The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, after the death of Mr. Zhelyu Zhelev, former President of the Republic of Bulgaria, sent a letter of condolences to Mr. Rosen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Distinguished Mr. President,

Allow me, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to express deep condolences for the death of the former President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Zhelyu Zhelev.

As a great statesman and visionary, President Zhelev showed real leadership and courage in accelerating the process of transition and democratization in the Republic of Bulgaria and in the attainment of its European and Euro-Atlantic perspective. Thanks to his dedication and commitment, the Republic of Bulgaria is living today the dream and enjoys the privileges of the vision of a united Europe and its membership in the great Euro-Atlantic family.

President Zhelev was a great and proven friend of the Republic of Macedonia and also my personal friend. The Republic of Macedonia will never forget his role in the process of international recognition under its constitutional name. We remain grateful for his personal contribution to the establishment, development and improvement of the overall relations, mutual respect and understanding between our two countries and peoples.

Also remembered will be his role in transforming the entire Balkan region, in achieving stability and security, as well as its Euro-Atlantic future.

Please, Mr. President, convey the expressions of profound sympathy to the citizens of the Republic of Bulgaria and to the family of President Zhelev.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov