NORWEGIAN EMBASSY

The Norwegian Embassy in Skopje was established in the spring of 1999. It consists of two Norwegian diplomats and four locally employed Macedonian citizens. Norwegian assistance to the Republic of Macedonia amounted to around to around MKD 130 million, of which the USD 1,39 million went to the Central Securities Depositoru as grant, while around USD 1,34 million was contributed as credits.

For 2001 Norwegian assistance amounts to around MKD 154 million, mainly to infrastructure projects like for example the South Estern European University in Tetovo which received 1 mill. euro in support. Norway was also offered financial assistance to confidence building measures in connection with the current crisis situation in Macedonia. Other support mainly goes to smaller projects channelled through Norwegian organisitions and institutions. Some fund are also channelled through the Norwegian KFOR contingent in Macedonia, and though the Embassy’s small pot fund.

Criteria for the Embassy’s small pot fund is that the projects that are supported should contribute to reconciliation and cooperation, development of the legal state and chould in general support the principles for the assistance from the international community in the region.

The Embassy emphasises geographical distribution, that means projects spread all over the country. Fair distribution between various ethnic groups ia also emphasised. also special interest organisation of weaker groups in society may receive support. The Embassy especially supports projects in the field of HIV/Aids Prevention and Human Rights, other human rights related activities, activities related to anti-trafficking of women, Involvement of Women in Politics, and Local Government. Both dialogue/activities/seminar projects are supported as well as smaller infrastructure projects. As regerds dialogue and activities projects, efforts that bring tohether people from different ethnic groups are given priority. The Embassy cooperates with private organisations as weil as with central and local authorities concerning projects from the small pot fund. The whole allocation for year 2001 for such projects has, however, already been spent. The Embassy hopes to receive similar funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for small projects also next year.

MIA

Street: Londonska 6  City: 1000 Skopje  Country: R.Macedonia

Phone: (+) 389 2 3086 120;

Fax: (+) 389 2 3086 120 

Senior Selection e-mail: vesnamia@osi.net.mk