The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today paid a working visit to the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.

The President expressed satisfaction with the presented results, which, according to him, demonstrate that the general image of Macedonia’s economy is stable. The assessment of the banking sector is that it is relatively resistant, with a capacity to sustain major consequences of the crisis in the Euro-zone.

“We were presented last year’s data and it can be concluded that the general image of Macedonia’s economy is stable. Deficit and foreign debt general trends were presented, which make Macedonia an example in the region and beyond, regardless of the latest developments in the EU. The Denar remains stable, as well as the banking sector, as it was shown in the stress test simulations. We should be satisfied with the general state of play in the sphere of economy, where indicators show that we will have growth of three percents, which is perhaps modest, but in such conditions, it is still an indicator that speaks of our expectations and awakening of optimism”, President Ivanov said, adding that the policy led by the National Bank is commendable.

Governor Dimitar Bogov stressed that Macedonia’s banking system is relatively resistant and can sustain, without major consequences, the blows from the crisis in the Euro-zone and will do everything to minimize the negative effects of the crisis in the Euro-zone.

Regarding the drop of the Euro against the Dollar and the possible impact on Macedonia’s currency, the Governor noted that the Denar is stable and that the ratio Denar - Euro will also remain stable.

Asked about the expectations of the new round of talks between the UN mediator Matthew Nimetz and the representatives of both countries, Zoran Jolevski and Adamatios Vassilakis, which will be held today and tomorrow in New York, President Ivanov said that Macedonia is playing a constructive role in the process of finding solution to the name issue and expects the same from Greece.

"We are constructive in this process and our representative has all the instructions and information that we as state officials have determined. We remain consistent in the process, demonstrating our constructiveness, and we expect the other side to do the same", President Ivanov said.

President Ivanov said that although there may be a different perception among the public concerning the talks because of the deadlock, the process should be seen in its entirety.

Within today's visit to the National Bank, President Ivanov visited the museum exhibition "Macedonia, Money and History", which contains numismatic collection of about 20,000 specimens of coins, medals and modern banknotes.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, yesterday, in the City of Consuls - Bitola hosted a reception for the diplomatic corps accredited for the Republic of Macedonia for the first time outside the capital and announced a new practice related to the traditional New Year’s reception.

Extending his gratitude for the international support that Macedonia receives, Ivanov expressed his expectation that 2012 will be the year that will move the status quo in terms of integrations of the country.

”The judgment of the International Court of Justice is final and mandatory. It can not and must not be considered as an advisory opinion and be improperly evaluated. The judgment and the Interim Accord are a chance for our neighbor, for all of us, for the region”, President Ivanov said in his address to the diplomats.

Stressing that States have a moral obligation to respect international law, the President expressed his expectation Greece to support Macedonia’s integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures.

On behalf of the diplomatic corps, the Dean, the Slovenian Ambassador Alain Brian Bergant, addressed the present and stressed that it is of great importance for stability of the country to continue developing multiethnic society for equal citizens with equal possibilities.

Report of the European Commission is a roadmap where to focus your attention in the reforms, especially in the economic sphere with new foreign investments that will contribute to the economic growth, increase employment and subsequently improve the living standard of all citizens, Ambassador Bergant said.

Following last-night's New Year's reception in Bitola, the representatives of the diplomatic corps and President Ivanov went today to Pelister, where they were welcomed by the host, the Mayor of Bitola Vladimir Taleski. With mountain tea and hot spirits in the Pelister Info Center, the foreign diplomats listened to the brief history of Bitola, the specificities and beauties of Pelister, as well as the investment opportunities in the City of Consuls.

"After 20 years we have decided to change the tradition and this year, the New Year's reception to be organized in a little different manner. This time we have presented to the ambassadors Macedonia in a slightly different light. The Ambassadors will take this experience to their home countries, and tourists will come from their countries here", President Ivanov said.

"We had a working meeting with the diplomatic corps, and we presented all our projects - a good opportunity to promote our potential", the Mayor of Bitola, Vladimir Taleski, said.

The visit continued to the ski center, and hence to the place called "Nightingale's Rock" where the diplomats were informed of the history of the locality and the unique type of pine called Molika. Common to all was the admiration with the decision of the Macedonian President, the New Year's receptions to be organized in different cities in Macedonia. The Diplomats finished their stay in Bitola with a lunch at the Hotel Molika, tasting traditional dishes, quality Macedonian wine and brandy.

Numerous foreign statesmen, current and former presidents, heads of international organizations, ministers and ambassadors sent letters of condolences on the occasion of the death of the former Macedonian President Kiro Gligorov to the President, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, to Gligorov’s family and to the entire Macedonian nation.

The President of the United States, Barack Obama, extended his deepest condolences to the family and to the citizens of Macedonia. “President Gligorov led his young nation through difficult times with honor and distinction. He was a man of principle and of peace, and he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service”, President Obama states in the letter sent to President Ivanov.

The U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent a letter in which she states that she was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kiro Gligorov, the first president of the independent Republic of Macedonia. “He was a patriot and true statesman. His commitment to Macedonia’s independence led to a peaceful transition in 1990-1991, and his steady leadership provided inspiration while Macedonia overcame enormous hardships. President Gligorov was a friend to the United States and a leader who had a vision for his country that still serves as an example for Macedonia and the region. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all the citizens of Macedonia”, says the Secretary of State Clinton in her condolence letter.

“The name of the late President was a symbol of Macedonia that he led to independence. Austria lost a friend who was particularly committed to developing excellent relations between our two countries”, says the Austrian Federal President, Dr. Heinz Fisher.

Words of condolence arrived from the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano: “In the spirit of the great and sincere friendship that links our two countries, and in memory of the commitment of Kiro Gligorov as first President of independent Macedonia - which he managed to keep away from the terrible violence that happened in former Yugoslavia – on my behalf and on behalf of the Italian people, please, accept the deepest condolences”.

Expressions of deep reverence and regret came from the President of Romania, Traian Basescu, who among other things for President Gligorov said: “An outstanding figure in recent history, Mr. Kiro Gligorov left a trace in the history of your country, and of the South East Europe, becoming recognizable figure internationally in the struggle for political independence”.

Expressions of sincere condolence were sent by the Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski: “During the time of his service, President Gligorov made important contribution in building of the statehood of Republic of Macedonia. On the occasion of the painful and hard loss, we sympathize with you Mr. President, with the family and the people of Macedonia.”

Vaclav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, in his letter expresses deep regret for the death of the former Macedonian President: “I am glad that I had the opportunity to know President Gligorov personally and of the possibility to be his host in February 2006 in the Prague Castle. We lost with him a remarkable figure from the Macedonian political life and I am confident that his legacy and hard work will never fall into oblivion”.

The Spanish King Juan Carlos sent a message conveying expressions of deepest sympathy on his behalf, on behalf of the Government and the people of Spain.

The President of the People’s Republic of China, Hu Jintao, also sent a letter of condolence which states: “Kiro Gligorov was an outstanding statesman who made unremitting efforts to the economic and social development of Macedonia and peace and stability of the region. He was persistent and greatly contributed to the China-Macedonia friendship and cooperation”.

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadic, also sent a letter: “I extend my deepest condolences to you and to the people of Macedonia on the occasion of the death of President Gligorov”.

The Bulgarian President, Georgi Parvanov, in his letter with expressions of condolences, states that Gligorov’s efforts and activities as President of the Republic of Macedonia, were dedicated to the building and strengthening of your state: “Mr. Gligorov contributed in a significant way for the development of the relations between Macedonia and Bulgaria. He was one of the founders of the Balkan Political Club – a forum that consolidates the political continuity of the dialogue on South East Europe”.

“He was a brilliant politician and statesmen. His ideas were constructive, and were methodically implemented, with tact and patience of a man who knows he is right. At the time of the tragic denouement of Yugoslavia, Gligorov was the strong voice of reason and peace. President Gligorov was a great friend of Montenegro, always greeted with friendship and respect. We remain grateful to the successes and efforts to preserve and strengthen friendship and cooperation between our two countries and peoples”, states the letter sent by the President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic.

Condolence letter arrived also by the President of the Republic of Albania, Bamir Topi: “I would like to emphasize the important role he had as a key political figure in the political and social life in Macedonia. Mr. President, I would humbly ask you to accept the sincere solidarity of the Albanian people in such difficult moments”.

The President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, in the letter states that the death of the first president of pluralistic and democratic Republic of Macedonia, most deserving for the peaceful transition to democracy, is a great loss for the Macedonian people and Macedonian institutions.

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, expressed his deepest condolences, stating that: “President Gligorov will be remembered as a leader who secured a democratic transition for his country and profoundly understood the importance of regional cooperation based upon good neighborly relations to the benefit of peace, security and stability in South-Eastern Europe.”

Ivo Josipovic, President of the Republic of Croatia, immediately after the sad news was released, sent a letter which states: “The name of President Gligorov will forever be remembered for his tenacious struggle for human rights, freedom and democracy. President Gligorov’s exceptional contribution in all fields of his political activity, particularly in the democratic reforms and peaceful transformation of the Macedonian society will leave a deep and lasting trace in recent Macedonian history”.

The Slovenian President Danilo Turk, in his letter says that Kiro Gligorov was a man of peace who contributed with his activities in solving the problems in Southeast Europe and strengthening of international peace and security. “The international community will remember Mr. Gligorov as a wise statesman who peacefully led the Republic of Macedonia in independence, democracy and market economy, through his political, scientific and journalistic work”.

“We have lost not only a far-seeing politician and respected statesman, but also an outstanding personality of modern history of your country, who fundamentally contributed to the establishment of the Macedonian statehood in a peaceful, constitutional way”, is written in the letter of the President of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Gasparovic.

Sincere condolences to President Ivanov and to the people of Macedonia were also expressed by Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of Estonia.

The President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaite, conveys deep condolence of the Lithuanian people: “We will remember President Gligorov as a great statesman who brought your country to independence and who did everything he could to keep Macedonia and its people out of the wars that engulfed the former Yugoslavia”.

Letter of sympathy arrived from the former President of the Republic of Croatia, Stipe Mesic: “The loss of Mr. Kiro Gligorov is a loss not only for Macedonia but for the entire region. He will be remembered as one of the few politicians and statesmen from the region, who could identify, represent and defend the interests of his nation, not succumbing to nationalism. Thanks primarily to his prudent policy, the Republic of Macedonia managed to pave the path of independence, avoiding the wars of the late 20th century that destroyed the territory of former Yugoslavia”.

Condolences arrived from the former president of the Republic of Bulgaria, Zhelyu Zhelev: “The loss of Kiro Gligorov will be strongly felt. He was not just my counterpart but also a sincere friend. I would also like to express deep condolence on behalf of the members of the Balkan Political Club, for today we are mourning one of its founders. President Gligorov was among the most persistent, active and zealous proponents of the Balkan cause and the goals the Club had set as its task”.

United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, shared words of condolence, describing late former president Gligorov as a man of integrity and vision. “At the time of your country’s birth as an independent state, his extraordinary leadership helped secure a peaceful transition as the region grappled with the violent breakup of former Yugoslavia. He will be long remembered for the dedication and courage with which he served your country and its citizens.”

The Secretary General of NATO, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, signed the Book of Condolence in the Mission of the Republic of Macedonia to NATO in Brussels, stating: “My deepest condolence for the death of the former President Kiro Gligorov. His contribution to the democratic development of your country and the entire region shall be remembered”.

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Stefan Fule, sent a joint message of condolence, stating: As president from 1991 until 1999, Mr. Gligorov guided his country through critical transitions,  including the peacefully achieved independence from the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia. Taking the country forward on that new path, he made important decisions to the benefit of his people based on his long experience and knowledge of his country. May he rest in peace”.

Condolences arrived from the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Guido Westerwelle: “Kiro Gligorov is highly appreciated in Germany. During his tenure the foundations of good and fruitful German-Macedonian relations were set for the benefit of both countries. This loss has been felt by many people inside and outside the country as very painful. Germany pays high respect to the memory of President Gligorov”.

The Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, John Baird, expressed his appreciation and deep condolence for the first democratically elected president of the Republic of Macedonia, on behalf of all Canadians, emphasizing his leadership through a peaceful transition to independence: His lasting legacy will be his commitment to the vision of a democratic Macedonia. This vision distinguished Mr. Gligorov as a true statesman, one who will be sorely missed”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey conveyed the condolences of the Turkish state leadership and Turkish people over the death of the first Macedonian democratically elected: “As a true statesman, Gligorov displayed leadership that was necessary for peaceful transformation of the political system in Macedonia. Gligorov will always be remembered with respect in Turkey as a close friend.

On behalf of Her Britannic Majesty’s Government, the British Ambassador Christopher Yvon, sent condolence letter: “President Glogorov’s legacy in helping to steer the Republic of Macedonia peacefully towards its independence and his historic role both in relation to Parliament and political life will be warmly remembered by many”.

Ambassador Matthew Nimetz, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, sent a letter of condolences in which the late former President Gligorov is described as an outstanding leader and a person of strong integrity and love for his country and people: “He led his country at the time of acquisition independence skillfully and with a strategic approach. I had the great privilege to work with him, to meet him and to learn a lot from him”, writes Nimitz.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today attended the traditional Christmas Lunch hosted by the Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, H.H. Stephen for the state top officials, marking the day of St. Stephen, the third day after Christmas.

The Christmas Lunch in the residence of the Archbishop H.H. Stephen, besides President Ivanov, was attended by the President of the Assembly, Trajko Veljanoski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.

Besides the Archbishop H.H. Stephen, the solemn lunch was attended by the Vardar Metropolitan Agatangel and the Bregalnica Metropolitan Ilarion.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, along with the President of the Assembly, Trajko Veljanoski and Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, today attended the central celebration of Christ’s Nativity - Christmas in the St. Clement of Ohrid Cathedral in Skopje, where the Archbishop of Ohrid and Macedonia, H.H. Stephen held the Christmas liturgy.

President Ivanov, after the liturgy, congratulated Christmas to all citizens of Orthodox religion and wished them health, happiness, success and serenity.

”I congratulate all Orthodox believers the great Christian holiday Christ’s Nativity - Christmas and wish health, happiness and success in the coming year. Let us all be united throughout the year as we are during the holidays! May we all together, united, welcome the new Christ’s birth!”, President Ivanov said and greeted the Orthodox Christians with the traditional greeting “Christ is Born”.

The liturgy was attended by the Mayor of the City of Skopje, Koce Trajanovski, many ambassadors and other personalities from public life in the country.

State top officials, after the liturgy, attended a Christmas meal organized by the head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church – H.H. Stephen.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov with his family hosted a Badnik dinner for the Special Olympics athletes from Macedonia.

The dinner at the Presidential Residence “Villa Macedonia” was attended by 17 Olympians - participants at the World Summer Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, last year. The luckiest among them was Darko Arsov who found the gold coin in his Badnik bread. Arsov won the gold medal at the Olympics in Greece in 25 meters free-style swimming.

President Ivanov wished Arsov and all athletes a successful year as the previous one, and told them that they can always count on his support.

This is the first such meeting, on the night before Christmas Eve, initiated by President Ivanov, intended to contribute to raising public awareness for people with intellectual disabilities.