Meeting
with the new American Ambassador to Macedonia Lawrence Butler
Detroit, April 16, 2002. The American Ambassador Lawrence Butler met with representatives of Macedonian Immigrant associations. Dr. Vasil Babamov and Marjan Kochovski led the delegation of the Macedonian American Friendship Association. On behalf of the Association Dr. Babamov presented to Ambassador Butler a list of priority issues for the Macedonia, which also oriented the discussion.
Dr. Bababmov
pointed out that the events of the last year damaged Macedonian-American friendship
and expressed hope that the Ambassador will work towards strengthening and
deepening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The issues that were raised included: The State Department negative report on the Human Rights in Macedonia, the new duties for steel which apply to the Macedonian export to the US, and the recognition of Macedonia by its constitutional name. The ambassador said that he will particularly work towards better presentation of the Macedonian government in the State Department reports. In addition, the Ambassador stressed that his first priority would be to see Macedonia join the World Trade Organization, and expressed confidence that the problem with the name will be resolved by the end of the year.