Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights of the Council of Europe

Distinguished Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Mr. Jagland,
Distinguished Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon,
Distinguished representatives of the Council of Europe Member States,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great honor to address you today, celebrating an occasion of exceptional importance for the citizens of Europe.
The pleasure for me is even greater that I address you at a time when my country, the Republic of Macedonia, has the chairmanship with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, when we celebrate this important anniversary.
Sixty years ago, when, by adopting the European Convention on Human Rights, the European countries waived part of their inviolable sovereignty, this very important but sensitive area - fundamental human rights and freedoms, was further promoted in a higher instance of protection.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Indisputably, the system established at that time justified its primary function - to provide guarantees for fundamental human rights protection in the European countries, but also to be the main tool in the hands of the European citizens in situations when their guaranteed individual rights are threatened or infringed, allowing, for the first time in history, individual action of the citizen and a possibility to refer directly to the international judicial body - the European Court of Human Rights. However, even further, the control mechanism of the Convention provided a correction of “the democratic deficiencies” of the national legal systems. The verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights had an impact on the legal defects removal and adoption and domestic application of legal standards and principles for human rights protection, compatible with the Convention.

The protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law – the fundamental values promoted by the Council of Europe are an area that is constantly being changed, upgraded and harmonized. The fourteen adopted Protocols to the Convention are relevant indicator of this development. However, on this important anniversary, we should not only speak of the past and celebrate the success achieved. Aware that nothing, not even this system is perfect, we should therefore refer to the future and the current challenge related to ensuring efficiency of the control mechanism of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Dear all,

We are all proud that the Convention has long ago exceeded the boundaries of the European continent and serves as a positive example that is an inspiration for a number of human rights protection mechanisms worldwide. In this context, I would like to underline that I am particularly pleased to celebrate this anniversary in the presence of the Secretary General of the United Nations. The need for our continuous cooperation is understandable.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the first time, since our membership in the Council of Europe, as a country, we have the honor to chair the oldest pan-European organization that represents “the European legal conscience and consciousness” and unites the commitment of all 47 Member States in their efforts for sharing common values.
The reform of the human rights protection system, established by the Convention, is one of the main priorities and challenges of the Council of Europe nowadays. It is also one of the priorities of our Chairmanship.
The European Court of Human Rights, to fulfill its goal, it is necessary, its decisions to be fully respected and implemented by all Member States.
The role of the Court and of the Committee of Ministers must be strengthened so that an end is put to the disrespect of the European Convention on Human Rights by certain Member States. The Macedonian Chairmanship followed up the activities of the Interlaken-process and organized a conference dedicated to the subsidiary principle - to integrate the legal cases of the Court in the national legislation and practice. Thus, we have provided our contribution to the reforming of the European Court of Human Rights.
I would like to mention, as a process of immense significance, the European Union’s accession to the Convention and to greet the strong commitment and ongoing activities for practical implementation of this huge and complex project.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today I address you as President of the country having the Chairmanship with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, but at the same time as an elected representative of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. Today, when we celebrate the numerous and undeniable benefits of the Convention, we in the Republic of Macedonia, through the Ohrid Framework Agreement, both respect and promote the established standards by the Convention. However, I have to emphasize that some of these principles, in certain European institutions, are not applied for us, for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, primarily due to the political pressure imposed by one member state. This double-edged sword hurts more when it strikes the most valuable benefits of democracy- human rights and freedoms, and especially human dignity.
Today we are gathered here, at the place where fundamental human rights and freedoms are affirmed, respected, promoted and protected. Here, where diversity is celebrated, where more numerous, less numerous and the smallest are valued. Here, where individuality, as well as collectivity, is welcomed.
I recollect certain debates, 15 years ago, in this temple of human rights, when particular member state politicians tried to deny the right of the Macedonian people and the Macedonian, as part of the European ethno-cultural mosaic, to self-identify themselves as they feel.
Notwithstanding, today I am proud as President of the Republic of Macedonia, and as Macedonian, that, on behalf of all Council of Europe Member States, I can convey these noble messages for human rights promotion in Europe in my mother tongue, in Macedonian language.
Right from here, from this temple, I would like to express huge gratitude to the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, because you were the strongest supporters of the membership of our country and of the right the Macedonians to be Macedonians. Today, there is no single country, not a single government nor any power that can deny the right of the Macedonians to be Macedonians since the human rights are stronger and more permanent than the change of certain governmental structures or particular politicians.

Distinguished attendees, let me be brief and clear in terms of respect of the Convention. The biggest problem is that we talk a lot and we do a little. We, as generation, have to reread again and again the Convention, which is the foundation of what we should develop further. The Convention is the fundament of the European home.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 I will conclude. I am proud that today, here with all of you attending this ceremony and with all citizens of Europe, we are celebrating this great and

very important anniversary, glorifying the great success of humanity. We need to preserve, promote and improve the system established by the European Convention on Human Rights that has influenced the democratic development of Europe.

Thank you.

Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at the opening of the Manaki Brothers Film Festival

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my special honor and pleasure to greet you as patron of the festival dedicated to the seventh, unifying art. The film links peoples and cultures just as successful as it unifies in itself almost all other arts.

For already three decades, the International Manaki Brothers Film Festival has been the bridge of culture that most directly connects the Macedonian audience with the extremely important Macedonian, European and world film productions. Promoting the various film aesthetics and the importance of the film photography, it is a distinctive promotion of Macedonia in the world, of our cinematography and, even further, of our culture.

Dear all,

This year, again, we are celebrating the film festival at the right place, in Bitola.

Today we are here thanks to the citizens of Bitola. Thanks to their dedication, overall support and love for the festival. Indeed, the roots of this manifestation are the best proof of this.

This festival grew from the seeds sown by the first Macedonian and Balkan cameramen, brothers Janaki and Milton Manaki. With their vision, more than a century ago, Manaki brothers inscribed Bitola and Macedonia on the world cinema map. Through the lens of the famous "Camera 300" they promoted and affirmed our history, culture and everyday life. People say “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Then, we can assume what is the cultural-historical value of the thousands of meters of film tape left to us as an inheritance by the famous Vlach brothers. Therefore, we are proud of them, as we are proud of this significant festival.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With a belief that the expectations of the audience for high quality repertoire will be fulfilled in the years and decades to come, I declare the 31st Manaki Brothers Film Festival as open.

Thank you.

Respected Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my special honor to greet you here in the temple of science and art, as a patron and as a participant at the Fourth International Congress "Islamic Civilization in the Balkans.

The cultural heritage of the Balkans, in every historical period, has testified to the complexity of life built by different people, different religious, ethnic and linguistic communities. They oftentimes were mutually confronted, clashed; however, they knew how to find a model of coexistence, mutual respect and mutual interest.

Given the fact that the Balkans is the space where East and West meet, between the Hellenistic and Roman sphere of influence, the Balkans is simply a meeting place of great civilizations and cultures that brought along the richness of diversity to these areas. Indeed, the Balkans was also a challenge that requested appropriate response.

In the Balkans, the division of Christianity in Orthodoxy and Catholicism caused much trauma and painful memories, especially to the Bogomils. Various Christian churches have lived side by side, fostering a common cultural framework that contained opposed Orthodox and Catholic influences, the Greek alfavit, the Roman abeceda, Glagolitic and Cyrillic alphabet.

Two centuries prior to the collapse of Byzantium, the Balkans suffered from political instability and internal fights between the Greek, Slavic, Venetian rulers and owners. In such an atmosphere did the Ottomans and the Islamic civilization come in the Balkans.

In many national histories in the Balkans, the advent of Islam and the Ottoman rule is interpreted as the beginning of a new dark period of the Balkans the Christians will never fully recover from.

However, the historical facts indicate something totally different. For example, as Mark Mazover states, an expert very well familiar with the Balkan situation: the old rulers were replaced with new one. The Ottoman soldiers (both Muslims and Christians) were rewarded with property and some of the old Byzantine duties were still being practiced. Reputable Greek and Slavic families converted to Islam and became part of the Ottoman elite, some succeeded, for a short time, to retain their property without having to change their faith.

The endless wars that raged in the XIV century on the Balkans were replaced with stability brought by the organized Ottoman state. That period in history, particularly the XVI and XVII century is known as "Pax Ottomana".

In the XVIII and XIX century the situation was changed. The Empire faced with new difficulties arising from the constant warfare. At that time, the Balkans ensured about two thirds of the taxes of the entire Empire. The greatest burden fell on the peasantry. Thus, the hajduks occurred. The ideas from the French Revolution came to the Balkans. Uprisings began, new states were established. Again, there were new divisions and the Balkans became a space hard to define.

After acknowledging the Islam, the Balkan nations started to think more tolerant of people of other religions and different political affiliation. And there was a reaction with a desire for self-preservation. The feeling of belonging to a community and the heroic deed incentive were strengthened. Influence on literature, especially love poetry, folklore, epics was felt. Impact on music was also present.

Ottoman gardening and particularly floriculture changed the appearance of Balkan cities and villages. Everywhere flowers were planted, especially roses, tulips, and jasmine. Fruit orchards were planted that did not exist previously in the Balkans: figs, almonds, apricots, melons, watermelons and various spices. People started to grow corn. Huge was the influence on creating new trades and services: copper pots, leather, cotton and silk products. There was a huge impact on all Balkan cuisines. Food was becoming more diverse, with specialties that are being served even today.

Islamic civilization in the Balkans, the meaning of which is equivalent to the meaning of Christian civilization, essentially affected the physiognomy and the richness of our cultures and societies.
The moral lesson of this is that the Balkans is peaceful and stable, and produces peace, stability and security only when there is open space. Then, the Balkans has the ability to reconcile differences, to bring together cultures and civilizations, to create lasting value.

Dear participants,

In Macedonia, coexistence between Christianity and Islam can be seen almost everywhere, in the common sacred places, where both Christians and Muslims pray to God together, in the tradition of joint celebration of the most important religious holidays.

In our Assembly, in the Government, in certain municipalities, senior officials and ordinary employees of different religions work together. Macedonia had a President who did not belong to the religious community of the majority. It was Macedonia that gave to the world Mother Teresa, respected by everyone in our region today, regardless of the religion. It is togetherness that is expressed in almost all spheres. We are experiencing renewal of the religious feelings of our citizens, Christians, Muslims, Jews. This natural reaction means return to some forgotten values, and an attempt to find new answers to modern times. It is understandable that there are reactions, sometimes concern deriving from the restoration and the new forms of religious life in Macedonia. Therefore, we must know each other better, insist on the notion that respect for one's own religion is not an act directed against someone else. As is freedom of citizens who do not belong to a particular religion, who certainly have the right to act contrary to religious rules, cannot and may not be understood as an attack on religion. Macedonian multiethnic and multi-confessional character does not mean that the construction of religious temples should be limited, or studying the religions should be restricted, so as not to offend the others. On the contrary, this means freedom to celebrate religion, as well as freedom not to celebrate any religion.

Certainly, religion may not be imposed, and may not intimidate. To be vital, the system of belief must be open and provide an opportunity to the believers to answer adequately to the question of doubt. A strong religion does not force its believers; a strong religion attracts believers like a light in the night.

Our outstanding contribution as a country in which religions, traditions and various ethnic groups cooperate in building a common home and are in quest of answers to certain eternal questions, is a proof that a better future for the region, Europe and the world is possible.

Confident that this significant, fourth International Congress will throw a new light on the values of Islamic civilization in the Balkans, I wish you successful and fruitful work.

Thank you.

Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov on the occasion of awarding the recognition "Charter of the Republic of Macedonia" to Vladislav Barchikovski

Dear Mr. Barchikovski,
Dear family members Barchikovski,
Dear Ambassador of the Republic of Poland,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have great honor and pleasure to address you on the occasion of awarding the "Charter of Macedonia" to Brigadier General, Professor Doctor Vladislav Barchikovski.

Today, at the ceremony of awarding the "Charter of Macedonia" to Doctor Vladislav Barchikovski, we have an excellent opportunity to praise his scientific value and his humanitarian activities.

Mr. Vladislav Barchikovski, as a doctor, dedicated his life to helping people and organizing and carrying out humanitarian activities. Among his engagements, Doctor Barchikovski was unselfishly engaged in treating and providing medical assistance to the Macedonian refugees (partisans and civilians) in the Republic of Poland during the civil war in Greece (1946-1949). With this contribution Doctor Barchikovski left a lasting pledge in strengthening the friendly relations between Macedonian and Polish people.

Helping wounded and sick people was not just a simple medical treatment. It was also healing of emotional wounds of people who lost their homes and left their loved ones at a distance of thousands of kilometers. Apart from professional medical care, Doctor Barchikovski, together with his Polish colleagues and fellow citizens, gave their heart to the patients.

All this will never be forgotten by those who went through medical treatments, and by their families. Today, a couple of patients of Doctor Barchikovski are here with us, who are living witnesses of his humanity and professionalism. They are living witnesses of the Golgotha of the Macedonian people, whose wounds are still not healed, a Golgotha we hope will never happen again.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Macedonia has a responsibility to celebrate its friends and not to forget all the events in its history. That is the only way we can face reality, relieved of the burden and unspoken truths from the past, ready to welcome the future.

Doctor Barchikovski, you are an absolute example that such barriers do not exist when it comes to talent, will and perseverance. Humanity and care for people cannot be prevented by any war or totalitarian regimes, or any historical mischief.

At the end, once again, on behalf of all Macedonian citizens, on behalf of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, let me express my appreciation and gratitude to you, hoping that your unselfish and great deeds will be an inspiration for current and future generations in Macedonia and in your native country Poland, to practice good deeds in everyday life with everyone and certainly, with their deeds, to contribute to a better and more humane world.

Distinguished President, Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great honor and privilege today to address this unique forum, where great and small, powerful and less powerful nations speak in one voice. A forum we undoubtedly expect to result in a dialogue and leadership in dealing
with the challenges against peace and security, hunger and development, human rights and climate change. Success is possible only by overcoming individual interests. I am convinced that today, more than ever, we have reasons to
articulate our words in action, every one of us individually and all of us together.
Let me first extend congratulations on the election of the new President of the 65th General Assembly, Mr. Joseph Deiss and express our readiness for cooperation during his term. I would also like to extend congratulations to the
former President, Mr. Treki, for his successful presiding with the 64th General Assembly.
At the same time, I would like to use this opportunity to acknowledge the engagements and the efforts by the Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, aimed at strengthening the role of our organization.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, at the outset, I would like to say a few words on the consequences of the
global financial and economic crisis, and, particularly I will refer to the role of the UN in this context. The global economic and financial crisis was a challenge that could set
back the positive processes related to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, the fight to attain peace in all regions. I think that we all, the Member States and the UN system in general, successfully dealt with it.
Timely and jointly, adequate solutions were found for many of the problems. Processes were initiated to alleviate the effects of the crisis, and to face the possible new future crises. Actions were undertaken to mitigate the most affected, according to the action plans, and with appropriate support and cooperation, often resulting in a successful outcome. Let’s not forget that economic, financial, and thus, social security, are foundation on which sustainable development, national and global security and prosperity rest.
Ladies and Gentlemen, 5 years remain to the deadline for implementation and realization of the Millennium Development Goals. The clear goal is still before us - a goal we must
not yield at now, even despite the decelerated pace of their implementation, we are all aware how high the stakes are and what the benefits are. I welcome the outcome of the high-level meeting on MDGs held last week, when we all have
pledged to strengthen the efforts to the ultimate goal.
The Republic of Macedonia, as before, remains strongly committed to fulfilling the goals and this is incorporated at national level in the government's strategy for economic and sustainable development, as well as in the national
legislation, which is adapted to the current obligations deriving from the international documents. On the other hand, the global climate change phenomenon is both a
serious threat to our planet and a manner of our endurance. The frequent natural disasters and humanitarian catastrophes have made it clear that nature reacts to the irresponsible attitude of humanity towards nature. However, the
struggle for preserving nature may not only be declarative and led globally, but it must be present in every small town, in every state, by strict observance and
development of national strategies. Later, these successful formulas are to be transformed into in a common, global struggle to preserve our way of living in coexistence with the needs of the planet.
The Republic of Macedonia stands ready to contribute adequately to the global efforts. Many initiatives are being undertaken. We are truly focused on the best possible weapon in this battle - raising awareness, education and culture on
reducing the use of electricity by using alternative energy sources, reducing the harmful emissions into the atmosphere. As party to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, for more than a decade, my country has been actively working on achieving the Convention objectives.
Excellencies, Unfortunately, the world still does not live in the desired peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, we are still witnessing daily peace and security disturbances in certain regions in the world, old and frozen conflicts, and also evident is the emergence of new tensions in several regions in the world. If the fundamental institutional and essential objective of this organization is the need for humanity to be spared from suffering, wars, conflicts, then we should ask ourselves whether the efforts are sufficient to secure peace and prosperity. The answer is no, neither globally nor regionally.
The consequences of the global financial and economic crisis, as well as the slow pace of implementation of the set Millennium Development Goals have serious impact on the essence of the conflicts, often caused by lack of democratic processes and rule of law in certain areas. Only by promoting peace, human rights and rule of law, with dialogue and tolerance, we can make the world a just and fair place to live in.
Mr. President, in the context of the previously stated, I welcome the relevance of this session’s topic, which should help in creating effective responses to global crises and restore the role of UN in global governance. The genuine
idea of the founders of the UN should be restored. They left us a legacy.
The Republic of Macedonia strongly supports the joint efforts to improve the overall coherence of the UN system. I consider that we all agree that it was and it is necessary to redefine the functioning of the UN systems in order to
respond to the demands and priorities of the Member States in the best and most effective manner. We should create a highly functional global governance organization, an organization in which there will be no overlapping of mandates, but achieving maximum effect with appropriate and transparent use of existing resources.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, delegates, the Republic of Macedonia, since its independence, is fully committed to
substantial reforms in all areas, aimed at promoting democracy and improving the living standards of its citizens, based on historical traditions of respect for
multiethnic coexistence, dialogue and mutual understanding. Our achievements in this context are validated and internationally recognized. Therefore, the Republic of Macedonia rightfully expects a date for opening accession negotiations with the EU and an invitation to join
NATO. We have enforced the necessary reforms to join NATO, we are EU membership candidate country for five years, last year we received a positive recommendation to start negotiations with the EU. Unfortunately, the citizens
have not yet felt the benefits of that, however, the reforms that brought us to the front doors of these organizations were not easy at all. In addition, my country is actively committed to regional cooperation and building good neighborly relations. Macedonia accepts and promotes the dialogue as the only mechanism for overcoming all open issues in the region.
The Republic of Macedonia has been directing all its available capacities to the implementation of the top strategic foreign policy goals - integration into the EU and NATO. I would like to remind you that, 15 years ago, right
here in New York, the Interim Accord was signed with our southern neighbor, when Greece obliged itself not to obstruct the membership of my country in international and regional organizations and its integration. Notwithstanding, I must mention the fact that my country is still waiting in front of the doors of these two organizations due to the acts of our southern neighbor, which are contrary to
the obligations undertaken by the 1995 Interim Agreement.
The Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to the process of resolving the difference with Greece within the frameworks of the mechanism established by the UN Resolutions. Our name is concerned, our right to self-identification and human dignity. We do everything in our capacity to nurture close and friendly relations with neighboring Greece, with its people. A solution can be reached only if the UN Charter, the Resolutions, the international law and principles, on which the international order rest, are respected. The Republic of Macedonia and its citizens deserve to enjoy NATO membership benefits and to start the EU accession negotiations.
Distinguished Excellencies and delegates,
Yesterday, here in the UN, I had a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, which aimed at building a climate of mutual trust and understanding, and I hope that, as two neighboring countries that have lived and will live with one another,
we will be able to find a mutually acceptable solution. It will be a big step for us, but a huge step towards fulfilling the common vision for our whole region.
I must tell you that I am encouraged with the situation in our region. The more intensive communication and cooperation, the better understanding and respect. By accepting the dialogue, as the only way to overcome the inherited problems and open issues, we create one new ambience. A proof of this is the second Balkan Leaders’ Forum which was held here in New York City couple of days
ago. Slowly but surely, the Balkans is restoring its impaired dignity. The Balkans again aspires to become part of the open European space, where European values, European criteria and European principles will be respected. The Balkans used to be and is Europe.
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me conclude with the statement that the Republic of Macedonia
believes in the United Nations, believes in the postulates it rests upon. I believe that the UN can maintain the stability of international order and relations and
successfully deal with current and future global challenges. The Republic of Macedonia stands ready to further provide its constructive contribution to the implementation and realization of these goals.
Thank you.

Excellencies, ladies and Gentlemen. At the outset, let me use this opportunity to extend my gratitude to the Secretary General and to all those involved in the preparation and organization of this meeting, for their leadership and commitment to keep us focused on the Millennium Development Goals. I am honored to have this opportunity to address you at this moment when we all remain united in our desire to build a future with more hope, a new era of prosperity where everyone will be given a chance to live with dignity.
Respected participants. We live in a time when the world is slowly coming out of the global economic crisis. We must not forget that the economic and financial crisis is always a humanitarian crisis as well, because it brings poverty to too many people. The slow progress in the eradication of extreme poverty is yet another problem along with the numerous challenges such as conflicts, lack of food, increase in inequality between countries and regions in the world. We are experiencing a rapid increase in the number and in the intensity of natural and man-caused disasters. Disasters, which in conditions of accelerated climate changes, result in more casualties and greater material damages. Neither the developing countries nor the developed countries are spared of such disasters.
Therefore, we must take immediate actions. Strong political will is necessary. We all know what our countries and international organizations have already achieved. We are all aware of the future challenges and tasks. However, not all countries and regions in the world are facing the same challenges.
Ladies and Gentlemen. The Southeast Europe region, to which my country belongs, has made a tangible progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. In order to conclude this, I must remind you that the entire region, compared to the situation of only ten years ago, has achieved a dramatic success. Ten years ago, in parallel with the Millennium Development Goals, our region was recovering from a traumatic period. Guided by the idea of a common future in the European Union and NATO, with fresh memories of the dark period of conflicts, all in the region have begun to move their societies towards prosperous overall regional cooperation. Everyone in the region was focused on the common goal. This was a precondition to focus also on the Millennium Development Goals. And, thus, we achieved certain results.
What are the achievements made by the Republic of Macedonia in meeting these goals? In areas such as reducing health risks and expanding education, the Republic of Macedonia has made significant progress. Progress is also made in improving the environment. However, we may conclude that in areas such as poverty and development partnership there is little progress made. There is an explanation why insufficient progress is made in these segments. For many of you present here in this room it is strange to hear that partially the reasons for inadequate development should be sought in the actions taken by one EU and NATO member state. Unfortunately I must tell you that the Republic of Macedonia is hindered in the economic development by its immediate neighbor. There is an imposed problem on us concerning the name of my country, which is not only a political problem, but it results in serious implications on our economic development, in attracting foreign investment, something that can directly reduce poverty and unemployment. Macedonia, 15 years after the first trade embargo from the Hellenic Republic, is facing a new blockade, which has no similar characteristics as the embargo from the nineties; but, it has the same consequences. It is a fact that Greece is one of the biggest investors in the Republic of Macedonia, but also it is a fact that the blockades in the integration processes indirectly block the attracting of other investors and investments
But we are not discouraged. We believe that soon we will find a solution with our neighbor, a solution that will ensure our European and Euro-Atlantic future, and thus prosperity for our citizens. We do stand ready for that.
Ladies and Gentlemen. The Republic of Macedonia remains committed to reducing poverty and social exclusion. Therefore, we started with the preparation of a national strategy for social inclusion. I believe that this strategic framework will help us improve the social cohesion.
We dedicate special attention to the Roma community in the Republic of Macedonia. Through “2005-2015 Roma Inclusion Decade” we intended this vulnerable and socially excluded community on the margins of the society to become integrated into all social spheres. This is a huge task that we are implementing in close cooperation with the UN agencies. Nowadays, Macedonia may boast with probably the best treatment for this vulnerable population, not only in the region, but much wider. In the Republic of Macedonia, the Roma population has its own local self-government, schools, media and everything that means a normal life of a community. In the Republic of Macedonia, since its independence until today, the Roma have their representatives in the Parliament, in the Government, in all state administration mechanisms. We are ready to share our positive experiences and lessons learned with everyone.
The key to individual success and social progress lies in the comprehensive education. Therefore, both primary and secondary school in the Republic of Macedonia are mandatory. We increase the opportunities and investments in further education of young people on a daily basis. In the Republic of Macedonia, the project “A computer for each student” is implemented.
We are aware of the synergy of the different Millennium Development Goals. The acceleration of the progress in one area entails accelerated progress in other areas, too. Such synergy is evident in the Republic of Macedonia, where the promotion of maternal health, the health of mothers and children results in low mortality in children. In addition to this is the commitment in the fight against HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis and other serious diseases.
However, there are issues which require a global response. The consequences of the climate changes are already our reality. Therefore, joint action is needed for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Respected ladies and gentlemen. In the spirit of cooperation and solidarity, we are optimistic that the Millennium Development Goals will be attained. In this regard, we remain devoted and maximally constructive. 
Thank you.