If international law and undertaken obligations are respected, it is possible for Macedonia to achieve progress at the upcoming EU Council in June, said today in Vilnius the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov after the meeting with the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Ms. Dalia Grybauskaite.

”The Baltic States support is crucial for us because it rests upon a positive example already applied in the enlargement. If we respect the obligations we have taken, if we observe the positive examples and the legal framework, start of accession negotiations is possible. We hope it is possible to find a solution but we should see the reaction of the other states”, President Ivanov said answering the question whether there are real chances to lobby for support for Macedonia to be given a date for negotiations before the European Council in June.

The three Baltic countries, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia urged in a joint statement sent to the Danish Presidency, Macedonia’s issue to be included in the agenda in June and a date to be set for the country for launching membership negotiations. However, the name dispute remains a key barrier in the Macedonian integrations. Lithuanian President said that the compromise could be found only by Macedonia and Greece, but if both sides are willing to resolve the issue. She also stressed that if there is no resolution of the name issue, politically Macedonia’s membership in the EU would be impossible.

”Everywhere in Europe, relations remain very vulnerable, whether your or our case is concerned. But I would like to say, nobody but you can find a compromise and solution with your neighbor. No one on your behalf will live your life and find the solution. In Europe all countries live on the basis of finding a compromise in the relationships. Both sides need to accede to a compromise, but both countries should be willing to reach a compromise and willingness to resolve the issue. If there is no willingness to resolve any issue, there will be no solution. I cannot advise anybody specifically how to act concretely; it is up to you and the Greek government, as you will live together in future. But to be in the EU, you need to find a compromise with Greece. Without such a solution, politically, practically, it would be impossible to think of membership”, the President of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaite, assessed, stressing that Lithuania was in a similar situation and that its neighbors not always had understanding.

As Latvian President Berzins, today the Head of the Lithuanian state expressed open support for Macedonia's integration, too.

"Lithuania is a supporter of Macedonia and Macedonian preparations for EU and NATO accession. Lithuania supports Macedonia's efforts to join these two institutions. We train Macedonian civil servants and we try to be instrumental on your road to the EU. There are many things to share with you and it is necessary to do so", Grybauskaite said.

President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the given assistance so far and for the principled support of Lithuania in terms of the European integrations and expressed hope that the relations between the two countries will be enhanced in other areas as well, noting that the Baltic is a positive example and therefore expressed his expectation that the Balkans would experience the success of this region too.

Both presidents did not forget the basketball victory of the Macedonian national team in Vilnius, being a reason and motif plus Lithuania to better acquaint Macedonia. Ivanov and Grybauskaite expressed expectation that the relations between both countries in the field of sport will be further promoted.

Asked to comment whether they will attend the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the countries of Central and South East Europe in Yalta, considering that some of the EU presidents rejected participation because of the tensions in Ukraine, President Ivanov said that he has received an invitation and he announced his participation, but Macedonia closely monitors the situation and will act according to the country's interests. The President of Lithuania replied that she agreed to participate, thus suggesting that Ukraine still needs to act in accordance with the democratic principles and to respect human rights, because the country will prosper in terms of integration only if supported by other countries.

During the visit of the Macedonian delegation to Lithuania, the Deputy Ministers of Culture of both countries signed a bilateral cooperation agreement between the two governments in the field of culture as a step towards strengthening relations between both countries.

With his meeting with the Lithuanian President, President Ivanov finished the Baltic tour. Intensified diplomatic activities of the Macedonian state leadership aim at intensified lobbying before the NATO Summit in Chicago and the upcoming EU Council in June.