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.