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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department <e1>said</e1> <t1>Wednesday</t1>.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
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IS_INCLUDED
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id2
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, <t1>Dec 5 , 2006</t1>, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department <e1>said</e1> Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
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BEFORE
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id3
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, <t1>Dec 5 , 2006</t1>, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila <e1>filed</e1> a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
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BEFORE
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id4
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila <e1>filed</e1> a diplomatic note <e2>invoking</e2> the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
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BEFORE
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id5
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila <e1>filed</e1> a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the <e2>Visiting</e2> Forces Agreement between the two countries.
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BEFORE
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id6
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila <e1>filed</e1> a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in <e2>keeping</e2> with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
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BEFORE
|
id7
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila <e1>filed</e1> a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to <e2>exercise</e2> custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
BEFORE
|
id8
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has <e1>demanded</e1> interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department <e2>said</e2> Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
BEFORE
|
id9
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine <e1>sentenced</e1> to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department <e2>said</e2> Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
BEFORE
|
id10
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for <e1>raping</e1> a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department <e2>said</e2> Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
BEFORE
|
id11
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department <e1>said</e1> Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila <e2>filed</e2> a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
AFTER
|
id12
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AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine <e1>sentenced</e1> to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said Wednesday.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to <e2>exercise</e2> custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
NONE
|
id13
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, <t1>Dec 5 , 2006</t1>, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has demanded interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said <t2>Wednesday</t2>.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
NONE
|
id14
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20061205.0069
MANILA, Dec 5 , 2006, 2006
US demands custody of marine convicted in Philippines rape case
The United States has <e1>demanded</e1> interim custody of a US marine sentenced to 40 years in jail for raping a Filipina woman, the Philippines foreign department said <t1>Wednesday</t1>.
The US embassy in Manila filed a diplomatic note invoking the right of the US military authorities to exercise custody of the marine in keeping with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries.
|
NONE
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id15
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XIN_ENG_20061127.0010.tml
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XIN_ENG_20061127.0010
MADRID, Nov. 27 , 2006 (Xinhua)
Leading goal scorers of Spanish first division soccer league
Following are the leading goal scorers of the Spanish first division soccer league after <t1>Sunday</t1>'s <e1>games</e1>:
10 Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
9 Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza)
Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla)
8 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid)
5 Fernando Morientes (Valencia)
David Villa (Valencia)
Fernando Baiano (Celta Vigo)
Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)
Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander)
4 Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva)
Javi Guerrero (Recreativo Huelva)
Nene (Celta Vigo)
Francisco Yeste (Athletic Bilbao)
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)
Diego Forlan (Villarreal)
Raul Tamudo (Espanyol)
|
IS_INCLUDED
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id16
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XIN_ENG_20061127.0010.tml
|
XIN_ENG_20061127.0010
MADRID, <t1>Nov. 27 , 2006</t1> (Xinhua)
Leading goal scorers of Spanish first division soccer league
Following are the leading goal scorers of the Spanish first division soccer league after Sunday's <e1>games</e1>:
10 Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
9 Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza)
Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla)
8 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid)
5 Fernando Morientes (Valencia)
David Villa (Valencia)
Fernando Baiano (Celta Vigo)
Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)
Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander)
4 Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva)
Javi Guerrero (Recreativo Huelva)
Nene (Celta Vigo)
Francisco Yeste (Athletic Bilbao)
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)
Diego Forlan (Villarreal)
Raul Tamudo (Espanyol)
|
INCLUDES
|
id17
|
XIN_ENG_20061127.0010.tml
|
XIN_ENG_20061127.0010
MADRID, <t1>Nov. 27 , 2006</t1> (Xinhua)
Leading goal scorers of Spanish first division soccer league
Following are the leading goal scorers of the Spanish first division soccer league after <t2>Sunday</t2>'s games:
10 Ronaldinho (Barcelona)
9 Diego Milito (Real Zaragoza)
Frederic Kanoute (Sevilla)
8 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid)
5 Fernando Morientes (Valencia)
David Villa (Valencia)
Fernando Baiano (Celta Vigo)
Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)
Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander)
4 Florent Sinama Pongolle (Recreativo Huelva)
Javi Guerrero (Recreativo Huelva)
Nene (Celta Vigo)
Francisco Yeste (Athletic Bilbao)
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)
Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)
Diego Forlan (Villarreal)
Raul Tamudo (Espanyol)
|
NONE
|
id18
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
<t1>March 21, 2013</t1>
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would <e1>make</e1> a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
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AFTER
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id19
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CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
<t1>March 21, 2013</t1>
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have <e1>had</e1> one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
BEFORE
|
id20
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would <e1>make</e1> a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have <e2>had</e2> one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
AFTER
|
id21
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
<t1>March 21, 2013</t1>
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have <e1>used</e1> jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
BEFORE
|
id22
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have <e1>had</e1> one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have <e2>used</e2> jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
SIMULTANEOUS
|
id23
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have <e1>used</e1> jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly <e2>unleashed</e2> biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
BEFORE
|
id24
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
<t1>March 21, 2013</t1>
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can <e1>assure</e1> you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
IS_INCLUDED
|
id25
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly <e1>unleashed</e1> biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can <e2>assure</e2> you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
INCLUDES
|
id26
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
<t1>March 21, 2013</t1>
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his <t2>tenure</t2>, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
INCLUDES
|
id27
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his <t1>tenure</t1>, he has increasingly <e1>unleashed</e1> biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
INCLUDES
|
id28
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly <e1>unleashed</e1> biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are <e2>intended</e2> to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
AFTER
|
id29
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He <e1>tries</e1> to <e2>undermine</e2> his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
AFTER
|
id30
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have <e1>had</e1> one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his tenure, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are <e2>intended</e2> to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He tries to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
NONE
|
id31
|
CNN_20130321_821.tml
|
CNN_20130321_821
March 21, 2013
How Obama has weaponized wit
Barack Obama would make a great stand-up comic, not because he's the funniest president ever but because he uses jokes the same way many of us comedians do: as a weapon.
Traditionally, the (intentionally) funny lines by our presidents have had one thing in common: They were self-deprecating. Sure, some presidents have used jokes to take jabs at their opponents, but not to the extent of Obama.
During his <t1>tenure</t1>, he has increasingly unleashed biting comedic barbs against his critics and political adversaries. These jokes are intended to do more than simply entertain you. They have an agenda.
Obama's humor is often delivered the way a comedian dealing with a heckler would do it. He <e1>tries</e1> to undermine his opponents with it and get the crowd -- in this case the public -- on his side. I can assure you that having a crowd laugh at your critic/heckler is not only effective in dominating them, it's also very satisfying.
|
NONE
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id32
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AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
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AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski <e1>said</e1>.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id33
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski <e1>opened</e1> a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id34
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union <e1>showed</e1> it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id35
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people <e1>defied</e1> heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id36
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders <e1>cracked</e1> open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id37
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, <e1>welcomed</e1> the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id38
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski <e1>said</e1>.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id39
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere <e1>invited</e1> Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id40
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski <e1>gave</e1> bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id41
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski <e1>told</e1> the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id42
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, <e1>said</e1> Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id43
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long <e1>awaited</e1> in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id44
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski <e1>said</e1> the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id45
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been <e1>praised</e1> for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id46
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly <e1>said</e1>.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id47
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy <e1>said</e1>.
|
BEFORE
|
id48
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski <e1>said</e1>.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id49
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also <e1>given</e1> an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id50
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku <e1>said</e1>.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id51
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje <e1>welcomed</e1> the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id52
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere <e1>invited</e1> Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski <e2>gave</e2> bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id53
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and <e1>gathered</e1> <t1>Saturday evening</t1> in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
IS_INCLUDED
|
id54
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on <t1>Saturday</t1> <e1>devoted</e1> their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
IS_INCLUDED
|
id55
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, <e1>welcomed</e1> the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long <e2>awaited</e2> in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id56
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he <e1>added</e1>.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
IS_INCLUDED
|
id57
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I <e1>congratulate</e1> all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
INCLUDES
|
id58
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we <e1>know</e1> that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
INCLUDES
|
id59
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday <e1>devoted</e1> their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id60
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the <e1>celebration</e1> was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id61
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but <e1>called</e1> the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id62
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government <e1>met</e1> in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
AFTER
|
id63
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, <e1>describing</e1> the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
INCLUDES
|
id64
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, <t1>Dec 17 , 2005</t1>
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we <e1>got</e1> a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id65
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government <e1>met</e1> in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for <e2>negotiations</e2> to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
AFTER
|
id66
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government <e1>met</e1> in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not <e2>set</e2> a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
AFTER
|
id67
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski <e1>gave</e1> bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, <e2>saying</e2> the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been praised for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id68
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also <e1>given</e1> an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been <e2>praised</e2> for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id69
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been <e1>praised</e1> for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil war.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje <e2>welcomed</e2> the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
BEFORE
|
id70
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286.tml
|
AFP_ENG_20051217.0286
SKOPJE, Dec 17 , 2005
to EU members ///
Macedonian leaders cracked open the champagne Saturday to celebrate a decision by European Union leaders to bring their country closer to membership of the bloc, describing the move as recognition for recent reforms.
"This is a big day for us, we received recognition for everything we have done in the recent past," Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski told the state-owned Mia news agency after winning a green light to open accession negotiations with Brussels.
"The path is paved now and we know that we have real friends (in the EU) that value all our efforts. I congratulate all citizens of Macedonia for such a great success," Buckovski said.
In a separate address to the nation, President Branko Crvenkovski said the decision to give Macedonia candidate status "also brings a huge obligation to continue with even more devotion along the same road towards the goal."
"Macedonia has strength, knowledge, the will and determination to achieve its strategic goal," Crvenkovski said.
Fulfiling a promise given publicly a while ago, the EU's representative in Skopje, Erwan Fouere invited Buckovski, Crvenkovski and other Macedonian top officials into a popular cafe in downtown Skopje and toasted them with Irish whiskey.
At the celebration Buckovski gave bouquets of red roses to Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva and Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European integration Radmila Secerinska, saying the two women were the most responsible for the success.
The Macedonian government met in extraordinary session to define an "action plan" of further steps necessary ahead of the beginning of talks on membership, although EU leaders did not set a date for negotiations to start.
Ahead of the session, Buckovski opened a large bottle of champagne to celebrate the decision with members of his cabinet.
"Today we got a visa for our European path. Macedonia finally leaves the Balkan road paved with cobblestones and joins a highway that leads to Europe," Buckovski said.
"The European Union showed it believed in Macedonia's story. Today it is clear that Europe needs Macedonia," he added.
Agron Buxhaku, a top official of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union of Integration, party allied in the ruling coalition with Crvenkovski's social democrats, said Macedonia had made a significant breakthrough.
"This is a very important step for the country that should mobilize all of us to fully achieve democratic standards and economic reforms," Buxhaku said.
Leader of the strongest Macedonian opposition party VMRO-DPMNE, Nikola Gruevski, welcomed the decision, but called the government to increase efforts "for the good of all citizens."
The news from Brussels had been long awaited in Skopje. Following overnight special programs waiting for the announcement, electronic media on Saturday devoted their news programs to reports and reactions.
"I have been dreaming of this moment for almost 15 years," since Macedonia gained independence in 1991, Ljupka Nikolovska, a 45-year old teacher, jubilantly said.
Few thousand people defied heavy snow and gathered Saturday evening in Skopje's main square to join celebration and listened some of Macedonia's most popular music stars.
The joyful street party ended in fireworks, but the celebration was expected to continue in restaurants and cafes that were exceptionally allowed to work overnight instead of having to close by midnight as usual.
Macedonians were also given an opportunity over the weekend to make telephone calls to any EU country at price of a local call -- telecommunication companies' contribution to the national-wide celebration.
The tiny ex-Yugoslav republic has been <e1>praised</e1> for its concerted effort to implement reforms following the end of the ethnic Albanian uprising in 2001 which threatened to spiral into all-out civil <e2>war</e2>.
The embassy of the United States in Skopje welcomed the EU leaders' decision in a statement.
"The European Council decision sends a positive message not only to Macedonia, but to all countries of the western Balkans, thereby enhancing regional stability," the US embassy said.
|
AFTER
|
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