the region, it is truly a pleasure to …

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230th Anniversary of the U.S. State Department marked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Remarks of U.S. Ambassador Kate Byrnes at the celebration of the 230th anniversary of the U.S. State Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia August 21, 2019 Esteemed colleagues and friends, So great to see you all here today. Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today to …

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Chargé d’Affaires Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm Remarks at the July 4th Celebration

Remarks at the July 4 Celebration. July, 3 2019.   Good evening.  Добровечер. Mirëmbrëma. Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, friends, colleagues.  It is my great pleasure and honor to welcome you to our American Fair celebrating the 243rd anniversary of the Declaration of the Independence of the United States of America. In the United States, …

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Chargé d’Affaires Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm Remarks at the Opening of Decisive Strike Exercise

Remarks at Opening of “Decisive Strike” Exercise at Krivolak June 5, 2019   Thank you Deputy Minister Maksuti, Major General Arsovski, Deputy Minister Umbrasas, Ambassadors, soldiers, it is a pleasure to be here to launch the Decisive Strike exercise! I want to thank and applaud North Macedonia and the Army of the Republic of North …

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Remarks by Chargé d ’Affaires Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm at the “Next Steps Towards NATO” Seminar

Remarks by Chargé d ’Affaires Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm at the “Next Steps Towards NATO” Seminar in the Parliament May 29, 2019 Speaker Xhaferi, Ambassador Gerberich, Deputy Director Bareihs, Members of the Parliament, Marshall Center and NATO Professors, ladies and gentlemen: It really is my pleasure to be here today to launch this seminar and to kick-off the discussions …

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Chargé d’affaires Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm’s Remarks at the Judiciary Day Conference

Remarks at Closing of MJA Conference “Towards a European Judiciary:  Preconditions and Challenges” March 29, 2019 Minister Deskoska, Judge Saiti, Ambassador Koja, Ambassador Plomp, distinguished judges and guests, thank you for inviting me to speak today. I am honored to celebrate Judiciary Day with all of you.  In any democracy, the judiciary plays a vital …

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Ambassador Reeker, Civilian Deputy to the EUCOM Commander, remarks at the Balkans 360 Conference

Ambassador Philip Reeker’s Keynote Remarks at the “Balkans 360: Economic Development and Regional Relations in Southeast Europe” Conference Skopje, North Macedonia March 4, 2019 Thank you all for inviting me here today.  Thank you Deputy Prime Minister.  It’s not only great to share – [inaudible] – with you, but also to hear your wise words, and I …

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Remarks at Saints Cyril and Methodius University

Remarks John J. Sullivan Deputy Secretary of State Skopje, Macedonia December 18, 2018 DEPUTY SECRETARY SULLIVAN: Thank you, Dr. Jankulovski, for that kind introduction and I apologize for my premature entrance onto the stage. Good afternoon everyone. I am delighted to be here in Skopje today, and I am especially honored to be at the …

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Remarks for Macedonia Bar Association Conference in Support of International Human Rights Day

Monday, December 10, 2018 Ambassador Jess L. Baily Madam Minister of Justice, Mr. President of the Macedonia Bar Association, distinguished judges, and members of the bar, thank you for inviting me to join you. Today we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, drafted in response to the horrors perpetrated during …

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Remarks for Independence Day Reception

Ambassador Jess L. Baily July 3, 2018 Dobro vecer, mirembrema, good evening. Prime Minister Zaev, deputy prime ministers, ministers, members of parliament, mayors, colleagues in the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure and an honor for Capie and me to welcome all of to the Embassy tonight to celebrate Independence Day with …

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Remarks by Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Second International Conference Women In Energy 2018

Speech by Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm, Deputy Chief of Mission Second International Conference Women In Energy 2018 Monday, June 4, 12:30 Minister Carovska, Minister Apostolska, Professor Spasevska, Stefan, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for inviting me to speak at the opening of this Women in Energy conference.  It is my sincere pleasure to be with you once …

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Ambassador Baily’s remarks at USAID’s Leadership Conference “Macedonia’s Journey from Development to Self-Reliance”

Thank you very much for coming out today and for letting an old guy end this conference and share a few thoughts that I think fit in with the overall theme. As several of my colleagues have mentioned today, USAID is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Macedonia . Over the last several months on social media, you’ve been able to see information and …

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Ambassador Baily’s remarks at the Conference of the Parliamentary Committees on European Integration

Monday, February 26, 2018 at 12:00 (as delivered) Thank you very much Mr. President.  It is a great pleasure to be here.  Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the European Parliament, fellow diplomats, ladies and gentlemen, members of the civil society and, of course, the media. I guess perhaps I am the only non-European today, …

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“Corruption – an Imminent Threat to Human Rights”

Speech of Ambassador Jess Baily at Law Faculty, University of Cyril and Methodius Skopje, December 11, 2017 Prime Minister Zaev, Mr. Ahmeti, Dr. Taravari, Mr. Silegov, my colleague Louisa Vinton, Professor Kalajdziev, and all the members of the Helsinki Committee staff, thank you very much for organizing this event and being here today.  It’s a great honor …

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Ambassador Baily Anti-Corruption Speech at UKLO Faculty of Security

December 4, 2017 Mr. Dean, thank you so much for that welcome and thank you all for being here- faculty members and most of all students. I’d like to begin by congratulating this faculty for its 40th anniversary in preparing students and advancing knowledge about security issues, and helping develop the professional capabilities of the …

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Ambassador Baily’s remarks at the Countering Violent Extremism tabletop exercise

Prime Minister Zaev, Ambassador Suomalainen, Coordinator Petrevski, distinguished guests, international experts, and participants – It’s an honor to speak with you today.  I would like to start off by thanking all those who have worked so hard to make this great event possible:  Richard Prosen from the Partnership for Peace Consortium and his colleagues; Borche …

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Ambassador Baily’s remarks at the MFA and Marshall Center NATO Conference

Ambassador Remarks:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Marshall Center Conference “Republic of Macedonia Towards Fully-fledged NATO Membership” August 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., Ministry of Foreign Affairs  As prepared   Good morning, Ambassador Memedi, Minister Dimitrov, Ambassador Gerberich, and distinguished guests.  It is a pleasure for me to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and …

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Ambassador Baily Statement at Dragoon Guardian 2017 Observation Day

Krivolak Training Area July 31, 2017 We’ve just been out here seeing our military partnership in action.  We’ve seen American soldiers and Macedonian soldiers working together on two specific tasks for engineers.  In any of our military operations, engineering is a critical component.  This is proving that our soldiers together are up to the task.  …

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Ambassador Baily’s remarks at Dragoon Guardian 17 Welcome Ceremony

Ambassador Remarks:  Dragoon Guardian 17 Welcome Ceremony July 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., Kumanovo  Thank you, Mayor Damjanovski   It is great to be here today in Kumanovo with you, Minister of Defense Shekerinska, and General Mileski to welcome Lt. Colonel Himes and the Engineer Squadron from U.S. Army Europe’s 2nd Calvary Regiment and launch  the …

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Send-off ceremony for the Macedonian Army participants to Saber Guardian 2017 exercise

Remarks by Ambassador Jess Baily July 6, 2017 Ilinden Barracks, Skopje Thank you, Minister Shekerinska, Deputy Chief of Defense Racaj.  I am pleased to be here today to honor the long-term defense partnership between the United States and the Republic of Macedonia. Today we send off 54 soldiers from the Army of the Republic of …

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Remarks for Independence Day Reception

Ambassador Jess L. Baily June 29, 2017 Dobro vecer, mirembrema, good evening. Prime Minister Zaev, Speaker Xhaferi, ministers, members of parliament, fellow members of the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentlemen, It is a pleasure and an honor for me and Capie to welcome everyone to the U.S. Embassy tonight to celebrate the 241st anniversary of …

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Ambassador Baily’s remarks at the opening of the USAID’s Migrant and Refugee Human Rights Protection Project

Thank you, Boris.  Esteemed guests. I am pleased to be here with you today to recognize World Refugee Day and to open the USAID-funded Migrant and Refugee Human Rights Protection Project’s Humanitarian Art Bazaar. I would like to thank the Macedonian Young Lawyers Association and Open Gate – La Strada for organizing this event.  And …

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United States Welcomes Mandate for New Government in Macedonia

Press Statement Heather Nauert Department Spokesperson Washington, DC May 18, 2017 The United States welcomes the decision of Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov to give the mandate to form a government to Mr. Zoran Zaev. This decision represents an important step forward for Macedonian democracy and the people of Macedonia. We look forward to working with …

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Remarks at the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia’s Press Conference for NATO Day

April 4, 2017, 10:30 a.m. Thank you very much for inviting me today! Minister Jolevski, Mr. Ramadani, Ambassador Barišic, Ambassador Carranza, Captain Bartol, members of the Euro-Atlantic Council, ladies and gentlemen. It is a pleasure to be here again at the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia to celebrate NATO Day.  This year’s event seems particularly timely.  …

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Statement of Ambassador Baily, March 2, 2017

The United States was disappointed to learn yesterday that President Ivanov declined to offer to representatives having a clear Parliamentary majority the opportunity to form a new government. We believe that this was inconsistent with basic democratic principles and the rule of law, which are core values of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. As a …

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Ambassador Jess Baily’s interview with Sitel TV

February 18, 2017 Sitel:  Ambassador Baily, senior U.S. Officials, including the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of Defense, are visiting Europe for the first time this week after the inauguration of the new U.S. administration to discuss with European leaders in Brussels and Munich about NATO, the European Union, the challenges …

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Ambassador Baily’s Remarks at the International Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony

January 26, 2017, 10:00 a.m. Minister Poposki, Mrs. Romano-Nikolik, Ambassador Multanowski, Ambassador Oryan (TBC), Mrs. Gutman, Mr. Dzingo, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor to be with all of you this morning. Thank you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organizing this ceremony, and to Mrs. Gutman for traveling from Israel to be …

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U.S. Embassy Press Statement, December 12, 2016

Ambassador Jess Baily Press Availability: December 12, 2016 The U.S. Embassy commends the citizens of Macedonia who exercised their right to vote in the December 11 parliamentary elections. We welcome OSCE/ODIHR’s preliminary conclusions that the elections were competitive and that fundamental freedoms were generally respected.  The turnout was high, and the elections proceeded in a …

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Embassy hosts U.S. Elections breakfast

On the morning of November 9, the U.S. Embassy in Skopje hosted an Election Breakfast at Aleksandar Palace Hotel on the occasion of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. Over 300 guests joined Ambassador Baily and U.S. Embassy staff to watch as the results came in throughout the morning. Ambassador Baily spoke about this year’s election, …

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Countering Corruption and State Capture in Southeast Europe

Deputy Assistant Secretary Alexander Arvizu Skopje, Macedonia September 29, 2016 Thank you for the opportunity to represent my colleagues from the United States Government this morning, including the United States Agency for International Development which has been instrumental in organizing this conference. While the United States Ambassador to Macedonia, Jess Baily, is unable to join …

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Press Statement: Macedonia Operation on Suspected ISIL Facilitators

The United States Embassy commends the Ministry of Interior on the recent operation against suspected terrorists and terrorist facilitators. We understand this operation was the result of long and careful investigative work by the police, intelligence services, and the Prosecutor’s Office under Macedonia’s anti-terrorism laws. We support the Government’s use of criminal justice processes to …

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Remarks for Independence Day Reception

Ambassador Jess L. Baily Good evening, dobro vecer, mirëmbrëma. Capie and I, along with the entire Embassy staff, warmly welcome you to the U.S. Embassy, and thank you for joining us here tonight to celebrate America’s Independence Day. President Ivanov, Speaker Veljanovski, Prime Minister Dimitriev, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Distinguished Judges, fellow Ambassadors, ladies and …

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MOI Press Conference: Body Worn Cameras Donation to MOI Traffic Police

REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR BAILY June 16, 2016 | Ministry of Interior Minister Chavkov, MOI representatives, and members of the media, I am pleased to be here today to once again demonstrate the United States’ strong commitment to improving law enforcement in Macedonia. From my perspective, public servants in any democracy need the trust of citizens …

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On Developments in Macedonia: Statement to the PC

(April 14, 2016), As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council, Vienna The United States is deeply concerned by Macedonian President Ivanov’s announced decision to pardon those subject to investigation in connection with the wiretapping scandal. Such a decision, if implemented, would further undermine the rule of law in Macedonia, the integrity …

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Joint Statement by the Ambassadors of the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union

Late Friday night, we met with Prime Minister Gruevski and expressed our disappointment at the failure to meet the October 20 deadline agreed to in the July 15 Przino Agreement for the exchange of ministers. We urge VMRO-DPMNE to demonstrate the required commitment and to implement the agreement in a constructive and urgent manner and with good faith.  …

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Ambassador Jess Baily’s interview with MRT

Aired on August 20, 2015, at 19:30  MRT:  Ambassador, first of all, thank you for this interview for the national television station.  Ambassador Baily:  My pleasure.  MRT:  The working groups held their first joint meeting in late July and raised the issue of election legislation. Now, in mid-August, meetings for the implementation of the agreement …

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President Obama on Iran

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON IRAN State Floor 7:02 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Today, after two years of negotiations, the United States, together with our international partners, has achieved something that decades of animosity has not — a comprehensive, long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. This deal demonstrates …

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Remarks for Independence Day Reception

Ambassador Jess L. Baily July 2, 2015  Dobrovecer, mirëmbrëma, good evening.  Mr. President and Mrs. Ivanova, Speaker of Parliament and Mrs. Veljanovska, Mr. Prime Minister and Mrs. Gruevska, honored guests, welcome to the Embassy and our Independence Day celebration.   Thank you for coming to help us celebrate my country’s 239th birthday. It’s a special honor …

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USAID Municipal Climate Change Strategies Project, 2nd Annual International Conference

Remarks by Ambassador Jess Baily  June 8, 2015 Ohrid Good Morning. Mr. Minister, Mr. Mayor, Mr. Slavkovski, distinguished participants: I’m delighted to see all of you here, coming together to address climate change, one of the most critical challenges facing our planet.  You gather in this beautiful town at an auspicious time, as later this …

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Ambassador Power at U.N. Debate on Protection of Journalists

Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council Open Debate on the Protection of Journalists in Conflict Situations, May 27, 2015 Thank you, Foreign Minister Linkevičius, for chairing this session and for Lithuania’s consistent effort to integrate the issue of press freedom – and threats to …

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Amb. Baer at OSCE on Developments in Macedonia

On Developments in Macedonia As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council, Vienna We have followed with concern the developments in Macedonia in recent months, including both the political crisis that has emerged from the disclosure of wiretap recordings of alleged government wrongdoing and separately the incidents of violence between police and …

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Joint Statement by the Ambassadors of the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union

On this day of mourning and on behalf of the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union, we expressed today our condolences to Prime Minister Gruevski and the people of Macedonia for the tragic deaths of the brave police officers who were killed yesterday in and around Kumanovo, and we …

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Joint statement by the Security Principals Group – the Heads of Mission in Macedonia of the OSCE, EU, NATO Liaison Office, and United States

 We all deeply regret the loss of lives in the operation in Kumanovo, which fortunately appears to be over. Our thoughts go to the families of the police officers who were killed in the operation, and to the citizens who were caught up in the violence. Legitimate political representatives here and in the region have …

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U.S. Embassy Statement

We deeply regret the loss of life related to the actions in and around Kumanovo, and offer our sympathies to the families of the people killed and to those injured. We are following the situation and are in close contact with the authorities and political leaders. We urge citizens to remain calm and allow the …

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World Press Freedom Day Reception

Remarks of Ambassador Jess Baily Good evening, and thank you all for coming to this beautiful and historic gallery tonight to help us mark World Press Freedom Day, which falls officially on May 3. It’s good to be with representatives of Macedonia’s media.  As a press officer for much of my career, I feel I’m …

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U.S. Envoy at U.N. Debate on Violent Extremism, Promoting Peace

AS DELIVERED Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council Debate on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security: the Role of Youth in Countering Violent Extremism and Promoting Peace, April 23, 2015 Thank you, your Royal Highness Crown Prince, for joining the Council to chair …

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Opening of Sentencing Training for Judges

Remarks by Ambassador Jess L. Baily, March 20, 2015 Hotel Arka, Skopje Good morning, Добро утро, and miremengjes. Minister Jashari, Deputy Minister Brishkoska-Boshkovski, Judge Shopova, representative from the prosecution office, distinguished judges, thank you for inviting me to join you at today’s sentencing training event. I particularly appreciate being here, as this is my first …

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