The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, visited today the municipality of Novaci and met with the Mayor, Lazar Kotevski, with the Council members and with the members of the municipality’s Economic and Social Council, as well as with the management of REK “Bitola”.

The Head of State was informed by Mayor Kotevski of the accelerated economic development of the municipality Novaci, the new investment and the international cooperation of the local government in several areas.

“Novaci, with the exploitation of the resources, has becomes an example of successful development of a municipality. This region has the highest number of sunny days per year and that is yet another potential to be utilized. Although it is a time of global crisis, however, at local level, everyone that wants to achieve something, there is nothing that can stop him. Also, can ethno-tourism be developed here, as foreign tourists would prefer to experience the way of living in the past, to find peace and tranquility in many areas within this municipality”, President Ivanov said.

He visited today the family of Nikola Veljanovski, a farmer from Novaci, who is one of the biggest corn, wheat and sunflower producers. The Family Veljanovski, who opened their home for the President, continually invested in new equipment and agricultural machines, which each year contributes to increased production. The President expressed confidence that the example of success achieved by the family Veljanovski will be followed by other families in the municipality.

President Ivanov visited the largest thermal power plant in the Republic of Macedonia, REK "Bitola" and the coal mine "Suvodol" and was informed by the management of the investment activities in the mine and in the thermal power plant.

"I was informed at the energy giant REK "Bitola" of everything that has been done so far in the thermal power plant and in the mine, as well as with the possibility for even greater exploitation, because the vast quantity of electricity the Republic of Macedonia receives from REK "Bitola". This influences our development, because if there is no long-term energy supply, it will not be possible to plan the development of our country", President Ivanov said.

During today's visit of the municipality Novaci, the President visited the monastery "Mala Bogorodica" and was welcomed by the Prespa and Pelagonia Metropolitan Peter, and in the monastery "Sv. Gjogija" laid flowers at the tomb of the Macedonian revolutionary, Gjorgji Sugarev.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorghe Ivanov, today visited the Skopje municipality of Aerodrom, a municipality that is significantly investing in urbanization, but also in environment. At the meeting with the Mayor of the municipality Aerodrom, Ivica Konevski, the President was informed on the ongoing and planned projects and programs the municipality intensively works on, including the projects in the areas of culture, sport and particularly education.

As part of the visit of the Municipality, President Ivanov attended the opening ceremony of the “Park of lakes” along the River Vardar quay, enriched with architectural, ground and horticultural areas.

President Ivanov said that the park will allow citizens in peace and tranquility to enjoy and recreate utilizing the benefits offered by that area.

“Congratulations for everything done, for this venture which is an example what kind of attitude others should have towards nature. Indeed, this is a remarkable project”, the Head of State said, adding that everything that is of citizens’ interest should be jointly supported.

This is a municipality with great potential, yet, there are further development opportunities, which require initiative, implementation, and partnership relation from other institutions, the President said.

In the context of regional developments, when asked to comment the election results in Greece and whether there is a space to discuss the name issue now, President Ivanov stressed that he is closely monitoring the developments in our neighboring country.

"We all know elections have finished and the results are here. We expect what all others expect from Greece - responsible behavior over assumed obligations. Greece has commitments towards us through the Interim Accord, the United Nations framework and the judgment of the International Court of Justice in The Hague. If Greece has a responsible conduct, it is possible to reach a solution. Failure to act responsibly would delay the process and they will only seek for excuses", President Ivanov said.

Commenting whether he expects responsible behavior from Andonis Samaras, the leader of New Democracy, the party that won the elections in Greece, the Head of the Macedonian State stressed that given his biography, general and political life, everything is possible.

During the visit of the Municipality of Aerodrom, the President visited the retirement home "Jane Sandanski" and had the opportunity to be informed in person by the pensioners on the living conditions in the retirement homes, and to hear their improvement initiatives.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today on the sidelines of the Summit of Heads of State/Government of the South East Europe Cooperation Process, held several bilateral meetings.

At the meeting with the OSCE Secretary General, Lamberto Zannier, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the cooperation of the OSCE with relevant institutions in the Republic of Macedonia and noted that its commitment and support given to the Macedonian authorities is highly appreciated, especially in the field of the rule of law, electoral law, police, judiciary, and in promoting inter-ethnic relations. The interlocutors exchanged views on current developments in Macedonia and strongly condemned the murder of five people near Smilkovci. The OSCE Secretary General asked about the progress in the name issue and about the atmosphere in Macedonia after the NATO Summit in Chicago. The meeting discussed the progress in the field of media and the decriminalization of slander was welcomed whereas OSCE offered support for further improvements and reforms in this area. Among other things, the OSCE Secretary General Zannier expressed interest in the interethnic relations in the Republic of Macedonia.

President Ivanov had a bilateral meeting with his Moldovan counterpart, President Nicolae Timofti. That was a first meeting of the Macedonian President with the President-elect of Moldova. Congratulating him the election, President Ivanov stressed that Macedonia's interest is to intensify the cooperation with Moldova in the field of economy, agriculture, education and science, but also environmental protection. At the meeting mutual support was expressed in the field of European and Euro-Atlantic integration as strategic commitments of both countries. Both interlocutors welcomed the fact that between Macedonia and Moldova there are no outstanding issues and concluded that intensified political dialogue and more bilateral visits are needed.

President Ivanov, on the sidelines of the Summit, met for the first time bilaterally his Bulgarian counterpart, Rosen Plevneliev. The meeting passed in an extremely constructive and friendly atmosphere, with focus on economy and infrastructure.  President Ivanov stressed the need for greater focus on economic projects, investment, infrastructure, joint ventures for utilizing the EU funds and cross-border cooperation. At the meeting, interest was expressed in deepening bilateral relations in all spheres, and the need to intensify political dialogue, something that requires mutual engagement and frequent meetings at all levels. In that context, the expectation of the Macedonian President is that very soon there will be an official visit at the highest level. President Ivanov invited President Plevneliev to attend the cultural event Ohrid Summer Festival. Exactly concrete projects of regional interest will be the focus of Macedonia as a country, future host of UNESCO and the SEECP Summit, President Ivanov said.

In terms of differences on certain issues, the Macedonian President pointed out that Macedonia remains committed to good neighborly relations and is also committed through an open dialogue with Bulgaria to seek solutions and resolve differences that have their roots in the past. President Plevneliev said that Bulgaria will continue to support Macedonia's EU integration.

The importance of regional cooperation, its intensification in all spheres of mutual interest and the need for further investment in the development of the region were key topics at the meeting of President Ivanov and the Serbian President-elect, Tomislav Nikolic. He congratulated his Serbian counterpart on the election and wished him success in the office. Ivanov expressed readiness to continue close cooperation on political, economic, cultural and European integration level, but also in terms of continuing the practice of close relationships and personal contacts established with his predecessor, Boris Tadic.

Regarding the issue of Kosovo and the Macedonian and Serbian Orthodox Churches, President Ivanov called upon the 2009 joint communiqué, noting that there are differences, which must not be an obstacle for development and deepening of relations between these two friendly countries, and generally the common interests for stabilization and prosperity of the region. Among other things, the Macedonian President expressed gratitude that for the first time in history, an MP from the Macedonian community in Serbia will be seated in the Serbian Parliament.

During his visit to the Republic of Serbia, President Gjorge Ivanov in Belgrade had a meeting with representatives of the Macedonian Diaspora.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today participated in a blood donation action in Kumanovo, held on the occasion of the World Blood Donation Day under the motto “Every blood donor is a hero”. Blood donation campaign is under the auspices of President Ivanov, organized by the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia and the municipal organization of the Red Cross in Kumanovo.

Appreciation to President Ivanov who agreed to be the patron of the event which aims to promote and honor those who have donated blood more than a hundred times was expressed by the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia. It is a great honor that the President demonstrates his appreciative attitude by donating blood, said the secretary of the municipal organization of the Red Cross, Ile Mitkovski.

The most successful blood donor Strashko Kocevski from Kumanovo who has donated blood 124 times so far, received a present and a presidential wine by President Ivanov. I first donated blood when I was in high school. I will donate blood as long as I am fine. The act of donating blood is motivating for every blood donor, Kocevski said.

Today’s event was attended by blood donors from several cities of the country who showed their humanity. The World Blood Donation Day is celebrated according to the program for organizing and promoting blood donation in the Republic of Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, presented the “Engineering Ring 2012” award to the best 12 graduated students of engineering faculties today in front of St. Clement Church - St. Panteleimon at Plaosnik in Ohrid.

The number of young people who decide to continue their education at technical faculties from year to year is increased, President Ivanov said. By opening new faculties and with the increasing number of students new perspectives have been opened for technical sciences. Recent years have witnessed intense technological development. It is in technical and natural sciences, architecture, engineering, electronics and mechanics that we can witness the achievements and progress of mankind. Thanks to the progress and rapid communication, the world is open to ideas, inventions, creativity and knowledge, President Ivanov said.

Macedonia, the President added, as a relatively small country with limited economic capacity must actively work on appropriate educational and economic policies. Macedonian smart people are needed, they are successful worldwide. Through them we are part of the world’s knowledge, that needs to be returned and used for the sake of our country, President Ivanov stressed. The future of the best students should be in the Republic of Macedonia. For that purpose we should provide respectable institutions, companies, centers where young people can express their knowledge and qualities, the President emphasized. Human resources, he stressed, are a key factor for a richer and more prosperous Republic of Macedonia and we need to invest in them constantly.

The awarded students said that the award is a privilege and an incentive to continue to work hard for greater successes. The future of an engineer with quality predispositions, Bojan Pelivanovski, Civil Engineering graduate, sees not only in meeting the engineering tasks, but in a person ready to launch new businesses. The desire is primarily to help Macedonia, but it does not mean that if we work outside its borders we will not be able to help the state, Pelivanovski said.

The traditional ceremony of awarding the “Engineering Ring” is held for the ninth consecutive time, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, the Engineering Institution of Macedonia and the Chamber of Authorized Architects and Authorized Engineers. It is a motivation to study engineering and contribution to the development of quality engineering students, compatible with the ones of the developed countries.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, along with the U.S. Ambassador, Paul Wohlers, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Tetovo, Sadi Bexheti, with children from six municipalities in Macedonia, from Tetovo, Prilep, Vrapciste, Suto Orizari, Staro Nagorichane and Centre – Skopje, presented the project “Sport as factor for tolerance, unity and respect”.

The event started in front of the Painted Mosque in Tetovo, where the dignitaries and the children were informed by the Tetovo Mufti about Islam, and heard historical data related to the mosque. Afterwards, children went along the Ilinden Boulevard to the city square and played football.

This is the fifth place we have visited as part of this activity. We have started with the Painted Mosque, being the major landmark of Tetovo, and children could learn more about Islam, because in Skopje we visited the Cathedral where they were informed about Christianity. Thus they become acquainted that Macedonia is not only a multi-ethnic, but multi-confessional and multi-linguistic country. Sport and respecting rules in sports and in life is a certain guarantee of success. Thus, young people can get to know each other and with such an attitude to continue their life and work, President Ivanov said.

Ambassador Wohlers said it was a great pleasure for him to see all children participate in sport activities. Sport is enjoyed by all children; they learn about each other, how to comply with children of different ethnic background. Macedonia is a very rich mosaic which makes it a really very special place. I hope that children will share experiences gained with the visits to the churches and mosques with their families and friends, Ambassador Wohlers said.

The Mayor of the municipality of Tetovo, Sadi Bexheti, said that they want to send a clear message that Macedonia is a country that respects all nationalities, especially after the recent events. We as Albanians in Tetovo and I as Mayor supports coexistence and we want children to enjoy today, Bexheti added.

Within today’s visit to Tetovo, President Ivanov visited the house of one person from Tetovo-a collector of gramophone records, and met with many citizens in the People’s Office of the President in Tetovo.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov, at the upcoming UEFA Euro Championship that begins today in Poland and Ukraine, although a big fan of English football will cheer for a country of the region we consistently receive support from. I wish I could cheer for our team at the UEFA Euro, but it unfortunately it does not participate in this championship. I am a fan of English football, but this time I will cheer for a country of the region, the friendliest and the biggest supporter of my country. There are two countries of the region, but one is especially supportive. I will cheer for that country, President Ivanov said.