The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the death of the former President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel, sent a letter of condolences to the President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Klaus.

Distinguished Mr. President,

I avail myself of this opportunity, on my personal behalf and on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to extend my deepest condolences for the death of the former President of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel.

Vaclav Havel, as a fighter against totalitarian ideology, gained enormous reputation and respect among all freedom-loving peoples of Europe. Aware of the injustices of the former regime, Havel dedicated his life to destruction of this regime, and, luckily, had the chance to see his lifework accomplished. Among the numerous awards he was honored with, probably most important is the knowledge that millions of people in Europe live today in freedom, in democracy. Therefore, today, not accidentally, the democratic movements throughout the world draw ideals and inspiration of the period of the Prague Spring, of the heroic struggle of the citizens of former Czechoslovakia for freedom and democracy. Vaclav Havel was inspiration and example for many dissidents, human rights fighters in Europe, including the Republic of Macedonia.

Please, Mr. President, convey my deepest condolences to the citizens of the Czech Republic and to the family of the great European, President Havel.

Dr. Gjorge Ivanov