Honorable Members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia,
Distinguished Attendees,
Dear Fellow Citizens,

As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, it is my distinct honor to greet you today, on the eve of the Day of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, August 18th. A day which is inextricably linked to an important anniversary - 70 years since the establishment of the first battalion "Mirce Acev" in Slavej Planina. A battalion that became one of the pillars of the Macedonian Liberation and Anti-Fascist Struggle. A battalion which became integral part of the armed component of ASNOM Macedonia.

We have recently celebrated the day of freedom and light - Ilinden, aware that the struggle for a free and independent Macedonia was won with the formation of the National Liberation Army of Macedonia. Army that later bore the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, which would make proud today even the famous Ilinden and brave ASNOM fighters.

Distinguished Attendees,

I am proud of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, which, by its professionalism, dedication and achievements, is consistently exceeding our expectations and the expectations of our NATO friends, partners and allies.

Our Army is valued and desirable partner of the Alliance. A partner that determinedly, firmly and persistently defends the shared values - peace, freedom and democracy.

This is proven by the consistent participation and numerous successful rotations in the peacekeeping missions: ISAF, EULEX and UNIFIL.

This is proven by the participation in military exercises in which the members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia are regularly among the most prominent participants.

This is shown by the highest recognitions and decorations for Macedonian peacekeepers assigned by many political and military leaders worldwide.

I believe the day will come when these individual recognitions will be accompanied by the collective recognition that we deserve – full-fledged membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO. An aspiration that brings together all our citizens, regardless of their ethnic, religious or any other affiliation. We will continue to share responsibilities with our allies, although we do not enjoy the benefits of the full-fledged membership.

Esteemed Excellencies,

The secret of the success of the Army lies in its commitment to the reforms. Reforms that we implement for the purpose of interoperability with the structures we are striving to. Reforms that we implement primarily for us, for our safety and the safety of our children.
As we were ready to start, we should be ready to continue with the reforms. We should be aware that without continuous investment in the Army, the acquired reform condition can easily be lost.

As the armed forces have a constitutional obligation to protect the territorial integrity and independence of the Republic of Macedonia, we all have an obligation to provide better conditions for those protecting us and our children.

As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I am strongly convinced that the institutions in the Republic of Macedonia, responsible for providing finances, would take certain measures to improve the living standard of the members of our Army. Despite the economic challenges faced by many fellow citizens, we should appropriately repay our sons and daughters who have been and will remain guarantors of the independence of the Republic of Macedonia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the end, congratulating you the 21st birthday, I congratulate all members of the Army of Republic of Macedonia, all promoted and newly appointed officers, soldiers and civilians serving in the Army of Republic of Macedonia. I congratulate and thank you for your professionalism in carrying out your responsible duty, but above all for your solidarity and loyalty to the homeland.

Macedonia is a land of the brave. Therefore, I want you to know that in the eyes of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, of our children and our friends, partners and allies, you, the members of the Army, are a synonym of the Macedonian bravery.

Happy Day of the Army, August 18!
Long live the Army of the Republic of Macedonia!
Long live the Republic of Macedonia!

Dear citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
Distinguished guests,
Distinguished descendants of all our known and unknown heroes who gave their lives for their homeland Macedonia,


Today, on the day of Ilinden, we remember the Ilinden Uprising of 1903 and the first session of ASNOM of 1944. On this day of Ilinden, not far away from here, in Prohor Pcinjski Monastery, the cornerstones of the Macedonian state were laid. This was the first fruit of the national liberation struggle of the Macedonian people.


Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

Freedom has its roots, and a soil to grow upon. The root of our freedom is here, in Macedonia. A root that grows from the seed, which is at the same time a fruit.

It is said that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and sprouts, it remains alone; but if it sprouts, it bears much fruit. The fruit of Ilinden became the seed of ASNOM. They have sown the seed whose fruits and harvests feed us even today.

A strive for freedom and light is the seed they have sown in the occupied Macedonian soil – a soil they irrigated with their own blood. Out of this seed sprouted freedom and light. It is not by coincidence that our anthem begins with the words: "Today, over Macedonia, a new sun of freedom is born!" Today, on Ilinden, we celebrate freedom and light.


Dear fellow citizens,

The sun and Ilinden are a Macedonian symbol for freedom. The sun on our flag, on our coat of arms, in our national anthem – this sun is our pledge for freedom – a pledge we remind ourselves of at every Ilinden.

Just as the light is most appreciated by those who have spent a long time in darkness, so is freedom most sincerely beloved by those who have been occupied for centuries. After the long Macedonian night which began with the fall of Samoil, we finally saw the sun of freedom.

Today we remember the Ilinden fighters who, 110 ago, shed their blood on occupied Macedonian land. We remember those who fought in the national liberation and antifascist struggle and who lit the flame, confirming the justness of the Macedonian cause.

In those historic moments, they only had two options: either will Macedonia be a slaves' prison cell, or it will become a free homeland to a free people. Our heroes decisively used the only means their occupiers could not take away from them, and that is to fight. An armed struggle for freedom, justice and human dignity – for, what God has given, no one can take away.

The ideals they once fought for are today our reality. This is featured in the Krushevo Manifesto and the founding documents of ASNOM. It only takes to see the ASNOM Declaration on the fundamental rights of the citizens of democratic Macedonia from August 2, 1944. Among other things, it states that:

„All citizens...are equal before the law, regardless of their nationality, gender, race and faith.
National minorities in Macedonia shall have all rights to a free exercise of their nationality. The safety and security of every citizen's person and property shall be guaranteed, along with the right to property and honest initiatives in trade. "

This Declaration laid the cornerstone of the modern Macedonian state, of the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. It is a Declaration written by top intellectuals, spreading a European spirit.

After the long Macedonian night, ASNOM gave us light. However, some of those who brought us the light got lost in the flames. Some in physical, some in the spiritual sense of the word. That is why today we remember and celebrate all of them. We remember Chento and Brashnarov, Chuchkov and Agoli, Piruze and Shatev, but also many other known and unknown heroes, ancestors of some of you present today.

Is there a greater love than sacrificing one's own life for the sake of one's beloved, for the people, for the homeland, for Macedonia? The memories in which these people are eternalized and the respect we pay to them prove that their sacrifice was not in vain.

This is why we must never forget how many sacrifices were made so that our sons and daughters, our children and grandchildren can stand under the flag of freedom.


Dear fellow citizens,

Exactly three years ago, at this very place, I said that our cause is having a progressive, economically and democratically developed state, fully integrated in NATO and the European Union. I also said that we are sincere and dedicated to becoming part of these families in which we naturally belong.

We are aware that an absurd demand stands on this way. We are asked to renounce who we were, who we are and who we must continue to be. We are asked to renounce our own name, our own identity.

A man can only renounce his own possessions. Do we own the air that we breathe or the water that we drink; are we the owners of the sun that shines and the time that passes? It is the same with the name and identity. The name and the identity are part of us just as we are part of them.

The name and the identity are like a river that has flown for centuries and will continue to do so, with or without us. Renouncing our identity is the same as drying the river whose water we drink, whose fruits we feed upon – a river that provides for us, just as it did for our ancestors and will do for our children.


Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

We are asked to renounce our history; as if it were a book we only lend and then return to the library of collective memory. But history is not the private property of a single people or a single state. History is not only what is written in the books. It is the life that has been lived by the generations before us. History is shared; it is part of us, of who we have been, who we are, and who we will become. Same as light, history is the sum of the entire spectrum of what has happened to all peoples. We are part of that spectrum, regardless of whether someone recognizes it or not.

History, too, is like an ever-flowing river. Some of its waters of it are clear, others are turbid. Some of them are shallow, others deep. Some of them are tranquil, some troubled. History is part of all the individuals and peoples, communities and states which once shared a common past. The European Union itself has been built upon the understanding of the great truth that independently of all perceptions, history is one and unique – it is common and belongs to all European peoples. This is why I wish to appeal for a European approach towards history.

We are aware that these absurd requests have been delivered to us by some EU member states. But we must not forget that the European Union is not quite Europe yet, nor is Europe the European Union only. With the membership of Macedonia in the European Union, the Union will approach Europe.

Although it disappointed us by not respecting the recommendation of the Badintaire Committee; although it hurt us at the 1992 Lisbon Summit; although the failure to respect the judgment of the International Court of Justice offended us, still, the European Union remains the safest, most democratic and most humane place in the world, offering peace and tranquility, progress and prosperity. Therefore, the European Union remains our strategic goal. This is why the Republic of Macedonia will continue to approach closer to the European Union. However, we expect the Union to move closer to us, to Macedonia, as well.

Just as borders are disappearing from the European map, prejudice should disappear from the hearts and minds of European peoples.

This is why today, from this place, I make an appeal to the European Union: come to Macedonia to come closer to united Europe. Come to Macedonia for the sake of self-realization. We are part of Europe even without the Union. We are building Europe for the benefit of our citizens, above all.

Economic crisis should not be used to prevent the realization of the dream of many generations of Macedonians. The crisis should not serve as an excuse not to realize the dream of the great European visionaries.


Distinguished guests,

„A day will come when your arms will fall even from your hands! A day will come when war will seem as absurd and impossible... A day will come when... you all, nations of the continent, without losing your distinct qualities and your glorious individuality, will be merged closely within a superior unit and you will form the European brotherhood... A day will come when the only fields of battle will be markets opening up to trade and minds opening up to ideas."

These are the words of the great French writer and European visionary Victor Hugo. Words he spoke at the International Peace Congress in Paris, in 1849! Imagine, in the year 1849!

That day Hugo spoke about is very close. However, in order for this great historical day to come, stereotypes in the Balkans have to leave first. The appetites for conquering, assimilating, subordinating, negating and non-recognizing must finally be lost. 100 years after the tragedies of the Balkan wars, the ghosts of Balkan prejudice must finally disappear – ghosts that are still wandering and hindering the European future of the Republic of Macedonia and the region.


Distinguished guests,

History has proven that Macedonia has had the strongest temptations when it was closest to success. In 1903, in 1944 and back in 1991. The three Ilindens were an endurance test for Macedonia. We were subject to provocation, temptation, trials. They wanted to see if we could make it as a state, or whether we could resist to the pressure. God says we should be glad when going through temptations, for where there is temptation, there is also a blessing and prosperity.

We survived and we did not kneel. This is witnessed by all of us gathered today at Pelince, in Mechkin Kamen, and by all our fellow compatriots from the Diaspora who celebrate this holiday of freedom and light – Ilinden, throughout the world.

As Petre M. Andreevski said: "Our race is knotgrass and not a single army can destroy it. You may kick it, plucked it as much as you want, it will not disappear. Only if it touches the ground, it will start growing again, it will be revived. Nothing can destroy that grass".

The Ilinden fighters from 1903 gave the torch of victory to the fighters in the national liberation and antifascist struggle in 1944. We carry the torch of the 1991 victory. It is now time to give it to the next generations born in freedom; generations born in an independent and sovereign Republic of Macedonia.

They have something we did not have. They have the right and privilege to be born in a free and independent Republic of Macedonia. This is a right that implies a responsibility to appreciate, cherish, safeguard and respect our homeland.


Dear fellow citizens,

The 1944 ASNOM Manifesto states: „The most glorious years of your history are born, an epopee of the sacred national liberation struggle, in which you were reborn as people and felt free to take your destiny in your own hands".

Today, we are living those glorious years. Just as we were the future for the ASNOM participants, our children are the future to us. This is why we have the responsibility to safeguard and develop the Republic of Macedonia for the sake of future generations. In this way, future generations will understand what it means to have one's own country. To be yourself in your own country.

We have the duty to teach young people how to face the world in which nothing is easy and success in only achieved through hard work.

Only in that way shall we fulfill the pledge of those who fought and won what we have today.

Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

Those who do not fight have already lost. The feeling of defeat and unjustness must be replaced with the spirit of survival and victory. Some of the examples and direction towards victory is provided by our successful individuals.

If our artists can rule world stages; if our sports players can conquer world terrains; if our students, inventors and programmers win global competitions; if our successful entrepreneurs can be part of the global economy, then each and every one of us can give his or her best for Macedonia. He can win and become part of the mosaic that is personal and collective success.

I urge you: create, both spiritually and materially. Let us build Macedonia in heights, with the highest values, standards and criteria.

I invite you: Let us conquer new peaks – in business, science, culture, sports; to be at the top in all areas and professions.


Dear fellow citizens,

The great revolutionary and ideologist of Macedonian independence, Goce Delchev once said that a real man should not be afraid of anything.

The Republic of Macedonia today is the one protecting us from foreign interests, assimilation and destruction.
The Republic of Macedonia today is the one protecting our identity, language and culture.
The Republic of Macedonia today is the one protecting our safety and the lives of our children.
Today, we are who we are in the Republic of Macedonia.

This is why we need to raise our awareness regarding our duty towards our country; duty towards Macedonia. We may have different positions on many issues. But when it comes to state interests, when it comes to the future of the Republic of Macedonia, we must stand united. For this reason, today, on Ilinden, I call upon you to be united.


Dear Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Vlachs, Bosniacs, Roma...,
Dear Christians, Muslims, Jews,
Fellow citizens,

To be Macedonian and citizen of the Republic of Macedonia means to respect and accept the culture, faith and customs of the others; to cherish the diversity which makes us richer, united and unique.

The Republic of Macedonia belongs to all of us, independent of the ethnic, religious or any other difference. We, on the other hand, belong to each other, just as we belong to our common and only homeland Macedonia.

Today, it appeals to us, to compete in terms of success, creation and goodness, since this is the only way we will fulfill the legacy of our Ilinden ancestors. An oath enshrined in the Krushevo manifesto and in the ASNOM documents; a pledge to build Macedonia as a progressive, democratic and prosperous state and defend the interests of Macedonian citizens, liberty, independence, peace and stability for the good of all.


Long live Ilinden!
Long live our freedom and independence!
Long live the Republic of Macedonia!

Почитувани припадници на Армијата на Република Македонија и на Министерството за одбрана,
Почитувани присутни,

Како врховен командант на вооружените сили на Република Македонија, ми претставува особена чест да учествувам на оваа промоција на 13. класа на питомци на Воената академија „Михајло Апостолски". Промоција која е воедно и ваше произведување во прв офицерски чин. Ви честитам вам, на вашите професори, на вашите родители, на вашите ближни кои денес се гордеат со вас.


Ценети присутни,

На денешен ден, пред точно еден век, во Букурешт, беше потпишано примирјето меѓу државите-учеснички во Втората балканска војна од 1913 година.
Ден кога македонскиот народ сè уште немаше сопствена држава и армија како еден од атрибутите на државноста.
Ден кога нашите предци кои, иако учествуваа во војната за ослободување на Македонија, беа лишени од учество во мирот на рамноправна основа. Тие ги споделија обврските од борбата за ослободување, но беа лишени од уживање на придобивките од слободата, која остана недофатна. Недофатна сè до вториот Илинден од 1944 и третиот Илинден од 1991 година.

Тоа што го немавме тогаш, го имаме денес. Имаме сопствена држава и сопствена Армија. Армија која го гарантира суверенитетот и територијалниот интегритет на Република Македонија. Армија која е чувар на мирот и безбедноста на сите македонски граѓани. Армија која постојано се надградува, усовршува и надополнува со нова енергија, нови сили, нови војници и нови старешини, како што сте тоа вие денес.

Денес нашата Армија се зацврстува и пополнува со нова генерација офицери-потпоручници.


Почитувани идни офицери,

Ви честитам за успешното завршување на студиите на Воената академија „Михајло Апостолски". Вие сте прва генерација која дипломира по повторното возобновување на Воената академија, како придружна членка на Универзитетот „Гоце Делчев".

Ви честитам и за произведувањето во чин потпоручник. Тоа е почеток на вашата офицерска кариера во Армијата на Република Македонија и во Министерството за одбрана.

Вие сте иднината на нашата Армија. Како офицери во Армијата на Република Македонија, имате патриотски долг кон нашата татковина, долг да го негувате заветот што ни го оставија илинденците, борците од Народноослободителната и антифашистичката борба, завет што е оставен од сите синови и ќерки на Македонија кои ги дадоа своите животи за ние и нашите деца да живееме во мир, напредок и благосостојба.

Вам, како и на вашите претходници кои го започнаа и завршија школувањето на нашата Воена академија, во самостојна и суверена Република Македонија, ви припадна привилегијата целосно да бидете образувани според стандардите на НАТО.

Од веќе познати причини, за жал, сè уште формално не сме полноправна членка на НАТО. Но, и покрај сите предизвици, остануваме посветени на остварување на стратешките цели. Цели кои јасно и недвосмислено го отсликуваат националниот консензус – полноправно членство во НАТО и во Европската унија.

Во меѓувреме ќе продолжиме да се однесуваме и да ги споделуваме одговорностите и принципите што владеат во Алијансата, и покрај тоа што ги немаме придобивките од членството.

Во моментот кога нашата татковина Република Македонија ќе стане полноправна членка на Алијансата, токму вие ќе бидете нашите македонски НАТО-офицери. Тоа е голема чест, но и голема обврска, за која сум уверен дека ќе ја исполните со сето достоинство што ѝ прилега на Армијата на Република Македонија.

Како ваш врховен командант, од вас очекувам да внесете нови знаења во структурите на Армијата на Република Македонија. Сето она што го научивте во изминатите четири години да го пренесете во командите и единиците на Армијата. Очекувам да придонесете во зацврстувањето на борбената готовност и моралот на нашата Армија.

За два дена, на 2 Август, ќе го прославиме нашиот најсветол празник – Илинден. Никогаш не заборавајте дека треба да се водите од три принципи вградени во нашата Армија од вашите претходници: патриотизам, постојаност и професионалност. Само така ќе останете доследни на заветот оставен од илинденците и АСНОМ-ците.


Да живее Република Македонија!

Distinguished participants of the "2013 Ilinden March",
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

I am, indeed, especially honored with the opportunity to be the patron of the "2013 Ilinden Cavalry March" and to be among you today. The honor is even greater because of the fact that this year marks 35 years since the first march in 1978. All this happens in the year when we mark 110 years of the famous Ilinden Uprising and the first Republic in the Balkans - Krusevo. Thanks to this event, in a distinctive and original way, through the cavalry march from Lisiche to the famous Krusevo, we maintaine alive the memory of the Ilinden rebels and their struggle for free and independent Republic of Macedonia. What the Ilinden fighters traced in 1903, continued by the ASNOM members with the second Ilinden in 1944, was certified with the referendum in 1991. Over two decades, we, the current generation of Macedonians, are blessed to live in a free and independent Macedonian state.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Macedonian patriots, with heart and soul, celebrate their holidays and always find a way to pay tribute to the brightest characters in our history. To participate in the "Ilinden Cavalry March" is a challenge, but a privilege and honor, too. Each year there are more and more applicants for participation and more and more friends and supporters of the event. The "Ilinden Cavalry March" is a cult event which each year is prepared and implemented with soul and heart.

But this is not just a march and an event in memory of the past; it is an investment in the present and a pledge for the future. Macedonian citizens, here in Lisiche, in Krusevo, and in any other Macedonian village or town, will never forget the sacrifice of Ilinden fighters and will not allow Macedonian statehood to be questioned by anyone.

At the end of this speech, let me acknowledge and thank all those involved in the march. Those who organize it, those who financially help it and all of you who are gathered today in the church "St. Peter and Paul" who directly express your support for the horsemen. I wish the horsemen bon voyage and safe arrival in Krusevo.

I declare the event "2013 Ilinden Cavalry March" open.
To our everlasting memory of Ilinden, to our eternal Republic of Macedonia!

Thank you.

Почитувани присутни,
Дами и господа,
Драги пријатели,

Токму на денот кога со повеќе настани ја одбележуваме 50-годишнината  од катастрофалниот скопски земјотрес и кога се сеќаваме на настраданите, но и на солидарноста, пријателството и хуманоста, имам чест да доделам повелби на Република Македонија и медали за заслуги за Република Македонија. Високите признанија се доделуваат на поединци и македонски иселенички организации од Европа, Канада, САД и Австралија, кои со својот ангажман остварија траен придонес во промовирањето и заштитата на нашиот национален и културен идентитет и придонесоа за промоција на Република Македонија во земјите во кои живеат и работат. Овој настан се случува во годината кога одбележуваме 110 години од Илинденското востание и 100 години од погубниот Букурешки договор. Токму овие летни денови во нашава земја се одвива и 4. Глобална конференција на Обединетата македонска дијаспора, како и 4. средба на иселеничките организации при што токму со вечерашново доделување на повелбите и ордените се завршува овој собир. Како резултат на сево ова имаме чест во нашата земја да присуствуваат голем број наши иселеници од сите краишта на светот. Гледајќи ве собрани во својата матица, верувам дека по 22 години независност дојде моментот кога треба посплотени и пообединети да работиме на економскиот прогрес и развој на Република Македонија. Тоа е мисија која бара многу напори и макотрпна работа. Во оваа мисија, неизбежно е и особено е потребно ангажирањето на нашите сонародници кои живеат надвор од Република Македонија, со сиот нивен интелектуален, образовен, економски потенцијал. Мора да градиме цврсти и искрени врски помеѓу татковината и иселениците. Често во минатото овие односи беа обременети со поделби, недоверба, сомнеж. Во последниве години се работи на суштинско поврзување. Убеден сум   дека, меѓу другото и можноста, Македонците кои живеат надвор од границите да гласаат на изборите е една од придобивките која, секако, е јасен сигнал за нивната значајна улога и неотуѓиво право за да учествуваат во општествениот, политичкиот и економскиот живот на Република Македонија.

Почитувани,

Политичките, социјалните, идеолошките и економските мотиви направија илјадници и илјадници наши сонародници да ги напуштат своите родни огништа и среќата да си ја побараат далеку од своите домови. Во време на глобализиран свет, на нови отворени можности, на рушење на бариерите и границите, Македонците го доживуваат своето духовно обединување. Македонските родољуби без разлика каде и да се наоѓаат со срцето и мислата се со својата матица, со Република Македонија и со голема инспирација и ентузијазам постојано се залагаат за унапредување на Република Македонија, на политички, социјален и економски план.

Дами и господа,
Браќа и сестри кои живеете надвор од границите на Република Македонија,

Со вашата искрена поддршка за Македонија, со негување на македонското име и идентитет, на нашите традиции и обичаи, на нашата култура, вие давате пример кој треба да го следи оваа и наредните генерации Македонци од дијаспората.

Вие посветено работите на поддршка на развојот и напредокот на Република Македонија како независна, суверена и демократска држава, како и на нејзина меѓународна афирмација, особено во односите со земјите во кои живеете и работите.

Со вашите дела покажавте колку е важно активно да учествувате во општествениот, економскиот, културниот и политичкиот живот во земјите каде што живеете и со тоа  да го зголемите влијанието на македонската дијаспора, промовирајќи ги македонските вредности.

Со сета ваша помош, поддршка и неуморен ангажман, вие заслужено се најдовте на листата за докажани и заслужни поединци и организации. Затоа, во знак на нашата длабока почит и благодарност кон сите вас, денес во името на сите граѓани на Република Македонија, ви доделуваме повелби за Македонија и медали за заслуги на Република Македонија.

Благодарам.

Distinguished,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Our present hosts, President Pahor and President Josipovic have offered a model based on solidarity and partnership in the European integrations of the countries from the region. Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to discuss on the highest level our region’s most essential issue – the enlargement. Especially, having in mind that President Hollande will have the opportunity to hear our needs, challenges and arguments.

Tommorow we mark the 50th anniversary of the disasterous Skopje earthquake. In recent past, South East Europe suffered a disaster of another kind – isolations, divisions and conflicts. Just as ruined Skopje needed world solidarity to be re-built, so does our region need European solidarity in order to integrate where it belongs both in terms of geography and values – the European Union.

Excellencies,

In the case of Macedonia, the European Union faces a paradox. The corner-stone of the European Union is also its stone of stumbling. The Union is based on the respect of human rights, rule of law and equal principles to all. These basic values have been violated in the case of Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia is a candidate for EU membership since 2005. Ever since 2009, we continuosly have positive recommendations for starting the accession negotiations. Yet, on the last European Council in June, Macedonia was not even discussed, which can at least be characterized as unfair and unprincipled. I wish to speak very openly and honestly with facts and arguments.

First, for four years the EU member-states are solidirizing with a member-state that demands the unthinkable from us – violation of human rights, the right of selfidentification, of human dignity. We are expected to reach a mutually acceptable solution with Greece for the name issue.

The question is how to solve this issue when we have no party to talk to. Greece rejects our initiatives for direct meetings. They also rejected the last proposal from Prime Minister Gruevsk for directing of all efforts towards a final solution of the bilateral issue, through direct communication between the two Prime Ministers and their teams. Athens’ answer is that there is no need for a meeting since Greece is not the one blocking Macedonia, but the EU. Today, on this table we have representatives of three member-states. I expect to hear whether it is true that the European Union is blocking us, or, is it Greece?

Second, for a year and a half, the EU member-states have been ignoring the judgment by the International Court of Justice from 5th of December 2011. A judgment that clearly points out that in our case, the principle of rule of law is being violated, that the very international commitments that Greece has taken volunerely have been violated.

Thirdly, in our region there are positive examples that gave results. Where there is will, there is a way. Through its engagement, EU helped Croatia to join the European family. But, in the case of Macedonia, the principle of parallel process in the integrations and overcoming bilateral issues does not apply.

Fourth, we are witnessing another positive example – the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, held under the auspices of Baroness Ashton; a process that gave results. In our case, however, since 2009 untill now, EU does not invest energy to bring us to the same table so that we could reach a solution. Truth be told, Commissioner Fule tried to bring together the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Macedonia on a joint table with him, but Greece rejected this proposal as well.

Fifth, Greece is continuously hiding behind the principle of solidarity in NATO and the EU. This means violation of the very framework in which the talks are being held – the Security Council Resolutions 817 and 845, the Interim Accord and the judgment of the International Court of Justice.

I have been asking many leaders for the past four years to ask Greece to adhere to the framework; a framework that is created by the five permanent members of the Security Council. My effors have not born fruit yet.

Excellencies,

We recently discussed with President Pahor on how to unblock the process. He is right when saying that what is needed is a Macedonian initiative; that what is needed is a pragmatic and persuasive step that will not leave the European Councile indifferent.

I offered you five arguments whith which you can ask Greece to behave in a European manner towards a candidate country and a neighbor, towards the region and towards EU’s collective interest. Now you shall hear the compromises that my country made in its efforts to solve this issue.

First, in 1992, under pressure from Greece, we changed our Constitution, affirming the peaceloving policy of my country. We confirmed that we do not have territorial claims and that we have no intention to interfere in the sovering rights and internal affairs of other countries.

Second, in 1993, the Republic of Macedonia agreed to be admitted in the United Nations under a provisional reference.

Third, my country agreed to discuss the differences over the name. Although natural right of every state is to make a decision for its own name, the Republic of Macedonia made another compromise.

Fourth, in 1995 we signed an Interim Accord with Greece, which was ratified and adhered only by us. By this Macedonia made a very difficult decision which is unimaginable for almost all other countries – change of the most important national symbol - the national flag.

Fifth, just before the NATO Summit in Bucharest in 2008, we accepted a specific proposal by the mediator Nimetz. Have this proposal been accepted by Greece, then the Macedonian citizens would have decided on a referendum. However, we were blocked.

I ask you all, present here today, would you be ready to make such compromises as the Republic of Macedonia? Can anyone claim that Macedonia is an uncompromising party?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The ancient Greek dramatist Menander says that “nothing is more useful than silence”. Is this the motto of the contemporary Greek diplomacy regarding the name issue? If so, then, where is the source of the Greek silence? Is the quietness in Brussless the reason for the silence in Athens?

At a time when the EU is recovering from the credit crisis, it is also facing with the loss of the credibility of its enlargement policy. The ethimological root of the term credibility is in the Latin credo – to believe. The Macedonian citizens believe in the pover of the Union to bring foth peace, welfare and progress. The undecisiveness of the European lidership puts this trust into question. Believe me, the least we want to see is a bankruptcy of the European idea.

We do not have a plan B. The only think I do not know is whether the European Union has a plan B. However, whether it has one or no, it is up to us to create the European Union within Macedonia, to work hard on fulfilling the standards and criteria, to create the European agenda by ourselves, to make the screaning process by ourselves. When the date comes, we will be ready. We will continue with the reforms for the good of our citizens. We continue to work actively on all fields, since this process cannot be for us, without us.

Excellencies,

The date and the starting of the negotiations have double power. If granted, then then become part of the solution of the challenges faced by the country and the region, since they create favorable ambience for reforms. If denied, they turn into a source of new problems.

The idea of NATO and EU membership is a unifying factor for our multiethnic, multilinguistic and multireligious society. If Greece wishes to play on this card, if Greece wishes to test our ability to survive as a state, then I will immediately tell you that it is playing a very dangerous game indeed. Dangerous both for the region and the EU.

Would we have such a EU today if older member-states behaved in the same manner as Greece treats us? If the EU allows one member-state to violate the internationally undertaken commitments, Security Council resolutions, International Court of Justice judgments, then there is a danger of this becoming a rule instead of an exception. Then we might face with greater anarchy and unpredictability in the international relations.

Distinguished attendees,

In the year when we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the birth of rge great European, Jean Monnet, we also remember his warning “The veto is a profound reason, and at the same time a symbol of incapacity to overcome national egoisms. Most often it is an expression of the deepest and unconditional blockades.” Let us not allow for the veto to deprive the idea of Europe as a peace project. Let us not allow for the corner-stone of the European Union to become a stone of stumbling for the European idea.

Thank you.