The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today (April, 9th) received a delegation of the Islamic Religious Community, led by Reis ul Ulema Sulejman Efendi Rexhepi.

At the meeting, held upon a request of the Reis ul Ulema Sulejman Efendi Rexhepi, views were exchanged on the current situation in the Islamic Religious Community, as well as on the level of inter-confessional dialogue in Macedonia in general. The Head of the Islamic Religious Community informed President Ivanov on the priorities of the Islamic believers in the Republic of Macedonia.

President Ivanov said that, as before, since the first day of his mandate, he will engage his authority for further development of good and productive relations among all religious communities in the Republic of Macedonia as well as for promotion of the positive role of the religious communities in social life in general.

On the occasion of the International Roma Day April the 8th, President d-r Gjorge Ivanov sent the following message to the members of the Roma community in the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected,

It is my distinct pleasure to congratulate April 8th, the International Day of the Roma, to all the members of the Roma community in the Republic of Macedonia.

April 8th is the day dedicated to the largest ethnic minority in Europe and is a welcome opportunity to celebrate the Roma history and culture, but also to remind us of their current social and economic situation in various countries around the world.

The Republic of Macedonia is proud of its Roma community, which represents an integral part of the Macedonian society. The lever of rights Roma have in Macedonia is a model for the rest of the World. Namely, in our country the Roma have a right to education in their native tongue, a right to vote for Roma parties and are represented in all state institutions. Two days ago I've had the opportunity to decorete the Queen of Roma music Esma Redzepova Teodosievska with the Medal of distinguished services to Macedonia. This medal is a recognition for Esma, but also for all members of the Roma community for their contribution to build and represent the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected citizens, members of the Roma community,

We will not stop to reflect on what was accomplished so far. The battle to improve the social and economic position of the Roma must not stop. It is a permanent process that requires everyday activities. I assure that as President and as a person I will be a dedicated and faithfull supporter of this process.

President d-r Gjorge Ivanov sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to express his sympathy for the lives lost and the major damages inflicted by the landslides and avalanches that affected this country.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today received a delegation of representatives of the parties of the Roma community in Macedonia. The meeting was attended by Amdi Bajram, Union of Roma, Shaban Saliu, Democratic Forces of Roma, Mustafa Nezdet, United Party for Emancipation of Roma and Samka Ibraimovski, Party for Full Emancipation of Roma.

At the meeting, organized before the International Day of Roma, April 8, the state of play within the Roma community in the Republic of Macedonia was discussed and the implementation course of the Decade of Roma was assessed. President Ivanov stressed that Macedonia should continue with the activities for full integration of Roma community in education and in other social spheres. To that end, the President urged active involvement of Roma intellectuals, activists and of the community as a whole.

The party leaders presented their considerations concerning the position of Roma and the steps needed to further improve the living standard and status of Roma in general. They stressed the unique political position of Roma in Macedonian society, with its model of participation in political life as a model that should be applied in other countries as well that aim to improve the position of Roma.

Претседателот

The President of the Republic of Macedonia d-r Gjorge Ivanov congratulates the Holiday of Easter to all the faithful of the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archbishopric, the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Methodist Church.

It is my distinct pleasure and honor to congratulate the forthcoming Christian holiday, this greatest holiday of all, the day of the Ressurection - Easter.

I wish that your Easter Holidays bring you a festive mood, and are shared with your loved ones, in rejoicing and celebrating life.
 
May this Easter be a sign that, joined in the Christian faith, under the wing of the Holy Church, we can surpass all sufferings and challenges. In this time of innundation with transient values and passing pleasures, let us not forget to follow the path of lightness. Let us not be scarce when giving our selves to others. Let us nurture the unconditional love toward our fellow citizens and our country, inspired by the examples set by Jesus.

Have a blessed holiday, now and for the many years to come

Christ has risen

Indeed he has risen

D-r Gjorge Ivanov

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today (March 31) received Dr. Peter Balázs, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the Euro-Atlantic perspectives of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the integration process, which is a top priority for our country. President Ivanov stressed the great benefits that the countries of Central and Eastern Europe gained after the enlargement of the European Union as an enduring example for the Republic of Macedonia in implementing the reforms necessary for successful completion of the integration process. President Ivanov reiterated his position that the rapid expansion of NATO and the European Union is the best recipe for economic development, stability and further development of democracy and respect for diversity in the South-East Europe region.

In implementing these integration processes, President Ivanov stressed that it is very important that we are guided by proven and verified principles, set forth in Copenhagen.

President Ivanov took the opportunity to inform the Hungarian high official guest on the course of the talks in the dispute that Greece has imposed concerning the constitutional name of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as on the Republic of Macedonia’s arguments and positions.

Minister Peter Balázs said that the Republic of Hungary, as a neighbor in the region of South-East Europe, fully understands the needs of the Republic of Macedonia and of the overall region for rapid integration. Minister Balázs expressed his assurance that the integration processes of South-East Europe will be among the top priorities of the Hungarian EU Presidency in 2011.