Tribune Excerpts

The following article appeared in the March 2006 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune

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Ambassador Dimitrov: U.S., Macedonia Share Common Interests continued from Page 1...
By Virginia Surso

"We have one Macedonia in Europe. All Macedonian-Americans whole love their heritage and traditions should leave their differences aside," he says earnestly.

Dimitrov explains that he understands the reasons – the groups came at different stages and each stage produced a different view of Macedonia, but he believes this is the time to put aside these differences and join together.

"We don't have the luxury of divisions at a time when Macedonia is building nationhood and statehood, and after so many generations we finally have our own independent country."

What else does he wish he could have accomplished?

"I am at the end-state of establishing a Macedonian caucus in the U.S. Congress. I am confident that my successor will finalize this. It is important to have balance in the U.S. Congress."

He is also pleased that after the annual Correspondents Dinner in the White House, the Bloomberg groups will hold if after-dinner party in the Macedonian Embassy. The party will help furnish the embassy with items too expensive to buy. Furnishings for three rooms used by the public have been bought and donated by George Atanovski, publisher of Makedonsko Sonce magazine and owner of Microflex, Ormond Beach, Fla.

Ambassador Dimitrov was asked to give his perspectives on Macedonia's progress in certain areas including an increased standard of living for the people of Macedonia, property rights, taxation, judicial reform, EU and NATO integration and how to allure investments and make Macedonia more business friendly.

He said that they are inter-related, each depends on the other. However, this year, the country must focus on free and fair parliamentary elections.

"The way we conduct the elections is crucial for both NATO and EU integration. The world, the EU, and NATO expect us to have reached a level of maturity in these elections. There are two levels that we need to work on. If parties take part in governing, then they must also take responsibility for free and fair elections. And, second, the law enforcement mechanism must work. The rule of law must be applied in multi-ethnic areas."

"In 2005, there was a four-percent economic growth. We need more. The EU is an economic unit. The closer we are to the EU, the more it will influence the quality of governance. It is not possible for Macedonia to move forward until it stops the corruption and enacts judicial reforms."

"Recently, we centralized the process for establishing a business in Macedonia. Now it can all be done in a week."

"What we really need is energy and optimism. We have had many setbacks since we became an independent country. Now we need to concentrate on the economy and the rule of law."

"It won't be easy, but Macedonia will succeed."

"My generation can be part of real change for Macedonia. We have a great opportunity to contribute to our country. My generation as the opportunity, and we must embrace that."

Ambassador Dimitrov, who came to America as the youngest ambassador in Washington at age 30, leaves a seasoned 34-year-old.

In closing, he thanks the MPO for its cooperation and points out that our three initials are very important – "M is to be Macedonian, P is to be patriotic, O is to be well organized."