The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, during his stay in Arizona, visited the Arizona State University, where he delivered a lecture on the Macedonian model of democracy in multiethnic society.

President Ivanov said that the Macedonian model of interethnic integration is a unique contribution of Macedonia to the European debate on the integration of ethnic communities but is also one of the reasons that some European countries have reservations towards Macedonia.

"According to the Macedonian model of democracy, when laws pertaining to culture or identity are adopted, besides the majority of MPs, there has to be a majority of the minority communities too. All laws pertaining to identity, culture, education must have two majorities, and whoever comes to power can not deny the guaranteed rights. As societies change, the models of democracy need to change. Immigrant societies like the U.S., have found a solution to this issue. Europe is, however, facing a huge challenge. Some fear this Macedonian model, because they need to finally admit that their population is multiethnic, that there are minorities deserving to be included, religious groups seeking recognition", the Macedonian President said.

The President, in his lecture, pledged for establishing open space in the Balkans, where once divided states will cooperate freely, as a prerequisite for peace in the region.
The lecture was attended by many Macedonians who teach or study at Arizona State University, in Tempe, which is part of the greater metro area of Phoenix and is a sister city of Skopje.

The lecture was dedicated to Mary Chonkoff, settler in Arizona, originating from Aegean Macedonia, known promoter of Macedonian and Balkan culture in this American state, in whose honor there is a fund for student collaboration between the University "Sts. Cyril and Methodius" - Skopje and the Arizona State University.

Asked how the Macedonians in the Diaspora can help their home country, President Ivanov called on to be successful in what they do.

"We want to build Macedonia in height, with the highest standards, the highest criteria and principles, enjoying to the utmost the rights of the communities, sharing the feelings of belonging among people. You will help Macedonia the most if you succeed in life and if you are successful persons. The more successful Macedonians there are, the more successful Macedonia will be", President Ivanov said.

The Macedonian President visited some of the laboratories of the College of Technology and Innovation at the Arizona State University, where Professor Kiril Hristovski presented the latest achievements in the development of the nano-technology and its application in the wastewater cleansing and harmful substances removal. He also attended the presentation of the Reaction Centre, a modern system for fast and efficient data processing and possible scenarios in cases of catastrophes.

The Macedonian President visited the "St. Archangel Michael" church which is under construction, religious center of the Macedonian community in Phoenix. President Ivanov was by Jim Lozanovski, President of the church community in Phoenix and priest Risto Ristovski, from the Macedonian Church "St. Mother Marry" in Los Angeles, who is also a priest in the Church in Phoenix. The Macedonian President and Ambassador Zoran Jolevski gave a symbolic contribution to the construction of the church and expressed hope that soon the Macedonians in Phoenix will finalize the construction of the temple in the northern suburbs of this metropolis.