United with one wish – European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia, we went successfully through all challenges our homeland faced in the past and together, we shall overcome our current challenge – this was the message conveyed last night by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, at the gala dinner organized in his honor by the United Macedonian Disapora, on the margins of the NATO Summit held in Chicago these two days.

President Ivanov stated that the Republic of Macedonia fulfilled all criteria and rightfully expects to obtain its deserved membership in the NATO. So far, as he said, we were unable to realize this highest strategic goal due to an irrational reason.

”Greek blockage will not divert our focus from NATo partnership and the vision of a safer and more secure world for our children. Let us make Macedonia a country open to foreign investments, a country of advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and innovations. A country in which economic development and success are based on personal responsibility, professionalism and dedication to work. I want you to know that you are the reason why we are not giving up. Your success, enthusiasm and optimism for the future of Macedonia are motivating and obligatory. In spite of all challenges, we will continue to look for our rightful place in the European and Euro-Atlantic family of peoples, together with you”, underlined the President of the Republic of Macedonia.

He also mentioned the judgment of the International Court of Justice which, as he emphasized, urges for a new approach by all NATO Member States – an approach that implies respect of the judgment and international law. An approach meaning that NATO Member States should reconsider their positions regarding Macedonian membership in the NATO.

According to President Ivanov, there are two ways to realize this aim. The first one would be that Greece respects in a responsible manner the Interim Accord and the judgment, as it is expected from a NATO and EU Member State. The second one is to reach a mutually acceptable solution to a dispute we never wished for and was imposed to us.

"Regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to the realization of our strategic goals – NATO and EU membership, and until that happens, we shall continue investing all our efforts in reforming the Republic of Macedonia, implementing standards, values and criteria, because they are far more important to us then a membership card for the clubs we wish to belong to", emphasized the President in front of our Diaspora in Chicago. He expressed his conviction that these goals will be realized in a way that will not be detrimental to the identity, language, name, tradition and values of the country.

"The success of the Republic of Macedonia is to a large extent due to the dedication of successful emigrants around the world", said President Ivanov to the representatives of the Diaspora, who presented him with an award as recognition of his contribution to the development and progress of the Republic of Macedonia.

The Macedonian President also sent a message from Chicago to Greece, stating that Macedonia wishes to be more than a neighbor – to be a partner, an ally and a friend, so that we can build our present and future together.

"The Republic of Macedonia is a Balkan, European and global reality. This reality existed, exists and will exist. When it comes to our highest values such as identity, language, culture and Constitution, there is no wish or need to discuss. No one in this world has the right to oppose such values. They can only be recognized and respected" – stated President Ivanov, adding that we will never accept any blackmail or cede under ultimatums.

"For us, the issue has never been whether Macedonia will become a NATO member, but when. The sooner, the better. And until then, we will create our successful European and Euro-Atlantic future together. We will reach these aims. We will become members of the Eueopean Union and NATO. And we will continue to be who we are. There is no other option", President Ivanov said.

UMD also presented Turkey's Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmet Davutoglu and Slovenian Prime Minister Mr. Janez Jansha, with the "Goce Delchev" medal.

The Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that he accepts the decoration on behalf of 75 million Turks – friends of Macedonia. Mr. Davutoglu emphasized that Turkey will continue to defend the interests of the Republic of Macedonia and the right of Macedonian people to free choice everywhere in the world. He reiterated the position of Turkey that the Republic of Macedonia should become a member of the Alliance under its constitutional name.  Minister Davutoglu also stated that regardless of the developments in the international scene, Turkey will continue using the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia in the next century and even the next millennium, whereas the friendship between the two countries, as he said, will go on forever.

"Not only am I a great and sincere friend of Macedonia, but I also feel Macedonian", said Davutoglu in front of our Dispora, thus provoking strong emotions among those present. Emphasizing the extraordinarily close friendship with the Macedonian President, the Turkish Head of Diplomacy stated that Mr. Ivanov is not only a great statesman, but an even greater intellect.

During his stay in Chicago, the Head of State also had a meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Mr. Abdula Gul, whereby they exchanged opinions and information on the NATO Summit and the modalities to use the Hague judgment and its possible effect on the Macedonian issue and the final conclusions of the Summit. President Ivanov underlined our arguments and expectations, whereas Turkish President Gul promised that, same as always, during the Summit and afterwards, Macedonia can count on the unconditional support and that Turkey will do its best to help Macedonia.

The Head of State also met Slovenian Prime Minister, Mr. janez Jansha, who stated that Slovenia absolutely understands the position and arguments of the Republic of Macedonia, and that Slovenia has supported and will continue to fully support Macedonia. Jansha confirmed that Macedonia can count on Slovenian support during this Summit and that they will urge for a fair valuation of Macedonian expectations and arguments to the best of their possibilities. The meeting was also an opportunity to exchange opinions on the Euro-Integration process of the Republic of Macedonia as well as the efforts and expectations for unblocking the integration process before the June EU Council meeting.

In the eve of the NATO Summit, the renowned Chicago Tribune published a column written by President Ivanov – "Macedonian Membership", in which he speaks of the reasons why Macedonia should become a fully fledged NATO Member State.

The Macedonian President will participate at the North Atlantic Council meeting dedicated to Afghanistan on Monday.