Statement of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov:

Distinguished media representatives,

Respected citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

I would like to inform you that I have made a decision to cancel the Summit of the South-East Europe Cooperation Process and the Forum of the Dialogue among Civilizations, which were scheduled for this weekend in Ohrid and Struga.

It is the state interest and the dignity of Macedonia that have obliged me to make such a decision.

I would like to acknowledge that the Republic of Macedonia has taken actions fully in accordance with the constitutional documents and the rules and acted as a responsible chair of the Process.

Unfortunately, the old Balkan prejudices and complexes were reinvigorated in the wake of the Summit. I will never allow the old Balkan prejudices to be broken and the interests of the Balkan states to be settled on Macedonia's shoulders, while the price for all this to be paid by Macedonia alone.

Challenges are resolved through dialogue, not by a boycott. We were preparing for this summit this whole year. Our intention was, and we did everything in that regards, to bring all the leaders of the region at the same table.

We have set a topic that is high on the global agenda too, which we thought would be beneficial for our citizens, our societies. Macedonia does not want to be an observer, even less to participate in the veto games. Macedonia does not want to be an observer, even less to participate in the boycotts games.

Respected citizens,

I wish success to the next chairman-in-office of the Process.

I hope that very soon we will all live in a different Balkan, a more European Balkan.

We, indeed, need the partnership of the European Union. Nevertheless, for the EU, this is a clear signal that reflects the reality in our region.

That reality, I expect should be the incentive and warning for the European leaders to properly understand our regional reality.

I made this decision in order not to allow the citizens of Macedonia to be manipulated, and the citizens of all countries in the region, too. Finally, the day came when we should openly admit that the regional cooperation is facing a serious, big challenge.

Macedonia has shown and proved to be the initiator and partner in the regional cooperation, that it is advocating for inclusion of all countries in the region, but it is more than clear that the region itself is faced with serious challenges.

I thank for the engagement of all involved in the organization of the Summit.

Thanks to all invited participants who unconditionally accepted the invitation.

The national interests of the Republic of Macedonia and the dignity of its citizens have no cost.

Thank you.