The President of the Republic of Macedonia and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Fatmir Besimi, and the Chief of Staff, Major General Goranco Koteski, today visited the members of the Air Wing of the Army at the barracks “Strasho Pindzur” in Petrovec, who were on duty during the holidays, and had lunch together with them.

”Traditionally, as Supreme Commander, I spend the first day of the new year with the members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia. This time I am with the members of the Air Wing Staff. Congratulating them the New Year, I extend greetings to all members of the Army, especially to the troops deployed in the international peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Lebanon”, President Ivanov said after meeting the Army pilots.

The Army, the President said, remains committed to keeping peace, freedom and democracy and it reflects the state of play in our society.

Asked if he expects the name issue with our southern neighbor to be resolved this year, the Head of State noted that when New Year comes we are all filled with optimism.

”I expect the process on settling the name issue to continue. We will do everything in our capacity. We expect the same to be done by the other side, but, unfortunately, with their current conduct, we cannot see that they are being equally committed as we are”, President Ivanov stressed.

He pointed out that Macedonia is ready at any moment to resume negotiations in the UN, mediated by Ambassador Matthew Nimetz. “Ambassador Zoran Jolevski is monitoring all developments and informs us of everything concerning the negotiation process”, President Ivanov said.

In terms of expectations, I expect Macedonia this year to formally join NATO, the Head of State responded that it is up to NATO to decide.

”We expect the judgment in the Hague to affect the decision to join the Alliance at the NATO Summit which will be held in Chicago this year, but it is up to NATO to decide. We have a decision at the NATO Summit and that decision may be changed only at a new summit”, President Ivanov said.