The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov sent a letter to NATO Heads of State. Please find below the integral content of the letter:

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 ICJ judgment rules that Greece has violated its commitments undertaken by the 1995 Interim Accord, by opposing the Republic of Macedonia’s NATO accession at the Bucharest Summit in 2008 under the provisional reference determined by the United Nations. 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 we all know. Having in mind that the ICJ judgment is binding, Greece should refrain from further blocking of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia. Further attempts by Greece to block our membership conditioned with one bilateral issue - solving the name issue as a precondition for NATO membership, would be a failure to respect the ICJ judgment and another violation of the Interim Accord and the international law. We expect responsible behavior from our neighbor.

I would like to underline that the Greek claims that the Republic of Macedonia breached the Interim Accord and failed to negotiate in good faith were rejected as ungrounded by the ICJ which found that the Republic of Macedonia has never breached the principle of good-neighborly relations with Greece. Furthermore, I would like to emphasize that the Republic of Macedonia remains strongly committed to finding mutually acceptable solution to the difference over the name. I assure you that we will continue to participate in the talks under the UN auspices in good-faith and constructively as we have always done.

The judgment provides a new, legal dimension and warrants a new approach from all NATO member-states. In light of the judgment, we expect NATO member-states to reconsider their positions with respect to Macedonia’s NATO membership; more precisely we expect the Bucharest conclusion to be reconsidered in Chicago.

The Republic of Macedonia continues to contribute in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, being one of the largest per capita contributors, sharing the vision of a free and democratic world, as well as the risks, side by side with the member-states peacekeepers. Given that the Republic of Macedonia continuously maintains its compatibility with the NATO standards, I believe that the conclusion at the Chicago Summit will take in consideration this, as well as the new situation with the judgment.

I am convinced that your support of our NATO membership would contribute in creating positive climate for moving the status quo and encouraging the Greek leadership to abide to the ICJ judgment.

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, Greece would benefit by gaining another NATO member-state at its northern border. NATO membership has always provided favorable preconditions for overcoming bilateral differences between member states. It would be much easier for Macedonia and Greece, as interdependent NATO partners and allies, to reach mutually acceptable solution to their difference.

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. We have the right, and our citizens expect this, and in Chicago the injustice from Bucharest can be repaired.

The support of your country in this regard will be greatly appreciated and would contribute to promoting peace and stability in our region. Hoping that I will have your understanding and that with the above arguments we will have your support, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov