MACEDONIA: PM GRUEVSKI REQUEST FOR A WHITE HOUSE

UNCLAS SKOPJE 000017 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/SCE PFEUFFER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MK SUBJECT: MACEDONIA: PM GRUEVSKI REQUEST FOR A WHITE HOUSE MEETING IN MARCH ¶1. (U) This message contains a recommendation and action request in para 4. ¶2. (SBU) In a January 11 meeting with the Ambassador (septel),FM Milososki officially requested USG support for a visit by PM Gruevski to Washington in March to meet with President Bush. ¶3. (SBU) During the visit, PM Gruevski would like to highlight Macedonia's troop contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gruevski also would use a visit to promote investment in Macedonia. Milososki said the GOM is in contact with a number of Washington-based "friends of Macedonia" who would help organize an economic forum during the Prime Minister's visit. ¶4. (SBU) RECOMMENDATION AND ACTION REQUEST: We strongly recommend a positive reply to PM Gruevski's request for a visit and meeting with President Bush in March. In addition to highlighting Macedonia's continued strong support for our goals in Iraq and Afghanistan, the visit would give the President and Gruevski a chance to discuss the progress Macedonia has made in meeting NATO membership requirements in the run-up to the Bucharest Summit. Macedonia's supportive role in Kosovo would be another timely topic. MILOVANOVIC