The former Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia will establish its own currency today in an attempt to protect its war-torn economy, says President Kligorov.

The republic, which declared independence from Yugoslavia in September 1991, was taxed heavily to finance Serb-run army of Yugoslavia.

The joint currency, the dinar, "brought enormous inflation," Gligorov said while in Toronto yesterday.

"And this has transferred to us, the cost of the war, although we did not participate in it."

Gligorov arrived in Metro fresh from talks with U.S. Asst. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance in Washington, D.C.

"We were met with understanding," said Gligorov, speaking through a translator.

The 74-year-old president is trying to convince European and North American leaders to recognize his country as an independent state. 200,000 Macedonians

His visit to Toronto, is part of a four-city tour of North America.

While in town, Gligorov met with leaders of the city's 200,000-strong Macedonian community at the Ro