President of Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sends greetings to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon for his re-election:

Esteemed Secretary-General,

It gives me great honor and pleasure to extend my most sincere congratulations on your re-election as a Secretary-General of the United Nations. Availing myself of this solemn occasion, I would like to convey cordial wishes for successful execution of the high and responsible office, for good health and personal happiness.

At the same time, I would like to use this opportunity to extend most sincere congratulations for your personal commitment and efforts, and for the successful management with the World Organization. The trust that is given to you again and your achievements in the previous term are prerequisites for further successful management with the United Nations. The Republic of Macedonia highly appreciates your role in the enhancement of the reputation of our Organization, as well as your personal engagements in dealing with the global challenges and problems. I would like to assure you that in the execution of your responsible function you have my full support and the support of the Republic of Macedonia.

With hope that soon I will have the honor to congratulate you on your re-election personally, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.
                       

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov
 

The Macedonian society is deeply touched by the death of the young Martin Neshkoski. No human being, parent, citizen of Republic of Macedonia can remain indifferent toward this event. The Neshkoski family has suffered a great and irreversible loss and every one of us as their fellow citizens share their pain.

I see the decision of the young people, who instigated by this great tragedy engaged and expressed their views, as an honest initiative and sincere intention to contribute to the improvement of democracy. The activists who were staging the protests or who were active on the social networks showed responsibility and seriousness. Nonetheless, I appeal the Internet and social networks not to be used for promoting hate speech. I hope that this type of constructiveness will result in progress and improvement of the functioning of all democratic institutions in the Republic of Macedonia.

I have carefully reviewed the demands and proposals submitted on the occasion of the death of Martin Neskoski. I join the pledges for this case to be solved through the institutions of the system in line with the Constitution and laws and the person or persons responsible for the tragedy to be punished, justice to be satisfied serving as a warning to prevent such tragedies in the future.

I have always endorsed and participated in initiatives for opening debates on how to secure higher standards for democracy and freedom in the Republic of Macedonia. I am also doing this now, especially when such initiatives are launched by young people. Your initiative for opening a debate on the work of police forces and their responsibility within the law and solely in the interest of citizens has my support. It is in our interest to lead this debate in a rational fashion. Macedonia as a democracy and society is mature and open enough to enable all civil initiatives aimed at advancing the system to be articulated through the institutions. I, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, am prepared to be an active participant in this discussion.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov
 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today received Ferid Murad, M.D., Ph.D., Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine and Pharmacology.

At the cordial meeting, Dr. Murad welcomed the efforts of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia in developing and nurturing coexistence in a multicultural society, and pledged to use his reputation in the American society to lobby Macedonia to attain soon its strategic goals - EU and NATO membership. Dr. Murad was also interested in the health care system and education in the Republic of Macedonia, identifying areas of possible future cooperation.
 
President Ivanov congratulated Dr. Ferid Murad on his success, expressing hope that his research projects would continue to contribute towards enhancement of medicine and pharmacology worldwide. President Ivanov also extended his gratitude for the fact that Dr. Murad acknowledges his successes as Republic of Macedonia’s successes.

At the meeting, the interlocutors also referred to the Republic of Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integrations, its role at the international level, as well as the problem over the name with the southern neighbor which hampers these processes.

The university professor and researcher, Dr. Ferid Murad, who descents from Gostivar, lives and works in Houston, Texas, has received numerous awards and recognitions for his researches in medicine. The greatest achievement in his scientific and research activity is the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for the innovation related to the usage of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.