The credibility of the European Union in the case of Macedonia is at stake, says the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in an interview for the Slovak monthly magazine "Dimenzie". According to Ivanov, the decision of the European Council in June in relation to Macedonia was shameful, and the European Union shares solidarity with a Member State that requests from us unimaginable depersonalization, violating the right to self-identification and human dignity. Moreover, as indicated by President Ivanov, everyone behaves as if there is no judgment of the International Court of Justice.

"For these reasons, I believe that the credibility of the EU, in our case, is doubtful. I am convinced that it is in no one's interest to keep imposed obstacles in the process that creates common benefits. It is a fact that accession negotiations facilitate resolution of bilateral issues. This was proven in the case of Slovenia and Croatia. Macedonia and Greece, with the support of the Union, could follow and apply this positive example. In fact, this example provides additional credibility to our requirements and expectations. The negotiation process is needed by the Republic of Macedonia in order to meet all European standards as soon as possible and to create a climate in which citizens would feel secure and would have trust in the institutions", president Ivanov said for "Dimenzie".

Regardless of this precedent, as President Ivanov calls it, the European Union remains a strategic goal of the Republic of Macedonia.

"Let me remind you that the Republic of Macedonia is a candidate country for membership into the EU for already 8 years. We have received 4 recommendations to start membership negotiations. We are involved in the High-level Accession Dialogue, a process in which, unabated and responsibly, we accomplish all tasks and was positively assessed in the spring progress report of the European Commission. Unfortunately, the Macedonian EU integration path is unfairly burdened, due to the blockade imposed by our southern neighbor, because of the unresolved bilateral issue on the difference over the name. However, regardless of this, and I would say it a precedent, I would like to assure you that the EU is and will remain a strategic goal of the Republic of Macedonia, as long as we have the support of the citizens. The citizens have entrusted us with a mandate to attain that goal and it is our duty", says president Ivanov in the interview for "Dimenzie".

According to the Macedonian President, only by complying with the United Nations legal framework can the European integration processes of the country be unblocked.

"If Greece respects the agreements it has signed, if it respects the Interim Accord, the UN Security Council resolutions, and if it respects the judgment of the International Court of Justice, only than this issue can be resolved and Macedonia's integration will be unblocked. With the Interim Accord, Greece is obliged not to block Macedonia's membership in international organizations. On the contrary, Greece is literally blackmailing our EU accession with a change of the name of my country. The judgment of the International Court of Justice, indeed, clearly rejects all accusations by Greece and confirms the Macedonian policy correctness and constructiveness in the name talks. Hence, the solution can be found only if the international obligations are respected and with serious and constructive talks in line with the UN resolutions. Blockades, imposing additional requirements and stepping out of the framework of the talks is not helpful for the process. Our position is clear and we will not accept talks on identity issues. We are and we can not be anything else except Macedonians. The language we speak is Macedonian, too. That is the reality that Greece should accept as soon as possible", said president Ivanov. Despite the name issue, president Ivanov says, Macedonia and Greece have excellent economic cooperation.

President Ivanov in an interview speaks of the position of Macedonia in the Balkans and its importance for the stability and peace, for the relations with our neighbors, the regional cooperation. The Macedonian President believes that the process of joining NATO will end successfully.

„For Macedonia, the question is not whether, but when we will become a member of NATO. We need to continue to fight for what we deserve. Let me remind you, NATO enlargement means expanding the zone of stability and security. Indeed, every unfounded and irrational interference with the enlargement process is contrary to the collective and regional interests of NATO", says president Ivanov in the interview for "Dimenzie".