Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Н.Е. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, on the occasion of Ilinden

Skopje, August 2nd, 2011

Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
Respected sons of our known and unknown heroes who laid their lives for their fatherland Macedonia,

Sublime is the feeling today, on the day of Ilinden, in front of the monument of one of the greatest sons of Macedonia, Metodi Andonov-Chento, to congratulate you August 2nd, the greatest Macedonian holiday.

Today, celebrating 108 years since the first Ilinden, 67 years since the second Ilinden, in the year when we celebrate two decades of the third Ilinden, we must look at the historical path that we have paved with sincere respect and dignity, with a strong commitment and unhidden sense of pride and determination.

On August 2nd, 1903, in the heroic Krushevo, the torch of Macedonia’s liberation from the Ottoman yoke was kindled. Although the Krushevo Republic after only ten days was crushed in fire and blood, still, the spark of freedom continued to smolder in the minds and hearts of many Macedonian patriots. They took the torch over and continued the national liberation and anti-fascist struggle of the Macedonian people during the Second World War.

Honorable compatriots,

After arduous hardships, sacrifices and struggles, the second Ilinden, in 1944, with God’s blessing and under the protection of the Holy Father Prohor Pchinjski, laid the foundations of the Macedonian statehood. Opening the first session of ASNOM, the witness of the two Ilindens, Panko Brashnarov exclaimed:

„...With joy, in my eyes I see all the rivers from Pchinja to Vardar, from Mesta to Bistrica waving, thus splattering the entire Macedonian land, wanting to wash the Macedonian people from the decade-long slavery shame since the downfall of Samuel’s state, so that today a new state is born, bright and free Macedonian state“.

Gathered together in front of the monument of the great popular tribune and first President of the ASNOM Presidium, Metodi Andonov-Chento, we must remember his vow: "The centuries-old desire of the Macedonian people has come true. We will preserve that freedom and equality as a pupil in the eye... "

Dear fellow-citizens,

It took almost half a century, when, on September 8th, 1991, the third Ilinden and the declaration of Macedonia’s independence took place. Finally, the Macedonian citizens felt the sun of freedom shining on them. What Chento dreamt of was finally achieved - independent democratic Macedonian state.

The road to independence was neither easy nor painless. Ilinden fighters, with a gun and bayonet, spilling their blood in sacrifice, fought for our freedom. The free Republic of Macedonia, with political efforts and peaceful means, continued to fight for recognition of its inviolable rights - the rights of its citizens to live in their national state as an equal member of the international community.

Respected citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

Faced with negation and denial, with political blockades and economic embargoes, with armed conflicts in the neighborhood and turmoil in the country, the Republic of Macedonia has managed to outlive the periods of challenges and to emerge stronger and more united. We have remained faithful to the pledge carved in the Krushevo Manifesto and on the foundations of the centuries-old tradition of coexistence of all ethnic communities we have built a unique Macedonian model of integration without assimilation.

We have managed to preserve the hard-won freedom and we continue to fight for the rights of all citizens, primarily the right of a name, identity and dignified life in the Republic of Macedonia as part of a united Europe.

Therefore, today, with clear thought and raised head, we can give our tribute to Chento and the other great sons and daughters of Macedonia, to the known and unknown heroes and all those who have contributed for the independent Macedonia.

Thus, I would like you to know that Ilinden is a reminiscence of the sacrifice of the generations of Macedonian patriots and also a motivation for this and for the next generations to be committed to building, maintaining and improving the priceless freedom of Macedonia. Be confident, Ilinden is a testament to maintain the ideals, values and principles of the Macedonian revolutionaries, and a compass which shows, with impeccable precision, our future and the future of our children.

I believe the message of Ilinden fighters can be generalized in the message of the Macedonian revolutionary Goce Delchev, who once said: "The effort for the liberation of one nation is, above all, its own effort, effort achieved by its own hands." With their great effort, Ilinden fighters obliged us to behave responsibly and with dignity, as befitting the children of Macedonia.

Sacrificing themselves on the altar of the fatherland, they left a pledge for us all, for all children of Macedonia, regardless of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.

Dear Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Vlachs, Bosniaks, Roma...,
Dear citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

Great and shared is our common responsibility through mutual loyalty to our common and only fatherland Macedonia, to fulfill the pledge of Ilinden fighters: to build Macedonia as developed, advanced and democratic country, to defend the interests of the Macedonian citizens, independence, peace and stability for the benefit of all.

As 1903 Ilinden fighters and 1941-1945 fighters through unity and accord fought for and managed to establish an independent, self-reliant and sovereign Macedonian state, now, it is up to us, through unity to achieve the dream of the Macedonian citizens for a democratic, European and Euro-Atlantic Republic of Macedonia.

Therefore, I urge everyone to be united under the flag of independent Macedonia!

Descendants and followers of the wide known Delchev, Gruev and Sandanski, Karev, Guli and Petrov,
Descendants of the Gemidzii, sons of the famous Brashnarov, Agoli and Chento, many happy returns of the day!

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

Distinguished Mister President Vujanovic,
Distinguished Mister President Topi,
Distinguished Madam President Jahjaga,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,

It is a real honor and pleasure to be the patron of the festival which has been in continuity promoting the supreme European and world art in the ancient city of Ohrid, and at the same time affirming the Macedonian culture and Macedonian artists in Europe and worldwide.

The pleasure is even greater for me because this year, here in Ohrid, I am the host of the 3rd Regional Presidential Summit, which is a confirmation of our commitment to sharing, cooperation and unity on the road to our European future. I believe that in this endeavor we have a staunch ally - culture, art and music as universal language of mankind.

Distinguished Attendees,

As nature is divine art, so is art a human nature. Since ancient times until today, Macedonia is a confirmation for this. Tonight, here in the Antique Theater, we experience the unification of this triad as the citizens of the ancient Lychnidos once did. Unity between the theater and the Lake, between the music and the dance, between the man and his creativity.

Today, all roads in the theatrical, vocal and music art lead to Ohrid. During these 40 days, Ohrid will become a spiritual port which through the art shall unite peoples and nations, their heritage and their future as well. This summer will be celebrating the timeless opuses of the renowned Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. This summer, the audience will have the opportunity to experience again the Euripides’ Electra and Medea, to empathy with Shakespeare's characters, as well as with the most prominent contemporary dramas.

Therefore, Macedonia is extremely proud of the “Ohrid Summer Festival”, which through the years has become a second home for many world famous celebrities and emerging stars.

Dear Friends of Art,

At the very end, right before the start of Respighi’s “Roman Trilogy”, recalling the words of De Lamartin that “Music Commences where Speech Ends”, I declare this year’s “Ohrid Summer Festival” open!

Thank you.
 

Distinguished Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to greet this important summit which symbolizes the regional commitment to cooperation and shared values. I would like to extend my congratulations to the current chair and host of this important forum, Montenegro, on the results and on the successful chairmanship with the Process. At the same time, let me convey my sincere wishes for a successful chairmanship with the South-East Europe Cooperation Process to the Republic of Serbia.

In the past 15 years, Macedonia has built a sense of pride and satisfaction of being part of this indigenous initiative, which in the past years justified its existence, focusing on policies and development goals of common interest.

Thanks to our esteemed hosts, today we are at the beautiful Sveti Stefan, which used to be in the past an island – a fortress, isolated and separated from the European mainland. Only ten years ago, many of our countries were separated islands. Today, Sveti Stefan is the place from where we send a clear and unambiguous message on our commitment to openness and connectivity in building a common future through cooperation. Indeed, in this globalized and interdependent world, not a single nation or a country is an island for itself. We all feel that the challenges faced by all countries in the region as well as the opportunities which have to be rightfully valued, shall lead us to increased cooperation.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

We, in the region of South Eastern Europe, are striving to build the future by investing in joint projects and development programs of common interest. It is through such programs that opportunities for mutual trust, shared interests and perspectives are opened, which is primarily a responsibility towards our citizens.

My vision is based on the so-called "three Es" – Europe, Economy and Energy. Each and every one of them is related to the others in a dual sense.

Compared with the situation only ten years ago, when completely different issues were on the agenda for Southeast Europe, today, we discuss and agree on concrete projects, for infrastructure, economic and energy connectivity, for investments and trade, for cultural and social cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to assure you that the Republic of Macedonia remains dedicated to its long-term goals and priorities, guided by the basic principle of openness to all, closeness with everyone. Our goals are clear: Macedonia as full-fledged member of NATO and the European Union, Macedonia, which develops good relations with all its neighbors, Macedonia included in all regional initiatives, Macedonia open to the world, to the international community, to all. Following these goals that I have been personally focused on in the past two years, I can responsibly say that the results are evident.

The recently held early parliamentary elections in my country have proven that the majority of the citizens support these goals and priorities, which is an obligation for the newly elected state authorities. Also, I can confirm that the regular communication we have with almost all our neighbors has been transformed into concrete arrangements, the implementation of which will be beneficial for all. We have left the prejudices from the past in the past, so that we can focus on the present, envisaging and tracing the future.

With satisfaction I can say that we are also encouraged with the achievements of our neighbors in the region, which make us glad. We walked along with some of you towards NATO membership, a journey that the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Croatia have finished successfully.

This is an excellent opportunity to congratulate the Republic of Croatia on the progress made in its European integrations. The recent positive decision of the European Council concerning Croatia's membership in the European Union is a positive signal for all of us in the region, since such a step is required for all Western Balkan countries.

We are convinced that your success is our success as well, and success of the entire region. And this also refers to all our neighbors without any exception. The Republic of Macedonia wishes to establish most direct cooperation with all its neighbors, considering especially the challenges and the opportunities of these new times.

Dear friends,

History has shown that enlargement of the European Union is the most important, not only development but also peace project of the European continent, which enabled the European countries to overcome their historical and accumulated problems and differences. In the past ten years, our region partially felt the benefits of the integration process. However, the project of the European unification is not yet finalized.

Hence, the Balkans today needs support to continue the European and Euro-Atlantic integration processes. With the integration, we will all contribute to democracy and the rule of law in the European open space. Thus, the European success will depend on us all. Through the implementation of the reforms, through the regional cooperation, we all share the responsibility and our countries, individually and all together, trace the future. However, the responsibility is also shared; there is no dilemma. When I say all together, I do not refer only to the countries of our region, but whole Europe, all countries of our continent. The European partners also have responsibility and duty. That is how I understand the process of enlargement.

Without the integration of our region we can not speak for a full and successfully accomplished process. Only a fully united Europe can be competitive to the other major and emerging powers. Only Europe as such will be able to cope with numerous problems, today, tomorrow and in the future. Europe must not be surprised with events such as the collapse of Yugoslavia, North Africa and the Mediterranean, or the problems in the Eurozone. The European Union leaders have an obligation to act in the interest of Europe. I believe in the vision and leadership of the European leaders, I am not discouraged, although the Republic of Macedonia is exposed to unequal treatment, we have been given additional criteria, which is not the case with any other country on our continent, and even beyond.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The greatest power of our region, and of Europe, is in its openness and unity, while the main threat comes out of its closeness and dividedness. Only together we can solve issues like regional energy connectivity, joint transport corridors, common rail infrastructure. Our countries have a unique location. On the one hand, we rely on Europe, which is the leading region in the world in the rule of law and democracy, economic development, built infrastructure and educated population. On the other hand, our countries share the borders with the countries of East, which, as economies, are booming. The Southeast Europe is a natural bridge between the developed core of Europe and some of the fastest growing economies in the world, the most important sources of energy, the largely unexploited capacities of human capital and consumer potential. We can be extremely important transmitter of knowledge, capital and positive values between these two regions. But as individual countries, we are not able in terms of infrastructure, politically or economically to play a role between Europe and its immediate neighborhood. The Balkans must function as a united region, part of the united European market, and be an important European communication link to the world.

In that regard, the countries of our region can be fully involved in the mission to unite Europe, and provide jointly their undoubted potential and contribution.

Thank you.

President of Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov has addressed today the international presidential conference “Facing Tomorrow 2011” taking place in in Jerusalem under the auspices of Israeli President Shimon Peres:

Distinguished President Peres,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a real pleasure to be in the capital of the State of Israel, Jerusalem. The fact that this Conference is becoming a tradition is a confirmation of its importance, relevance and need for such a forum. The contact with Jerusalem is a deep inner experience which is always turning ourselves to us. Therefore, I believe that this ancient Jerusalem shall be an inspiration for us all to find new ideas for the future that is awaiting us.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The global challenges that we have been faced with in the past decade allow us to recognize the contours of the future. And, the future is full of contrasts and numerous risks and opportunities. The contrast sharpens our focus and guides us to properly see the challenges and seize the opportunities.

The key challenge arising from the 21st century paradox is the merging and connecting of the world which goes along with its division and stratification in economic, political and cultural sense.

We live in a time when fundamental changes in the international relations are going on. When globalization and information revolution are creating new virtual communities, when young people, who are more and more audio-visual generation, change the world through the Internet, and the States have less and less impact on the virtual world which is occupying the real world.

We are witnesses of the Twitter and Facebook generation. The 21st century is a time when public opinion has a greater influence on decision makers. What recently happened with Wikileaks best speaks of the new challenges and opportunities of the new age in which the relation between democracy and multiculturalism becomes more evident.

Esteemed Excellencies,

Recently, in Warsaw, I attended the 17th Meeting of the Heads of Central European States. It was an opportunity to hear sincere and open discussions on the present challenges and the opportunities offered by the future. On this occasion, I will quote the President of the Italian Republic, Napolitano, who said that the future of Europe, and not of the European Union, is his key interest.

President Napolitano was completely right when he said that we cannot move forward if one half of the European Union is interested in the Eastern Partnership and the other half in the Mediterranean. Europe must simply achieve the necessary unity to be able to continue.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

I can tell you, during the Summit in Warsaw, the US President demonstrated a real vision and leadership. In that sense, I agree with his views on democracy. It is true that democracy is best when it comes from inside, from within the society. If it is difficult to export democracy, then, the least we can do is help democracy through democratization.

The Middle East and North Africa countries today need aid for the ongoing democratic processes. Today they need support identical to that which the Central and Eastern Europe countries received two decades ago.

We were also faced with lack of democracy and totalitarianism, something that part of your neighbors are experiencing now. We are ready to share our experiences from the totalitarianism towards the democratic transition and consolidation of democracy.

We are all different on this planet, but we are one world. Not a single religion teaches believers of bad things, only the bad thought leads to interpretation of God’s message in a manner contrary to the spirit of the religions. At the recent opening of the Holocaust Memorial Center of the Jews from Macedonia, I stated that:
”We all consider the Holocaust a tragedy of the humankind. Each and every one, who in itself cherishes the humane given by God, experiences the Holocaust as a tragedy. Since the Holocaust is not an act of man and people. The Holocaust is an act of those who have given up on God and the humane".

Esteemed Excellencies,

I believe that the development, preservation and promotion of democracy is a process that has no end. Therefore, the Balkans today needs support to continue the Euro-Atlantic integration processes. Today we need what I call European peace or Pax Europeana. Today we need the genuine idea of unification that meant provision of peace. Only accelerated integration will ensure prosperity of the entire region.

Hence, what I pledge for is open mind, open space and open market. I am glad that I am surrounded by prominent intellectuals and scientists who study both the mind and the brain. Both metaphysics and biology. What should connect those who study the brain and those who study the mind is the pursuit of peace and development.

Furthermore, I would like to draw your attention to the role of the EU on the international scene. Europe should consider the great shift of power, both in spatial and paradigmatic regard. Spatially, from west to east, paradigmatically, from geopolitics to geo-culture and geo-profit. The European leaders have an obligation to focus on long-term strategic interests of the continent.


In these crucial moments, Europe should not deal with itself. Europe must not become introvert and closed, because the greatest power of Europe is its openness, while the main weakness is in its closeness and dividedness. Introvert Europe may lose the soft power of persuasion.

I am optimistic about Europe. In the most difficult times, Europe has produced leaders with vision who had the courage to leave the past in history books and, with a fixed gaze on the future, to build the present. Today, the EU enlargement is the most successful peace, security and stability project that has led to reconciliation of many internal European conflicts and historical animosities between the European nations. However, I think a new impetus is needed, especially in the Balkans.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As it is impossible to write history of Europe without the history of the Jews, but also without the history of the Balkans and Macedonia, it is also difficult to imagine the European future without Israel, without the Balkans and without Macedonia. Let me explain why.

United in diversity, Europe draws its power from its ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, interweaving and richness. It is certainly a benefit that should be maintained and promoted.

Macedonian investment to the future of Europe is our model of functional multiethnic democracy; we can enrich the European values with our model of integration without assimilation.

Macedonia managed to build an inclusive democracy based on the centuries-old tradition of coexistence and tolerance. Tradition which is the essence of the Macedonian model of integration without assimilation, respecting the existing cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious and other diversities.

Respect for ethnic and cultural coexistence is a tradition that we are proud of, and, indeed, we should be. In Macedonia, ethnic, national and religious communities enjoy all rights and freedoms known today. Our model, in its essence, contains universal values and stems from the respect for different cultural matrices.

With the Ohrid Framework Agreement, which has regulated the relations between the ethnic communities in multicultural Macedonia and is the most successful agreement in the wider region of South-East Europe, the centuries-old tradition of correct understanding of the world of diversities, has received its legitimacy and value.

Certainly, multi-ethnic democracy is never a closed issue and is constantly faced with new challenges, but I firmly believe that our model is a model of the future.


Therefore, we stand ready to share the experiences and benefits with our neighbors from the region and beyond. This is our investment and best export product, which can help the European neighbors build democratic systems.

Esteemed Excellencies,

I consider that the real complexity and value of multiculturalism is most evident in multiethnic cities.

We live in a century which is as urban as it is multicultural. More than half of the population already lives in urban centers, and it is expected that by 2050, up to 70% of the world’s population will live in the cities. On a daily basis, over 200,000 people are joining the global urban population, which means that the population of the cities worldwide is growing by more than 2 people every second.

With the influx of new residents from the countries of origin and from foreign countries, many of these growing urban areas are transformed into multiethnic, multi-religious and multilingual centers and thus become hubs of multicultural life.

Hence, particularly interesting is the phenomenon of megalopolises, which are based exactly on harmonization of differences, thus simultaneously establishing a framework and a platform for multiculturalism, which is a wealth for our planet.

Multiethnic cities unite thousands or millions of individuals, needs, requirements and interests. Dozens, even hundreds of ethnic, religious, linguistic, social and economic groups and communities. The multi-ethnic city is a conglomerate of people and groups that is a challenge in itself for those who manage the city.

There is a dilemma, how to establish this unity, which means citizens’ loyalty to the city and to the community.

I believe that the fundamentals of this challenge can be recognized in the wise Solon’s statement that dysnomia, or absence of laws, brings to the city countless evils. Apart from that, eunomia, understood as a good policy or the rule of good laws, introduces order and sets the things in the right place. In other words, eunomia is a prerequisite for a balanced, lawful and orderly life among people.

I think the answer to the dilemma – how is it possible to achieve eunomia in 21st century multiethnic societies - is in the multiethnic cities.

Therefore, the experiences of those who manage the multiethnic cities are crucial for the management of the multiethnic and multicultural societies in this urban and multicultural century. Their experiences become more important for the future of the management with the globalized diversity, rather than the 19th and 20th century nation-state experiences.
Therefore, those who manage the multi-ethnic cities are leaders of the future, because they have understood their fundamental task properly - to create harmony, to ensure harmonious development of the multi-ethnic community, which is a picture of the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the beginning of my speech I mentioned Jerusalem. Now I would like to finish with Jerusalem, too.

Melting the three monotheistic religions, Jerusalem makes one of the most important summaries of the contemporary civilization. Jerusalem is a paradigm for hope, unity of people, commitment to the common good, love, faith. Jerusalem is paradigm for the glory of God and faith in people today, tomorrow, forever!

Thank you.