Anniversary of Macedonian Leader's Death Marked

Several activities are planned in the country to commemorate his death.

The international foundation "Boris Trajkovski" has organised several events, including an international leaders' forum on the topic "Facing Challenges - Value of Communication".

The event will bring together representatives from Macedonia, Kosovo, Albania, Germany, Norway, Belgium, representatives of the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and others.

Moreover, musical happenings, including a humanitarian concert titled "Talking Hands", will be held in the Army Hall on Friday evening. Performers will come from Macedonia, Norway and USA for the show.

Trajkovski died on February 26, 2004, when his jet slammed into a hill near the Mostar airport amid bad weather conditions. He was traveling to an international investment conference being held in the city.

The late president assumed office in 1999 as the second head of state since the country gained its independence from the former Yugoslav federation in the early 1990s.

He is remembered as a key figure in helping end the six month armed conflict in the country in 2001. The peace accord that envisaged granting greater rights to the country's ethnic Albanians, which was Trajkovski's initiative, ended the hostilities.

During his term the United States recognised the country under its formal name despite Greek opposition. He was also praised for bettering relations with China and Russia.