PANEL SESSION

“REGIONAL CHALLENGES AFTER THE CHICAGO SUMMIT“,

organized by the Balkan Security Forum

Panel discussion topics:

– the Western Balkans in the coming decade and

– the Republic of Macedonia and the region in NATO – reality or alternatives

12 May, 2012, Hotel “Slavija“, Ohrid

Conclusions and recommendations

From the panel session

The association Balkan Security Forum held a panel discussion on May 12, 2012 entitled “Regional Challenges after the Chicago Summit”. The discussion, held at the Hotel Slavija in Ohrid, was a continuation of the November 26, 2011 panel discussion in Skopje entitled “Macedonian and regional challenges before the NATO Summit in Chicago”.

Reflecting the keen interest in this topic in the Western Balkans, particularly in the Republic of Macedonia, invited guests included local and regional experts from the socio-political sphere, representatives from the NGO sector and higher education, as well as other institutions and organizations from the area of international relations, international cooperation and security. Also in attendance were representatives of political parties and the media.

The experts focused on the political, economic and security challenges confronting the region and Macedonia in the aftermath of the Chicago conference. In so doing, the participants sought to promote established economic, political and security values and to point out the most efficient ways to establish a safe and politically stable environment in the region.

With this panel discussion, the Balkan Security Forum set the goal through expert analysis of the current security and stability aspects to give an overview of the development of the region as a secure environment and enhancing the trust and cooperation in the region in the context of stability at national and regional level as a challenge and priority in directing and intensifying the activities in the area of security values and creating conditions for sustainable development at the local and regional level. 

A significant and expected outcome was that the authorities, experts and scientists who deal with the issues and international relations, security and defense, related with politics and analysis will contribute to a wider and deeper knowledge of the risks and possible emergencies of new crises and crisis situations, of the ideas and organizational readiness to respond to the challenges and  necessary improvements in the concept of  national and regional security. Through an exchange of experiences and ideas, the panel was aimed at generating proposals to further enhance trust in the region.

With these goals in mind, the panelists embarked on two discussions: The Western Balkans in the coming decade and The Republic of Macedonia and the region in NATO – reality or alternatives.

The panel session was opened by  Blagoja Markovski, Ph.D., who holds a doctorate in military-political science and is president of the Balkan Security Forum. The role of moderator was undertaken by Prof. Stojan Kuzev, Ph.D.,who teaches conflict resolution at Skopje’s First Private University – European University. Introductory remarks were given by the panelists:

1) Prof. Biljana Vankovska, Ph.D.,

Professor at the Institute for Defense, Security and Peace Studies, Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, and the European University for Peace Studies, Schlaining  (Austria)

2) Prof. Zhidas Daskalovski, Ph.D.,

Director of the “Mother Theresa” Faculty for Public Policy and professor at the Faculty of Business Administration and Information Systems, Bitola

3) Prof. Metodi Hadzijanev, Ph.D.,

Head of the Department of Humanities, Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski”, Skopje, and an assistant professor at the Law Faculties in Skopje and Shtip

4) Prof. Ridvan Peshkopia, Ph.D., special guest at the panel session,

Dean of the College of Humanities at the American University “George Washington”, Tirana

5) Prof. Kiril Hristovski, Ph.D., special guest at the panel session,

Professor at the State University of Arizona at Tempe, USA

The panel discussion featured a useful exchange of views among the panelists, with additional contributions offered by members of the audience.

The following salient points emerged from the opening remarks, panel presentations and discussions concerning the regional challenges following the NATO Summit in Chicago:

Conclusions and recommendations

• Since the final decade of the past century, the Balkans have been in the grip of a political, ideological and spiritual disintegration. In the 1990s, this atmosphere of mistrust, intolerance and even hatred created a kind of ghettoization, the consequences of which were to prove tragic, especially in the newly created states that emerged after the collapse of Yugoslavia.
•  The nationalistic ideology fabricated a rigid system of social values, through which Balkan governments, scorning mutual cooperation, fostered the supremacy of their own nations. In that way, a kind of ghettoized patriotism was created, and any dissent from it was labeled as a betrayal of the nation. 

Overcoming these conditions called for a new approach, a redefining and a radical change, not only in politics and ideology but also in strategic priorities.  This entailed changes in socialization, in the cultural model, and in the overall system of societal values.

• At the global level, significant changes have occurred. Starting from the principle that in politics the highest priority must be accorded to interests, the western Balkan countries have sought to realize their strategic interests through membership in the EU and NATO, as well as through bilateral cooperation with the USA, Russia, China, Turkey and other countries of the West and East. A new approach has been defined, Atlantic or Eurasian in its perspective, although, in parallel with this, certain countries are looking for new alternatives with which to further their national interests, in a sense “playing the field” with all parties. The impression is gained that the West is no longer “the only game in town” and that Eurasia may offer the best and most enticing rewards.

• The task of maintaining existing partnerships and forging new ones is giving a new demeanor to the Balkans, as the countries of the region seek new markets and new ways to energize their enfeebled economies.
• The conclusion is unavoidable that it is in the interest of all the countries of the Western Balkans to seek membership in both the EU and NATO and to form quality partnerships with all countries, thus expanding the circle of friendly states. This is particularly true for those countries that face an extended waiting period before they can expect approval from the EU and NATO. In that respect, the existing constellation of relations is characterized by complementary strategic goals, not mutually exclusive ones.

– At the moment, the Western Balkan countries are not threatened with classical war or aggression, but there are numerous asymmetric threats which call for an appropriate response from each country individually and all the countries collectively.

• Currently, although not under major security threat, the Republic of Macedonia is still subject to minor destabilizing events, principally on the home front, as a result of which the country should exercise caution. Macedonia should especially work on its internal stability as a prerequisite to maintaining external stability. It should also monitor trends in the region and beyond, and in a timely manner adopt positions in response to developing situations. Clearly, Macedonia is under pressure from a certain quarter and is being asked to fulfill exceptional conditions for admission to the European family and NATO.  However, this does not mean that the country should resort to hasty proposals for resolution of the bilateral dispute over its  constitutional name.

• The Republic of Macedonia does not pose a threat to the immediate region or to the Balkans and Europe. However, due to the roadblock that Macedonia is facing, it is only realistic to ask whether there are other options available to the country and what it should do while waiting for accession to NATO and EU. In short, does Macedonia need new partnerships and markets? This is especially important because, with the integration problem still unsolved, a new domestic conflict is developing. On the other hand, the fact of the matter is that the socioeconomic development of Macedonia is not proceeding in the desired and necessary fashion, in addition to which the country is facing grave tests. If the EU and NATO delay too long before accepting Macedonia as a fully fledged member, the question then arises as to the future course of Balkan processes. Furthermore, the existence of that kind of “hole” in the Balkan umbrella could call into question the very concept of NATO as the effectuation of the declared Atlantic world order. At the same time, it is the duty of the Macedonian government to look for other solutions to the political and economic situation, which means establishing stronger political and economic relations with countries outside the EU.

– It is in Macedonia’s interest in the coming period to focus on and intensify  economic cooperation, trade and the attraction of direct foreign investment from outside the EU.

The Balkan Security Forum stands ready to contribute its intellectual resources and dedication to the further study and analysis of socioeconomic and political issues, especially in the areas of security and defense, and in so doing to contribute towards peace and stability both in the Republic of Macedonia and the region of Southeastern Europe as a whole.

Balkan Security Forum

GLOBAL BUSINESS SUPPORTS MACEDONIA FOR NATO

17-18 February 2008

Holiday Inn Skopje Hotel, Macedonia

MACEDONIAN-BULGARIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Organized by:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia

Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Macedonia

Balkan Security Forum – Macedonia

NATO Information Centre in Sofia

The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria

The George C. Marshall Association – Bulgaria

State Commission on Information Security – Bulgaria

State Agency for Information Technologies and Communications – Bulgaria

With the participation of:

H.E. Antonio Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia

H.E. Lazar Elenovski, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Macedonia

H.E. Gligor Tashkovich, Minister for Foreign Investments of the Republic of Macedonia

H.E. Ivo Ivanovski, Minister for Information Society of the Republic of  Macedonia

H.E. Gillian A. Milovanovic, Ambassador of the United States to Macedonia (TBC)

H.E. Radmila Shekerinska, Leader, Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (TBC)

H.E. Lidija Kostovska, Director, Directorate for Safety of the Classified Information – Macedonia

Victor Mizo, Director, Agency for Foreign Investments of the Republic of Macedonia

H.E. Tsveta Markova, Chairperson, State Commission on Information Security – Bulgaria

H.E. Plamen Vatchkov, Chairman, State Agency for Information Technologies and Communications – Bulgaria

H.E. Dr. Solomon Passy, Chairman, Foreign Policy Committee – Bulgarian Parliament

Mr. Maxim Minchev, General Director, Bulgarian News Agency

Dr. Blagoja Markovski, Chairman, Balkan Security Forum – Macedonia

Mr. Aleksandar Chomovski, Chairman of the General Assembly Balkan Security Forum – Macedonia

Dr. Lyubomir Ivanov, Chairman, The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria

Dr. Velizar Shalamanov, Chairman, The George C. Marshall Association – Bulgaria

Prof. Dr. Stoyan Denchev, Rector, State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies – Bulgaria

Prof. Ivan Zherkov, Director, Offset Programs Directorate, Ministry of Economy and Energy – Bulgaria

Dr. Radica Gareva, Director of Sector for Logistics, Ministry of Defense – Macedonia

Mr. Spasoja Damjanovski, Director of Sector for Finance, Ministry of Defense – Macedonia

Programme:

8:00-8:45 Registration of participants (Millennium I Hall, Holiday Inn Skopje Hotel)

9:00-9:30 Opening ceremony (Millennium I Hall, Holiday Inn Skopje Hotel)

Mr. Aleksandar Chomovski, Chairman of the General Assembly, Balkan Security Forum – Macedonia

H.E. Antonio Milososki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia

H.E. Gillian A. Milovanovic, Ambassador of the United States to Macedonia (TBC)

H.E. Radmila Shekerinska, Leader, Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (TBC)

H.E. Dr. Solomon Passy, Chairman, Foreign Policy Committee, Bulgarian Parliament and

Honorary President of the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria

Dr. Lyubomir Ivanov, Chairman, The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria

9:30 – 11:30 First Session (Millennium I Hall, Holiday Inn Skopje Hotel)

High Tech and Infrastructure Development – Key to Euro-Atlantic Integration of Macedonia

Moderator:

Prof. Dr. Stoyan Denchev, Rector, State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies

Speakers:

H.E. Gligor Tashkovich, Minister for Foreign Investments of the Republic of Macedonia

H.E. Plamen Vatchkov, Chairman, State Agency for Information Technologies and Communications – Bulgaria

H.E. Ivo Ivanovski, Minister for Information Society of the Republic of Macedonia

Victor Mizo, Director, Agency for Foreign Investments of the Republic of Macedonia

Antoni Pesev, President, Unet

Prof. Dr. Aksente Grnarov

Presentations of companies:

TechnoLogica – Macedonia

LIREX BG

ICB

Discussion

11:30 – 12:00 Coffee Break

12:00 – 14:30 Second Session (Millennium I Hall, Holiday Inn Skopje Hotel)

Macedonia and Bulgaria on the Balkans Energy Map

Moderators:

Dr. Lyubomir Ivanov, Chairman, The Atlantic Club of Bulgaria

Prof. Atanasko Tunevski, Skopje University

Speakers:

Srojan Kralchev, First General Manager, UNIBank

Dr. Vlado Chingovski, General Manager, ESM

Alexander Iordanov, Executive Director, Business Energy AD

Presentation of UNIBank

Discussion

14:30 – 16:00 Lunch /Reception hosted by H.E. Ivo Ivanovski, Minister for Information Society of the Republic of  Macedonia

Venue: Millennium II Hall, Holiday Inn Skopje Hotel (by invitation only)

15:30 – 16:00 Media meetings/ interviews

16:00 – 18:30 Third Session (Millennium I Hall, Holiday Inn Skopje Hotel)

Security Sector Modernization as a Tool for Integration in NATO Research and Defense Industry Network. The Offset Policy on Armament Procurement – Opportunities for Public Private Partnership

Moderator:

Dr. Radica Gareva, Director of Sector for Logistics, Ministry of Defense – Macedonia

Ognian Trajanov, President, TechnoLogica

Speakers:

H.E. Tsveta Markova, Chairperson, State Commission on Information Security – Bulgaria

H.E. Lidija Kostovska, Director of the Directorate for Safety of the Classified Information – Macedonia

Prof. Ivan Zherkov, Director, Offset Programs Directorate, Ministry of Economy and Energy – Bulgaria

Dr. Velizar Shalamanov, Chairman, The George C. Marshall Association – Bulgaria

Spasoja Damjanovski,Director of Sector for Finance, Ministry of Defense – Macedonia

Presentations of companies:

Crypto EOOD

DSV Air & Sea Ltd./ Corsa Logistics Ltd.

CaSys International

EuroSense

Discussion

18:20 – 18:30 Closing remarks

Dr. Blagoja Markovski, Chairman, Balkan Security Forum – Macedonia

Roundtable discussion topic

“RIGA – MACEDONIAN WAY TOWARDS NATO, EXPECTATIONS & OBLIGATIONS”

The debate was held on November 24, 2006 (Friday), 11.00, in the Holiday Inn hotel (hall Millennium 2) in Skopje.

Objectives of the debate

To exchange view points on the subject matter, based on expert analysis of the actual aspects of Macedonian preparations for NATO membership and future steps towards achieving that goal. Development of processes and adoption of the standards and principles, as a challenge and priority for intensified activities in the framework of Euro Atlantic integrations.

Theses for discussion

– NATO transformation, European security and the Macedonian position in the security context of regional and global level,

– Riga – Macedonian chances and obligations,

– Macedonian national security and defense system: structure, objectives, tasks, and perspectives,

– Macedonian diplomacy in the context of affirmation of the activities for the membership in the Euro Atlantic integrations,

– Transformation of the security system and the challenges in front of the organs for internal order and security,

– The reforms into the Macedonian Army – the actual situation and perspectives,

– Prevention, basic method in the activities for crises management and for protection and rescue sectors,

– Nongovernmental sector – part of the security system: possibilities for contribution and its perspectives.

PARTICIPANTS:

There were representatives from:

– The Government of the Republic of Macedonia

– The Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia,

– Ministry of defense, internal and foreign affairs,

– Security and defense commission from the Parliament

– Educational and other institutions and organizations from The Republic of Macedonia,

– International organizations: EU, OSCE, NATO, UNDP, IOM,

– Embassies in the Republic of Macedonia

– International and home nongovernmental organizations and associations

– Security and defense experts

NOTICE:

The materials from the discussion during the debate will be published in the BSF publication. The authors of the published text will be able to take a free copy. Organizers are responsible for publishing the materials.

Language:

Macedonian and English. The translation was provided.

*   *   *

During the debate will be promoted two publications, published by the BSF:

– “Macedonia towards NATO” – publication with affirmative contents for the activities and efforts of the Republic of Macedonia and its society for the approaching toward NATO.

– “Atlantic Patience”- experiences from the activities of the Atlantic club (the Republic of Bulgaria) for the development and the achievement of the idea for Bulgaria NATO membership.

These two publications will be also presented at the NATO Summit in Riga, November 27-29, 2006. These publications will present the view of the Balkan Security Forum considering the Macedonian integration in the NATO and will contribute to speed up the process of integration.

Balkan Security Forum