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.