The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sent a letter to the President of the Republic of Greece, Karolos Papoulias:

Distinguished Mr. President,
In the eve of the NATO Summit in Chicago, I have the honor to address you and ask for your support for the Republic of Macedonia’s NATO membership. I am writing this letter following the most recent developments in the case of the Republic of Macedonia’s NATO membership application, which have arisen after the judgment of the International Court of Justice - ICJ of December 5th, 2011.

The judgment, binding by its nature, provides a new, legal dimension and warrants a new approach from all NATO member-states. Despite the unanimous conclusion of all member-states that the Republic of Macedonia fulfills all membership criteria, due to opposition from Greece, the Bucharest conclusion was adopted, in the form as we all known. We expect each NATO member-state, especially your country as our neighbour, to respect the ICJ judgment, the Interim Accord and the international law. We expect positive and constructive approach from your country and we expect the Bucharest conclusion to be reconsidered in Chicago.

The membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO under the provisional reference used within the United Nations is clearly of our mutual benefit, but even more than that. I strongly believe that everyone would benefit from Macedonia’s NATO membership. NATO, as an organization, would further spread and strengthen the zone of security, stability and democracy in the South-East of Europe. It would encourage, not only the Republic of Macedonia, but all countries in our region, to continue on the path of reforms. But, above all, your country, Greece, would benefit by gaining another NATO member-state at its northern border. Receiving the deserved NATO membership invitation will considerably stimulate the development of our bilateral relations. Namely, NATO membership has always provided favorable preconditions for overcoming bilateral differences between member-states. It would be much easier for our two countries, as interdependent NATO partners and allies, to reach mutually acceptable solution to our difference over the name.

Your Excellency, our expectations from the Chicago Summit are clear and reasonable. We expect member-states to reach a consensus for effectuating the delayed invitation to the Republic of Macedonia for NATO membership under the provisional reference used in the UN. The support of your country in this regard will be greatly appreciated and would contribute to promoting peace and stability in our region.

Your Excellency,
We hope that you, Mr. President, as a signatory of the 1995 Interim Accord, will contribute for the respect of the responsibilities deriving from it. I assure you that we stand ready to find a mutual and dignity-based solution for the difference over the name. We want a solution without winners and losers. I assure you that we will continue to participate in the negotiations under the UN auspices in good-faith and constructively as we have always done.

Hoping that I will have your understanding and that with the above provided arguments we will have your support, please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov