The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today decided not to place his signature on the Decree on the promulgation of the Law on ratification of the final settlement agreement on the differences described in resolutions 817 (1993) and 845 (1993) of the Security Council of the United Nations for the termination of validity of the 1995 interim accord, and for the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries.

In continuation, we are releasing the integral part of the President of the Republic of Macedonia's Letter to the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Carrying out the function President of the Republic of Macedonia, I always act responsibly and perform my rights and duties on the basis and within the framework of the Constitution, laws and interests of the Republic of Macedonia.

Therefore, on the basis of article 75 of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, I have decided not to sigh the decree on the promulgation of the Law of ratification of the final settlement agreement on the differences described in resolutions 817 (1993) and 845 (1993) of the Security Council of the United Nations for the termination of validity of the 1995 interim accord, and for the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries.

I have made my decision based on the following reasons:

1. I have no mandate to sign the Decree for promulgation of the Law of ratification of this agreement. One of the pillars of my politics in the electoral campaign in 2014 is that "I will not accept a change of Constitution for the eventual change of the constitutional name. I do not accept ideas of suggestions which will threaten the Macedonian national identity, especially of the Macedonian nation, Macedonian language, and the Macedonian model of coexistence." On the presidential elections, 534,910 citizens voted for my electoral program and chose me to carry out the function President of the Republic of Macedonia.

2. The agreement breaches the scope of the resolutions 817 (1993) and 845 (1993) of the Security Council of the United Nations, because they speak of a "difference over the name of the state" and not of "differences" as this agreement states.

3. The agreement does not have a constitutional basis and is not ratified in compliance with the Constitution. According to article 118 of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia international agreements which are ratified in compliance with the Constitution are part of the internal legal order.

4. The law for ratification of the agreement is not in compliance with article 51, article 118, and article 119 of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia.

5. The agreement brings the Republic of Macedonia in a position of subordination and dependence on another country, that is, the Republic of Greece. According to article 308 of the criminal code of the Republic of Macedonia, "A citizen who will bring the Republic of Macedonia in a position of subordination or dependence on another state, shall be punished with imprisonment if at least five years."
The legalization of this agreement creates legal consequences which are the basis for a crime.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

On the occasion of the great Muslim holiday Ramazan-bayram, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, congratulated the Head of the Islamic Religious Community in the Republic of Macedonia, Reis-ul-Ulema Hadzi Efendi Sulejman Rexhepi, the members of the Riyaset and all members of the Islamic faith in the Republic of Macedonia.

Distinguished Reis-ul-Ulema Hadzi Sulejman efendi Rexhepi,

Let me congratulate you personally, the members of the Riyaset, mufti, imams and all citizens of the Islamic faith in the Republic of Macedonia the holiday of Ramadan-bayram.

Ramadan is a time of fasting, solidarity, kindness and forgiveness. These moments are a reminder of the basic human values, a reminder that we should help each other and refrain from bad thoughts, while tolerance should be a bridge between all citizens in our country.

Macedonia has always been an example of coexistence, respect and understanding. Let me call on this day for understanding and unity because only together, honest and united will we be able to create deeds the future generations would be proud of.

In the spirit of the feast, I wish you all personal happiness and spiritual peace! May all the members of the Islamic faith in the country have well-being, love and prosperity!

Eid Mubarak!

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Mr. Jacek Multanowski, on a farewell meeting.

At the meeting, views were exchanged on the current situation in both countries, on the developments on regional and global level, as well as on the key challenges the countries face in overcoming the current situation.

The bilateral relations between the two countries are friendly and see continuous positive development, assessed the interlocutors.

The Macedonian President expressed gratitude for the support that the Republic of Poland gives to the Republic of Macedonia in achieving the highest strategic goals, full membership in the European Union and NATO.

Regarding the further cooperation, President Ivanov stressed the interest and readiness to intensify and promote the overall relations with the Republic of Poland, with an emphasis on trade and economic cooperation.

Ambassador Multanowski expressed his gratitude for the hospitality during his term, expressing satisfaction with the performance of his diplomatic duty in the Republic of Macedonia.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the professional engagement of Ambassador Multanowski and his contribution to the successful development of friendly relations and cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Poland, wishing him further success on a personal and professional level.

The Cabinet of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, assessed that yesterday's statement by the President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Zoran Zaev, given in "Top Tema" TV show that the possible rejection of the agreement with Greece would jeopardize the perspectives of the Republic of Macedonia for joining the EU and NATO and increase the internal threats is a desperate attempt to manipulate the public and mislead the Macedonian citizens in anticipation of a possible referendum.

The strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia for membership in the European Union and NATO are clearly defined and unchanged. Preserving the constitutional name and finding a solution that will not cause constitutional changes is in no way directed against the integration of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union and NATO. The conclusion of an international agreement contained in one or more interlinked documents shall be in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, and not foresee its amendment.

Regarding the call of Prime Minister Zaev to support the possible agreement by all political actors, President Ivanov once again indicates that a broad national consensus is needed for finding a solution that will not violate the dignity of the Macedonian people and citizens.

President Ivanov believes that it is not serious and irresponsible the name issue, which is an extremely important issue for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, including the imposed technical requirements, to be solved by a telephone and in a personal agreement between the prime ministers of the two countries.