Solidarity for Skopje remembered 50 years on
United Kingdom among the countries remembered in rebuilding Skopje which was devastated in 1963 earthquake.
Gratitude to the United Kingdom and British people for the support for rebuilding Skopje following the major 1963 earthquake.
The United Kingdom was among the countries given special appreciation during a ceremony to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Skopje earthquake. The ceremony paid tribute to the 1,070 people who lost their lives, the thousands injured and those who gave their time to rebuilding the City. Our Ambassador Christopher Yvon accepted a Letter of Gratitude from the Mayor of Skopje in acknowledgement of the British contribution in the aftermath of the earthquake. The Letter of Gratitude is addressed to the people of the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom Government, on behalf of the citizens of Skopje.
On the occasion of the anniversary Ambassador Christopher Yvon said:
The 26th of July is understandably engraved in people’s memories as one of the most tragic days in Macedonia’s history. It has been incredibly touching and often so saddening to hear people’s stories about that moment in time when lives, families, and the City of Skopje became torn apart. I am proud that Britain gave its help at a time of need.
On the morning of 26 July 2013, Ambassador Yvon laid flowers at the Butel Cemetery in Skopje to commemorate those who died in the earthquake.
International assistance following the earthquake led to Skopje being known as the ‘City of International Solidarity.’