The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov today received Mr. Richard Howitt, European Parliament Rapporteur on the Republic of Macedonia.

At the meeting, President Ivanov stressed that the European Parliament, as a body representing the will of the citizens of the European Union, is a constant friend of Macedonia and a strong supporter of our European integration processes. MP Howitt and President Ivanov agreed that the future of Macedonia and of the region is to be united within the European Union, in a process enabling mutual misunderstandings and differences to be overcome.

President Ivanov underlined that Macedonia has met the criteria for launching talks with the European Union and that the name issue with Greece is the only obstacle on this path. President Ivanov pointed out the successful model of talks between Croatia and Slovenia as an example in which the bilateral dispute between two countries did not hamper the accession talks between Croatia and the EU. President Ivanov assessed that such a model could be applied in settling the dispute, which stands in the way of Macedonia’s integration due to Greece.

At the meeting, President Ivanov was informed about the activities and engagement of the OSCE Mission in the country, and the joint projects implemented with participation of the OSCE. President Ivanov, expressing his gratitude for the engagement and activities of the OSCE Mission over the years, especially after the period of 2001, noted that the experience of Ambassador Breth gained through his previous involvement in the Republic of Macedonia will be of great importance for further successes of the OSCE Mission .

At the meeting they exchanged views and information on the current situation in many areas and it was concluded that the priorities of the Republic of Macedonia and the focus of the engagement of the OSCE Mission are complementary, in order to further support our priorities in the foreign policy with particular emphasis on the EU and NATO integrations.

The activities in the area of the rule of law (implementation of the strategy for judicial reform), implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, police reforms, decentralization, reforms in education are issues that the Republic of Macedonia is strongly focused on, not only because this will bring us closer to the EU values and criteria, but this is a real need for our citizens, thus the Republic of Macedonia especially appreciates the overall engagement of the OSCE in Macedonia, President  Ivanov said.

Ambassador Breth informed about the current projects and the focus of the OSCE mission to the Republic of Macedonia. He stressed that he is willing to work closely with the institutions of the Republic of Macedonia and expressed satisfaction with the success in the implementation and realization of the projects of the OSCE Mission.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov had a telephone conversation today with the command of the Macedonian military mission in Afghanistan.

President Ivanov was directly informed about the state of the Macedonian troops in Afghanistan, after the serious armed attack near the command of the ISAF international mission and the U.S. Embassy in the capital, Kabul. The Command of the Macedonian military mission in Afghanistan briefed President Ivanov that the Macedonian soldiers regularly and normally perform their duties in Kabul and in other areas of Afghanistan where they operate. President Ivanov was further informed of the general security situation in Kabul and Afghanistan. President Ivanov congratulated the Macedonian troops for their courage and readiness in dealing with armed attacks.

Macedonian troops remain engaged in the activities aimed at stabilizing Afghanistan and developing peace and democracy in the country as part of ISAF international peacekeeping mission led by NATO.
 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received the Letters of Credence of the newly appointed Ambassador of the United States of America, H.E. Mr. Paul Wohlers.
 
At the meeting held following the ceremony of awarding the credentials, President Ivanov used the opportunity to wish Ambassador Wohlers warm welcome, stressing that his great knowledge of Macedonia and the region would be of great importance for successful execution of his responsible mission. President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the exceptionally high level of relations between the two countries and with the solid long-term strategic partnership between the United States and Macedonia. President Ivanov and Ambassador Wohlers discussed the possibilities for further deepening of the cooperation at bilateral level and internationally. Both interlocutors agreed that the relations of partnership based on shared values were confirmed in the joint actions of the armed forces of these two countries in the peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

President Ivanov at the meeting extended his gratitude for the constant and strong support of the United States for Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integrations. The President stressed that Macedonia’s integrations would be beneficial both for the country and for the region, in terms of NATO and the EU operability and credibility. President Ivanov reaffirmed to Ambassador Wohlers Macedonia’s willingness to work in constructive talks with Greece to remove the obstacles set by Greece concerning Macedonia’s integration processes.
 
Ambassador Wohlers at the meeting said that the United States of America will continue to support Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. At the same time, the Ambassador expressed satisfaction that he will work in the Republic of Macedonia again to further strengthen the friendship and partnership between Macedonia and the United States.
 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today issued a Decree awarding the members of the Macedonian national basketball team with the “Medal of Merits for Macedonia” for the high basketball results achieved internationally thus contributing significantly in the development and popularization of this sport in the country and affirmation of the Republic of Macedonia worldwide.

Honorable Mr. President,

On the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that shocked not only your Great Nation, but also the hearts and minds of all freedom loving democracies around the world, I can only adhere to the unique feeling that the horrific events of that fatal day must never be forgotten. The feeling of horror, fear and regret shall never fade away into oblivion. It must be remembered as a lesson, but also as an inspiration for solidarity and unity among free nations in their fight against the evil.

Ten years ago, terrorism stroke a serious blow against your people and our common values, casting a deep shadow over the free world. To this very day, this shadow is continuously being scattered both by the American patriots and the international community.

Remembering the victims, the mourners and every family that lives in grief, I want to assure you, Mr. President that the Republic of Macedonia and its people will continue to support American efforts for defending freedom, democracy and human rights in the world with the same determination as before.

The struggle for peace, freedom and for a better future for the humanity in general is far from being over. The Republic of Macedonia is a faithful and proven friend and partner of your Great Nation and our peacekeepers remain present alongside the United States of America in the efforts for greater security, stability and peace in the world. I wish to assure you that the thoughts of the Macedonian citizens are with the families of the victims.

Please, Honorable President, accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
   
Dr. Gjorge Ivanov