Distinguished guests,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear friends,

Extraordinary is the feeling to make a toast on the occasion of the anniversary of the event which has marked the second decade of Macedonia’s independence. Almost ten years ago, on August 13th, 2001, with the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, Macedonia enriched its self-reliance, independence and sovereignty with the desire for a stable and functional multiethnic democracy.

In the days that followed the signing of the Framework Agreement, the Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney with encouragement stated:

“From what I know of the Macedonian spirit, I know there is a Macedonian ability to keep facing the light... and sing the song of the future.“

Today, a decade after these visionary words were spoken on the shores of Lake Ohrid, we and our children live the future of which Heaney spoke. And, even more.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Throughout the past ten years, we have rediscovered, re-acknowledged and upgraded our greatest value, which is also our greatest strength – the century-old tradition of coexistence and tolerance that we are proud of. Tradition which is the essence of the Macedonian model of integration without assimilation, integration with respect of the existing cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious and other diversities.

The Ohrid Framework Agreement is only a confirmation of the heritage left by our fathers – love thy neighbor. The inclusive model is one of the pillars of our security, stability and economic prosperity because it creates favorable conditions for building internal peace. But, as in any real democracy, we are talking about a process, and not for a finished project. Therefore, on a daily basis, this common model of ours is being upgraded and improved, a model which means enjoying rights but also respecting and sharing responsibilities arising from the constitutional order.

Dear friends,

The decades-long Macedonian experience has proven that, regardless how small territorially a country is, it is as strong as the aspiration of all its citizens toward a common future. And the aspiration of the Macedonian citizens towards the European and Euro-Atlantic future is clear and unambiguous. This is demonstrated through the great support for NATO and the European Union membership. It is a clear sign of which way we should follow.
 
Esteemed Excellencies,

For us, Macedonians, Albanians, Serbs, Roma, Turks, Vlachs, and Bosniaks, for all Macedonian citizens regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliation, the only motivating and driving light is the commitment to be equal part of the European and Euro-Atlantic family. Therefore, our allies, partners and friends should remain consistent to the deeds of the great visionaries and architects of the European peace project.

That is the only way we can make the dream of our fathers come true for a democratic, European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia. Making this dream come true, we have an investment to provide to the great European and Euro-Atlantic family. That is our model of functional multiethnic democracy. We can enrich the European values with our model of integration without assimilation.

On this note, at the very end, I raise this glass to the future of Macedonia and all its citizens!
 

The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, as patron, addressed the ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the European Movement in the Republic of Macedonia and the 2011 Europe Day:

Distinguished Members of the European Movement
and Participants at this Ceremony,
Respected Professor Gjurovska,
Excellencies, Dear Friends,

With great pleasure I accepted to be the patron of this Ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the European Movement in Macedonia. The pleasure is even greater because it is one of the first important non-governmental organizations in Macedonia, established in the year of its independence.

As one of the first such movements in the region of Southeast Europe, the European Movement in the Republic of Macedonia was immediately admitted to the International European Movement in Brussels. It was Macedonia’s concrete investment in Europe and also a European commitment to support the realization of the European dream of generations of Macedonian citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The beginnings of the European Movement of the Republic of Macedonia are related with the will of the citizens of Macedonia for an independent, sovereign, European and Euro-Atlantic Macedonia, a determination which was clearly expressed at the referendum held on September 8, 1991. The beginnings, however, of the International European Movement are closely related with the historic Congress of Europe in The Hague in 1948. A Congress when more than 700 prominent Europeans, among whom were Jean Monnet, Robert Schuman, Raymond Aron, Konrad Adenauer, De Gasperi, Salvador de Madariaga, de Rougemont, and many others, committed themselves decisively to unite Europe.

In this joint visionary venture, the builders of the United Europe laid the foundations of this largest All-European Civic Association, which from the outset participated, encouraged and directed all the steps in the European integration: the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community and the Treaties of Rome, through the Treaties of Amsterdam and Maastricht, to the Lisbon Treaty which shaped the European Union as a common European home. The road was neither easy nor painless. On the contrary, there were obstacles, temptations and challenges, but I believe that what is achieved corresponds with the vision of the founding fathers of the single, unified, democratic and prosperous Europe.

Respected attendees,

I believe you will agree with my conclusion that today's ceremony is the best proof that the Republic of Macedonia since the early days of its independence has been determined to join the European Union and to the Euro-Atlantic integration.

For long, the Republic of Macedonia has been taking necessary steps and implementing reforms to harmonize its internal social, economic, cultural and political components with those of the European Union, to harmonize its internal and external policy, as well as its security policy with the Union’s policy. As a result of our commitment, we are already in the most mature accession stage, as a candidate-country waiting to start accession negotiations with the Union.

I would like you to know that I have clearly told all the European colleagues with whom I have met in the past period that the Republic of Macedonia expects the same vision and leadership as the ones of the builders of the united Europe. The Republic of Macedonia expects to be given immediately a date to start negotiations. I believe that this is a win-win situation. Macedonia will be strongly motivated and focused; the region will receive a strong encouraging signal, while the European Union will enjoy credibility in terms of its most successful policy – the enlargement.

Esteemed Excellencies,

Bilateral issues must not hamper the vision of the founders. Only a united Europe, which is at the same time a prerequisite for a strong Europe, can be competitive globally, in every aspect. The European Union simply has an obligation to take care of Europe. There are positive examples of parallel movement in the integration and in resolving bilateral issues. I shall reiterate that I expect leadership and vision from the European partners and friends.

It makes me particularly glad that, throughout this period, the European Movement in Macedonia, as a non-governmental, Euro-oriented, organization, has provided enormous and undeniable contribution in spreading European values and benefits among the citizens, particularly among young people, students, in the public and in the media, so that the European spirit and consciousness are to be strengthened and promoted in this country. I believe that it is not a coincidence that, for this contribution, in 2003, the Macedonian Center for International Cooperation awarded the European Movement with the award for best NGO in the Republic of Macedonia. I would like to acknowledge that we highly appreciate the efforts of the European Movement in Macedonia at the international level, specifically aimed at promoting cooperation and joint actions and campaigns with the movements in the region and in the Balkan countries.

Dear friends,

At the very end, I would like to congratulate you wholeheartedly the jubilee, to wish you success and positive results. At the same time I wish you become soon the European Movement in the Republic of Macedonia as a full-fledged member of the European Union.

Thank you.
 

Distinguished attendees,
Esteemed Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Real honor and pleasure is to be here, in Warsaw, attending this significant Summit, in the year when Europe is marking the 20th anniversary of the end of the Warsaw Pact, when the countries behind the Iron Curtain finally experienced freedom, democracy and prosperity. For me personally, the symbolism of my presence here today is even greater because this year the Republic of Macedonia celebrates 2 decades of its autonomy, independence and sovereignty. Such anniversaries give us an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and to look into the future willingly and with pride.

I may freely say that the Republic of Macedonia, in the past 20 years, in dramatic circumstances, faced with serious temptations, has achieved evident success in the struggle for its independence and in the advancement of the European and Euro-Atlantic integrations. The success achieved is based on hardships, hard work, but above all on our commitment to what we want to achieve. Believe me, the goals were clear to us since the very beginning: Macedonia as a full-fledged NATO and the European Union member. Macedonia as a country developing good relations with all its neighbors. Macedonia, involved in all regional initiatives. Macedonia open to the world, to the international community, to all. Progressing towards these strategic goals, we succeeded in reforming our system towards a more advanced democracy.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, 20 years after proclaiming independence, the Republic of Macedonia is a country which has met all NATO acceding criteria.

Indeed, it is well known that there is an irrational reason which hinders us from utilizing the benefits of the North-Atlantic Alliance membership. However, I believe that this obstacle may be removed.

What is more important than the blockade of NATO membership is our natural affiliation to this family and the compatibility with the Euro-Atlantic values, principles and standards. Our peace-keepers in Afghanistan, along with their partners, are there to defend security, stability and freedom. They are Macedonia’s greatest investment for a safer world.

Today, 20 years after the historic wise decision of the Macedonian people for independence and sovereignty, today, the Republic of Macedonia is ready to launch negotiations for the European Union membership.

And, there is the same irrational issue blocking us again. Once again, I would like to extend my confidence that, with goodwill, with constructiveness, which we make obvious, with strict adherence to the discussion frameworks, this issue may be resolved. But at the same time, today the Republic of Macedonia, the entire region of Southeast Europe, needs the wisdom and the vision of the European leaders. The vision which was present in the first days of the establishment of the European family, the wisdom we witnessed 20 years ago in the great victory of democracy and freedom over the irrational and unsustainable regimes.

I hope that the European leaders, at the upcoming European Council meeting, will support us and enable the Republic of Macedonia to continue the path towards the European Union. Such a step is needed for all Western Balkan countries, for us, for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia and Croatia. Thus, we would be given the chance, along with the accession negotiations to complete the talks on the name dispute. Be assured, we do not ask for privileges. We want to be appraised for what we have achieved. We ask for equal and fair treatment. Do you think that such a civilization project like the European Union would have been possible today, if bilateral questions were imposed over the core European interests? Not at all. The project of European unification helped overcome prejudices and problems in a European manner. That is what we are asking for. This is needed because we have made a remarkable progress in meeting the Copenhagen and the Euro-Atlantic criteria, something that entails enforcement of serious reforms in all social spheres. We are at least at the equal stage of development and meeting criteria as the other member states, during their status of candidate countries for membership.

Is there a greater constructiveness, is there a greater contribution to the European idea, to stability and prosperity of the entire region, than our southern neighbor to unblock the European integration in this stage of the process? This would mean a lot to us, and would also be perceived as encouragement for all Western Balkan countries. This would mean re-opening of our region. I hope our neighbor will take into account all these arguments. Indeed, not only that they do not lose anything, but, I believe that Greece will benefit from this.

Esteemed Excellencies,

At this point, let me focus on one important benefit that makes us particularly proud of.

Since independence until today, the Republic of Macedonia managed to create a unique model of a multiethnic democracy, a model of integration without assimilation. The Ohrid Framework Agreement, which is probably the most successful agreement in the wider region of South-East Europe, the centuries-old tradition of coexistence, tolerance, and, foremost, properly understanding of the world of differences, received its legitimacy and value.

Certainly, multiculturalism and multiethnic democracy are never ending issues, being constantly faced with new challenges, but I firmly believe that our model is a model of the future. Therefore, we stand ready to share experiences and benefits with our neighbors in the region and beyond. This is our investment and best political export product, which, for the European neighbors, may be useful in establishing their democratic systems.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

One of the key topics of this session was the issue of which institutions were crucial to the democratic development of the countries in our region. I may say that in the case of Macedonia and of the entire region, institutions were not concerned, but ideas.

The idea of European and Euro-Atlantic unity was vital for the democratic processes in our country and our region. My fellow citizens have recognized real and lasting value in the idea of a united Europe that can lead them to the desired prosperity. My fellow citizens see in the united Europe an opportunity for a better life, security, democracy, political and interethnic stability.

The European idea urges the leadership of the South-East Europe countries to a close cooperation. What the region of South-East Europe needs definitely is more Europe. Today and now. We need accelerated integration because it is the main motivator, since there is no greater driving force of our societies than the EU integration process.

Unlike ten years ago, when completely different issues were on the agenda in the South-East Europe, nowadays, with my colleagues form the direct neighborhood and from the wider region, we discuss concrete projects, infrastructure, economic and energy connectivity, environmental issues, improved and shared access to prevention and response to natural disasters. Today, the governments in the region are committed to the joint fight against organized crime and other negative phenomena. Accelerated, balanced and sustainable development in the region remains our common goal, value and benefits.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
Let me reiterate that the Republic of Macedonia remains committed to its highest goals and priorities, driven by the basic principle of openness to all, close relations with everyone. Being committed to the goals that I have been focused on in the past two years, it can responsibly be concluded that the results are evident.

We have transformed the regular communication with almost all neighbors into real cooperation on specific issues. We have left the prejudices from the past in the past, in order to be able to focus on the present, looking and tracing the future. Unfortunately, not by my fault, I do not have communication with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Papoulias only.
 
Not only that we are participating in all indigenous initiatives, we have made a step further by providing our initiatives. I am particularly glad that with the presidents of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro we have established cooperation which, in the coming months, will be crowned in Ohrid by signing the Ohrid Declaration. A declaration aimed to encourage the governments on cooperation and to oblige our successors to continue the cooperation. It is no secret that the inspiration for this, let’s call it the Ohrid group, comes out precisely of the fruitful cooperation established by the Visegrad Group.

Distinguished Excellencies,

There is one thing for which neither the Republic of Macedonia nor the South-East Europe can boast with a dramatic success. We need to be honest to ourselves and to our citizens. We failed to meet sufficiently the expectations of our citizens for a higher standard of living.

In the Republic of Macedonia the transition process lasted for too long, unlike in other countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Finally, in the past five years we have a government which is focused, with all its capacity, on this issue and, indeed, has achieved results. The trend is good, and it makes me optimistic. However, the huge economic and financial crisis emerged and left its traces. Yet, we were able to maintain our economic and financial stability, and this year we expect improvement and restoration of the progress. I do expect that the integration and the economic development will be high on the agenda of the new government as well.

What is specific for the Republic of Macedonia is that the economic growth and integrations are as a two-way street. There is interdependence between the integrations and the economic situation. The blockades of our integrations affect the number, quality and quantity of foreign direct investments. But we are not discouraged.

At the very end, let me conclude: the idea is moving forward and motivating our democratic development. To continue on the same path, we need more Europe and not less. I believe that the European leaders will consistently follow the ideas of the visionaries and founders of Europe. I believe that the mission of this generation is to finish the deeds initiated by Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, Konrad Adenauer - to unite Europe, and to finally integrate the Southeast of Europe.

Thank you.
 

Mr. Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Madam Deputy Secretary-General,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to share, with all previous speakers, my condolences to the people and government of Japan, and all Nations that have suffered from natural and man-made disasters in this deadly decade.

We are facing a defining moment in history. Moment when the interdependent global risks, from climate change to disaster risk, from unbalanced economic and urban development to ecosystem degradation, require adequate and joint global response.

We recognize that development without resilience to disasters is not sustainable. We are also here to recognize the direct linkage between the human misconduct and the reality of climate change and natural disasters.

For these reasons, I strongly believe that a coordinated approach to Disaster Risk Reduction, to Climate Change Adaptation and to Sustainable Development, through integrated policies and harmonized practical steps, is the most important investment for a safer tomorrow. By supporting development based on moral judgment, knowledge, resilience, prevention and adaptation, we are jointly building a future that will not need an Ark to endure the days of the flood. Still, we need to plan ahead. After all, it was not raining when Noah built his Ark.

By planning, supported by the creative guidance of UNISDR, we bring the future into the present so that we now can do something about it. Macedonia, inspired by the general idea of the Hyogo Framework for Action, is committed and active in building resilience and promoting the DRR agenda, on the local, national, regional and today, on the global level.

Distinguished delegates,

Understanding that “disasters result from the impact of natural hazards on vulnerable individuals and communities”, the Republic of Macedonia developed its national, multi-sectoral Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.  The Macedonian model, based on a holistic approach, is leading to effective and efficient risk reduction by integrating available and relevant capacities and resources on all administrative levels, allowing us to integrate DRR into our national strategies, policies, plans and legislation. It is a joint effort that brings together all segments of Macedonian society, public and private, academic and business, religious and secular sectors.

Through the Local and Regional Councils for DRR, Macedonia encourages the involvement of local authorities in DRR efforts, thus increasing public and private investments in local action.

I find it to be true that resilience evokes responsibility, where individual and institutional commitment, along with inspection and insurance, go hand in hand. Cultivating a culture of shared responsibility is a key precondition for Disaster Risk Reduction. For exactly this reason, by joining the South Eastern Europe Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, the Republic of Macedonia is embracing this important dimension of private - public partnership and also encouraging other nations to follow the suit.

Excellencies,

On the regional, European level, the Republic of Macedonia has accepted, with great enthusiasm and devotion, the obligations deriving from chairing the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction for 2011. Supported by UNISDR Europe Office and EUR-OPA Major Hazard Agreement, the Forum is strongly dedicated to stimulating and facilitating the exchange and sharing of experiences and good practices among European nations. Furthermore, by chairing the Working Group on Climate Change Adaptation within the European Forum, we are especially committed, along with leading European nations in that field, such as France, Germany and Norway, to merging risk reduction and adaptation efforts.

No country can achieve this alone. During the Macedonian Chairmanship with the Southeast European Cooperation Process 2012-2013, I intend to initiate a Southeast European summit, focused on strengthening regional cooperation in this context. I expect that this meeting shall raise regional awareness and responsibility for problems and challenges that recognize no borders, which have implications that more or less are of our common concern. I expect that it shall provide definitive results in the desired direction. I expect that the United Nations through its Secretary-General and appropriate bodies will participate at the summit and contribute to this joint effort.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Disaster risk is a reality of today, and a real threat for tomorrow. A threat that can be solved only by fulfilling the commitments and numerous pledges our governments have taken in past decades. It is the most important responsibility of this generation to hand over a less vulnerable world to generations to come, just as Noah did for mankind on the summit of biblical Mount Ararat.

With this thought in mind, let me recall Einstein’s wisdom when he said: “We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” It is up to this generation to adopt a different mindset so we can hand over a safer world to our children.

Thank you.

Dear Attendees,
Distinguished Excellencies, 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 

It is a real pleasure for me to be in the company of so many representatives of states which this year celebrate 20 years of their independence, which was conceived with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. However, we are also linked by the common Eurasian space and the numerous bridges of cultural, economic and energy cooperation.

Indeed, that is the reason why we are here today, to give a new quality and wider dimensions of our cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For my country, the Republic of Macedonia, 2011 is a year of significant anniversaries. 20 years ago, my fellow citizens made a historic decision to establish an independent, sovereign, democratic and European Macedonia. This wise historic decision which was brought by my fellow citizens has been so many times by now confirmed as the right one.

Last week, Macedonia celebrated one decade since the signing of the historic Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union. An Agreement which prompted us to focus all our internal powers and potentialities on the implementation of the essential economic, social and democratic reforms, but also to comply with the European Union criteria, legislation and standards.

This year we will be marking ten years since the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, the provisions of which have been integrated into the Constitution. Thus, Macedonia has strengthened, upgraded and enhanced the ancient tradition of multiethnic coexistence, tolerance and appreciation of diversity. I believe that the Macedonian model of inclusive democracy, which has been proven as successful, is the model of the future. This especially refers to the great Eurasian ethnic, religious and cultural mosaic.

Notwithstanding, inclusiveness and intertwining are characteristics of the new geo-cultural processes which are result of globalization. Globalization first appeared here, in Eurasia, and our cultures are a product of that process. Therefore, we are all lightly touched by this contemporary phase of globalization and it penetrates through the less and less visible borders between the East and the West. It is exactly where I see the contribution of Macedonia which stands ready to share its positive experiences and lessons learned.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Anniversaries are a good opportunity to draw a line and see what we have achieved, and where we are. I may freely conclude that in the past two decades, we have achieved a remarkable progress.

The Republic of Macedonia has fulfilled all NATO membership criteria, has implemented successful reforms and is ready to start accession negotiations with the European Union. The Euro-Atlantic integration, establishing, maintaining, and promotion of the good neighborly relations and regional cooperation still remain our primary strategic goal.

The three pillars upon which we are building the future of the Republic of Macedonia are the three “E” - Europe, Economy and Energy. I believe that these three inter-dependent and closely related “E” are crucial to our development.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We remain committed to achieving our strategic goal - European Union and NATO membership. This is our commitment because we believe that the European model and European unification is the most successful peace project that led to the reconciliation of many internal European conflicts and historical animosities between the European nations. This peace project shall not be complete without the membership of the Republic of Macedonia and of the other Western Balkan countries.

The Republic of Macedonia has deployed all its forces and potentials in favor of the economic development, in creating a favorable economic environment. My country has a longstanding macroeconomic stability with low inflation rate, which in average is 2% in the last 10 years. We have balanced public finances with low budget deficit, stable exchange rate and low public debt, which is 32.5% of the Gross Domestic Product. In the past three years, numerous reforms have been implemented in the area of labor market, as well as active measures for employment, thus the unemployment rate has been decreased for approximately 4%.

In the area of tax policy, low and flat taxes of 10% have been introduced. The flexibility in the labor market has been increased. Reforms have been implemented in the financial sector, education and agriculture, and the investments in the infrastructure and energy have also been increased.

For promotion of the Republic of Macedonia as a business destination for well-known foreign companies, five Free Technological Development Zones have been established, two of which are in Skopje and one in Stip, Tetovo and Bitola. These five zones offer a wide range of benefits which are attractive to the investors in the most advanced industries.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

These comprehensive reforms have improved the overall business climate, thus, the total amount of foreign direct investments in the Republic of Macedonia in the period from 1998 to 2009 is about 3 billion Euros. Due to the results achieved, in the last three years, Macedonia is included among the top reformers, according to the renowned “Doing Business” Report for South East Europe of the World Bank.

Given that agriculture is the main industry in the Republic of Macedonia, we are continuously increasing the budgetary subsidies in support of the Macedonian farmers. 100 million Euros in 2010, 115 million Euros in 2011, up to the projected 130 million Euros in 2012. In addition, the Value Added Tax for the agricultural materials and machinery has been reduced from 18% to 5%.

I would like to stress that these reforms are a confirmation of our commitment on the road to full-fledged membership in the European Union. But also, the reforms are a proof of our decisiveness to provide a better standard of living of our citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The economic development to which we are fully committed is impossible without the energy security and stability. Macedonia will finally be marked on the international map of energy transport corridors. This will open us the opportunity to obtain cheap energy for our businesses and households and reduce our production expenses. This shall be a specific investment in energy and in the general economic stability and security of the country.

The Republic of Macedonia is very rich in renewable and yet unexploited natural resources. Besides the numerous sunny days and hydro-potential, my country is situated in one of the 19 geothermal regions on the planet, since in Macedonia more than 25 natural sources of geothermal waters have been registered.

I believe that if we use them wisely, we will have an economic development based on knowledge and usage of the available resources. Unlike the expensive conventional energy sources, which are increasingly challenging the environment, the geothermal waters are relatively cheap and long-term cost efficient. Therefore, we strongly support investments in this profitable industry, primarily for energy production but also for development of bath and spa tourism.

As President, I have a short-term mandate, but my mission is long-term: the Republic of Macedonia a full-fledged member-state of the European Union with a stable economy based on long-term energy security and stability, a country which is to build balanced sustainable development for the benefit of its citizens.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I believe that we all share many of these goals. I also believe that many of the common priorities are attainable only through cooperation between the European and the Asian countries, between the Eurasian countries. We are turned towards each other and we are connected by many bridges of cooperation, both cultural, civilization, economic and energy.

This is where I see the close connection between stability and economic prosperity. This, among the other things, means conversion of energy dependence into energy interdependence. Therefore, I encourage further energy connectivity and branching of the oil and gas pipeline networks in the wider region, including Macedonia.

I believe that the benefits of this approach will be felt by all of us.

Hoping that this Forum will be an incubator of the Eurasian cooperation in future, let me greet all the participants and convey cordial regards to the organizers, who enabled this fruitful debate on substantive areas of economy, trade, energy to happen.

Thank you