Macedonian ambassador to the U.S. to visit Oct. 9-10

The Macedonian ambassador to the United States, Ljubica Z. Acevska, will visit Cornell through Oct. 10 to meet with faculty and students and discuss a variety of issues, among them human rights violations, international law and Macedonia's position in the international arena.

A former constituent republic of Yugoslavia, Macedonia declared its independence in 1991 and was admitted to the United Nations under a provisional name in 1993. A year later, both Russia and the United States formally recognized Macedonia, a nation of more than 2 million people.

Acevska, a graduate of Ohio State University, became the first ambassador of the Republic of Macedonia to the United States in 1995. In accepting the ambassador post, Acevska had to renounce her U.S. citizenship. Previously, she served as U.S. representative of Macedonia (1992-1995), during which time she served in the United Nations and was able to establish full diplomatic relations between the United States and Macedonia.

While at Cornell, Acevska will meet with President Hunter Rawlings, faculty members from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and representatives of the Cornell International Education Network. Her classroom appearances Oct. 9 include:

  • Public International Law, taught by Professor David Wippman, 11 a.m. in G-85 Myron Taylor Ha
  • Peace Studies seminar, 12:15 p.m., G-08 Uris Hall. The ambassador will speak on "The Position of Macedonia in the International Arena."
  • Seminar on the United Nations, led by Visiting Professor Muna B. Ndulo, 4 p.m., 277 Myron Taylor Hall. The seminar topic is "Treatment of Past Violations of Human Rights."

At approximately 5:55 p.m. in McGraw Tower, Acevska will watch and listen as Cornell Chimesmaster Jennifer Lory-Moran plays the Macedonian national anthem.

Acevska will leave for Washington, D.C., Oct. 10.