The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with Ms. Erato Kozakou Marcoullis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, in the capacity as current Chair of the Council of the European Union.

Key discussion topics were the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia, the reform process and the possibilities for setting a date for the start of accession negotiations for membership in the European Union at the upcoming European Council meeting in December.

President Ivanov stressed that EU membership remains high on the agenda of the Republic of Macedonia, and given the tangible achievements in terms of the reforms, he expressed his expectation for support from all member states for the opening of the negotiations. “Membership of Western Balkan countries is vital for the stability and prosperity of our region, and also for the credibility of the European Union, both locally and globally”, the Macedonian President said at the meeting.

President Ivanov said that the start of the negotiations can only have positive impact on the resolution of all bilateral issues. “In our region, we have already witnessed a positive example of parallel movement in the integration and in overcoming bilateral issues, thus, the Republic of Macedonia expects to be given the same opportunity at the upcoming European Council meeting”, the Macedonian President stressed.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed his gratitude for the commitment of the Cyprus Presidency to continue the process of enlargement of the European Union with the Balkans countries and expressed support for the undertaken activities, given the challenges Europe is facing in the recent years.

Common conclusion was that the integration process is also a process of transformation of the societies, thus the integration in the European Union for the Balkan states is the highest priority, and the enlargement policy is considered to be one of the most successful policies of the Union. In this context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus noted that enlargement is one of the highest priorities of the Cyprus Presidency, that Cyprus supports the European perspective of all Balkan countries and she expressed her hope for a success at the upcoming European Council meeting.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of November 22nd, the Day of the Albanian Alphabet, sent a congratulation message to the members of the Albanian community in the Republic of Macedonia.

Respected fellow citizens,
Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to send a message to you and to all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia that alphabets and language are essential elements of national identification, but also a bridge for coexistence, mutual understanding and tolerance.

The Albanian alphabet and language are inseparable part of the linguistic diversity and the spiritual wealth of the Republic of Macedonia and our right and obligation is to respect and promote such diversity. Hence, the Day of the Albanian Alphabet is important for all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

As Head of State which highly appreciates the contribution of all ethnicities to our cultural and scientific progress, let me express my hope that the members of the Albanian community in the Republic of Macedonia, in the future, will continue to nurture the Albanian tradition, and, with its rich culture to contribute to a prosperous future and well-being of all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov

Public opinion survey conducted by the Institute for Policy Research in Skopje (IPIS) on the citizens’ views of the activities and performance of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, demonstrates increased confidence and positive perceptions of citizens regarding the President.

The survey results show that 73% of the citizens believe that President Ivanov performs his function in bona fide. Asked to give opinion about the president, 58.4% of the respondents answered positively, while 54% of citizens believe that the head of state is sufficiently present among the citizens.

The telephone survey was conducted between October 24 to 27, 2012 to 1115 respondents, as part of the regular surveys of the opinions of the citizens in terms of their confidence and perceptions of the work of the President of the Republic of Macedonia.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today addressed the International Conference titled “Leaving Europe’s waiting room - overcoming the crisis of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans”, organized by the Centre for South East European Studies at the University Karl-Franzens, University in Graz, Austria.

The President in his speech stressed that the desire of the Balkan peoples for European future contributed to calming the Balkans in the last decade. Reminding conference participants that the Republic of Macedonia recently received the European Commission Progress Report on European integration, recommending for the fourth time to set a date for opening negotiations, President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia is now in anticipation whether it will finally be allowed to leave Europe’s waiting room. President Ivanov said that the European Commission has shown innovativeness on how to proceed, innovativeness which should be respected at the upcoming European Council meting in December.

The Macedonian President stressed that the Republic of Macedonia has met the political membership criteria, and that one of them is respect for human rights, including the right to identity of every individual, every group and community, the right to self-identification and human dignity. The Republic of Macedonia to join the EU it must respect and guarantee the identity and dignity of its citizens.

"Occasionally, the issue of enlargement fatigue in the EU appears, and has anyone posed the question are you tired of waiting", President Ivanov said, adding that the integration has strong mobilizing power and that the problems within the EU should not be an excuse. On the contrary, the Republic of Macedonia wants to participate in bringing solutions concerning the common home, the Macedonian President concluded.

Stressing that the conference takes place on the birthday of the visionary of Europe - Jean Monnet, President Ivanov took the opportunity to call on the European leadership to remain consistent to the great idea of the founding-fathers of Europe.

"I want to believe that in the future we will be able to start negotiations for membership in the European Union. In this process, we do not want privileges, but the same criteria applied to the other Member States of the Union. Since this will certainly be beneficial not only for my country, but also for the region and Europe", President Ivanov said.

The conference, which was attended by a large number of policy makers, analysts and academia representatives from several European countries, aims to contribute to the revival of the enlargement process, through discussions and analysis of bilateral disputes, regional cooperation and accession negotiations.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Mr. Taizo Nishikawa, Deputy Director General of United Nations Industrial Development Organization - UNIDO.

Mr. Nishikawa informed President Ivanov with the organization’s activities, as well as with the results of the cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia.

The Head of State expressed his full support for opening of power generators filtering unit within the “Rade Koncar” plant in Skopje, which is already in operational phase.

Mr. Nishikawa informed the President on other projects which are being implemented, with a particular emphasis on the project for technical waste cleaning and remediation of contaminated soil in the OHIS plant. This project, which will be implemented through co-financing by the Republic of Macedonia and the Global Environment Fund, is unique and will be an example for other countries applying for financial support for similar projects.

As part of the mission of the UNIDO Deputy Director General is participation at the Waste Management Forum, where the advantages of the new technologies for remediation of contaminated soil and wastes in the OHIS plant were demonstrated

In this context, President Ivanov stressed that it is a matter of utmost importance for the Republic of Macedonia and a problem that requires prompt resolution, and expressed readiness to get personally involved and help in the process to the extent appropriate and beneficial for the entire project. The Macedonian President praised the efforts and willingness of UNIDO for close cooperation and assistance offered to the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to address this issue, as well as the success of the previous implemented projects.

Both interlocutors agreed that sustainable industrial development in accordance with the established environmental standards is of essential importance, and pledged to intensify cooperation in the future. The President announced that when he will be staying in Vienna next, he is willing to visit UNIDO headquarters.

The Republic of Macedonia for over 25 years is among the countries in the world that have shown remarkable success and progress in the implementation of international conventions in the field of environmental protection, in particular the protection of the ozone layer and the safe management of chemicals.

On the occasion of the re-election of Mr. Barack Obama as President of the United States of America, the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sent the following congratulation message:

Distinguished Mr. President,

On the occasion of your re-election as President of the United States of America, allow me, on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, to extend sincere congratulations, as well as to wish you further success in the execution of this responsible function.

In this solemn occasion I would like to express the expectation that together we will continue to contribute to the further deepening of the friendship and partnership between our two countries. I want to assure you, Mr. President, that the Republic of Macedonia, as a proven friend and partner of your Great Nation will continue to support American efforts for achieving peace that is built on the promise of freedom and human dignity in the world.

I avail myself of this opportunity, Mr. President, to express gratitude for the continuous support for the fulfillment of our highest strategic goals – membership in the NATO and the European Union. I am confident that in the forthcoming period our strategic partnership will be promoted and enriched, for which I reaffirm our full readiness.

With sincere wishes for your continuous successful work, personal happiness and good health, please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest appreciation.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov