WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 17, 2008 - With great sorrow, the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) learned that former Prime Minister Nikola Kljusev, the first prime minister of the Republic of Macedonia, passed away on January 16, 2008. 

Prime Minister Kljusev had the courage and wisdom to lead the Republic of Macedonia from 1990 to 1992 through its declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia on September 8, 1991 and in the difficult times immediately following; his leadership was instrumental in making Macedonia the only nation to peacefully emerge from the former Yugoslavia.

Prime Minister Kljusev demonstrated his commitment to democracy by leading efforts to shape the first Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, guiding the newly independent Macedonia through its first free elections, and insuring an orderly transition from himself to his successor.  Prime Minister Kljusev’s leadership set the Republic of Macedonia on a course of freedom for which the Republic of Macedonia, all of its citizens, and Macedonians around the world will forever be indebted to him.

Following his tenure as the head of Macedonia’s government, Prime Minister Kljusev returned to government service as the Minister of Defense from 1998 – 2000.  Born in Shtip in 1927, Prime Minister Kljusev obtained his undergraduate and doctoral degrees in economics from the University of Belgrade in 1953 and 1964 and was a member of the Macedonian Academy of Arts and Science (MANU).  Prior to his passing, Prime Minister Kljusev was a researcher and director of the Economics Institute in Skopje and a professor and dean of the Economics Faculty in Skopje. 

UMD members and leaders met with Prime Minister Kljusev during his travels and were impressed with his support for the advancement of the ties between the Macedonian Diaspora and Macedonia.

UMD expresses its condolences to the members of Prime Minister Kljusev’s family and hopes that they find comfort in the success and achievements that this great Macedonian achieved in his lifetime and in the immeasurable impact that his contributions have had and are having on Macedonian history. 

All citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and Macedonians around the world should take great pride in Prime Minister Kljusev’s commitment to freedom and democracy and in his leadership, both of which allowed the long-awaited dream of a free and independent Macedonian state to become realized.

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