Distinguished participants. It is my special pleasure to greet this prestigious forum which promotes peace, security and stability in Asia. I use this opportunity to congratulate Iraq and Vietnam for their full-fledged membership. I congratulate also the current chair, H.E. Nursultan Nazarbayev and I wish a successful work of H.E. Abdullah Gul, whose country takes over the helm of this important forum for confidence building measures.
There is a connection between peace, security and stability which is nowhere expressed better than between Asia and Europe, in the common Eurasian space. This connection can be seen in sharing the same values, as respect of territorial integrity of the states, peaceful settlement of disputes, as well as economic, social and cultural cooperation. All this contributes to building confidence, peace, security and stability in Europe and in Asia.
Respected. Although Macedonia is a European country, its model of inclusive democracy deserves to be heard and considered in Asia, too. The inclusive model of integration without assimilation, which today is a real challenge for many countries, in the Republic of Macedonia is a reality. In Macedonia, about 10 ethnic and national communities enjoy all rights and freedoms known today. We update and improve our model on a daily basis. Thus the Republic of Macedonia creates security and stability. It is the greatest strength of the Republic of Macedonia. However, I am convinced that the Macedonian inclusive model, built for centuries, is the model of the future.
That is our contribution to the regional and European security and stability. We believe that, consistently applied by all countries in the region, this model can bring lasting peace to the Balkans and wider in Europe and Eurasia. Therefore, we are ready to share with all, the Macedonian experiences and benefits.
Dear participants. The Macedonian model is one, but not a single investment we have provided in the processes and efforts of confidence building. Macedonian Chairmanship with the Council of Europe is our concrete contribution in this direction. We do this by promoting and strengthening the three fundamental values of the oldest European organization: human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Macedonia may contribute to the achievement of these three values by implementing the three goals we have specified during our presidency.
Strengthening the protection of human rights is our first priority. It is necessary to improve and consolidate the system of human rights at national and European level. To that end will certainly contribute the accession of the European Union to the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Macedonian Chairmanship, following the Interlaken process, will work on the reform which should ensure respect and implementation of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights by all signatory countries.
Respected. Macedonia is an example that cultural diversity is not an obstacle to the development and prosperity. On the contrary, it allows a peaceful coexistence built on mutual respect and tolerance. Quite naturally, the second priority of the Macedonian Chairmanship is to promote and improve the integration of the national minorities in the European societies, societies which are increasingly becoming multicultural. Hence is the need to support the inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue at national, regional and global level.
This is one of the reasons for organizing the Second World Conference on Dialogue among Religions and Civilizations in Ohrid, Macedonia. Following this important conference, in September, the Macedonian Chairmanship with the Council of Europe will organize an exchange of opinions regarding the religious dimension of the inter-cultural dialogue. This will be an excellent opportunity to hear opinions and draw conclusions from the World Conference.
Distinguished. The future remains to the young generations. We cannot build the future without their consent, without their vision and energy. Therefore, the third priority of the Macedonian Chairmanship is to initiate the "Ohrid process" which aims to facilitate exchange of views and experiences among young people from South-East Europe and beyond. In this way, we join the global celebration of 2010 as the "International Youth Year" declared by the UN General Assembly.
The implementation of these priorities involves joint efforts of Macedonia, the Swiss Confederation and Turkey, the current, former and future chairs of the Council, as well as Spain and Belgium, the chairs of the European Union this year. Also, we will closely cooperate with the United Nations and Kazakhstan, the OSCE chair this year. Together, we can contribute to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the European open space.
Dear participants. In our strategic goals we are guided by the understanding of peace, security and stability as related, indivisible categories. Therefore, we remain consistent and walk on the road to Euro-Atlantic integrations with dignity, with a responsible foreign and security policy. For Macedonia, the Euro-Atlantic alliance is not declarative. It is a real need both for us and for our partners. In this regard, we have our allies we are connected to with a sincere friendship. We will continue to work towards strengthening and deepening mutual trust and friendship.
Through our own example, we demonstrate our commitment to the three common values. However, we should all be aware that peace, security and stability are undoubtedly based on shared responsibility. Only then we will provide a real contribution to the measures of confidence. Only then we can build our common future in Europe, in Asia, and thus in the wider common Eurasian space.
Thank you
