The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of taking over of the watch tower “Ramna Niva” from the former JNA, by the territorial defence squad “Kozjak” from Kriva Palanka, today addressed the Gala academy held on that occasion:

Distinguished Members of the Organization of reserve military officers of the Republic of Macedonia, esteemed guests, dear friends,

Exactly 20 years ago, the composition of reserve military officers took the first watch tower from the JNA, the first point that meant real independence of the Republic of Macedonia. It was in Ramna Niva where the independence of our homeland Macedonia was born. Here is the germ of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia. At this point, the Macedonian armed forces began to keep their homeland Macedonia.

Exactly with this, for us, historical event, we have demonstrated that we have capacity not only to declare independence, but to keep it as something sacred, to fulfill the covenant of Ilinden fighters, the veterans of the Liberation War. We have demonstrated that we can endure as a country in the tumultuous period of crisis and military conflicts that emerged in the former Yugoslav federation.

Distinguished Guests,
This year the Macedonian Army celebrates its 20th jubilee. I am especially proud that it is with you, with the members of reserve military officers of the Republic of Macedonia that we start celebrating this important anniversary. As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I would like to pay special tribute and respect for your support in key moments for Macedonia. And believe me, this is justified. Your members first took over the defence of the border of our homeland. I am confident that you will do the same whenever Macedonia needs that from you.

I know you always answer the call of the homeland, regardless of circumstances and dangers. I know that your commitment does not end in the moment when you take off your uniform. The organization of reserve military officers of the Republic of Macedonia was established 60 years ago and is widespread throughout the country. You are the potential that we can and we must rely at any time.

I would like to assure you that in the course of this year we will make an overall analysis of the needs and the necessity of the reserve officers for the purpose of defending the Republic of Macedonia. I strongly believe that the reserve officers should be beside the active component, as one of the pillars supporting the defence of the Republic of Macedonia. Therefore, it should take the appropriate place in the defence sector.

What you, as reserve military officers have started two decades ago, the Army of the Republic of Macedonia along with some other segments of the defence and security took it over and continued. You know that today Macedonia has fulfilled all the obligations and criteria for NATO membership. However, regardless the final decision of the Summit in Chicago, we will continue with the reforms in all sectors, primarily we will do that for ourselves. Because we began similarly 20 years ago here, at Ramna Niva, faithfully, committed and unswervingly.

Dear members of the organization of military reserve officers,
At the end, congratulating you once again the 60th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of taking over of the first watch tower, I want to thank you for your professionalism in carrying out the responsible tasks, but above all, for your patriotism, your solidarity and loyalty to the homeland and to each other.

Thank you.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Salzburg was inaugurated as a Protector of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA). In this solemn occasion President Ivanov was presented with the “Manifest of Europe in the 21st century”, prepared by the European academic avant-garde, which contains the message addressed to the European polititioans, to direct their activities towards new strategies which will allow Europe’s progress in conditions of crisis, instead of applying short-term solutions. 
 

With this honorary title, President Ivanov joins the group of protectors of this prestigious academic institution, the protectors of which are several former and current European presidents and sovereigns.

Addressing the present professors, scientists, members of Senate and honorary guests of the EASA’s 22nd plenary session in the University of Salzburg’s amphitheatre, President Ivanov stressed that his inauguration as a Protector of the  European Academy of Sciences and Arts is a great honor, which is not only personal affirmation, but a clear recognition for Republic of Macedonia and the Macedonian people, as well.

Dear President of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, Professor Unger,
Respected members of the European Academy, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to be here today among you, in the birthplace of Mozart. His presence is especially felt in this ancient University Hall, which still echoes with his eternal music. One could say that in Salzburg we can hear, see and feel the essence of Europe, the art, culture and science. Here we witness Europe’s past deeds, present potentials and future possibilities. They are combined in a vast sum of knowledge passed from one generation to the next by institutions such as the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Respected guests,
Being elected protector of this European Academy is a great honor which I humbly accept. This is not only a personal affirmation, but a clear recognition of my country, Macedonia and the Macedonian people. For this, I deeply thank the European Academy and its respected President, Professor Felix Unger. I thank the members who proposed and elected me, the Deans, the Senate and the Presidency.

Be assured that, for me, it is both an honor and responsibility to be a protector of this Academy which connects many respected, dedicated and open minded individuals covering various academic fields.

Excellencies,
I represent Macedonia, a young European country, the homeland of an old European people that still seeks integration in the European family of Nations. I can proudly say that, in the academic, scientific, educational and cultural sense, we are Europe. We can and we want to share our values, knowledge and skills with the members of this progressive family. I look forward to see the day when Macedonia becomes member of the European Union. As a member with shared rights and duties, we would fulfill the dreams of many generations.

Europe nowadays faces many challenges to its economy, governance and responsibility, and European values and principles are at question. I strongly believe that it is the intellectual role of the European Academy to seek answers and propose wise solutions to these issues. Therefore, we must do our best to support the Academy in this important task. In order to achieve this, it is our shared duty to create future for the youth and youth for the future. I will do that, both as a President and educator, as political scientist and active politician, as a Macedonian and European.

Ladies and gentlemen,
My vision and motto have always been: PAX EUROPAEA FIERI NON POTEST SINE BALCANICA PACE. European Peace is unachievable without Balkan Peace. I strongly believe that this Academy can help us achieve European Peace through Balkan Peace.

At the end, I use this opportunity to once again express my gratitude for the great honor you have given me and Macedonia.

Thank you.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of establishment, awarded the “Charter of the Republic of Macedonia” to the Writers’ Association of Macedonia for the results achieved in its long-term activity for preservation and enhancement of the Macedonian literary and cultural achievements and for affirmation of the Macedonian literature in the world.

Dear members of the Writers’ Association of Macedonia, Dear Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, it was the word, the word that was creating. The Slav saints and educators, the brothers Cyril and Methodius and their disciples Clement and Naum of Ohrid were aware of the power of the word. The Macedonian reformist Pejcinovic, Puleski and Miladinovci Prlicev Shapkarev and Cepenkov were aware of the power of the national word. Misirkov and Koneski were aware of the power of literary language. Indeed, it was Misirkov who, nearly a century ago, wrote that “sympathy for the national language is our duty and our right. We are obliged to be loyal to our language because it is ours as our homeland is”.

If language is our homeland, then we need to constantly nurture, develop and promote it, with the same dedication as for the homeland - willingly and constantly, not waiting for someone to try to erase, challenge and problematize the thing that our identity is based on. In that sense, Dimitar Miladinov once said: “They reproach our language and call it barbaric, one of the oldest and richest languages”, thus leaving us a covenant “... first we should learn as much as possible thoughts and ideas of our language and then learn other languages”.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I believe that the mission of the Writers’ Association of Macedonia is in the fulfillment of this covenant: to ensure development of the Macedonian language by artistic speech creation; to be a binding bridge between all literary artists from Macedonia, regardless of their ethnic or linguistic background; to be a linking bridge Macedonian and world literature.

I assure you that your role has never been more important than today, when we live in a period of accelerated globalization that constantly changes the world, by linking, but also melting nations, cultures and languages. Although the Macedonian language is not in the category of endangered languages, it must not be, however, an excuse for us to change our attitude towards it.

Since its establishment in February 1947, the Writers’ Association has brought together the most important Macedonian literary names. With their lyrics, songs, stories and novels many generations grew up and were educated. Through their, through your written word, many generations of readers got familiar with their homeland Macedonia, developed their ideas, built their lives. Therefore, I can proudly say that the Writers’ Association throughout these 65 years and through the hundreds of knights of the language has given immeasurable contribution to Macedonia.

Nevertheless, your contribution does not end at the borders of our homeland. Initiating the Struga Poetry Evenings more than half a century ago, you enabled, the city of bridges, our poetic capital, become the bridge that binds poets from all meridians.

Having all this in mind, as President of the Republic of Macedonia, I made a decision to award this institution with the “Charter of the Republic of Macedonia”. With this recognition, we mark 65 years of successful work, and extend gratitude for every contribution that the Writers’ Association has provided for the enrichment of the Macedonian cultural values and for affirmation of the Republic of Macedonia in the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the end, I wish many decades the Writers’ Association to be the pound of the muses, home to numerous writers and artists from Macedonia and pride of the Macedonian literature and culture.

Thank you.

The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov addressed the Gala Academy on the occasion of Sveti Sava – the National day of the Serbian community in Republic of Macedonia, held tonight at the Macedonian Opera and Ballet under his auspices.

Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a pleasure for me to address this Gala Academy on the occasion of the National Day of the Serbian community in the Republic of Macedonia. Availing myself of this opportunity I would also like to congratulate this holiday to all Serbs in Macedonia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
On January 27, the Serbian community celebrates the day dedicated to St. Sava, who was a prince and a monk, an educator and a missionary, a diplomat and a legislator, a healer and a constructor, the person who is a spiritual inspiration for the Serbs, wherever they are. We can say that what St. Clement of Ohrid for the Macedonian people is, St. Sava is for the Serbian people - an inexhaustible source of faith, hope and love towards God, towards ourselves and towards the closest ones, a spiritual strength and a signpost to the future, filled with freedom, humanity, prosperity and progress. These are values that our two neighboring nations have always nurtured, whenever faced with major challenges and major decisions.

Our friendly nations share a common past. Yet, we have a different opinion on some issues. However, what is important is that those differences do not affect our good neighborly relations at all. Our cooperation is a confirmation that today, in our region, we have modern future-oriented leaders, contemporary politicians who leave certain issues and dilemmas of the past aside, taking into consideration the new time.

What makes me particularly glad is the fact that as an interlocutor in the friendly Republic of Serbia I have President Tadic. We are both focused on the present and the future. We are both committed to maximum strengthening of economic ties, infrastructure and energy connectivity between the two countries. Therefore, we must immediately, with all our capacities, act in this important field to ensure our future which we both see in the great European family of nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
There is yet one thing that connects our two countries. On our European path, both, the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia, are facing imposed unprecedented conditions which are beyond the scope of the Copenhagen criteria. But I would like to assure you that we are not disappointed and discouraged. The Copenhagen criteria and our criteria as well. We are aware that we must be fully focused on fulfilling the standards in all social spheres, and not only because Brussels requires that from us. We are Europe and we, alone, have to create the European Union in our countries. Thus, the issue of formal accession of our two countries into the European Union will be purely a technical issue. Our citizens oblige us to this. They require it and deserve it.

I strongly believe that the Macedonian community in the Republic of Serbia and the Serbian community in the Republic of Macedonia are more than a connecting bridge. Our relations are based on the principle of mutual respect and appreciation. This is another example of how two neighboring countries work to cherish European values by protecting the rights of the communities. Indeed, I think that the Republic of Macedonia is probably the best example for this on the European continent. Macedonian multiethnic democracy aims at preservation, development and promotion of ethnic, linguistic and cultural heritage of the Republic of Macedonia. You are part of that heritage, the members of the Serbian community.

I want to acknowledge that the Republic of Macedonia is proud of the Serbian community, which is constitutionally recognized and socially appreciated. Community that enjoys all the rights. Our covenant is to build bridges of friendship between the two friendly peoples and countries in the future, and to walk together towards our European future, thus building the future of our region.

Thank you.

The President fo the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, as a patron of the Annual Conference  of IAESTE – the International Association for Exchange of Students for Technical Experience, being held for the first time this year in Macedonia, addressed at the solemn ceremony which also marked the jubilee – 20 years IAESTE Macedonia.

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
With great pleasure I have accepted to be the patron of this outstanding international event that brings together theory and practice, knowledge and application of acquired knowledge, but also science and entrepreneurship.

The honor for Macedonia as host of this event, as well as for me as patron is even greater since this year we are marking three important anniversaries: 65 years of IAESTE being active globally. Six decades since the establishment of IAESTE Macedonia as local committee and 20 years since the transformation of that local committee into the Macedonian Association for the International Exchange of Students for Technical Experience – IAESTE Macedonia.

Throughout the decades, IAESTE enabled thousands of students to be trained in companies worldwide. Today, we are proud to say that IAESTE Macedonia is one of the most active national committees per capita in the world and the largest organization with student exchange program in Macedonia.

Esteemed attendees,
The moto of this Conference is: “IAESTE – The whole world comes to Macedonia!” and, believe me, there is a reason for this.

Year by year, Macedonia is increasingly becoming a more attractive destination for professional practice. Technical sciences in our country are experiencing their renaissance, and many young people see their future exactly in the universal language of engineering, electronics, mechanics. Macedonia is open for any kind of cooperation, including exchanges, tourism and investment. Macedonia intends to establish not only natural resources based economy, but also knowledge based economy, with dedicated, educated and hardworking people who aspire to practice what they have learnt. I believe they should be given such an opportunity, since they deserve it.

Respected IAESTE members,
Your organization allows us to build a sense of unity, of shared responsibility among the involved parties, the students, the universities and the companies. This particularly refers to you, the students, who have an extraordinary opportunity to apply what you know, to gain priceless practice, which is especially important for all who strive for technical perfection. Remember that only the fusion of theory and practice gives great results.

It is known that the real drivers of progress are those individuals who find ways to do things faster, more effectively and efficiently. Exactly the sciences you have chosen to study can bring you overall benefit, progress and success. It is exactly where I see the value of your profession.

All of you, regardless of where you come from, are people with open minds who contemplate beyond the established (patterns) frames. Your potential is undoubted. Therefore, you should make use of the 60-year partnership between universities, student organizations and companies that IAESTE offers and work on your own professional advancement. That is your future and the future of your countries.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to send a message to our companies which are already engaged or soon will be involved in this noble initiative. If we agree that IAESTE brings the whole world in Macedonia, and it has done so, for it unites 87 countries in the world, with an exchange of more that 6500 students annually who gain invaluable experience, then IAESTE is a strong link between the Macedonian companies and the world. Therefore, take the opportunity that the exchange student program offers. Invest in these young people because they will lead the technical and technological development of our country. Invest in them, because they will connect you with the world. Invest in them because they are the main Macedonian resource, they are your but also our future.

At the end, let me quote the great creator, inventor and visionary, the recently deceased Steve Jobs, who conveyed the following message to the Stanford University graduates:

"Your time is limited, so do not waste it living someone else's life. Do not be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Do not let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Hoping that the Conference will result in many new exchanges, new partnerships and friendships, I wish you many professional successes in future.

Thank you.

Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at the traditional New Year’s reception for the Diplomatic Corps, held this year in the Institute and Museum - Bitola.
 
Esteemed Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
At the outset, let me wish you and your families Happy New Year, lots of health, happiness and further personal and professional successes.

Today is the day of Saint Basil the Great, the day celebrated by the Orthodox Christians as the Orthodox New Year, which brings new hope, happiness and prosperity. Today is the day when we remember last year’s successes and challenges and, with a good thought, we open the door to the new year. Many of you were surprised when they received the invitations for this traditional reception. For the first time since independence, this reception is organized outside of Skopje. I have decided to organize this year’s reception here in Bitola, in the City of Consuls, a city that in the past was a diplomatic center of Macedonia. Next year we will follow this new tradition, as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The year 2011 was for us a year of anniversaries and successes. The Republic of Macedonia wrapped up 2011 with a diplomatic-legal success, which in the eyes of the international community acknowledged the credibility of our foreign policy and the correctness of our aspirations and claims. I expect that 2012 will be the year that will move the status quo in terms of integrations of the Republic of Macedonia. The judgment of the International Court of Justice is final and mandatory. It can not and must not be considered as an advisory opinion, to be improperly evaluated, since it would mean depreciation, weakening and undermining of the international order. Therefore, I would like to underline that the judgment and the Interim Accord are a chance for our neighbor, for all of us, for the region. I am convinced that their compliance would create a favorable environment that will help in finding a mutually acceptable solution to the problem, a problem that we did not want, that is absurd and incomprehensible for the vast majority of the international community. But such a problem exists and we have to face it. For us there is no doubt, and, as before, we will actively and constructively participate in the process with a serious approach.

We expect and hope for the same activeness, strictness and constructiveness of the other side. We expect our southern neighbor to leave off the incorrect maximalistic positions and its current conduct in the process and the actions taken in front of the international public. We expect our neighbors to support our integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures, in accordance with the Interim Accord and the ruling of the International Court of Justice which are a vital part of the Macedonian approach in addressing this issue, pursuant to the international law. I will reiterate, compliance with the judgment would mean observance of the international law and order. Law that today the Republic of Macedonia calls upon, but in future, maybe, your countries will call upon it too. The states have a moral obligation to respect international law. The states are obliged to respect the international duties they have voluntarily taken.

Esteemed Excellencies, I would like to acknowledge that also in the course of this 2012, we remain committed to achieving our strategic goals:
- Membership of Macedonia in NATO and in the European Union.
- Further development of bilateral relations with all countries in the world in accordance with the principle of openness to all.
- Further strengthening of good neighborly relations with the immediate neighborhood and the wider region.
- Proactive approach and sharing initiatives in the regional cooperation.

Rest assured that we remain committed to the reform processes as an investment in our Euro-Atlantic future. I want to believe that the next European Council and the next NATO Summit will provide for positive advancement in these fields. It would be beneficial for us, for Greece, for the European Union and for NATO Alliance.

I would like to emphasize that, as partner and ally to the anti-terrorist coalition in Afghanistan, the Republic of Macedonia will remain as long as necessary, and will follow the trend of transition and handover of the overall authority to the Afghan people.

In terms of regional proactive approach, I want to share with you that the Republic of Macedonia this year assumes the presidency of the most important autochthonus regional initiative – the South East Europe Cooperation Process, which will enable us to actively contribute to strengthening regional cooperation. At the same time, aware of the importance of establishing cultural and civilization corridors, this year we will start with the preparations for the summit dedicated to dialogue among civilizations, which will be held in 2013.

We will proceed with maximum action in all fields. This means attaining standards, values and criteria of the Union. The Copenhagen criteria are Macedonian criteria as well. Owing to the reforms and the prudent economic policy, as a state, we have made progress in the field of economy. Yet, there is a lot of work to be done to reach our final goal - to become an economically developed, energy secured, European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia.

I know we have the understanding and support of our friends and allies. We will continue to work on deepening of interstate relations and cooperation with your countries.

At the end, I would like to extend my gratitude to you for the overall support thus far, support that you and the countries you represent, give to the Republic of Macedonia.

Thank you!