PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. Congressional delegation visits Macedonia

November 20, 2006.

Congressman David Dreier (large photo)	Congressman David Price (large photo)	Congresswoman Lois Capps (large photo)	Congressman Earl Pomeroy (large photo)

A delegation from the United States House of Representatives Democracy Assistance Commission, led by Republican Chairman David Dreier (California) and Ranking Democratic Member David Price (North Carolina), arrived in Macedonia today for a three-day program with the National Assembly. The Commission's mission is to strengthen democratic institutions by assisting parliaments in emerging democracies. Central to the Commission's work is the provision of technical expertise to enhance accountability, transparency, legislative independence, and government oversight in foreign parliaments.

"It is a privilege for me to be here to work with my colleagues in the Macedonian parliament, sharing our experiences as legislators and working to strengthen the legislatures in both our countries," said Dreier. "Strengthening democratic institutions worldwide is a top priority for the U.S. House of Representatives, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the Macedonian parliament."
 
Price added, "We look forward to learning from the experiences of our colleagues in the Macedonian parliament, and hope to build a long-term relationship between our institutions than can cement the bond between our nations." 
 
While in Macedonia, the delegation will conduct parliamentary strengthening programs related to such topics as constituent relations, parliamentary rules and procedure, committee oversight and the use of information technology (IT) in the legislative process. The Commission also has made a donation of IT equipment to the National Assembly to help facilitate the functioning and transparency of the parliament.
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Ceremony Commemorates Computer Equipment Donation

November 22, 2006

Representative Dreier and Speaker Gjeorgjievski unveil commemorative plaque (photo album)

Representative Dreier: Thank you.  Good morning.  There obviously have been great contributions that have been made in both directions, and I would begin with saying “thank you” for Alexander the Great; that obviously is ancient history.  Based on the meetings that we have had over the past few days, I want to say “thank you” very much for inspiring us with the bold and dynamic and strong steps that the people of Macedonia are making towards democracy. On behalf of my colleague, Mr. Price, and my colleagues Ms. Capps and Mr. Pomeroy, I am very, very pleased and privileged that this small, but tangible, indication of the role of the twenty-first century in democracy building is exemplified by our contribution of this computer server.  We look forward to the utilization of this computer equipment for continued dialogue between the United States and the people of Macedonia. 

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