I just received this information from someone who has just returned from Macedonia. Our guys are not going to Disneyland, as you know. And I have become simply shameless, knowing that every time I ask, I have SOME chance of someone contributing $10, and every $10 makes the risk Dana and Dusty (and now Brad) are facing more worth it.
geocities.com
Quoting the info just received:
Hi Lisa,
I know all non-essential US staff have been told to leave Macedonia but I
also know several teachers and students have stayed on. There is little in
the way of active agression towards British and Americans in Skopje itself.
HOWEVER... in the areas around the Stankovic camp outside of Skopje there is
an area called Skopska Srna Gora (actually spelt "CRNA")which is a VERY
pro-Serbain area. It is highly dangerous. There have been clashes between
Albanians and Serb-Macedonians and there have been attacks on soldiers
around there.
While the atmosphere in most of Macedonia that I visited (Skopje and the
Dojran region in the south) seemed ok I would not like to suggest it is all
sweetness and light. There is a level of anti-NATO feeling which could go
bang at anytime. I don't think this is likely to be directed at the aid
workers but there might be some animosity towards the Albanians and those
associated with them by some parties. It would be wise to check with the
UNHCR in Skopje.
Do you know much about the organisation you are working with? Where are they
likely to be working?
If you go into Albania bear in mind that many Albanians are actually poorer
than some of the refugees are! There are also a few guns about. Don't take
risks in tense areas by making it too obvious you are a "rich" Westerner
with cameras and money (all Westerners are, by definition, "rich"). There
have been cases reported of journalists being robbed at gun-point.
From what I hear, the camps are not pretty (I was not involved with them but
I know people who were).
However, on the lighter side, Macedonia has a good communication system,
good roads (generally) and the water is drinkable. The toilets are of the
squat variety. I recommend a copy of "The Rough Guide" or something similar.
In the towns things are generally good, basically clean (but some toilets
are a trial for the angels!)and there are decent bars and eating facilities.
However, if you are in Muslim areas check that women can go into certain
areas or bars (common sense, really).
If you are in Skopje there are a couple of inter-net access areas USIS being
one and Soros being another, as well as an internet cafe near St Kliment
Cathederal.
The people are generally nice and friendly but it would be an idea not to
talk politics and the situation in strange areas.English and German are
widely spoken.
The diet is largely meat but salads are widely available.
Oh yes, there are some automatic bank machines in the bigger towns. Dollars
can be exchanged easily at exchange shops (about 54 denar to the dollar, I
think) Deutschmarks are also a decent (perhaps more advisable) option.
I hope this is of use.
Please be careful and let me know how things go.
Best Wishes,
x (I didn't ask his permission to use his name).
___________________________________
Raven
K_refugees@hotmail.com
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