Macedonia
In September 1991, Macedonians overwhelmingly voted in favor of independence from Yugoslavia. This led to the adoption the following November of a new constitution, which proclaimed the Republic of Macedonia as a sovereign and independent state. In March 1992 the peaceful withdrawal of the Yugoslav army from its territory was successfully negotiated.
International recognition of Macedonia's split from Yugoslavia in 1991 was held up over Greek fears that the country's name implied a territorial claim on the northern Greek region of Macedonia. The unwieldy designation “The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)” became the term for the country until a solution could be found. (The acronym FYROM is not used by Macedonians and they dislike its use by others.) Greece finally lifted its trade blockade in 1995, and the two countries agreed to normalize relations. However, discussions continue under UN auspices to reach a mutually acceptable solution on this issue. The US government recently decided to recognize Macedonia under its constitutional name. The UK uses both terms.
Relations remain problematic between the ethnic Albanian population – which lives mainly in the west of the country, neighboring Albania and Kosovo -- and ethnic Macedonian majority. Albanians have felt deprived of full cultural, educational and civil rights. Violence broke out in February 2001, starting with a number of isolated incidents between armed ethnic Albanian insurgents of the National Liberation Army (NLA) and the Macedonian police in the areas of Tanusevci, near the Kosovo border. As the situation deteriorated, the political dialogue made little progress. The humanitarian situation worsened, particularly in the NLA-held villages. Tens of thousands of ethnic Albanians managed to flee the fighting to southern Kosovo and Serbia, while ethnic Macedonians tended to flee to other parts of the country, further polarizing populations.
Fighting was interrupted in June when NATO negotiated a cease-fire between the two sides. The cease-fire more or less held while peace talks continued between the ethnic Albanian and Macedonian political leaders and the late President Trajkovski. These talks produced a settlement based around a Framework Agreement. In broad terms the Agreement called for an end to the conflict by disarming the NLA, offering them an amnesty, and initiating a reform process to address ethnic Albanian aspirations. It was formally signed in Ohrid in August. A disarmament program was successful and during September and early October, the level of violence in the country greatly reduced while the political process concentrated efforts on implementing the Framework Agreement. Approximately 95 percent of those displaced have now returned to their homes or resettled. Successive NATO task forces provided necessary security until March 2003 when this duty was passed over to the first EU military mission, which terminated in December 2003. The EU Police Mission, Proxima, monitored the police in Macedonia in to develop an efficient and professional police service that meets EU standards. Proxima’s mandate officially came to an end in December 2005.
Branko Crvenkovski was elected President in April 2004 two months after his predecessor, Boris Trajkovski, died in a plane crash. Formerly Prime Minister, Crvenkovski had won praise from Western countries for supporting reconciliation with the substantial Albanian minority. He became President just after the country formally submitted its application to join the EU and he pledged to make entry a key goal. Crvenkovski named former defense minister Vlado Buckovski as premier in late November 2004 after Buckovski was chosen to lead the Social Democrats, the largest party in the governing coalition. Buckovski said that his government's priority is to continue the pursuit of political and economic reforms designed to integrate Macedonia with the European Union and Nato. The country has overhauled its electoral law in line with EU guidelines for ensuring fairness and transparency. The new legislation will come under the EU spotlight in general elections which have been called for early July 2006.
Be aware that all immediate border areas apart from designated border crossings are restricted zones. Presence in these zones is forbidden without prior official permission.
Caution should be exercised when travelling in the following areas: west of the Tetovo-Gostivar highway up to the Albanian border; the Cair district of Skopje; the area north of Skopje; the north part of the Skopje-Tetovo highway up to the Kosovo border; and north and west of Kumanovo up to the Kosovo and Serbian borders.
Exercise caution when travelling to the western border zone due to heightened criminal activity in the area.
Sporadic acts of violence do still occur in Macedonia, particularly in the north, but also including Skopje.
There has been no repetition in Skopje or elsewhere in Macedonia of the public demonstrations that took place against elements of the International Community during the 2001 crisis. However, acts of intimidation and harassment against nationals of Western countries have been reported.
Political protests and roadblocks set up by striking workers sometimes occur. In the event of civil disorder, stay at home and restrict movements as much as possible, especially after dark. Avoid crowds and demonstrations generally. Keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel and ensure that travel documents are current. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Note that foreigners who enter Macedonia and plan to stay in private accommodations, are required to register with the nearest police station within three days. Foreigners staying in hotels are not required to register, as the hotel is responsible for registration with the police. Persons who overstay their visas should contact the branch office of the Ministry of Interior near their place of residence to obtain an exit visa; failure to do so may result in difficulties in departing the country.
