The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today awarded John Bitove with the Order “September 8” for exceptional dedication and commitment in support of the progress of the Republic of Macedonia and its affirmation worldwide as an independent and democratic state, as well as for contribution in developing and strengthening of the relations and cooperation with friendly Canada.

The address of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov:

Distinguished Mr. Bitove,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

These are the days when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of independence of our homeland, days when we thank God, our committed patriots, and generations of dedicated compatriots all over the world.

Throughout the past 20 years, the Macedonian experience showed that, regardless of how small territorially a country is, it is as strong as its tendency is towards the common future of all its children, both domestically and abroad. Whether they live in the fatherland or are part of the Diaspora, Macedonian patriots have always fought and strived for the freedom of this country, just as today, with unhidden enthusiasm, promote the truth about Macedonia, the Macedonians and what is Macedonian. Therefore, I believe that the success of the Republic of Macedonia is largely due to the dedication of the successful Macedonians worldwide.

The independence of the Republic of Macedonia was not only an expression of the will of its citizens, but also attainment of the yearning of the Macedonians from all over the world, who for decades were promoters and ambassadors of Macedonia's desire for independence in the countries where they lived. On September 8, 1991, independent Macedonia finally created conditions for spiritual liberation and unification of the Macedonians from all meridians.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today Mr. John Bitove is with us, the man who, though far from his native hearth, always carries Macedonia in his heart and his thoughts.

Convinced that nobody can take away “what we are most proud of - our own independent country with the freedoms that have been earned and the name that has been chosen by the Macedonians,” You, Mr. Bitove, for two decades, have been working diligently to support the development and progress of the Republic of Macedonia as an independent, sovereign and democratic state, as well as for its international recognition, especially in the relations with friendly Canada.

With your sincere support for Macedonia, by fostering the Macedonian name and identity, our traditions and customs, our culture, you give an example that should be followed by this and the coming generations of Macedonians from the Diaspora.

You have demonstrated how important it is the Macedonians to actively participate in the social, economic, cultural and political life in the countries where they live in order to increase the impact of the Macedonian Diaspora, thus promoting the Macedonian values. Your engagements speak of the importance of expanding the circle of Macedonian friends and creating lobby groups that will promote the truth of our country and will assist in achieving the vision of European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia.

Indeed, availing myself of this solemn occasion, I want to stress that your contributions are not limited only to the field of promoting the truth about Macedonia, the efforts to defend the human, individual rights of the Macedonians to preserve their name, identity, language and culture. On the contrary. As a successful Canadian-Macedonian businessman, you constantly encourage compliance with the market economy laws, the rule of law and personal responsibility, but also fight against corruption and developing managerial and entrepreneurial spirit in the Macedonian economy. As a philanthropist, you are developing the sense of social responsibility.

Esteemed Excellencies,

My vision for Macedonia is a country of diligent, ambitious and successful people, a country open to foreign investment, a country of advanced technologies, entrepreneurship and innovation. Country where the economic growth and success are based on personal responsibility, professionalism and dedication.

Mr. Bitove, I would like to assure you that on our path, you, your family, as well as all successful and dedicated expatriates around the world, for us are a source of everlasting inspiration.

For all your help, support and tireless efforts, you are meritoriously on the list of proven and deserving sons of Macedonia. Therefore, as a token of our deep appreciation and gratitude to you personally and to your family, I have this great honor and pleasure to award you with the Order “September 8”.

Thank you.
 

Respected Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

Today, Macedonia celebrates 20 years of its independence, 20 years of its sovereignty, 20 years of its self-reliance.

We are gathered here, in front of this Museum, a Museum which reminds us on everything that preceded these 20 years of free Republic of Macedonia. A museum that reminds us of all people and events that marked the long road to Macedonian freedom.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Why the opening of this Museum of the Macedonian struggle is a historical event?

Because it enlights the hidden corners, the hidden periods of our history. It will enable our childrenand all future generations to learn who Chento, Brashnarov, Piruze, Polezhinovski and many others were, for whom, we as a generation, learnt in later years, as adults, since we became an independent country. Because they were hidden from us for ages. However, the day came when it cannot be hidden longer. The history was and still is truth – it may only be interpreted differently, but what happened is what remains. It cannot be changed according to the necessity. It is impossible others to write, re-write or distort our history. What happened to us is our history.

Therefore, this museum is not a museum of only one ideology. This is a Museum of all ideological orientations in Macedonia that emerged from the revolutionary movement, the struggle for freedom and from the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization, as well as from the movements and organizations which preceded and which followed the struggle for liberation. In this Museum, there are socialists and anarchists, communists and conservatives. There are also autonomists and federalists. It is a testimony of the crimes of some communists that made other communists, socialists, revolutionaries suffer. Suffered both Ilinden Uprising fighters and Spanish Civil War fighters.

We should not forget Pavel Shatev, Gemidzhija, revolutionary, doctor of law, the first Minister of Justice of Macedonia! He was also Ilinden fighter, communist and patriot! He was convicted of collaboration with the Informbiro! Before that, he was twice sentenced to death and twice pardoned, by a sultan and a king, and eventually he died of what his countrymen ruled him. Indeed, that is our history.

We simply can not allow the dust of oblivion to cover again the great sacrificial work of Shatev and of the numerous Macedonian patriots who were unjustly forgotten, accused and tainted.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a museum of all sons of Macedonia.

This museum is a monument of the untamable march to freedom! During Krusevo Republic, the government consisted of Macedonians but also Vlachs and Albanians, and not a single fellow countryman of other nationality has suffered by the hands of the Ilinden fighters. This is a museum of freedom for all and each and everyone who loves freedom!

In the museum, there are heroes and people distracted from the cause. Humanists and sinners. Notwithstanding, this museum calls for historical reconciliation and tells us to remember in order not to repeat the old mistakes.

The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle binds the first and the second Ilinden, particularly through the phenomenon of the victims. I am confident that we all have heard that the second Ilinden is continuity, a historical follow-up of the first. But how many of us have ever thought what the actual meaning of those words is?

The National Liberation War was a struggle for an independent Macedonia, and the leaders of the second Ilinden considered the later established Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia as a phase, as a historical stage for achieving the ultimate goal - an independent Macedonia.

The National Liberation War was primarily a struggle for the creation of a national state. This is more than clear, both in terms of the founding documents and the strong symbolism. Our state was constituted at the ASNOM, on the day of Ilinden, a great religious and national holiday. The establishment of modern Macedonia took place in the Church St. Prohor Pchinski. Was it possible for ideologically imbued communists-atheists to gather and to establish a state within a temple of God? Why the partisan detachments were named Damjan Gruev and Pitu Guli, instead of Marx and Engels, or named after Lenin? Well, here lies the continuity of the Macedonian national struggle.

Indeed, soldiers fought and died in the National Liberation War led by the communist idea, as an ideal of equality and justice. But they were also guided by the ideal of national self-determination. Therefore, today we bow before their sacrifice. We bow before the deeds of all those who bravely and sincerely in the years after the war contributed to the establishment and improvement of the new Macedonian republic.

Distinguished Guests,

Once again, we shall recall the Krusevo Manifesto, and then the founding documents of ASNOM! They were written by prominent intellectuals. When you read these historical documents it seems that you read the American Declaration of Independence or the Declaration on the Rights of Man and Citizen of the French Revolution. These are charters with timeless and universal meaning. The universal rights that were guaranteed to us since the founding of the modern state, oblige, inspire and guide us even today.

What makes us especially proud is that in all constituent documents of the Macedonian state, full inclusion of all regardless of ethnic and religious affiliation is guaranteed. Being a Macedonian implies respect for fellow citizens and inclusion of the best from the system of values of the other. This is the power of our country and of our national cause. To be a Macedonian is to be tolerant and to respect the culture and customs of the others. This was true in the past; even before Christ, as it was true in all eras and kingdoms present in this region, so it is today. That is Macedonia.

When the surrounding states were building authoritarian empires, kingdoms and principalities, Macedonians were building a republic, they thought of a Balkan federation which guarantees the rights of all nations as the only way to achieve lasting and sustainable Balkan peace.

And even today, Macedonians are searching for Balkan and European peace. I would like to assure you that in all my public appearances in every meeting I have I appeal for the Balkan integration into the European Union and NATO, as a prerequisite for the Balkan peace. However, without the Balkan peace, there is no European peace.

Never in history has a backward policy survived. The myths of one nation, one religion, one language in today’s global world cannot endure. The one who denies somone’s identity cannot defeat the one who preserves and promotes its own and shares it with others. The progress is unstoppable! The march of freedom throughout history will walk over those who oppose freedom!

Fellow citizens,

I begun with the concept of freedom and I will end with it. During the election campaign for President of the Republic of Macedonia, on one occasion I was asked what monument in Skopje I wanted to see. I answered - a monument of freedom. Today I stand proudly, together with you, here before such a monument. Monument that will always remind us of the priceless value of freedom and the great sacrifices invested to pay for it.

The wishes of our ancestors, of our fighters, came true. The freely expressed will of the citizens, passed on to those who voted for the Declaration of Independence, I am laying it hereby, today, as a symbol of reveries and aspirations of those who fought for it.

The realized vow came to those who died yearning for Macedonia! The foundation is laid on the foundation, everything is placed on its place, from today till eternity!

Long live free Macedonia!

Thank you.
 

Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
Esteemed Excellenies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Every great achievement, before it is attained is only a dream.

Independent, sovereign and free Macedonia was the dream of generations and generations of our predecessors.

I avail myself, at the outset, on behalf of all of you to express my gratitude, my great gratitude to all those who participated in the attainment of that dream, the creation of independent Republic of Macedonia. The attainment of the ambition to have our own sovereign and independent state – the Republic of Macedonia.

Allow me to express my gratitude to all those who gave their lives for our freedom, to all those who have contributed to the establishment of democracy in the Republic of Macedonia.

On this solemn day, you can see among us some of the prominent active figures who worked and still work for the good of Macedonia. Therefore, I call upon you to join me in applause to greet and thank them for everything they have done and for everything they do for Macedonia.

With this tremendous applause, once again, we greet our athletes who, in these festive days, brought great victories and great joy for us. They demonstrated best that, with sincere desire for a victory and with hard work, regardless of whether anyone will underestimate, belittle or insult us, we can beat anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Dear fellow citizens,

Tomorrow, our homeland Macedonia marks two decades of independence. We are celebrating two decades of life in freedom and democracy. Children who were born along with the birth of the independence of our country, among whom is my son, today are already young people prepared for all challenges that life brings. Just as ready as Macedonia is.

These young people, brought up in independent Macedonia, know that social peace, personal security and safety, economic and social progress and growth do not happen by chance. They know that all this is a result of the constant efforts and permanent focus and interest from the elected, honest, accountable and effective government. They know how to respect this and to appraise it at the elections. They know that what is missing, all that is lost must be replenished with intellect, responsibility and creativity.

These days we celebrate our independence. Days when we celebrate our freedom. However, these are the days when we remember what we wanted for ourselves and for our children two decades ago. What we wanted for our citizens, for Macedonia. We wished, among the other things, a better and more dignified life. We wanted freedom and democracy. We wanted Macedonia to be part of the free world.

We, at that time, expected that the old alliances and treaties, the network of old coalitions and ties, interwoven between earlier established states in the Balkans and in Europe, should make room for yet another new state.

But instead of what we desired, immediately after the independence, we witnessed some unimaginable threats, intimidation, directed at our security, economic stability, our future.

We could expect certain resistance on that path, but we were surprised by the ferocity, unpredictability and irrationality of some. Some of the resistance and opposition to the creation of an independent and sovereign state quickly faded away, confronted with the necessity of the new reality. Some still question the creation of Macedonia.

Since ancient times, remained the belief that wise states do everything to help their neighbors to be united and progress together. We have proven that we can do that. We expect others to do so as well.

These are also days when we are reminded of some moments of despondency when it was considered that we cannot persist alone, that we will not succeed. Such comments might have been understandable in part at that time, but we cannot find an explanation that today, 20 years after the proclamation of independence, we still hear such assessments from certain individuals.

But despite all the challenges, threats and blackmails, it was clear that our people were not afraid. That the energy of optimism and the expectations something great to happen were present in the Macedonian citizens, regardless of ethnicity and religious affiliation, among Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Bosniaks, Vlachs, Christians, Muslims, Jews. Their hope was much stronger than the fear and uncertainty, and ultimately hope prevailed.

I believe it is particularly important that in those days as a generation we stepped off from a fatal philosophy. Philosophy that meant to leave someone else to think for us, someone else to make decisions for us. That problem, throughout the years spent in Yugoslavia, for some individuals became a kind of a mental model of thinking, which indeed created a barrier to full development and promotion of the Macedonian identity. Enormous courage was needed to come to the conclusion that we no longer can stand that. That there is no any another center, any other place where we should seek instructions, and a place where we can cast later the blame for the situation.

There is one popular wisdom that says that peoples are like individuals. Sometimes in life they must make a decision, must choose between money or honor. People are usually for money and thus sacrifice honor. Then some, but not all, regret. In this context, I will quote a statement of a great statesman of the 20th century (Churchill) who said that a nation can recover from political and military defeat, can overcome evil and poverty, but once it would knowingly accept humiliation, surrender and sell itself, there is no recovery after that.

Hence, as the fighters for independence in many countries say, responsibility stops here with us. An independent state must courageously and responsibly render its decisions and then take the responsibility over. Thus, we bear responsibility, all of us who are elected by the citizens to lead the state. We are responsible both for the fate of the citizens and of the state. We are responsible for the Macedonian society in general, for the overall development and future of Macedonia.

Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

These days we could hear some comments that Macedonia should not build triumphal arc because we haven’t had any triumphs in our history. Is our independence a small triumph? Isn’t victory a triumph over centuries-old denials of Macedonian people?

While rivers of blood were shed on the Balkans, Macedonia peacefully became independent, something that is an occasion not for one, but for many triumphs.

We survived and we still survive blockades and embargoes, exoduses and denials, blackmails and threats. Is that not enough to celebrate a victory over those who repeatedly and consistently stopped us on the path to progress?

Unfortunately, some believe that victories are only those won at the battlefield. History teaches us that the greatest and most significant victories are those won in peace, victories in the field of economy, science, education, culture and sport. The history of civilization is full of ruins made by destructive people. Victories are the buildings, both spiritual and material, introduced by innovative and creative people.

Also, we are blamed that instead of victories we celebrate defeats. Some even consider that Ilinden 1903 should not be celebrated!

I appeal to all those who do not recognize the efforts of the Ilinden fighters in 1903, of the partisans, of ASNOM participants, the generation of 1991. I urge all those who doubt our historic victory and our greatness, to be more self-respectful. That is the only way to be respected more by others.

Respected Guests,

It is true that in the era of global politics we need to consult our friends. We have more friends than we think, indeed. However, it is also true that, as an equal member at the international scene, we will do what we think is bestl for Macedonia.

The region has changed. The wars ended. The citizens of the Balkans understood the meaning of war, and also know what democracy, freedom and economic development mean. We cannot expect that the wrong choices of the past will be repeated again.

Today, we will be involved in fierce competition with our neighbors, in a fierce struggle, but it will be a struggle for a faster and better reform of the society in order to ensure that it functions in service and in favor of the citizens. Who will bring more foreign investment and better open up its economy to Europe and to the world. We will also compete in sport successes.
   
Respected citizens,

Macedonia has done a lot for everyone who lived and lives in this region. It has given them and the whole world, history, spirit, culture and tradition. In order to continue to deliver, however, it is necessary for us to give to Macedonia. Love, respect, solidarity and humanity, ideals, diligence and perseverance, these are the things we can and we must give to Macedonia.

For 20 years we live in a democratic country with a multiparty system. But, when it comes to national interests, strategic goals, there is only one party which recognizes no separation among members and leaders, which knows of no divisions and narrow interests. This party is called MACEDONIA! It is about time to unite around the common single party – Macedonia. To recognize its interests, goals and priorities, and, each of us individually, to engage in the fulfillment.

It is about time to eradicate the perceptions that we are small, oppressed and denied. We are a historical reality and a reality of today. We have our own state; we have rights and a future.

It is about time to start respecting each other. To stop the divisions of old and young, left and right, of traitors and patriots. To begin building respect on the basis of our individual achievements. And, through competition, such as elections, to find the best, the best ideas, best solutions, best individuals.

Respected all,

The first decade of our independence was characterized by historical decisions and challenges, as well as numerous errors and lost time and unexploited opportunities.
The second decade was in the sign of repairing the mistakes from the first decade and replenishment of the time lost and opportunities unused. The second decade also was marked by the implementation of the obligations arising from the Ohrid Framework Agreement.

The third decade is ahead. We do not have time to look for culprits and carriers of wrong decisions. History will judge them. We cannot change what is done, what happened, things that have passed. But, we can influence things that lie ahead. Trust me, we have a lot of work to do. We have to trace the future of our country and to see Macedonia in the decades to come. We need to open Macedonia in every respect, politically, economically, as well as in terms of infrastructure, media and culture. We need to achieve our strategic goals – membership in NATO, membership in the European Union.

This is the right time to build a future for the young people, but also to build young people for the future.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The end of the economic dogmas of the former system required a thorough revaluation and change in the functioning of the economy. It required a complete change of thinking and action of the citizens, rethinking the previously adopted rules which dictated each working day, every economic organization, a review of the role of the state and the administration in the daily lives of the citizens.

Macedonia had endorsed a revolution in this sphere. To remove the weaknesses of the previous economy and to try to revitalize and save what could be saved. Once again, to ensure the rights of the citizens to ownership of land, houses, stores, products of their labor, without the constant threat that the state can take away what they have earned.

We witness a big step forward in the economic policy in socialist Macedonia, compared to the previous periods, but we also witness countless deserted villages and even entire regions. The cities of that period were converted into oversized industrial centers which could not face open competition, if the state did not guarantee market for their products. The large and overloaded centralized educational, health and social systems were a key feature of this system, which was impossible to reform. And, without such a reform it was impossible to meet the needs and demands of the citizens.

The transition to democracy and market economy was an inevitable obligation for the young independent Macedonian state. However, the way it was conducted, the lack of understanding and acceptance of the free-market principles and the rule of law, made the transition last too long and be unnecessarily difficult for a large number of our citizens.

Fortunately, we witness today that the pillars on which the Macedonian economy should rest have already been set. We have monetary stability. We are improving the inherited infrastructure and we are trying to use it for the economic development.
     
The countless regulations that suffocated the market freedom are now significantly reduced. We can be satisfied with the results of the fight against corruption. We have significant improvements in the efficiency of the judiciary, which was one of the largest obstacles to normal functioning of the economy. One of our top priorities is the education of our youth in areas that can create secure and well-paid employment.

I want to assure you that these efforts have been noticed. We are witnessing that, although the world is facing an economic crisis unseen for decades, yet, Macedonia has a stable economy and manages to attract significant foreign investment.

Respected citizens,

Every beginning has its end, and every end has a beginning. I believe that the formal accession of the Republic of Macedonia to the European and Euro-Atlantic family will mark the beginning of the end of all attempts to deny our existence. We will open a new horizon for us, with a new future for Macedonia.

We do not lack courage or determination for this historical step. We represent the courage and determination of our citizens. However, our citizens have a limit, and we listen and respect their needs, desires and interests. To those who have a problem with our name I want to send a clear message: no solution must infringe our identity, our language, our culture, our Constitution.

Be assured that, as a responsible generation with responsible leadership, we will never and for nothing put at stake the highest of all, Macedonian values.
   
Respected citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

Tomorrow is the birthday of our fatherland Macedonia. The birthday, however, is not only for the state and its institutions. The birthday is a solemn day for all our citizens, for every Macedonian, Albanian, Turk, Roma, Serb, Bosniak, Vlach and for all others. Tomorrow is a birthday for every Christian, Muslim and Jew. We all need to make this day a holiday. Day of pride, day of dignity, day of self-respect. Let tomorrow be a day of love for our homeland Macedonia. Let tomorrow, September 8th be the day when we proudly remember our ancestors and our past, but also a day when we look into our future.

Happy birthday fatherland!

Macedonia you were and Macedonia you shall be!

May Macedonia be forever!

Long live the Republic of Macedonia!
 

Distinguished Attendees, Esteemed Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I avail myself of this occasion to express my distinct pleasure that today I have the opportunity to greet this prominent gathering which once again underscores the importance of UNESCO, at the same time attracting world intellectual, political and media elites.

The pleasure is even greater because the Republic of Macedonia is the country-initiator of this kind of gatherings. In 2003, the late President Boris Trajkovski has started this series of meetings and summits devoted to culture to which, to our great satisfaction, UNESCO and the Council of Europe acceded.

I am confident that this year’s forum will facilitate exchange of experiences and opinions which will confirm our mutual willingness for cooperation and our efforts to promote our countries as active stakeholders in building European architecture. Therefore, I congratulate this year’s host.

In 2013, when my country will hold the Presidency of the South East European Cooperation Process, we will mark the 10th anniversary of this type of meetings. Therefore, I would like to use this solemn occasion to underline the desire and readiness of the Republic of Macedonia to host the Summit in 2013. I am convinced that there are several reasons for this.

Esteemed Excellencies,

The Republic of Macedonia, being a UNESCO member-state, has always paid great attention to the cooperation with the Organization, particularly in the field of culture and art, areas in which the creative energy is most directly released and exchanged between the artists. For us, culture and art have always been efficient mediators in understanding and respecting differences between our cultures.

We are especially proud of the cooperation with UNESCO in the field of cultural and historical heritage of the Republic of Macedonia and of the entire region. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that we highly appreciate UNESCO’s efforts in promoting regional cooperation with the purpose of intensifying protection and promotion of our cultural heritage through new and creative approaches which ensure continuous development. In this regard, I would like to mention the importance of cultural tourism, having direct effects on the economic development of the country.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Macedonia is a country with long and rich culture, with fascinating, profound spiritual roots. It is a country-museum, a country of archaeological sites, a land of spiritual sanctuaries, a land of fortresses and bazaars, artifacts with great historic and artistic values that reflect the spirit of Macedonian people and Macedonian state. Throughout the long and rich history of Macedonian people and ethnic communities that lived and still dwell on our soil, an invaluable cultural heritage has been created from which even today we draw the sense of identity, love and respect for our roots and traditional values.

This cultural and religious diversity of Macedonia is a source of great creative potential and a bridge to mutual understanding, respect and coexistence. Hence, not by coincidence, our country hosted the First and Second World Conference on Dialogue among Religions and Civilizations through which we proved that only the exchange of opinions and experiences will enable people to re-discover the wealth of the diversities, cultural exchange and cooperation. We confirmed that only through dialogue based on utmost mutual respect and praising diversity and values of others, we can preserve and maintain peace, and follow the ideals of the modern world.

Your Excellencies,

The rich multiethnic, multi-confessional and multilingual tradition of my country was a reason more for the Republic of Macedonia to file an application to become a member of the Executive Board, the highest body of UNESCO. We expect a positive answer to our candidacy at the 36th UNESCO General Conference in October this year. I would like to assure you that Macedonia will consistently strive to further develop UNESCO, to strengthen its international role, to promote the traditional cooperation with all member-states. My country will make every effort for efficiency in the work and stimulation of the intellectual and material potential in solving global challenges facing mankind, which are within the scope of UNESCO.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Turning to the theme of this year’s Summit, through abstract art to reconciliation on the Balkans, let me share with you some of my observations.

John Kennedy once said: “We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth”.  And to this quote I would add that it is the truth that sets us free from prejudice and paves the path to reconciliation.

Art and reconciliation have a common feature, that each art requires courage, as reconciliation does. Courage in this regard understood not only as a willingness to take the first step, but to accept different opinions, considerations, views concerning the world and the reality.

I am glad that at this table there are leaders who do not lack courage, who demonstrate their bravery by participating in such gatherings.

I believe that this particularly refers to the abstract art because it requires courage not only of the artist but also of the viewer who is confronted with the work of art. The artist should be brave to offer a different understanding of reality, while the viewer should accept or at least not reject the unconventional view of reality.

The classic works of art leave little room for interpretation beyond the cultural matrix in which they are created. Icons, frescoes and iconostases are definite artistic expressions of Christian cultures, as the calligraphy and arabesques are signs of recognition in the Islamic culture.

Abstract art leaves room for interpretation, for a different view even beyond cultural and civilization patterns. It gives opportunity to every person, regardless of ethnicity, language and culture, to find the meaning for himself.

I believe that this is the greatest power of abstract art – it provides for unity in diversity, unity in various views, beliefs, understandings of the work and the messages.

Distinguished Attendees,

At the end, I would like to express my conviction that the greatest art is to live a fulfilled life in harmony with nature and people, while having own opinion and respecting the opinion of others. Open mind creates open space which in our region brings peace, stability and prosperity. I hope that the activities that will emerge from this Summit will contribute in opening the mind, and thus the region.

Great challenge for us all, Excellencies, is to live and materialize the great dream of the Macedonian national hero of the 20th century, Goce Delchev: “I see the world only as a field for cultural competition among nations”.

Once again, allow me to extend my congratulations to President Tadic.

What makes me particularly glad is that next year we will be hosted by our friends from Bosnia and Herzegovina, most probably in the city in the vicinity of which my predecessor, the great President Trajkovski lost his life, the man who gave the idea and is most deserving for the tradition of these gatherings.

Thank you.
 

Почитувани припадници на Армијата на Република Македонија,
Ваши екселенции,
Дами и господа,

Навистина сум горд што, како врховен командант на Армијата на Република Македонија, можам да ве поздравам на овој свечен ден. Годинава славиме и 20 години од независноста на нашата татковина Македонија, независност која, вие, припадниците на Армијата посветено, достоинствено и одговорно ја чувате.
Бидете уверени дека за тоа Македонија и нејзините чеда ви се благодарни.

Задоволството е дотолку поголемо бидејќи годинава се среќаваме во Охрид, на местото кое зрачи со нашето славно минато. Денес сме собрани во градот под Самуиловата тврдина, која е милениумски симбол на желбата на македонскиот народ да се биде свој на своето, да одлучува за сопствената судбина и сопствената иднина.
Желба која одново пламна на двата Илиндена и која конечно се оствари пред дваесет години. Денес, како и секоја година, се поклонуваме со длабока почит кон сите наши историски великани и борци, кои со оружје в рака се бореа за македонската држава и за нашата слобода и демократија.

Почитувани,

Како вистински и достоинствени наследници на славните Илинденци, со гордост можам да кажам дека вие, припадниците на Армијата на Република Македонија, сте еден од столбовите врз кој се потпира македонскиот интегритет и самобитност, но и македонскиот модел на соживот и толеранција.

Столб кој нема никогаш да дозволи македонскиот суверенитет да биде загрозен и разнишан. Столб кој ќе продолжи да влева доверба во македонското општество и ќе им овозможи и на наредните генерации да ја живеат својата благосостојба во слободна, безбедна, демократска, европска и евроатлантска Македонија.

Големата доверба која Армијата ја ужива во нашето општество е признание на постигнатото, но воедно и обврска да се продолжи со посветено и квалитетно извршување на задачите. Сакам да знаете дека пред нас има уште многу работа. Армијата на Република Македонија каква што ја знаеме денес не изникна преку ноќ. Напротив, таа беше постојано, трпеливо и посветено создавана, зајакнувана и унапредувана од генерациите кои се ставија во служба на татковината.

Затоа, денес сакам да им оддадам признание на сите досегашни началници на Генералштабот на Армијата на Република Македонија, офицери, подофицери, војници и цивилни лица на служба во Армијата на Република Македонија и Министерството за одбрана кои во изминатите 19 години придонесоа во градењето на овој стожер на македонската независност. Дозволете на овој важен ден како Врховен командант  да се поклонам со длабока почит на сите припадници на Армијата на Република Македонија кои го дадоа најскапоценото за својата татковина, кои ги положија своите животи за слободата и безбедноста на својата држава. Се сеќаваме со пиетет на сите војници и старешини кои ја поднесоа најголемата жртва за мирот и просперитетот на сите свои сограѓани. Нашата сегашност и иднина, иднината на нашата земја е изградена на нивниот хероизам.

Почитувани припадници на Армијата,

Минатата година имав можност да ги посетам нашите војници во Кабул. Претходно ги посетив и војниците во мисијата во Сараево. Можам слободно да кажам дека нема подобри, похрабри и подоблесни војници од македонските мировници. Моја гордост е да бидам ваш врховен командант.

Во оваа прилика, сакам да оддадам јавно признание и почит кон сите мировници од Армијата на Република Македонија кои во досегашниот период вложија голем труд и посветеност во ангажманот во мисиите во Авганистан, Ирак, Босна и Херцеговина и Либан. Тие придонесоа за воспоставување на мирот во земјите каде беа ангажирани, воедно афирмирајќи ја нашата татковина на меѓународен план. Сакам да подвлечам дека Република Македонија, како партнер и сојузник во антитерористичката коалиција во Авганистан, ќе остане сè додека е неопходно и ќе го следи трендот на транзиција и предавање на севкупната власт на авганистанскиот народ во согласност со интересите на Република Македонија.

Ценети екселенции,

Свесни сме дека влогот во Армијата е влог во европската и евроатлантската иднина на Македонија. Соочувајќи се со големи предизвици и спроведувајќи темелни реформи, македонската армија денес останува да биде еден од предводниците на реформскиот процес на целото македонско општество.
Со голема гордост можам да констатирам дека Армијата на Република Македонија ги исполни критериумите за членство во Алијансата.

Сакам да знаете дека со НАТО ги споделуваме истите вредности, интереси и приоритети. Со НАТО ги споделуваме обврските, задачите и одговорностите. Во Алијансата ја гледаме нашата иднина. Република Македонија е еднаква по обврските со сите земји-членки на НАТО, но не може да ги ужива правата и привилегиите што ги носи членството во Алијансата.

Верувам дека ќе дојде денот кога Република Македонија и формално ќе стане дел од евроатлантското братство на народи посветено на поголема безбедност, демократија и човекови права во светот.

Дами и господа,

На овој важен ден, сакам да му честитам на новиот началник на Генералштабот на Армијата на Република Македонија и да му посакам многу успех во напорната работа која, секако, бара врвен професионализам и посветено исполнување на евроатлантските вредности, стандарди и критериуми.

Денес, со нас е и новоизбраниот министер за одбрана на Република Македонија. Честитајќи му го изборот и посакувајќи му успех во работата, уверен сум дека заедно со него и со началникот на Генералштабот ќе имаме блиска, координирана и конструктивна соработка за сите прашања поврзани со раководењето на одбраната. А такви прашања, верувајте, има многу.

На нас е заеднички да работиме на континуирано усовршување на Армијата, на постојана обука на нејзините припадници и унапредување на материјално-техничките капацитети и ресурси. Тоа е неопходно за одржување на висок степен на борбена готовност за одбрана на нашата татковина, како и обврска кон нашите НАТО партнери, сојузници и пријатели. Тоа е обврска кон вас, нашите храбри војници, старешини и цивилни лица на служба во Армијата.

Почитувани присутни,

На крајот, честитајќи ви го уште еднаш 19. роденден, сакам да им честитам на сите припадници на Армијата, на сите унапредени старешини и да ви се заблагодарам за вашиот професионализам во извршувањето на одговорната задача, но пред сè за вашата солидарност и лојалност кон татковината. Македонија е земја на слободните, дом на храбрите. Затоа, сакам да знаете дека во очите на граѓаните на Република Македонија, на нашите деца, но и на нашите партнери и сојузници, вие, припадниците на Армијата сте синоним за храброста.
 
Нека ни е честит празникот на Армијата, 18 Август!

Да живее Армијата на Република Македонија!

Да живее Република Македонија!