-- REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA --

-- REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA --

1991 - September 8, referendum held in ROM

Majority of voters support independence in referendum. 95% of eligible voters approved of a sovereign and independent Republic of Macedonia with Kiro Gligorov as its President.

New constitution enacted in the face of opposition by ethnic Albanian deputies. Declaration of independence. International recognition slow because Greece objects to the use of the name Macedonia, the same as one of its own provinces.

1991 - November 17, ROM Constitution drafted according to which “…Macedonia is constituted as a national country of the Macedonian people which guarantees complete civil equality and permanent mutual living of the Macedonian people with the

Albanians, Turks, Vlachs, Roma and the other nationalities living in the Republic of Macedonia.”

1991 - December, Yugoslav army withdraws

In December 1991, the Republic of Macedonia and the Coalition Secretariat for National Defense of the former Yugoslavia (SSNO) began negotiations for the peaceful creation of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM). After the talks an agreement was reached for JNA to be withdrawn from the Republic of Macedonia in February and March 1992. After JNA’s withdrawal, the Republic of Macedonia, as the last republic to achieve its independence from former Yugoslavia, finally formed its own army. The ARM was a joint army of all nationalities living in Macedonia. After the agreement between the then government and SSNO, the JNA peacefully withdrew and took all military vehicles, equipment and other personal weapons belonging to the border guards who secured the border between the Republic of Macedonia and Albania, Greece and Bulgaria.

1992 - February 21, ARM established

The Republic of Macedonia maintains a defensive potential and combat readiness of its Armed Forces which function as a deterring factor in case of a potential aggression in accordance with our capabilities and international arrangements. In accordance with the Article 123 of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, no one in the state has the right to declare capitulation. Therefore, the defense system of the Republic of Macedonia is based on the determination to give resistance by use of an armed force against any possible aggression and for a defensive combat on the whole territory. For that purpose, the defense system is responsible to provide conditions so that all of the state authorities and institutions function and conditions for joining the collective defense and security systems as a protection of the independence and sovereignty are provided.

1992 - August 11, ROM National anthem adopted

August 11, 1992 - Republic of Macedonia’s National anthem adopted

Denes nad Makedonija -- Today Over Macedonia

Lyrics by Vlado Maleski, 1941, Music by Todor Skalovski, 1943

This song was a popular Macedonian song performed during the time of Socialist Republic of Macedonia. Later the song was officially adopted as the anthem of the independent Macedonia.

The anthem has four stanzas, but the fourth stanza is mainly omitted from the national anthem.

Denes nad Makedonia se ragia, novo sonce na slobodata! Makedoncite se borat, za svoite pravdini! Makedontsite se borat, za svoite pravdini!

Odnovo sega znameto se vee, na Krushevskata Republika! Gotse Delchev, Pitu Guli, Dame Gruev, Sandanski! Gotse Delchev, Pitu Guli, Dame Gruev, Sandanski!

Gorite Makedonski shumno peat, novi pesni, novi vesnitsi! Makedonija slobodna, slobodno zhivee! Makedonia slobodna, slobodno zhivee!

Ne plachi Makedonio maiko mila, Kreni glava gordo visoko, Makedonia slobodna, slobodna ke zhivee! Makedonia slobodna,

slobodna ke zhivee!

Today over Macedonia, is being born the new sun of liberty. Macedonians are fighting, fighting for their rights! Macedonians are fighting, fighting for their rights!

Now once again the flag stands (that) of the Krushevo Republic Gotse Delchev, Pitu Guli Dame Gruev, Sandanski! Gotse Delchev, Pitu Guli Dame Gruev, Sandanski!

The Forests of Macedonia are singing new songs, new news papers Macedonia is liberated Lives in liberty! Macedonia is liberated Lives in liberty!

Do not cry dear mother Macedonia, Raise your head proudly high, Macedonia is free Free to live! Macedonia is free Free to live!

1992 - Albanians want autonomy

1992 - Unofficial referendum among ethnic Albanians shows overwhelming wish for their own territorial autonomy.

Government resigns after mass demonstrations over failure to win recognition for the country's independence. Federal Republic of Yugoslavia acknowledges Macedonia's secession.

UN approves dispatch of troops to monitor inter-ethnic tension.

Greece and Serbia conspire to overthrow and partition the Republic of Macedonia.

1993 - Sideropoulos and Tasos prosecuted

Macedonian human rights activists Hristos Sidiropoulos and Tasos Boulis were prosecuted under Greek Panel Code: Article 36, Para 191; disseminating false information; Para 192; inciting citizens to disturb the peace. Their crime? Declaring themselves as Macedonians in an interview for Greek magazine ENA.

Macedonian human rights activist and priest Nikodimos Tsarknias derobed and expelled by Greek Orthodox Church because of his human rights activities. Tsarknias refused a Greek bribe which would have elevated him to bishop in 1989. He received death threats.

1993 - ROM admitted in the UN

April 8, 1993 - The Republic of Macedonia is admitted in the United Nations under the reference “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” (FYROM). More than 130 countries recognize Macedonia under its constitutional name. Macedonia was admitted as the 181st full-fledged member.

1994 - Greece imposes trade restrictions, causing economic damage

Extremists of Australia’s Greek Community burn two Macedonian churches, after Australian recognition of Macedonia.

Greece continues to deny the existence of Macedonians in Aegean Macedonia despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Greece continues repressive and unrelenting policies against Macedonians in Aegean Macedonia despite objections by international human rights organizations.

1994 - Greece lifts trade restrictions

1995 - President Kiro Gligorov injured in assassination bid

Kiro Gligorov (May 3, 1917 – January 1, 2012) was the first President of the Republic of Macedonia, serving from 1991 to 1999. He held various high positions in the political establishment of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including as Secretary of State for Finance in the Federal Executive Council, a member of the Yugoslav Presidency, as well as President of the Assembly of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from May 15, 1974 to May 15, 1978.

Kiro was born in Shtip, the Kingdom of Serbia (at the time under Bulgarian control), Gligorov later graduated from the University of Belgrade’s Law School and was a participant in the National Liberation War of the ethnic Macedonians from 1941 as a secretary of the Initiative committee for the organization of the Antifascist Assembly of the National Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM) and a finance commissioner in the Presidium of ASNOM.

After the promotion of parliamentary democracy in Macedonia in 1990, he became the first democratically elected president of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia on January 27, 1991. On April 16, 1991, the parliament adopted the constitutional amendment for removing the “Socialist” adjective from the official name of the country, and on June 7 the same year, the new name Republic of Macedonia was officially established, hence Gligorov continued his presidency as the President of the Republic of Macedonia.

He served for two terms, from January 27, 1991, to November 19, 1999. He was re-elected for his second term in office on November 19, 1994. He led his country to independence proclaimed after the referendum held on September 8, 1991, and tried to keep it out of the Yugoslav wars, a task made difficult by disputes with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria and Greece who all faced separate issues with the country.

On October 3, 1995, Gligorov was the target of a car bomb assassination attempt in Skopje. While en route from his residence to his office, the vehicle carrying Gligorov was blown up by an

explosion from a parked vehicle, killing his driver and injuring several passers-by. Gligorov was seriously injured above his right eye and was immediately conveyed to the hospital.

Since the incident there have been no suspects brought to book and no progress has been made in the investigation of the case. However, there have been short-lived speculations as to who could be the culprits. Shortly after bombing, the Minister of Internal Affairs Liubomir Frchkovski publicly claimed that “a powerful multinational company from a neighbouring country” was behind the assassination attempt, with the Macedonian media pointing at the Bulgarian Multigroup and the Yugoslav KOS as possible suspects. During a meeting between Multigroup head Iliya Pavlov and Gligorov in Ohrid, Pavlov assured Gligorov that his organisation was not involved. All investigations were futile.

Gligorov was incapacitated until November 17, 1995. He was permanently blind in one eye as a result. Stojan Andov was acting president during Gligorov's recuperation.

The election for Gligorov's successor took place only a few days before the end of his term.

Gligorov died in the early hours of January 1, 2012, in his sleep. It is known that his request was that the funeral be private with only his closest family in attendance. He was buried in Butel Municipality, Skopje.

Kiro was the father of Vladimir Gligorov, a refounder of the Serbian Democratic Party.

1995 - Macedonia becomes member of Council of Europe

1995 - September 8, Vinozhito opens office in Lerin. In regards to developments with the Macedonians in Greece, members of the ethnic Macedonian political party in Greece, the RAINBOW PARTY, also known as the “VINOZHITO PARTY” in Macedonian, opened an office in Lerin.

1996 - Sporadic ethnic Albanian protests over curbs on Tetovo's Albanian-language university.

1997 - Constitutional court forbids use of Albanian flag, sparking protests. Parliament adopts law on restricted use of the Albanian flag.

1997 - January 19, Second “RAINBOW Conference. The “RAINBOW” party held its 2nd Conference in Lerin which was attended by 76 delegates of all local units. A Political Manifesto and Organizational Principles were adopted and a Central Council comprised of 19 members was elected.

1997 - January 26, The “RAINBOW” party Central Council held its first session in Voden on January 26th, 1997 and elected a five-member Political Secretariat, an Economic Commission, an Editors Council, etc.

1998 - Thousands of Albanians gather in Skopje in support of ethnic Albanians in Serbia.

Elections bring into power a coalition government which is led by Ljubco Georgievski and includes ethnic Albanian representatives.

1999 - March, NATO begins bombing Yugoslavia over its treatment of Kosovo Albanians. Serbian mass expulsion and killings of Kosovo Albanians leads to exodus into neighbouring countries, including Macedonia.

1999 - June, Yugoslavia accepts peace plan. Kosovo refugees start leaving Macedonia.

1999 - November, Boris Trajkovski elected president

2001 - February/March, Uprising by ethnic Albanians. National Liberation Army emerges demanding equal rights for ethnic Albanians.

2001 - February 16, firefight broke out between ARM and four men dressed in black uniforms near the village Tanushevtsi. The

battle took place near the village Debalde (SRY) as the armed men were traveling towards the village Tanushevtsi. The same day at around 15:55, in the forest about 150 metres north-west of the “old store”, two persons were observed obtaining a tent. But before the border security guards could identify them, they made their escape over the border. They then opened fire on the border security personnel from the other side of the Yugoslav border and so did several other groups from a few places in the same woods. The Macedonian border security was attacked from the other side of the border on several occasions. It was the first element which indicated that acts of aggression by a foreign country were being carried out against our territory, especially since the very same aggressors were dressed in Kosovo Protection Corps uniforms. Later we will show that they not only wore Kosovo Protection Corps uniforms but that they were Kosovo Protection Corps supporters.

2001 - February 20, ARM border security sees movements of armed, uniformed men in the Kosovo part of the village Debalde. The same day men in camouflage uniforms were observed moving in the direction of the village Tanushevtsi

2001 - February 28, shooting spree takes place between ARM and a number of armed, uniformed men near the village Tanushevtsi. The same day around 15:40 Macedonian border security and police were attacked near the Tanushevtsi observation post. The attack was carried out by armed, uniformed groups of men from the village Tanushevtsi (the people who attacked wore Kosovo Protection Corps black uniforms).

2001 - March 4, three ARM personnel killed (two from a planted mine, one from sniper fire, killed at the village Tanushevtsi).

2001 - March 5, ARM personnel fired upon by mortar fire. The mortars were fired from the Kosovo side of the border; this means that artillery was fired into the territory of the Republic of Macedonia from a neighbouring state. Mortars were fired and aggression was initiated against legal Army members who were there to defend the integrity of their territory.

2001 - March 12, ARM “called” to take broader action to completely clean up the villages Tanushevtsi and Malina Maala with KFOR’s alleged knowledge. After this was done, at 1700, the KFOR commander and the ARM commander in charge of the campaign met at the border to “establish a border regime.” So, what happened to the terrorists, where did they go?

2001- March 14, armed men appeared in Tetovo Kule, Tetovo, and attacked a Ministry of the Interior police patrol traveling in the direction: Tetovo - Seltse - Lavtsi. Fifteen police officers were injured during the attack, seven of whom sustained gunshot wounds. It seemed like KFOR and ARM had not done their job in this common responsibility that they shared!

2001 - March 28, Captain Liupcho Mirchevski killed Around 16:45 hours, Captain Liupcho Mirchevski was killed when a planted mine exploded. Injured were Kostov Petre, Ilievski Blagoicho, Ivanov Tasho, Miloshevski Petso and Karaliovski Borche. This took place in Kika (1512 mm) Region.

2001 - May, National Unity government formed. Main Macedonian parties form government of national unity under PM Ljubco Georgievski which pledges to address minority grievances. Further incidents of violence.

Armed protesters besiege parliament in Skopje, angry at what they see as leniency towards ethnic Albanian rebels. President Trajkovski makes a national appeal for peace.

2001 - June 20, NATO assistance requested

In response to a request for NATO assistance, made by the Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski on June 20, 2001, this military organization drew up the operational plan that was dedicated to the peace and stability of the Republic of Macedonia. However, NATO had imposed three conditions for its help in resolving the crisis: conclusion of political agreement between the various parties in the Republic of Macedonia, armistice linked with amnesty for the members of the so-called NLA and finally a pledge of full demilitarization from the so-called NLA. Once the

Macedonian political parties signed the Ohrid Peace Agreement, the way was opened for NATO’s first mission in the Republic of Macedonia. The NATO military support to the Republic of Macedonia effectively commenced on August 27, 2001, with Operation Essential Harvest / Task Force Harvest (TFH). This UK-led mission involved the rapid deployment of 4,600 Allied troops that were initiated to fulfill NATO’s promise to assist the Macedonian people by collecting and destroying arms and ammunition on a voluntary basis from ethnic-Albanian extremists.

2001 - Macedonian security forces personnel killed

July 2001 - 5 Macedonian security forces personnel were killed, 25 wounded and 81 civilians were kidnapped

July 3, 2001 - A KFOR helicopter (UH - 60) was flying from the village Drachevo towards Vodno in the region TT - 416, a trigonometric point above the settlement Pintia (EM 390 442), near Skopje, activated its missile defense system (IC decoy) and then fired their bursts of machine gun fire.

In response to our inquiries, we were told that it was an act of the terrorists, which was not true because there were no terrorists acting in that region. Of course this was a direct action by NATO forces, or by KFOR forces, before the signing the ceasefire Agreement, although KFOR had no mandate for such actions.

The ceasefire Agreement was completely disregarded by the other side before the Ohrid Framework Agreement was signed. According to daily reports compiled by our commanders on the ground, 139 direct attacks were carried out on positions occupied by the Macedonian security forces. In Tetovo 117 attacks were carried out, 12 in Kumanovo and 10 in the Skopje crisis area. At the same time Republic of Macedonia security forces were hit 74 times; 60 times in Tetovo, 7 in Kumanovo and 7 in Skopje Region. In July 2001, 5 security forces personnel were killed, 25 wounded and 81 civilians were kidnapped (79 in Tetovo and 2 in Kumanovo). Only 61 of the kidnapped were freed during the same month.

2001- Ten Macedonians ARM soldiers killed on August 8 by Albanian terrorists

The ten army reservists were traveling with an army convoy of five vehicles and 120 reservists when they were ambushed. The reservists killed were Nane Naumovski, Sasho Kitanoski, Branko Sekuloski, Goran Minoski, Marko Despotoski, Erdovan Shabanoski, Lube Grujoski, Darko Velianovski, Vebi Rushidoski and Petse Sekuloski; all from the reserve forces of the Prilep Army Garrison.

An air defense report filed for that day, among other things, said that five minutes before the ambush a KFOR helicopter was spotted flying in the air space above Karpalak. Two KFOR Jeeps were also seen in the Karpalak area. When they spotted the Macedonian helicopters one escaped to Skopje and the other hid in Novo Selo.

Stavre Dzhikov, the public prosecutor for the Republic of Macedonia paid a short visit to the Karpalak site where the soldiers were executed by the terrorists. After examining the site he said that this entire incident was “just illogical”.

2001 - Macedonian government stops military actions

August 15, 2001 - The Macedonian Government decided to stop all military actions, on both sides, and after that to start the disarmament. Of course, this was to be done after the Ohrid Agreement was signed.

2001 - Ohrid Agreement is signed

August 2001- Government and rebels sign western-backed Ohrid peace agreement involving greater recognition of ethnic Albanian rights in exchange for rebel pledge to hand over weapons to NATO peace force.

2001 - NATO carries out Essential Harvest

September 2001 - NATO carries out month-long Operation Essential Harvest to disarm rebels, exceeding target of collecting 3,300 weapons.

2001 - October, Government announces amnesty for former members of the National Liberation Army days after it disbands.

Macedonian police begin entering villages formerly controlled by ethnic Albanian guerrillas.

2001 - Parliament approves new constitution in November incorporating reforms required by August peace deal. It recognizes Albanian as an official language and increases access for ethnic Albanians to public-sector jobs, including the police.

2002 - January, Parliament cedes more power to local government to improve status of ethnic Albanians.

2002 - March, Parliament amnesties terrorists - former ethnic Albanian rebels who handed in their arms during NATO-supervised weapons collection.

International donors pledge more than $500 million in aid to help recovery from 2001 fighting.

2002 - June, Parliament passes new law making Albanian an official language.

2002 - September, Elections: Georgievski is voted out of office. Social Democrats under Branko Crvenkovski become largest party. Most ethnic Albanian voters back Democratic Union for Integration under former rebel fighter Ali Ahmeti.

2002 - September 8, Macedonian soldiers in Kabul

The Republic of Macedonia began its participation in the NATO-led ISAF operation in August 2002, with the allocation of two officers to the Turkish contingent. On 8 September, Independence Day of the Republic of Macedonia, the Macedonian flag was flown for the first time in Kabul. In March 2003, the Army of the Republic of Macedonia increased its contribution in the ISAF mission by sending one section from the 2nd Infantry Brigade as part of the German contingent. As a result of the successful execution of the

mission and the high marks received for participation in ISAF, from August 2004 until the end of 2006, the ARM participated with one mechanized infantry platoon from the Leopard unit. At the same time, in August 2005 medical personnel was sent in ISAF as part of the Combined Medical Team in the A3 format (Macedonia, Albania, Croatia), which successfully carried out tasks at the Kabul airport, firstly in the composition of the Greek Field Hospital, and later in the composition of the Czech Field Hospital.

2003 - March, EU takes over peacekeeping duties from NATO.

2003 - June, ARM participates in Iraqi Freedom Mission

With the political consensus of all political entities in the RM as well as the overall Macedonian public in terms of the support of the Coalition in the "fight against terrorism", the Republic of Macedonia took active participation by sending its units in the Iraqi Freedom Mission. Based on all legal authorizations, the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia adopted decisions for sending its units to the Iraqi Freedom Mission in the period between June 2003 and December 2008 for each mission separately every 6 months during the term of the mission. The Mission started by sending 2 officers in the US Central Command in Tampa, in March 2003. Upon the completion of the major combat operations, the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime, and the adoption of Resolution 1546 of the United Nations Security Council, in June 2003 on sending a special task platoon that executed the tasks as part of the 4th infantry division of the Multi-National Force Iraq. In 2008, our participation in the Iraqi Freedom Mission was increased by an additional platoon. A total of 11 rotations were conducted between June 2003 and December 2008. The eleventh rotation was the last, which completed our participation in the Iraqi Mission. The overall number of personnel that participated in this mission is 490.

In the execution of the mission, the soldiers and officers faced different challenges, threats and dangers resulting from their mission and profession. During the mission, the ARM representatives showed professionalism, a high level of training and readiness in the execution of the missions. With their dedication, courage, responsibility and patriotism shoulder to shoulder with the US

soldiers and the soldiers of the other coalition partners presented our homeland the Republic of Macedonia in a dignified manner and in the best possible light. The greatest confirmation of their success is the 120 medals presented by the US. Thus, we say that they are the best ambassadors of the country. The Army of the Republic of Macedonia gave its specific contribution by assisting in building strong credible democratic institutions and highly trained security forces in Iraq, forces which guarantee the future of their country as well as the stability and security in their environment and beyond.

2004 - February, President Boris Trajkovski killed

The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and President of the Republic of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski, was killed in a plane crash in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 27 February. He had been on his way to an investment conference in Mostar. The president was buried with the highest military honors.

2004 - March, Macedonia submits application to join EU

2004 - April, Branko Crvenkovski elected president

2004 - June, Parliament approves Kostov. Former interior minister, Hari Kostov, is approved for prime minister.

2004 - July, Thousands of Macedonians protest against proposals to redraw municipal borders and give minority ethnic Albanians more power in certain areas. The changes are required to further implementation of the 2001 Ohrid peace agreement.

2004 - August, Parliament approves legislation redrawing local boundaries and giving ethnic Albanians greater local autonomy in areas where they predominate.

2004 - November, Referendum by which Macedonian nationalists seek to force repeal of August legislation on local autonomy for Albanians fails because of low turnout.

2004 - November, Hari Kostov resigns as prime minister. Defense Minister Vlado Buckovski becomes leader of Social

Democratic Union. President Crvenkovski invites him to form government.

2005 - March, first local elections since municipal boundary changes in August 2004 pass off without major incident, although international observers report some irregularities and intimidation.

2005 - Albanians given right to fly Albanian flag

July 2005 - Parliament passes law giving Albanians the right to fly the Albanian flag in districts where they form the majority.

2005 - December, Macedonia candidate for EU membership

2006 - Nikola Gruevski leader VMRO-DPMNE party, asked to form a government after reaching coalition agreement with Democratic Party of Albanians and three small parties following general elections.

2006 - July 14, ARM in Bosnia

Macedonian army takes part in protecting Bosnia

On 14.07.2006 in the ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with one contingent in the operation “Bucephalus” for the first time in the history of the ARM, the Army Air Force (under the umbrella of JOC) also took part. The objectives of this operation were transportation of troops and VIP personnel, observation of airspace, particularly the border regions and providing assistance to the civilian structures in natural and other disasters.

2006 - November, NATO invited Macedonia to join the military alliance at its next summit in 2008.

2007 - February 18, Local elections are held

In regards to the Macedonians in Albania, at the local elections in Albania, held on February 18, 2007, a Macedonian from the party Macedonian Alliance for European Integration (MAEI) was, for the first time, elected as mayor. Edmond Temelko, a 36-year-old

veterinarian turned politician won the mayoral position in Prespa municipality, making him the first Macedonian elected in Albania.

2007 - May 16, Ljube Boskovski goes on trial at the international tribunal in the Hague charged with war crimes during the 2001 ethnic Albanian rebellion.

2007 - May 16, ARM officer in Lebanon

A staff officer from ARM took part in the mission UNIFIL in Lebanon

2008 - April, Greece blocks NATO invitation for Macedonia over objections to the country's name. Snap elections are called.

2008 - June, PM Gruevski's party wins elections, but violence leaves one dead and eight injured. Following criticism of voting irregularities, re-runs are held in ethnic Albanian areas to determine which of the two main ethnic Albanian parties will join the government.

2008 - October, Macedonia recognizes Kosovo, despite protests from Serbia.

2009 - January, Macedonia applies to International Court of Justice in the Hague for a ruling on its dispute with Greece over the country's name.

2009 - March, Gjorgje Ivanov emerges as candidate for Macedonia’s governing conservatives. He is a favourite for the presidency after the first-round of voting.

2009 - April, Gjorgje Ivanov wins presidential run-off, defeating his Social Democrat rival Ljubomir Frckoski.