Respected
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great privilege and honor in this opening address at the international conference to speak on a topic that is worthy of the great name Adenauer. A topic that is visionary because by recollecting the reunification of Germany we may look to the future.
According to many, on November 9, 1989 the 20th century ended. It was the end of the shortest century in human history. The 20th century, as many believe, began in 1914 when, with a single bullet fired in Sarajevo, three empires collapsed, which was an introduction to the First and the Second World War. Following the World War II, the Cold War began, which symbolically ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989.
Distinguished,
The fall of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain were the first steps towards achieving the vision of a united Europe. The Berlin Wall was not only a physical barrier of wires and concrete that prevented freedom of movement. Primarily, the Berlin Wall was a mental barrier that prevented seeing Europe as our common home.
In-between the late 20th century, on November 9, 1989 and the early 21st century, which symbolically began on September 11, 2001, significant events, took place. The reunification of Germany happened. Many of the countries from behind the “iron curtain” embraced the Western values - human rights, rule of law, free market, thus tracing the path to the full membership in NATO and the EU.
The zone of peace, security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe was extended. But unfortunately, it was not extended towards the Balkans. On the contrary, it fueled war conflicts in the former Yugoslavia.
Thousands of casualties and displaced persons demonstrated that the tragedy in the European history was not over. The Berlin Wall fell, but a new wall emerged – the Schengen wall. Today Macedonia has overcome this obstacle, thanks to the visa liberalization. Therefore, I congratulate all institutions from our country and from the EU which worked tirelessly to bring down this wall for our citizens.
It became apparent that the oldest continent is essential to the spirit of visionaries and fathers of the New Europe. Then and even now, indispensable are Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, Konrad Adenauer, and all other creators of the vision of a united Europe. This vision, as the Ariadne’s thread, guided us through the labyrinth of the Iron Curtain. And behind the walls of the labyrinth is the open space, which is the source of European strength and the foundation of the European success.
Respected,
The experiences from the past indicate that our region has thrived in peace only when there was an open space. Today, more than ever, our region needs what is called Pax Europeana, the European peace, which means Europe as an open space where there is freedom of movement of people, ideas, capital and products. An open space in which each economy can grow and spread. Where there is tolerance and celebration of diversity, each and everyone enjoys its own rights and identity. An open space where each and every one is respected for what he/she is, regardless of the place of living and work. Hence, today, it is necessary for all of us to properly understand the worlds of differences.
Distinguished,
Macedonia can contribute to achieving the vision of Pax Europana by upgrading and promoting the Macedonian model of inclusive democracy. Throughout the time, Macedonia as a multiethnic and multi-confessional country has created a unique model of coexistence.
The inclusive model as a model of joint decision-making in the Republic of Macedonia is a reality. In Macedonia, the ethnic and national communities enjoy all rights and freedoms known today. This is one of the foundations of our security, stability and economic prosperity, since it creates favorable conditions for building internal peace but also confidence with the neighbors. Indeed, I am convinced that the Macedonian model is the model of the future. I am certain that the young generations will be able to witness my thesis.
Therefore, we stand ready to share the Macedonian experiences and benefits with all. To share the experiences with our neighbors and with the European Union towards which we are striving.
Respected,
Encouraging is the fact that on our road to the EU we can count on the support from the Federal Republic of Germany. At a time when Germany itself was facing the great challenge of unification, it became a strong supporter of Macedonia. When, in 1991 Macedonia gained its independence, President Roman Herzog, as a member of the Badinter Commission, helped the positive assessment of the Macedonian Constitution, as one of the most democratic in the Balkans. Therefore, I bestowed President Herzog with the highest decoration that a foreign statesman can receive, the Order 8th September.
Decentralization is one of our recognizable reforms, based on the model of South Germany. It contributed to the creation of an extremely active group of mayors, many of whom were trained exactly in Bavaria, with the assistance of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. Here we should mention the fact that Germany is the greatest commercial partner of the Republic of Macedonia, and there are many significant German investments, such as Deutsche Telekom.
Eminent Christian Democratic leaders from Germany, such as Jorg Shonbon, assisted Macedonian police in achieving the high standards necessary to liberalize the visa regime with the European Union.
Distinguished,
The European Union without the Balkans, without Macedonia is like an unfinished story. EU should remain devoted to the great vision of a united and open continent. Therefore, we encourage our European partners, in their approach towards the Balkans and Macedonia to remain consistent and principled to this idea. Hence, Macedonia's membership into the EU should not be hindered.
The European Union can learn much from the German reunification, a noble act of a helping hand.
The message is clear: not to abuse the veto for petty, selfish purposes. Each new abuse of the veto, as a manner of functioning between the European, including the Balkan countries is an anti-historic and anti-European act. If the blockades are accepted as a new practice, they will cause a dangerous chain reaction of vetoes that may draw us again into the whirlpool of political anachronisms of the 19th century.
On the contrary, many positive examples are to follow. Most recent is the example of Slovenia and Croatia. They follow the mature example of the older member states, like Germany, which, although were able to block the accession of younger members, did not endorse that. Probably most impressive is the case with the United Kingdom and Ireland. The two countries do not recognize each others constitutional names. UK addresses Ireland with the name "Republic of Ireland”, while Ireland in the official communication with London uses the name "Great Britain". But no one thought this was a good enough reason for London to block the membership of Dublin into the European Community.
At the end, let me quote the words of the great European visionary Konrad Adenauer who once said: "We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon. In this instant age, perhaps we must relearn the ancient truth that patience, too, has its victories"
Respected,
The Fall of Berlin Wall and the "iron curtain" are symbols of the victory of freedom and the desire for full realization of the human creative potential. Victory of the possibility for a decent life and the right for pursuit of happiness. Finally, on the Balkans, time has come for unification into the European family and break of all barriers. However, we will enter the EU as Macedonian citizens, with our tradition, our values and our dignity. To fight for what belongs to everyone, we need courage and persistence. As Thucydides said, "the secret of happiness is freedom; the secret of freedom is courage."
Thank you.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me first extend my gratitude to His Highness, the Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, for the invitation to participate in this significant forum. Topics such as development of an open dialogue on all issues related to human rights, equal opportunities, the rule of law and free information flow, allow us to feel the pulse of the international community regarding important and current topics and in an open debate to express our views. I shall now refer to the key topic, security and stability, the prerequisites for all other issues.

Respected,

The world today, equally shares the benefits as well as the challenges of the new era. In conditions of growing global interdependence, we cannot and we do not want any longer to function as separate, divided worlds. Regional and global security and stability are undoubtedly based on increased communication and shared responsibility.

Taking into account this interdependence, I will elaborate on the security situation in the region of Southeast Europe, the wider European region and in the world, as well as the contribution of the Republic of Macedonia in the general peace building process.

The security on the European continent cannot be imagined if Southeast Europe is not safe. It is something that history has witnessed many times. Not entering deeper into history, I shall point out only one fact that will give you a proper insight. The most recent real wars on European soil, which shook tremendously the international pubic, at the end of last century, were fought in Southeast Europe, on the Balkans, maybe the most traumatic and bloody was the one in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Now there are new circumstances. For the first time in history, at the transition from the 20th to the 21st century, in every country there are democratically elected governments. However, the risks to security and stability in the region are not fully eradicated. There are still issues that are complex, which burden the relations, which create concerns. All this means alertness, attention and commitment of all. And the way out, the decision, believe me, is not so complicated, it only requires vision and determination. Instead of the status quo situation, expedite integration of all Balkan countries into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures in necessary. The European and Euro-Atlantic idea are moving our societies in the desired direction - towards prosperity and welfare. They urge us to maintain close bilateral and regional cooperation especially in areas that only 10 years ago were unimaginable. That is the concept of Pax Europana, the concept of open space. It is my vision for the Republic of Macedonia and the overall region. Indeed, it is the vision of the creators of European unification. We share the same vision.

Only in this way, Southeast Europe shall find its real place in the collective security and defense systems. Only then will Europe be truly stable.

Distinguished participants,

The Republic of Macedonia has a lot to say on this topic. We diligently undertake a range of concrete actions to promote security and stability in the region. In this determination we are guided by the understanding that security begins with tidying up of your own backyard. We are aware that stability begins at home. And without the Macedonian security and stability, the security and stability in the Balkans, in Southeast Europe, is hardly imaginable.

The Republic of Macedonia, as a multiethnic, multi-confessional, multi-linguistic country, over the years created a unique model of coexistence. Great attention, time and energy are spent on establishing the Macedonian model of integration.

The inclusive model of integration without assimilation, which today is a real challenge for many countries, is a reality in the Republic of Macedonia. It is one of the foundations of our security, stability and economic prosperity, since it creates favorable conditions for building internal peace, but also confidence among the neighbors. This is our contribution to the regional and European stability.
In Macedonia, approximately 20 ethnic and national communities enjoy all the rights and freedoms known today. We promote and improve on a daily basis this model. Thus, the Republic of Macedonia, in a neuralgic region, creates security. It is the greatest strength of the Republic of Macedonia. However, I am convinced that the Macedonian model is the model of the future. I am confident that young generations will be able to witness my thesis.
Therefore, we are ready to share Macedonian experience and benefits with all.

Respected,

Nurturing and building good relations with neighbors is yet another contribution that we provide to peace in the region. We recognized the youngest European state, the Republic of Kosovo and established diplomatic relations, thus we made a further step in building close, correct and functional neighborly relations. With the demarcation of the northern border with Kosovo we resolved one big security issue. How essential this is, shows the fact that we are the only country from Ex-Yugoslavia with a completely closed border issues. Such issues still encumber the relations between states, not only in our region. These three positive steps are Macedonia’s concrete contribution to the security and stability in the region. But this picture will not be complete unless I add that we do build the relations with Serbia with the same dedication and attention. And not only with these neighbors, but with all other states.  

Building security in South-East Europe will be more successful by expanding the zone of peace in Europe through NATO and the European Union enlargement process. To establish security cooperation it is necessary to strive towards a common future. Such a tendency among the Balkan countries exists. Such a tendency exists as well in my country and among my fellow countrymen.

We are aware that today, to assure our own security, it is necessary to consider the security of the others. Therefore, we participate in the peacekeeping mission of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Althea. Accordingly, we contribute to the European security and defense policy and to regional peace and stability.

Distinguished,

To be sustainable, security must be comprehensive. It needs to ensure well-being of the individual and the society, of the state, but of the international community, too.

The world is changing and we must change along. Previously, space took our time away, and today this is not the case. Territory loses its importance as the world becomes flat. This opens up new opportunities and new challenges. The challenges of new time - global terrorism, proliferation of mass destruction weapons, international organized crime, trafficking in drugs and human beings, threaten us all.

Peace and security are disturbed on a daily basis in certain regions in the world. We are facing old, frozen conflicts, but also a series of new events and tensions in several regions in the world. And all this is reflected in the global security.

Today's global threats require global response. We are aware that the lack of order in Afghanistan spreads real risks even outside of the borders of Afghanistan. We are aware that the risks in that region are real for Europe and for the Balkans. Therefore, we invest in our and in European security. Therefore, the Republic of Macedonia made available its peacekeepers in defending the values of freedom and democracy. With active participation in the peacekeeping mission, Macedonia acts as a de facto member of NATO alliance.

Dear all,

Macedonia is providing a multi-layer contribution. Macedonia contributes to the security and global stability at sub-regional, regional and global level, by building and promoting a model of multiethnic coexistence, by promoting dialogue among peoples, cultures and religions, as the safest, non-violent path to peace. We encourage this dialogue by organizing the World Conference, Dialogue among Civilizations, Conference on Inter-religious and Inter-civilization Dialogue in Ohrid, Macedonia. In this regard, we are grateful to the State of Qatar for the generous support. It is a proof that we are not alone in our efforts. On the contrary, we have a strong support.

At the end, let me finish with a conclusion that developing our societies in the spirit of peace and understanding, we send a clear message. World peace depends on us all. The world today, according to many criteria, repeatedly is in an emergency situation. World economic crisis, climate change, global and regional security challenges, lack of tolerance, lack of dialogue etc. are things that need to renew the vision of extended responsibility and cooperation.

Thank you

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,

At the outset, I would like to wish you warm welcome and express my satisfaction with the organization of the Pan-European Union Conference. I hope you had fruitful discussions and you could enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Macedonia, something we are widely recognized for.

Respected,

The Pan-European Union continuously supports the development, deepening and enlargement of its conceptual daughter, the European Union. In this regard, the Pan-European Union contributed to the achievement of the most recent agreement, the Lisbon Treaty, which is considered a step forward in the direction of geographical and political unification of the whole of Europe within the European Union. Following the Lisbon Treaty, the EU tends to be a relevant factor and actor in the international relations. This would be neither easy nor realistically feasible, without openness towards what is a natural part of the broader and common European space.

Today Europe is recovering from the great economic crisis. In time of challenges, when there is uncertainty, when personal capacities and potentials are revised, when Europe is urged once again to undertake a joint action to face the problems, it is necessary to persist on the right track. Therefore, the economic recovery of Europe should not be detrimental to the vision of united Europe. We should not allow the Kalergie’s torch for European unification to extinguish, a torch that passed on to Oto von Habsburg. The economic recovery must take into account the vision of the Pan-European Union, the vision of the creators of Europe.

With the Lisbon Treaty, the European Union has developed a new steering-wheel which will enable the European ship safer maneuver in the global waters. The Pan-European Union has the role of the compass, which, regardless of the challenges and storms ahead, always shows the right direction in which the EU should go to, the direction which Europe should strive to. Today, this compass consistently points to the Southeast of Europe.


Distinguished,

By spreading the idea of a united Europe, we best fight for the European values and ideals, freedom, democracy, rule of law, but also prohibition of the violation of individual rights to identity and dignity. This is the recipe of the European reconciliation, unification and unity based on solid ground.

Europe, which is based on these values, should remain faithful to the great vision of a united and open continent. Therefore, we encourage our European partners, in their approach towards Macedonia, to remain consistent and principled. We encourage them to use more frequently the compass of unity and unification. The Lisbon Treaty offers a chance. In the name of common future, in the name of the legacy of those who worked on unification, today's European leadership should demonstrate its vision and seize the opportunity.

At the end, I am pleased that today a true friend of Macedonia is presented with the “Boris Trajkovski” award, a friend who, for more than two decades has strongly supported Macedonia’s independence and the right for self-determination, national identity and welfare of its people. Mr. Bernd Posselt is following his political ideas, principles and ideals consequently and not under the influence of the daily politics. He is a strong voice in the European Parliament for the right of the all the smaller European Nations on their identity and integrity. The symbolism is even greater since Mr. Bernd Posselt is my personal friend and was a personal friend of the late President Trajkovski. A President, who by his lifelong commitment, may be included among the creators of a new and united Europe. A vision shared both by Mr. Posselt and the Pan-European Union.

Thank you

Distinguished President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr. Chavusoglu,
Respected representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me extend my gratitude for your presence which marks the beginning of the Macedonian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe.

The oldest European organization is known for what it has often been - a herald of progress, a forerunner that opened the path which the other European organizations should take. I would like to use this opportunity to greet the principled decision of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the presidency of the Republic of Macedonia to be under the logo "Macedonian Chairmanship 2010”. Thus, the Council of Europe reaffirmed its consistency and compliance with its principles. By respecting the diversity of all identities and the right to dignity of each individual nation, the Council of Europe contributes to the establishment of a common European identity.

Respected,

Great is the symbolism that the first Macedonian Chairmanship of the Council of Europe is happening on the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Human rights are one of the three fundamental values of the Council of Europe, along with democracy and the rule of law. Macedonia may contribute to the achievement of these three fundamental values by implementing the three goals that we have set during the presidency.

Strengthening the protection of human rights is our first priority. It is necessary to consolidate and improve the system of human rights on national and European level. To that end, certainly a contribution will be the accession of the European Union to the Convention. The Macedonian Chairmanship, following the Interlaken process, shall work on the reform which should ensure respect and implementation of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights by all signatory countries.

In Macedonia there is a functional multi-ethnic coexistence. Quite naturally, the second priority of the Macedonian Chairmanship is to promote and enhance the integration of the national minorities in the European societies.
Integration without assimilation.
My message to all of you is to properly understand the worlds of the different, to respect the differences.
Integration by respecting the existing cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious and other diversities. In this regard, special emphasis shall be placed on the integration of the marginal groups, immigrants and Roma. Only in this way Europe will be a common home for all of us.

Respected,

We should leave the future for the young generations. We can not build this future without their consent, without their vision and energy. Therefore, the third goal of the Macedonian Chairmanship is to initiate the "Ohrid process" which aims to facilitate exchange of views and experiences of young people form South-East Europe and beyond. This will encourage their participation in the political processes and democratic reforms in their societies in accordance with the principles, values and standards of the Council of Europe.

Finally, I would like to underline that, in close cooperation with Switzerland and Turkey, the former and the future chair of the Council, as well as with Spain and Belgium, the chairs of the European Union this year, we may contribute to the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the European open space.

I believe that the European success depends on us all.

Thank you.