At the margins of the NATO Summit in Chicago, President Ivanov also met Cameron, Holland, Aliyev, Orban, Klaus, Basesku, Grybauskaite,  Plevneliev and Berisha.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today asked U.S. President Barack Obama to further support the unblocking of Macedonia’s NATO integrations and help the process for overcoming the name issue.

In the short conversation with Obama at the margins of the NATO Summit in Chicago, President Ivanov appealed to the U.S. President to use his influence in order Greece to start participating in a responsible and constructive manner, and to act in line with the frame in which the talks are held, being also a precondition for a mutually acceptable solution.

The Macedonian President today also met briefly with the President of Bulgaria, Rosev Plevneliev, of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus, of Romania, Trajan Basesku, of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaite, as well as the Prime Ministers  of Great Britain and Albania, David Cameron and Sali Bersiha.

The talk with Cameron included highlights on the present status with the name talks with Greece, where President Ivanov stressed that Greece is neither discussing nor showing will to discuss for a longer period of time, and when it does it is usually out of the frame set. "Greece is not ready to respect the Interim Agreement, nor the ICJ ruling," President Ivanov said.

The British Prime Minister Cameron stressed that his country will do everything in their power to help.

During the NATO Summit in Chicago, President Gjorge Ivanov had brief meeting with the President of France, Francois Holland, of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, as well as with the Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban.

President Ivanov used the opportunity to congratulate personally President Holland for the election, expressing hope that in the period to come the bilateral relations and the cooperation between the two countries will further positively develop.

At the meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, President Ivanov expressed gratitude for the Hungarian support at the yesterday's meetings in frames of the Summit. Prime Minister Orban assured that Macedonia can count on Hungary's support both for NATO and for EU membership.

Shared readiness for advancement of bilateral relations and cooperation was also expressed during the meeting of President Ivanov with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, as well as mutual satisfaction of the forthcoming visit and participation of the Macedonian President at the Kran Montana Forum to be held in Baku.

With the blessing of the American-Canadian Metropolitan Methodius, today in the church “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Hinsdale, Chicago, USA, in presence of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov and the Defence Minister, Fatmir Besimi, a school was opened in which young people can learn the Macedonian language, culture, tradition and religion.

Complementing on this very important step, President Ivanov stressed that the opening of two new classrooms in the wake of the day celebrating the Macedonian educators Cyril and Methodius, among the other things, means that future generations can learn about everything that makes us very different, but very close and united with others.

”Young people should know that they originate from a country - Macedonia. Be proud and praiseworthy representatives of all generations who have left us the covenant to be Macedonians”, President Ivanov told the Macedonian Diaspora audience today in the church “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Hinsdale, Chicago.

The Head of State, during his stay in Chicago, met with representatives of the Albanian-American community in Chicago. The representatives of this community expressed appreciation for the given opportunity for that meeting, stating that it is an extraordinary opportunity for them to meet the highest ranking state official from the Republic of Macedonia.

This is their first meeting with a President of the Republic of Macedonia. The Albanian-American community was founded in 1903 and it includes nationals of the Republic of Macedonia and the United States with Albanian origin, activists who aim to help improve the situation in Macedonia in terms of politics and finances for all Macedonian citizens.

With the blessing of the American-Canadian Metropolitan Methodius, today in the church "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" in Hinsdale, Chicago, USA, in presence of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov and the Defence Minister, Fatmir Besimi, a school was opened in which young people can learn the Macedonian language, culture, tradition and religion.

Complementing on this very important step, President Ivanov stressed that the opening of two new classrooms in the wake of the day celebrating the Macedonian educators Cyril and Methodius, among the other things, means that future generations can learn about everything that makes us very different, but very close and united with others.

"Young people should know that they originate from a country - Macedonia. Be proud and praiseworthy representatives of all generations who have left us the covenant to be Macedonians", President Ivanov told the Macedonian Diaspora audience today in the church "Ss. Cyril and Methodius" in Hinsdale, Chicago.

The Head of State, during his stay in Chicago, met with representatives of the Albanian-American community in Chicago. The representatives of this community expressed appreciation for the given opportunity for that meeting, stating that it is an extraordinary opportunity for them to meet the highest ranking state official from the Republic of Macedonia.

This is their first meeting with a President of the Republic of Macedonia. The Albanian-American community was founded in 1903 and it includes nationals of the Republic of Macedonia and the United States with Albanian origin, activists who aim to help improve the situation in Macedonia in terms of politics and finances for all Macedonian citizens.

On the sidelines of the Summit, the Macedonian President held bilateral meetings with the President of Turkey, Abbdulah Gul, with the Slovenian Prime Minister, Janez Jansa. At the meeting, views and information were exchanged about the NATO summit and how the ICJ judgment can affect the issue of the Republic of Macedonia and the final conclusions. Turkish President Gul promised that, as before, during the summit also, and afterwards, Macedonia can count on unconditional support, and that Turkey will do everything in its capacity to help Macedonia.

Slovenian Prime Minister Jansa stressed that Slovenia absolutely understands the position and is aware of all the arguments of the Republic of Macedonia, and therefore, as before, Macedonia enjoys full support. Jansa reiterated that Macedonia can count on the support of Slovenia and the Summit and that within their capabilities they will advocate for proper evaluation of Macedonian expectations and arguments.

United with one wish – European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia, we went successfully through all challenges our homeland faced in the past and together, we shall overcome our current challenge – this was the message conveyed last night by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, at the gala dinner organized in his honor by the United Macedonian Disapora, on the margins of the NATO Summit held in Chicago these two days.

President Ivanov stated that the Republic of Macedonia fulfilled all criteria and rightfully expects to obtain its deserved membership in the NATO. So far, as he said, we were unable to realize this highest strategic goal due to an irrational reason.

”Greek blockage will not divert our focus from NATo partnership and the vision of a safer and more secure world for our children. Let us make Macedonia a country open to foreign investments, a country of advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and innovations. A country in which economic development and success are based on personal responsibility, professionalism and dedication to work. I want you to know that you are the reason why we are not giving up. Your success, enthusiasm and optimism for the future of Macedonia are motivating and obligatory. In spite of all challenges, we will continue to look for our rightful place in the European and Euro-Atlantic family of peoples, together with you”, underlined the President of the Republic of Macedonia.

He also mentioned the judgment of the International Court of Justice which, as he emphasized, urges for a new approach by all NATO Member States – an approach that implies respect of the judgment and international law. An approach meaning that NATO Member States should reconsider their positions regarding Macedonian membership in the NATO.

According to President Ivanov, there are two ways to realize this aim. The first one would be that Greece respects in a responsible manner the Interim Accord and the judgment, as it is expected from a NATO and EU Member State. The second one is to reach a mutually acceptable solution to a dispute we never wished for and was imposed to us.

"Regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to the realization of our strategic goals – NATO and EU membership, and until that happens, we shall continue investing all our efforts in reforming the Republic of Macedonia, implementing standards, values and criteria, because they are far more important to us then a membership card for the clubs we wish to belong to", emphasized the President in front of our Diaspora in Chicago. He expressed his conviction that these goals will be realized in a way that will not be detrimental to the identity, language, name, tradition and values of the country.

"The success of the Republic of Macedonia is to a large extent due to the dedication of successful emigrants around the world", said President Ivanov to the representatives of the Diaspora, who presented him with an award as recognition of his contribution to the development and progress of the Republic of Macedonia.

The Macedonian President also sent a message from Chicago to Greece, stating that Macedonia wishes to be more than a neighbor – to be a partner, an ally and a friend, so that we can build our present and future together.

"The Republic of Macedonia is a Balkan, European and global reality. This reality existed, exists and will exist. When it comes to our highest values such as identity, language, culture and Constitution, there is no wish or need to discuss. No one in this world has the right to oppose such values. They can only be recognized and respected" – stated President Ivanov, adding that we will never accept any blackmail or cede under ultimatums.

"For us, the issue has never been whether Macedonia will become a NATO member, but when. The sooner, the better. And until then, we will create our successful European and Euro-Atlantic future together. We will reach these aims. We will become members of the Eueopean Union and NATO. And we will continue to be who we are. There is no other option", President Ivanov said.

UMD also presented Turkey's Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu and Slovenian Prime Minister Mr. Janez Jansha, with the "Goce Delchev" medal.

The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that he accepts the decoration on behalf of 75 million Turks – friends of Macedonia. Mr. Davutoglu emphasized that Turkey will continue to defend the interests of the Republic of Macedonia and the right of Macedonian people to free choice everywhere in the world. He reiterated the position of Turkey that the Republic of Macedonia should become a member of the Alliance under its constitutional name.  Minister Davutoglu also stated that regardless of the developments in the international scene, Turkey will continue using the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia in the next century and even the next millennium, whereas the friendship between the two countries, as he said, will go on forever.

"Not only am I a great and sincere friend of Macedonia, but I also feel Macedonian", said Davutoglu in front of our Dispora, thus provoking strong emotions among those present. Emphasizing the extraordinarily close friendship with the Macedonian President, the Turkish Head of Diplomacy stated that Mr. Ivanov is not only a great statesman, but an even greater intellect.

During his stay in Chicago, the Head of State also had a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Mr. Abdula Gul, whereby they exchanged opinions and information on the NATO Summit and the modalities to use the Hague judgment and its possible effect on the Macedonian issue and the final conclusions of the Summit. President Ivanov underlined our arguments and expectations, whereas Turkish President Gul promised that, same as always, during the Summit and afterwards, Macedonia can count on the unconditional support and that Turkey will do its best to help Macedonia.

The Head of State also met Slovenian Prime Minister, Mr. janez Jansha, who stated that Slovenia absolutely understands the position and arguments of the Republic of Macedonia, and that Slovenia has supported and will continue to fully support Macedonia. Jansha confirmed that Macedonia can count on Slovenian support during this Summit and that they will urge for a fair valuation of Macedonian expectations and arguments to the best of their possibilities. The meeting was also an opportunity to exchange opinions on the Euro-Integration process of the Republic of Macedonia as well as the efforts and expectations for unblocking the integration process before the June EU Council meeting.

In the eve of the NATO Summit, the renowned Chicago Tribune published a column written by President Ivanov – "Macedonian Membership", in which he speaks of the reasons why Macedonia should become a fully fledged NATO Member State.

The Macedonian President will participate at the North Atlantic Council meeting dedicated to Afghanistan on Monday.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today met with Hans van Baalen, President of the Association of Liberal Parties worldwide and MEP.

President Ivanov noted at the meeting that in this crucial period before the European Council meeting in June and the NATO Summit in Chicago, the support of the EU and NATO member states, friends of Macedonia, is of utmost importance. The efforts of the Macedonian diplomacy in the past were aimed at promoting and valorization of the new reality after the ICJ ruling, in order to finally unblock Macedonia’s European integration processes.

The Republic of Macedonia, the President said, has long deserved an invitation to join NATO and a date for launching EU negotiations. The fact that the country is a candidate since 2005 with three consecutive recommendations from the European Commission for opening of negotiations, is the best indicator of successfully implemented reforms, the President said and added that the recent launch of the high-level accession dialogue is a bridge to, but not a substitute for the expected date for starting negotiations.

Both interlocutors agreed that the positive examples of parallel movement in the integration and overcoming the bilateral dispute, as was the case between Croatia and Slovenia, confirmed the functionality of that formula.

The Dutch Liberal Van Baalen expressed support for the strategic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia - EU and NATO membership, emphasizing also his strong commitment to the enlargement policy.

Common conclusion of the meeting was that the Republic of Macedonia and the Kingdom of Netherlands develop good bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in the sphere of tourism.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he discussed with the responsible Minister Nikola Popovski the strategic priorities of the Republic of Macedonia in the field of foreign policy, area they share common responsibilities.

During the visit which is traditionally held once in a year, President Ivanov was informed on the state of play in the region and the European Union, the upcoming Macedonian presidency with the South East Europe Cooperation Process in June. At the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the political directors issues requiring special attention were discussed, including the impact of the global economic crisis, which is also present in the region and in the country, and is reflected in the foreign policy.

”The cooperation established with the MFA is already delivering tangible results and therefore I expressed great appreciation both to the Minister and the Ministry for sharing common positions in all foreign policy activities and for harmonizing our views on issues that as a country we should have a unified position”, President Ivanov said.

Asked if they considered the possibility of redefining the ambassadorial composition, the head of state said that it is an ongoing activity as the mandates of some ambassadors are about to finish and others assume posts of diplomatic representatives of the country.

”It is a procedure that lasts for several months; it is known when the term of the ambassadors is over and when the procedure begins. As a responsible country we act according to the international standards and principles. The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Affairs prohibits mentioning any name before presenting credentials. All the names circulating in public can be considered still only as speculation, or maybe as personal announcements. Both I and the MFA always try not to reveal any name as long as there is a positive response from the receiving countries”, the President said.

With reference to current developments in the country and the announced protests related to the case "Monster" and the murder of five fishermen in Smiljkovci, President Ivanov stressed that it is your democratic right to protest, but one cannot express his position in such a form regarding the work of the courts.

"We should let the court to reach impartial decisions based on the laws", President Ivanov said.

He said that the competent institutions are carrying out their activities within their jurisdictions. At the same time he urged the protests to be held in an atmosphere of public decency.

"There are issues for which such revolt and anger cannot be demonstrated, including here the work of the court. The case of the monstrous murder should be given to the court to decide impartially, in accordance with the laws, as is the practice in every country when such an act occurs. Therefore, I appeal that everyone can express its position, but questions of our interest, when as a state and as a candidate for EU and NATO membership we must demonstrate seriousness and capacity, and deal with such problems institutionally", President Ivanov said, answering a journalist's question after today's visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, visited the village Chalakli in Valandovo and attended the opening ceremony of the traditional spring celebration festival Hid-Bach-Sent Fest.

The festival, held annually in early May, was established in 1992 and includes numerous activities - folklore, exhibitions of handicrafts and photographs, concerts, theater performances, traditional wrestling and soccer tournament.

This event, as part of the tradition of the Turkish people, is a celebration of spring holidays, at the same time promoting the Turkish culture and customs. The festival marks the holiday Hidrellez which celebrates the beginning of a new cycle in nature and its renewal, and it is a celebration of life, being the motto of the festival. Numerous artists and groups from Macedonia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece were part of the festival Hid-Bach.
 
Paying tribute to the Turkish culture and customs, the President stressed that the Republic of Macedonia is a homeland of many cultures which contribute with their uniqueness and characteristics to the country’s diverse cultural heritage. The Turkish population living in these areas for centuries is an inseparable part of the Macedonian tradition of coexistence and respect, contributing to the rich cultural color.