Because of his sincere and deep humanism, artistic achievements and uniting energy, President Ivanov posthumously awarded the Order of Merits for Macedonia to Tose Proeski. At the ceremony organized at the Presidential residence, Tose's nephew, Kristijan Risteski received the Order.

- This Order is recognition of his real merits and an expression of our love and respect for the man who loved us all. With this act, Macedonia becomes formally committed to continue to cherish the memory of its great son to nurture his art and humanity, Ivanov said.

The President stressed that the Order is symbolic and modest, while the commitment to fostering good thoughts, intentions and deeds, is the real gift that we can give to Tose.

- Tose has been promoting the Republic of Macedonia and showed that Macedonia is brave and worthy, that we should believe, love, cherish and promote Macedonia with dignity. With our unselfish efforts, Tose Proeski, once again, made us proud of our past and decisive for our future, Ivanov said.

The ceremony of awarding the Order of Merits to Tose Proeski was attended by the former President Kiro Gligorov, Vice Prime Minister for European Affairs Vasko Naumovski, Minister of Culture Kanceska-Milevska, the Rector of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, Velimir Stojkovski, the Mayor of the municipality of Krushevo, members of Proeski family and representatives from the foundation “Tose Proeski”.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Aromanian (Vlach) Language Desk at the Macedonian Radio Television, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, sent the following congratulation message:

Today we proudly mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Aromanian Language Desk at the Macedonian Radio Television. Over the past two decades, the Desk provided the members of the Aromanian community the opportunity to nurture, through the TV monitors, their language, their culture, their traditions and values, while feeling Macedonia as their true home.

The Republic of Macedonia is especially proud of the Aromanian community which, with its diligence and rich culture is a permanent part of the history of our country’s existence. Aromanians are a prime example of responsible and dedicated citizens, successful in all fields of social life. From freedom fighters and revolutionaries, to world famous humanists and artists.

Guided by the vow left to Aromanians by Constantin Belemace: “All joy and lightness in the home, for the one who does not forget ones mother tongue!”, the Desk consistently fulfills its mission. A mission that implies cherishing, promoting and enhancing the Aromanian language as an essential attribute of a people. The Macedonian Television was and still is the only national TV in the world that broadcasts program in Aromanian language.

Confident that the Desk will continue to enrich the Aromanian and the Macedonian cultural matrix with new content, program and reports, I wish many more decades filled with fruitful work.

Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at the ceremony of awarding H.E. Dr. Otto von Habsburg with the Order of Merits for Macedonia for his exceptional contribution in strengthening of the international position and reputation of the Republic of Macedonia, and for promotion of the European perspective of the country through his personal engagement, as well as in the capacity of President of the Paneuropean Union and as Member of the European Parliament. On behalf of H.E. Dr. Otto von Habsburg, the Order of Merits for Macedonia will be handed over to his son, H.E. Georg von Habsburg, Ambassador for European Affairs in the Government of the Republic of Hungary.


Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today we have gathered together to pay tribute to a great European, a great friend of Macedonia, to Dr. Otto von Habsburg.

At the International Pan-European Union Conference held in Ohrid in 2007, von Habsburg said: "In five-year time I will be a hundred years old, and by then I wish Macedonia to join the European Union. Today, he is ninety-nine years old, and his desire, regrettably, has not yet been fulfilled. Macedonia is not yet a member of the European Union and has not yet launched accession negotiations, although it stands ready for that. Let me use this solemn occasion and wish him good health and may he live for many years more. I wish his desire to visit Macedonia as a full-fledged member of the European Union be fulfilled as soon as possible.


In the spirit of his famous ancestors, who entrusted the European civilization immeasurably, Otto von Habsburg put himself in service to the idea of free, democratic and prosperous Europe. Europe united in its diversity.


After the Second World War, Otto von Habsburg remained consistent opponent of the totalitarianism. During the Cold War, as a member of the European Parliament and as President of the International Pan-European Union, Otto von Habsburg carried the torch that lit the path to freedom to all those peoples who found themselves captured behind the Iron Curtain. Macedonia and its citizens are grateful for Otto von Habsburg’s, his family’s and close associates’ commitment dedicated to overcoming the ideological division of Europe. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, his leitmotif was they to become part of the European family of free and democratic nations.
Dr. Otto von Habsburg is one of the visionaries and architects of the enlargement of the European Union. Guided by the fundamental idea of Pan-European Union, unity of all European nations in a strong Europe, he never forgot Macedonia, always and everywhere advocating for Macedonia, as he often used to say, "a small, but very meritorious country with a strategic importance for Europe." "Europe will not be complete without Macedonia", were the words of Otto von Habsburg.


Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Whenever Macedonia was at a crossroad, it was Otto von Habsburg with his authority to remind the decision makers in the European capitals that "European interest is to do everything so that there is peace for this nation and that they can find their place in the family of democratic nations”.

Since the dawn of our independence, we have been faced with international isolation, because the right to our own name was denied to us. The doors of many international organizations for years were closed for us. But this was not the case with the Pan-European Union. Owing to Dr. Otto von Habsburg, the Pan-European Union of Macedonia was admitted to the International Pan-European Union in less than four months, although the necessary period for full membership is two years. He has opened the doors and represented us where we could not enter. This order is a kind of gratitude for Macedonian activists and supporters of the Pan-European movement who immediately recognized the natural affiliation of the Republic of Macedonia to this movement.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Macedonia considers Dr. Otto von Habsburg a great friend, proven and sincere lobbyist.
I feel sorry that he was not able to join us today personally, at this rewarding celebration of his merits for the Republic of Macedonia. Today we are honoured to have among us his younger son Georg Habsburg-Lotringen from Hungary, who is our great friend. In Austria, we are supported by his elder son Karl, as President of the Pan-European Union of Austria. In the Swedish Parliament, as a proven friend of our country, the interests of the Republic of Macedonia are defended by his daughter Valburga.

Therefore, Macedonia is immensely grateful for the tireless engagement and efforts of Dr. Otto von Habsburg, and is proud at the same time that has him as a sincere friend and supporter. As a token of our deep appreciation to him personally and to his family, it gives me great honour to hand over the "Order of Merits for Macedonia”, to his son Georg.

Thank you.

Distinguished Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, let me wish you and your families a Happy New Year, good health, happiness and further personal and professional success.
Dear all,
This traditional gathering is a good opportunity to recollect last year’s successes and challenges and, with a good thought, open the door of the New Year.
At the internal level, the year was marked by the implementation of essential reforms in all social spheres, in accordance with the common European values and standards, thus Macedonia has shown that is moving forward on the right path. You are witnesses that the Republic of Macedonia has been repeatedly promoting its society that rests on the rule of law, respect for human rights, on the unique model of multiethnic coexistence. However, there are problems and challenges along that path. The main challenges still remain in the economic sphere. I believe that 2011 will be the year when the state of play in this area will be improved, that slowly but surely we will overcome the consequences of the crisis. My optimism is based on real indicators, but also on the strong commitment of the state and of our business community and associations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Concerning the foreign policy, we had an exceptionally successful year in which the Republic of Macedonia’s international affirmation continued.
We shall remember last year by the successful Macedonian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, at a time when the key reforms within the organization have started.
I may conclude that progress was made in the relations with all our neighbors, both from the immediate vicinity and from the wider neighborhood, and we are particularly proud of the achievements in the field of regional cooperation. I believe this year will also be marked with new initiatives that would result in overall regional progress towards our common European future.
2010 was a year, as many of you can prove, of intense international activity that led the relations with many friendly countries to be raised to a higher level, a year when we have strengthened the existing traditional relations with many countries, made new friendships, we have intensified the cooperation and opened new perspectives and opportunities. We will proceed with all these activities with even greater intensity in the New Year 2011.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The New Year is a moment of optimism, new energy and new strength.
2011 for Macedonia is a year of jubilees. We will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the struggle against fascism, the 20th anniversary of the independence and the 10th anniversary of the signing of Ohrid Framework Agreement, our model of inclusive democracy that we will further develop and promote. This year we will also recall the tragedy of the Holocaust, and with the opening of the Memorial Center, we will pay tribute to the Macedonian Jews - victims of intolerance and hatred towards diversity. It will indeed be a cultural center dedicated to promoting inter-religious and interethnic understanding. I expect that these jubilees will provide us the necessary optimism that will guide us to courageously seek solutions to the challenges.
I would like you to know that for us, for the entire Macedonian society, as well as for the wider region, the Euro-Atlantic integrations are still the major driving force and a factor of unity and cooperation. There is no viable alternative for the region, for Macedonia, except the Euro-Atlantic integration. Therefore, be confident, the Republic of Macedonia remains committed to the Euro-Atlantic integration. 2011 will be the year of essential reforms continuation, implementation of values and criteria that will enable us to get closer to the desired goal, but more importantly, will meet the real needs of my fellow countrymen.
From this perspective, we are grateful that the Hungarian Presidency has set, high in its priorities, the issue of enlargement. I believe that friendly Poland will follow the vision of the founders of the common European home, and that 2011 will be the year in which the Republic of Macedonia and the entire region will make a step further in the integrations.
Dear all,
You are all aware that, unfortunately, our path towards the highest strategic goal, our full-fledged membership in the European Union and NATO is obstructed. It is regrettable that due to irrational reason, the path to progress and welfare for generations of Macedonian citizens is hindered. Macedonia stands ready in a European manner to bridge the differences with neighboring Greece. Macedonia is a European country and expects European attitude from other countries as well. I believe that through dialogue, enhanced confidence and better understanding we will reach a mutually acceptable solution, a compromise without winners and losers. I believe that the day is not far when the only obstacle for my citizens is removed so that they can enjoy the rights and privileges of the membership in the European and the Euro-Atlantic family.
Dear guests,
I would like to emphasize that the policy of openness towards all, the policy of intensive contacts and cooperation, dialogue and increased understanding and trust, the policy of presence and real contribution of the Republic of Macedonia at all forums and topics of mutual, regional and global interest will still be high in my agenda, in this, and in the subsequent years.
I believe that for all these goals we have set, there is understanding and support of our friends and allies.
At the very end, I would like to express my appreciation for the overall support that you and the countries and organizations you represent, have been providing for the Republic Macedonia so far. I wish you a happy and successful year.
Thank you.

Обраќање на Претседателот на Република Македонија д-р Ѓорге Иванов на свеченото доделување на стипендиите “Борис Трајковски” на 20 најдобри студенти за вонредни, двегодишни постдипломски студии на Програмата за бизнис администрација на Факултетот за меѓународни студии од Сити колеџот во Солун, дел од Универзитетот Шефилд од Велика Британија.

Почитувана госпоѓа Вилма Трајковска,
Почитуван министер Тодоров,
Почитувани стипендисти,
Дами и господа,

Ми претставува големо задоволство да ги врачам стипендиите кои го носат името на покојниот претседател Трајковски, човекот кој својот живот го посвети на градењето мостови на разбирање меѓу луѓето. Преку стипендииве го продолжуваме неговото дело, градење на мостови на соработка.

Задоволството е дотолку поголемо бидејќи стипендиите ви ги доделуваме токму вам, најдобрите. При селекцијата вие ги исполнивте нашите високи критериуми. Затоа, сакам да знаете дека сите ние имаме високи очекувања од вас, за кои верувам дека ќе ги исполните доколку работите посветено, со искрена желба и цврста волја.


Почитувани,


Свесни сме дека човековиот ум е наш најзначаен ресурс. Затоа, градењето на квалитетни, високо образувани кадри секогаш е најисплатлива инвестиција. Денес, повеќе од кога било, на Македонија и се потребни лидери во областа на бизнис администрацијата, менаџментот, маркетингот и финансиите. Поради тоа, инвестираме во вас со цврсто уверување дека ќе бидете добри претприемачи и менаџери, со успешна кариера, но и со одговорност кон општеството. Вашите идни успеси ќе бидат добар знак за успешноста на целото македонско општество.

Сакам да нагласам дека ви се дава одлична можност знаењето, вештините и идеите да ги надградите на еден престижен универзитет, СИТИ Колеџот од Солун при Универзитетот Шефилд од Велика Британија.

На вас останува, водени од јасни визии, да превземате иницијативи и посветено да работите на нивно остварување.

Завршувајќи со оваа мисла, дозволете ми сега да ви ги врачам стипендиите, како наш влог во заедничкото подобро утре.

Обраќање на Претседателот на Република Македонија д-р Ѓорге Иванов по повод доделувањето на Големата годишна награда за архитектура.

Почитувани,

Ми претставува особено задоволство да ви се обратам како покровител на оваа традиционална манифестација, вечерва, кога еден од вас ќе биде прогласен за најуспешен архитект за тековната година. Вредноста на ова признание е дотолку поголема што доаѓа токму од колегите архитекти кои најдобро умеат да ја проценат важноста на архитектонското дело.

За некои архитектурата е визуелна уметност, други пак мислат дека е занает. Независно од одговорот на оваа дилема, верувам дека сите се согласуваме околу суштина на архитектурата - да создава, да гради и надградува. Да го спојува корисното со убавото, прагматичното со естетското.

Сите добро знаеме дека архитектурата е огледало на еден народ, на неговите вековни традиции, постојани вредности и идни стремежи. Но, и дејност која им дава слобода на поединците да стават индивидуален печат на своето време.

Токму затоа, македонската архитектура може да се сфати и како куќа чии цврсти темели ги удрија македонските народни неимари. Куќа во која се вградени архитектонските решенија и форми од различните периоди и цивилизации кои низ вековите ја обликувале нашата култура. Додавајќи нови катови, секоја епоха ја доградува и надградува оваа македонска куќа. Секоја генерација има обврска да ја чува но и усовршува нашата куќа, за на следната генерација да и ја предаде побогата и поцелосна.



Централното место во овој голем градителски потфат секако ви припаѓа вам, архитектите. На вас е да го освојувате но и да го обогатувате просторот, изнаоѓајќи нови решенија и форми. Сликата на едно општество е неговата архитектура, а вие, со вашиот творечки дух, вашата имагинација и знаење ја создавате таа слика. Голема е честа, довербата и одговорноста која ви се пружа, да ги препознаете потребите на граѓаните, да имате чувство за современите текови. Да проектирате цврсти, функционални, складни градби во кои луѓето ќе живеат, работат и ќе го минуваат своето време. Да градите зданија чија идеја и конструкција ќе го издржат тестот на времето и ќе остават траен белег во македонската архитектура.

Завршувајќи со оваа мисла, дозволете ми сега да го прогласам и поздравам добитникот на Големата годишна награда за архитектура за најуспешно реализирано архитектонско дело во 2010 година.