O 131820Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY SKOPJE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7954

UNCLAS SKOPJE 000015 
 
 
FOR DS/DSS/OSAC AND DS/IP/EUR FROM RSO 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT APER ASEC MK
SUBJECT: SKOPJE - ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL 
(OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT 
 
REF: 08 STATE 132056 
 
¶1. Embassy Skopje's Regional Security Office submits the 
following information for the 2008 Annual OSAC Crime and 
Safety Report. 
 
¶I.  OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION:  Macedonia is a 
generally safe country with a low crime rate compared to the 
United States.  Violence against foreigners is rare. 
However, theft is the primary crime perpetrated against 
Americans.  Residential crime has been on the rise in recent 
years, targeting homes of wealthy residents, foreigners and 
diplomats.  The primary safety hazard Americans face while in 
Macedonia is on the roadways.  Widespread reckless driving 
has contributed to one of the world's highest per capita 
fatality rates from motor vehicle accidents. 
 
II.  POLITICAL VIOLENCE:  Macedonia's political stability has 
markedly improved since the signing of the Framework 
Agreement that ended ethnically-based hostilities in 2001. 
The European Union's 2005 decision to grant Macedonia 
candidate status recognized the country's efforts to maintain 
peace and stability.  There are no specific terrorist threats 
against Americans.  Strikes and resulting roadblocks by 
citizens are not uncommon occurrences and should be avoided. 
 
III.  POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS:  Macedonia's location in a 
major earthquake region suggests the potential for natural 
disaster.  The last major earthquake, in 1963, resulted in 
significant property damage and loss of life.  Major flooding 
outside of the capital city of Skopje occurs regularly, 
especially in southern Macedonia.  Macedonia's rate of motor 
vehicle-related fatalities is one of the highest in the 
world.  This is due largely to the excessive speed of 
drivers, reckless driving habits, lack of seat belt use, and 
poor emergency medical response capabilities.  Drivers should 
drive very defensively and exercise situational awareness 
when behind the wheel. 
 
IV.  POLICE RESPONSE:  The police generally are responsive to 
requests for assistance from foreign crime victims.  Crime 
victims should contact their embassy for assistance. 
Foreigners detained by the police should do the same.  The 
emergency police number is 192, fire emergency is 193, and 
ambulance is 194. 
 
¶V.  MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:  Many Macedonian doctors are trained 
to Western standards.  However, medical and hospital 
facilities and clinics lack equipment and supplies.  While 
basic supplies are usually available, specialized treatment 
may not be.  Not all ambulances have life-saving or 
sustaining equipment, and most can only transport a patient 
to an emergency room.  Austrian Air Ambulance (43-1-40-44) 
and Tyrolean Air Ambulance (43-512-22-4-22), both based in 
Austria, can assist in a medical evacuation.  The City 
Hospital, located at 11 Oktomvri Street in Skopje, can be 
contacted at 389 (0)2 313-0311.  The Clinical Center is 
located on Vodnjanska Boulevard in Skopje and can be 
contacted at 289 (0)2 314-7147.  Remedika, a new private 
clinic that largely follows Western standards, located at 
16th Makedonska Brigada 18 in Skopje can be reached at 389 
(0)2 260-3100. 
 
VI. TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM:  The most common 
crime is pickpocketing and other crimes of opportunity, 
particularly in urban areas.  Groups of street children will, 
on occasion, surround a tourist to beg for money while 
simultaneously relieving the individual of his or her wallet 
or other valuables.  Americans rarely are the victims of 
violent crime.  Guns and ammunition are common throughout the 
country.  Organized crime groups occasionally engage in turf 
battles or revenge-type actions in bars and other public 
venues, which has resulted in some injuries to innocent 
bystanders.  During major holidays, unregulated fireworks and 
gunfire can be heard throughout cities and the countryside 
alike.  Credit card fraud is not uncommon in Macedonia. 
Credit cards can be used with relative security in larger 
Western-style establishments, such as hotels.  However, 
credit cards are not recommended for use at smaller 
restaurants and shops.  Valuables and credit cards should not 
be left unattended in hotel rooms or any other location. 
Doors and windows to hotel rooms and lodgings should be 
firmly secured when not in use.  ATMs generally are safe to 
use as long as standard personal security precautions are 
exercised.  There are many private security services and 
guard companies in Macedonia, many of which cater to bars, 
clubs, and cafes.  There are several larger, well-known guard 
companies used by foreign embassies and companies to provide 
quality security guard services. 
 
VII.  EMBASSY CONTACT INFORMATION:  The U.S. Embassy Skopje 
switchboard number is 389 (0)2 311-6180 (press 0 for the 
operator).  The Regional Security Office, Consular Section, 
and Commercial Section can be contacted through the 
switchboard number.  During non-business hours, this phone 
number rings through to Marine Security Guard Post 1.  In 
case of emergency, American citizens should call the 
switchboard number and the call will be routed to the 
appropriate office or duty officer.  At present, Macedonia 
does not have an OSAC Country Council, though there is a 
small American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) presence.  AMCHAM 
can be contacted at 389 (0)2 321-6714. 
 
VIII.  OSAC COUNTRY COUNCIL:  Post does not have an OSAC 
Country Council at this time. 
 
 
REEKER