WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 14, 2008 - The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) today expressed its profound sorrow over the deaths of eleven (11) members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonian who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash minutes away from landing at the Alexander the Great International Airport near Skopje on January 11, 2008.  

Returning from successfully completing the European Union's peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Macedonian service members who lost their lives represent some of the finest people in the Macedonian Army.  Their participation in the EU's Bosnia Mission is a testament to the progress that the Republic of Macedonia has made since it gained its independence and demonstrates that Macedonia and its people are working to secure further stability and peace in the region.  The Republic of Macedonia and all Macedonians throughout the world should be proud of these brave souls for the sacrifices that they made for Macedonia and for regional peace and stability. 

On behalf of its members throughout the world, UMD extends condolences to the families of those Macedonian heroes who tragically lost their lives and hopes that these families draw solace from the tremendous contribution that their fallen loved ones made to Macedonia and to the greater cause of peace and freedom. 

God Rest the Souls of 

Toni Spasovski

Goran Ristovski

Brane Spasovski

Igor Djoreski

Slavco Vasilev

Toni Davitovski

Janko Shirikj

Miki Ivanovski

Aleksandar Taskovski

Aleksandar Vasikj

Zlatko Veljanovski

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