The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Ambassador Aivo Orav, Head of Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Macedonia, who presented the 2012 Progress Report on the Republic of Macedonia, drafted by the European Commission.

At the meeting, the EU Ambassador Orav briefed President Ivanov on the key assessments of the European Commission, noting the progress that the Republic of Macedonia has made this year and congratulated on the efforts our country is making, in all areas, important for creating a positive climate in the entire society.

President Ivanov stressed that the European Commission Report gives this year again, a realistic picture of the accomplishments and achievements of the country, expressing satisfaction with the assessments and the reaffirmed recommendation for the Republic of Macedonia’s readiness to start accession negotiations with the European Union.

The Macedonian President pointed out that the report is the best indicator where to focus the energy, adding that in the coming period he will exert his authority all the institutions in the Republic of Macedonia to focus on investing additional efforts in the implementation of the reform agenda. – I urge all social actors to be united and give their contribution to the implementation of the Euro-Atlantic agenda of the Republic of Macedonia, President Ivanov said.

“Macedonia’s commitment to the reform processes remains at the high level and I think that there is not a rational argument why Macedonia is not given a date to start accession negotiations in December,” President Ivanov said. “I believe that the next European Council, the EU member states will show leadership and determination, and that there will be a movement regarding the status quo in Macedonia’s integration.”

Ambassador Orav expressed hope for commencement of negotiations as soon as possible that will enable Macedonia to achieve its strategic goal – full-fledged membership in the EU.