Address of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov on the 65th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia

Respected humanists, dear friends,

Today we are gathered together in order to celebrate an important jubilee the 65th anniversary since the establishment of the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia. Our Red Cross was established at a time when such an organization was most needed, immediately after the devastating World War II, at a time when man’s life and dignity were stepped on everywhere.

The idea of the Red Cross as an organization was born at the bloody fields of Solferino, but its roots are much deeper. The Red Cross is a symbol of our faith in humanity, the oldest and universal principle of civilization.

The modern Macedonian state and our Red Cross are contemporaries. As the Macedonian state has been being built and developed, so have the tasks and priorities of the Macedonian Red Cross. As the post-war recovery of the country gave way to the economic development, so has the Red Cross founded its new mission helping citizens in need, helping communities stricken by natural disasters, where often the first aid comes under the Red Cross emblem.

The founder of the international organization of the Red Cross, Henry Dunnant, was the first Nobel peace prize winner ever.

 The Red Cross won three more Nobel peace prizes, and is proud with the great number of other prestigious decorations. However, the most important prizes are the ones which this organization gains daily, the every day gratitude of thousands of people who receive their much needed help from the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

Neither a single institution nor a state commission can change the need for individual sense of responsibility and an individual call for action. There is no substitute for the voluntary and free aid given by a citizen, an individual. Here, of course we can acknowledge that one cannot help much individually.

But, when a system like the Red Cross gathers all our individual efforts and directs them where they are most needed, then there is no limit of what we can accomplish. We must recall the tradition and provide assistance and succor whenever necessary.

Therefore, it is an imperative that we nurture the spirit of solidarity constantly. We should not wait certain tragedy to happen to be spurred to solidarity. On the contrary, our everyday small and constant examples of humanity and assistance can be gathered into a strong wave of solidarity. We don’t have to discuss big issues to be called for action.

We are proud of the number of people that have been part of this noble mission. This is also an obligation for us too, to help where help is most needed. Therefore, allow me, on behalf of all the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, to congratulate the Red Cross of Macedonia on its 65 anniversary, and wish that we celebrate this day together for a long time.
 
Thank you

 
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the very outset, allow me to extend my congratulations to the organizers of this Conference, to Ambassador Ischinger and his predecessors, for establishing such an authoritative forum where we can debate one of the most vital topics and needs of human kind - security.

I come from a region which used to produce instability and concern. Therefore, I will try to make an assessment of the state of play. I will particularly refer to the role of my country, the Republic of Macedonia, regionally and in the wider context related to this topic.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The security of our continent is unimaginable without a stable Southeast Europe. We should speak frankly and say that a single statement or a premature act can produce turbulence, whereas problems and open issues are always there. The complexity of situations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the lack of unity within the international community, EU and NATO, the situation in Kosovo, bring about risks which must not be underestimated. The recipe is very simple, rapid integration of the entire region in Euro-Atlantic structures, political decisions with a vision and of long term benefit. Past experiences have shown that our region survived in peace only when on open space. Now, we face new circumstances. For the first time in history, at the transition between the 20th and the 21st century, we have democratically elected governments. And again, we are in need of open space. Today, our region is in need of what I like to name as the Pax Europana. Because the entire European idea is a peace project in itself. Now is again the time for the European idea to produce peace through the Balkans – something that generations of statesmen and visionaries in Europe and NATO had already been doing. Only if all countries move forward may we count on sustainable, lasting stability and security. A prolonged status quo situation in the region bears risks, both of political and security nature. Everyone is well aware of how difficult it is to alleviate the consequences of security crises.

The zone of stability and security expands with every new NATO and EU enlargement. This is the way to contribute to a common aim. The countries from our region are even more determined in their approach towards the fulfillment of all standards and criteria bringing them one step closer to integration.

In such circumstances, the Republic of Macedonia was an example of a stability and security producer and peace contributor.

However, the series of conflicts from the end of the 20th Century, affected my country in 2001. The outcome of that conflict produced a model which may be helpful in solving similar problems in other parts of the world. The incorporation of the political agreement otherwise known as the Ohrid Framework Agreement, within the Constitution, which prevented a greater crisis, and yet its implementation, is one excellent example of good handling of security challenges.

Life in a multiethnic, multi-confessional and multi-lingual environment gradually created a specific model of cohabitation. In the transition towards democracy, this complexity reflected itself on the institutional system in the Republic of Macedonia. Indeed, great attention, time and energy have been invested in the process of building substantial democracy. The model of integration without assimilation, the inclusive model of multiethnic democracy, which represents a real challenge for many countries nowadays, has become reality in the Republic of Macedonia. This is of course, not a definite process. We continue to upgrade this model at a daily basis..

In this way, the Republic of Macedonia creates stability and security in a rather neuralgic region. This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the true strength of the Republic of Macedonia. A positive example to be used by other societies as well. Our inclusive model of democracy is our contribution to regional and European security.

Allow me to briefly elaborate on the functionality of this model. Although in very complex circumstances, the Republic of Macedonia managed to implement reforms and to achieve standards. It succeeded in meeting NATO standards and is prepared to begin the pre-accession negotiations with the EU, and has managed to continuously maintain its macroeconomic stability in line with the EU regulations in the last two decades. This is not a subjective assessment, this has indeed been confirmed at the NATO Summit in Bucharest and last year’s EC Progress Report recommending the beginning of accession negotiations,

This reality in the Republic of Macedonia is also reflected in the composition of our peace-keeping missions. Although we are not a member of the Alliance, we actively participate in almost all peace-keeping missions. What we consider important is not to allow any threats generated from the crisis regions affect our stability and this model. We put our soldiers at the disposal for the defense of freedom and democratic values, but also for European and global security. Today’s global threats demand a global response. This is the reason why my country is the fourth nation by its military force contribution in Afghanistan where these values are being protected,. With its 19 years of independence and 7 years of contribution to world peace, the Republic of Macedonia, by rotations in international missions so far has deployed a total of 1844 Macedonian peacekeepers (1/4 of our Army).

With this, we take care of our security, but also contribute at the global level.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Internal stability and security, however, are in strong correlation with the security in Southeast Europe. Therefore, what the Republic of Macedonia does at the internal level creates a positive ambiance in the region. This is also the reason why boosting and building good relations with neighbors are some of the most significant benchmarks for Macedonian foreign policy.

Since its independence, the Republic of Macedonia managed to replace the historic context of irreconcilability, of differences among the Balkan nations, with the establishment of good-neighborly relation policies which rest upon common interests and regional development. In this sense, the Republic of Macedonia has been undertaking numerous activities and initiatives. The establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Kosovo, is considered as another step forward in building close, correct and functional neighborly relations. In this case which still creates inconvenience in terms of regional relations, the Republic of Macedonia acted in accordance with its interests, the interests of the predominant majority in the EU and NATO, organizations where we see our future. With the demarcation of the northern border with Kosovo, we resolved one major security issue. This is another example of our successful resolution of challenges of this nature. The significance of this act is also shown by the fact that issues of this kind continue to burden the relations between different countries, and not only in our region.

Distinguished participants,

Building good-neighborly relations requires mutual commitments and engagement of all stakeholders.

Allow me to briefly refer to the dispute regarding our constitutional name imposed by our southern neighbor. Ever since the early days of independence, by imposing this dispute and the subsequent developments, it seemed as if someone was bothered by the new reality – an independent Republic of Macedonia. This dispute and the attitude of our neighbor had implications in the process of international recognition and establishment of our country. It was accompanied by negations, humiliation, blockades and embargos, resulted in precedent for UN accession. Fully unjustified, even absurd, this dispute was presented by our neighbor as a security problem. At that time, but also today, they misled the international community. The alleged arguments of our neighbor in this context were that we had territorial claims. Although these allegations were fully unfounded, the Republic of Macedonia amended it Constitution in order to formally prove that it had no territorial claims – even the national flag was changed. With this, the Republic of Macedonia made some specific steps which I am not sure would have been made by someone else from the international community. At that time, the Republic of Macedonia, conscious of the seriousness of the overall domestic and regional circumstances, but also aware of its international duties, agreed to discuss the possibilities for overcoming the “name difference”. The two countries signed the Interim Accord in 1995, and afterwards the relations were normalized.

Unfortunately, in spite of Republic of Macedonia’s constructiveness and initiative for resolving this problem, at the Summit in Bucharest in 2008, completely opposite to the obligations of the Interim Accord, the Hellenic Republic blocked our NATO accession.

If the Greek argument was that Macedonia is a security concern because of its name the Republic of Macedonia, then why did Greece block our NATO accession? Why did Greece dare to breach an international agreement, the 1995 Interim Accord and did not allow the Republic of Macedonia to become a NATO member under the provisional reference used within the UN? It would have been the best guarantee for Greece that Macedonia is not a security threat to none of its neighbors.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement, intended for the countries of South-Eastern Europe, to mark their road towards EU integration. My country was the first to sign this Agreement. Ten years later, it is time to ask ourselves what has been accomplished from the duties deriving from this Agreement, by both parties: by the states it refers to, but also by the EU which ensured that perspective. The fact that the Republic of Macedonia was the first to sign the Agreement, the first to obtain candidate status in 2005, and finally, last year received a recommendation from the European Commission for launching the accession negotiations, speaks enough for our position in the equation. Each postponement of the integration process was greatly and directly due, unfortunately, to the politics of blockage by our southern neighbor, which, according to common sense, was supposed to be the main promoter of Macedonia’s membership in the Union.

Last December, in spite of the positive EC recommendation, recognizing the readiness and the progress made by my country, Greece blocked the setting of the date for opening accession negotiations with the EU. This means a second blockage in a very short period of time. Is that a contribution to European security and prosperity? Nevertheless, we do expect some specific steps from the Greek side which would confirm their dedication to the 2014 agenda.

Dear participants,

We must state that, unfortunately, the condition imposed to us so that we can proceed on the path of our Euro-Atlantic integration, does not only involve renouncing the name of our country, but also renouncing the individual human rights of my fellow-citizens, the right to human dignity and self-identification. According to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” No country should allow the rights of its citizens to be violated, neither from the inside nor from the outside. These are the foundations of not only international public law, but also international human rights law. That is the highest objective of humanity. That is the strongest guarantee to move forward on the path of progress and security.

The Republic of Macedonia, having realized all this, is doing its best, being active and making initiatives for resolution of this problem. However, we shall not accept the violation of individual human rights by means of force or blackmail. We shall not accept the breach of international law principles to be breached, not only because of us, but also because of the ravaging domino effect which may be caused by a single unprincipled precedent.

Not long ago, my colleague, the Greek President Papoulias stated that the solution should be sought within the frames of international law. I couldn’t agree more. We want a solution based on international law and principles, a solution within the UN Resolutions, a solution without winners and losers.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

United Europe is the largest project on the old continent, and here I would add, a civilization-scale project. It is a project that produces peace, stability and prosperity, a project based on the values and contributions of democracy and freedom. EU, with the Lisbon Treaty, reached a consensus over the strategic priorities, the new internal setting, over its ever-stronger role on the international arena, but even more importantly for us, it created a basis for finalization of the enlargement process.

Today, we need a vision for the Balkans, a vision for our European and global security and its future. Let me finish by saying that we cannot speak on the future of European security and stability, we cannot create strategies and policies without a stable and secure Southeast Europe.

Our area has been a source of conflicts and misunderstandings of regional and global powers. It is how the myth for the so-called ‘Macedonian question’ was created. In 1991 finally there was a response to this question: the Republic of Macedonia, as an independent European country, peaceful and open towards all its neighbors, without any exception!

Thank you for your attention.

 
Respected,

At the outset, I would like to use this opportunity to wish you and your families health, happiness and future personal and professional successes in the New Year, 2010.

Dear Guests,

We have just left behind a very tough year, year of global challenges and somber implications. Yet, before us is a year of hope and expectations, a year in which, once again, the answers to the global problems must be found in strengthening of multilateralism and dialogue, while the answers to the internal challenges must be negotiated by togetherness and unity.

2009 left some memories that we all wish to forget as soon as possible. Even though we want to forget them, we must learn from them. The fear and ambiguity of the scope of the global financial and economic crisis were demonstrated as justifiable.

The consequences of this huge crisis will preoccupy us this year as well. Yet, it is good that the first signs of rehabilitation are already evident, even on a global scale. Even if the side effects of this problem are far-reaching, they certainly may not defocus our perception and slow down our action when identifying our priorities.

I will only mention a few of them: planet preservation, nature and climate changes, spreading of democracy and maintenance of peace and security, fight against terrorism and organized crime, implementation of Millennium Development Goals, respect of human freedoms and rights, international law and principles, and the threats of new forms of illnesses and viruses. All of these things are inter-dependant, closely intertwined and, more or less, affect us all. However, they are of utmost importance, an imperative, for our generation.

Excellencies,

For me, and for my fellow citizens, 2009 will be remembered as well for several great and significant accomplishments. Please allow me to revisit some of those grand moments worth noting in 2009, a number of which will also enter our history.

We shall remember Macedonia in the previous year for its successful elections, which revealed the maturity of Macedonian democracy, and demonstrated the level, the capacity, and capabilities of its institutions, of all participants in the election process.

While Europe celebrated the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Macedonia managed to tear down another wall, the Schengen wall, which extendedly kept our citizens from experiencing the real feeling of belonging to the huge European family. This was a very important step forward towards the EU, and also an important development in our recent history.

The commitment and the overall engagement of the society directed towards the EU agenda were validated adequately with the recommendation of the European Commission for opening of negotiations with EU. With the fulfillment of the set goals, the Republic of Macedonia showed very clearly that it steps along the right path, that it accomplishes its tasks diligently, has the capacities, will and ability to share the common values and standards.

United Europe is the largest project on the old continent, and here I should add, a civilization-scale project. That is a project that generates peace, stability and prosperity, a project that is founded on the values and contributions of the democracy and freedom. With the Lisbon Treaty, the EU reached a consensus for the strategic priorities, for the new internal organizational structure, for its ever-stronger effect on the international arena, and even more importantly for us, it created the basis for finalization of the enlargement process.

In this context, the main goal of my country for 2009 was unfulfilled, thus our job is not done yet. The reasons are well known. The reality is what it is. I regret to say that due to irrational reasons and imposed dispute, the path to prosperity and well-being for generations and generations of Macedonian citizens is burdened. Notwithstanding, it is our responsibility to change this reality. Macedonia in 2010 will remain on this path. Macedonia knows where it is and where it belongs, and will not give up on its goal.

Macedonia will do everything in its capacity in order to demonstrate to the world its capacity and relevance, to show that it deserves to be respected. Macedonia and its citizens are the ones who feel the consequences of remaining outside of the Euro-Atlantic structures, and there is nothing more normal than being most-interested in conquering such obstacles. Yet, all must understand that we will not allow our dignity to be trampled on. The identity issues are issues that we simply don’t want to, or even more accurately, don’t have the right to negotiate.

I believe that even our neighbor is aware that no one else in this world can negotiate over our identity. Identity is a feeling a person is born with, and that individual feeling of the citizens, cannot simply be deprived, during a table discussion, with an act, on a piece of paper.

I assume and believe that as long as our neighbor actually, and not declaratively shows readiness for a solution, as long as it shows good will, understanding and respect to what is elementary, something on which the today’s order rests upon, the right of self-identification, self-determination, and as long as it abides the Resolutions of the World Organization and the international law and principles, a compromise may be reached. I acknowledge that we are ready.

Excellencies

You are direct witnesses of the progress and achievements of the Republic of Macedonia. You are witnesses of the continuous substantial reforms in all spheres of the society. The Republic of Macedonia is constantly upgrading its society which rests upon the rule of law and respect of human rights, upon the unique model of multiethnic co-existence.

Macedonia in continuity has been demonstrating its compatibility with NATO standards and acts as a de facto member of the Alliance. This is understood by all, no one can deny it, and thus many words need not be wasted on this. Macedonia, aware of its international obligations and responsibility, will persist in giving its unreserved support to the peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan.

My country is an active and strong supporter of the regional cooperation and remains strongly committed to the good-neighborly relations, to the dialogue that serves as a key tool for resolving all open issues in the region.

In 2010, Macedonia will once again be able to show what it can do and provide contribution to the international arena by taking over the presidency of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.

We will continue working on deepening of the international relations and the cooperation with your countries. Last year I was dedicated exactly on developing policy of openness and well-neighborly relations. I will do this with even greater enthusiasm this year.

Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to extend my gratitude to you and your countries’ overall support towards the Republic of Macedonia. I expect that the year 2010 will be a year when we will work closely together again. With our dedication and your support, the results will eventually come.

Dear Guests,

at the very end. The destiny of the politicians, of the state’s leaderships, is to be optimistic by definition. I am an optimist. I am aware that the reality is sometimes bleak, disappointing, but it must not discourage us. The progress and the successes will not come on their own. Our commitment and our efforts in the realization of the strategic goals, in raising the standard of living for our citizens, for further improvement of the collective ambience in the society, shall continue with increased dynamics.

Thank you for your attention.

Annual Address of President Ivanov, Macedonian Assembly
 
Distinguished President of the Assembly,
Respected Members of the Parliament,
Distinguished President of the Government,
Respected members of the Government,
Respected representatives of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the religious communities of the Republic of Macedonia

It is sincerely a huge honor and pleasure, today for the first time, that I can I fulfill my constitutional duty before Macedonia’s highest representative body. Not only as an account of what I have done, but also I would like this address to be dedicated to everything that has been done in Macedonia in general and thus allow me to extend certain assessment on the future expectations. I would like to convey my clear positions on numerous political issues which occupied our attention and sometimes created confusion among the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

What is important is that 2009 shall remain remembered for several big and important successes, but still the year leaves behind open issues which carry serious problems. These issues, in the year to come, will be best resolved if we have unity and togetherness. That is, after all, what the citizens expect.

Respected,

On political level, the Republic of Macedonia proved that is a functional democracy. As year of elections, 2009 started with campaigns, providing an opportunity to see Macedonian democracy in action once again. Both the citizens and the participants in the election process provided their contribution in the successfully conducted elections which later on laid the foundations for further significant political events in the course of the year. These elections have removed one negative phenomenon that was registered at previous election cycles, and that is denying the legality and legitimacy of the election results. In Macedonia, in continuity, we have clearly expressed will of the citizens, determined to continue the economic and political reforms, for the integration of Macedonia into NATO and the European Union in a dignified manner. We also have a very intensive offer of various political solutions and models for the realization of our determined goals. The huge ardor seen in the political debate is the wealth of the Macedonian political life. Particularly, when we discuss issues that produce many emotions such as the issues of identity and belonging, the relation towards the tradition in the society, and the economic successes and failures. Such debates are not to the detriment of the citizens and the democracy and the citizens are mature enough to be able to make their choices. I believe in a dialogue as the only approach for settling the open issues, both within the country and in the relations between states.

Besides the role of the political parties, the media and the civil sector also took part with their proposals and solutions, and have been actively involved. Having been an activist for the freedom of the media and of the civil society, I am glad that there is freedom of public expression of opinion even when I personally do not agree with the opinion. In the past, as well as today, I am ready to support the pluralism, to support the freedom of expression of thought, of personal standpoints and to encourage the engagement of the citizens in the society.
On national level, 2009 was a year of stable multiethnic coalition, capable of implementing reforms, something that in Macedonia is considered as quite normal while in other countries might be a real challenge. The year was characterized by the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, embodied in the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia. Besides the strong economic crisis which requested significant reduction of the expenditures of the public administration, last year, we proceeded with the fulfillment of the principle of equitable representation of the members of all ethnic communities.

One traumatic moment, which I consider as a best example of our strength as a society and the values that we cherish, was the reaction and the solidarity after the huge tragedy that happened in the monastery St. Jovan Bigorski. Once again, in action, we saw the nature of people, who they are and what they, when they are in crisis. While the monastery inn was burning, while the lives and the priceless holy relicts were threatened, we saw that the people from the whole surrounding area, regardless of their religious and ethnic belonging, came immediately to assist their neighbors. That is the real spirit of Macedonia, our genuine character built over the centuries of cohabitation and mutual support.

Accepting this function, I took the obligation to familiarize better the world with the Macedonian model of integration of the communities. Macedonia deserves, as real micro-cosmos of tolerance, mutual respect and cooperation, to be accepted as an example for the other countries in the region. Our model of integration without assimilation, fully respecting the cultural, linguistic and religious diversities, is also an invaluable contribution to the European tapestry of nations and cultures. It is also up to us to fully appreciate each other, what we do, what we are and what we have.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year we have celebrated two decades since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the great liberation of Europe of the totalitarianism. This is also the year when the lustration process finally began its enforcement, as an exceptionally important process for the future political and democratic development of the Republic of Macedonia. I expect that the thorough implementation of this process will help reduce the deficiencies in our democracy and our institutions. The citizens have the right to know who addresses them, who offers political solutions and who offers himself to speak on their behalf.

Macedonia has proceeded with the fight against corruption and crime, which are also challenges for the stability and democracy of the political system. There are evident results in this sphere and therefore I consider that there are no longer officials in this country who can think that they can do whatever they want and whenever they want. My vision of Macedonia is a rule of law country. No one is above the law and the law does not discriminate anybody against.

Not only that the rule of law is a guarantee for the development of the democracy, it is also a major guarantee for the economic development and prosperity of all citizens. The year that has just passed shall be remembered by the effects of the dramatic economic crisis that affected the entire world, as well as the realistic apprehension of the crisis, with its overall seriousness. The timely and adequate reaction, based on proven economic principles, contributed to the fact that Macedonia avoided the most severe strike of the crisis. The successful measures protected the citizens from serious economic difficulties. The Government, to a great extent, met the expectations of the citizens and the economy. Therefore, we must have in mind the conditions and the difficulties we have been working in, without formal membership into the Euro-Atlantic structures which are an additional incentive for the investors, and particularly the effects of the world economic crisis. I welcome the sincere and strong commitment of the Government to continue the reforms even more intensely, which is of crucial importance for our citizens.

Respected,

The President’s competence is mostly in the sphere of foreign policy. It was my choice and goal, upon taking this office, to have a dynamic and active foreign policy. The fact that in these seven months I have visited 13 countries speaks for itself. In conducting our foreign policy, we are guided by the principle of openness. It is only with such guiding principle in our foreign policy, with strong, efficient and productive diplomatic activity that the Republic of Macedonia will be able to fulfill its foreign policy goals, establish new and strengthen and advance existing partnerships. It is the only way to be better understood, recognized and accepted in the international community. In the past period, I have established excellent cooperation with the Government in this sphere where we have common competences. We managed to equip many empty posts in our diplomatic. We have harmonized the national action plans in the field of foreign policy. We have proven that the results are attainable when the institutions function with full capacity. It is particularly important that our diplomacy had as high priority the promotion of the economic cooperation. Our diplomats and economic promoters facilitated the organized presentation of Macedonia on all continents. As President, I tasked myself, to be at the service of our entrepreneurs, and to promote the economic possibilities and potentials. At every trip abroad, regardless whether I was accompanied by a business delegation or not, the economic cooperation is on the top of the agenda.

Respected Ladies and Gentlemen,

The priorities have been set long ago and are very clear. Therefore, on my very first working day I visited Brussels in order to confirm the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia to the Euro-Atlantic integrations. In 2009, the Republic of Macedonia made large foreign-policy successes. We have attained the visa liberalization. We’ve received positive opinion from the European Commission for the enforced reforms in all spheres. We have closed the issue of demarcation of the northern border and established diplomatic relations the Republic of Kosovo.
In the sphere of defense, a decision was made to increase our peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, in close cooperation and coordination with the United States of America and other NATO allies. During my visit to New York and the state of Vermont, we once again reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Macedonia and the United States, and again we realized how much can be achieved through this friendship. The Republic of Macedonia hereby provides its contribution for broadening of the stability and democracy in one of the most critical places in the world. We shall remain dedicated to the mission in Afghanistan. We have demonstrated our compatibility with NATO standards and act as a de facto member of the Alliance. This is highly appreciated and no-one can deny this. Macedonia protects the values of democracy and freedom by various means in various organizations. In the previous months, we have started with the thorough preparations for the Presidency with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe next year, which will be yet another serious opportunity for Macedonia to prove its capabilities on the international arena. As a country – promoter of human rights, our country shall provide invaluable contribution in the mission of this organization, which should represent the consciousness of the European countries.

In Copenhagen I raised the initiative for Regional Summit on Climate Changes which might be held next year in the Republic of Macedonia. Climate change and its consequences will have an effect on both Macedonia and our wider region. We need to prepare for these challenges.

In the previous period I have paid special attention to nurturing and developing good-neighborly relations. During my visit to the Republic of Bulgaria where, together with President Prvanov we opened our border crossing points symbolically and officially announced the start of the visa free travel regime for the Macedonian citizens. We used the opportunity to clearly state that we should all look to the future, to the things that unite us with our neighbors and friends, to our joint reality and future. We respect history and all historic events, but it is not our job to deal with it. We are elected to improve our reality, and anticipate and prepare for the future.
Concerning the relations with the Republic of Serbia, we have managed, through the intensive communications, to maintain the high level of understanding and cooperation. The recognition of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, is not an open issue between the states, but is an issue which greatly influences the relations between our citizens, their mutual confidence and respect. Through the frequent meetings with the Serbian leadership, we have agreed that this issue should be resolved as soon as possible. Thus, we provide yet another example to our neighbors and to the World as well, that the difficult and emotional issues on the Balkans can be resolved and overcome.

I would like to particularly complement the rapid ascent and development of the relations with the Republic of Albania. I have said many times Macedonia has serious interest that all its neighbors become economically and politically developed and make progress. All Balkan countries can advance and move forward together, complementing each other on that road. I’m strongly determined to maintaining regular contacts with the leaders of all the countries in the region and to actively seek out ways of cooperation, and to remove the obstacles. The establishment of a new, democratic Balkans is a vital objective of the Republic of Macedonia. We set the foundations for Balkans without borders. United, without dominance over each other. United on the basis of mutual respect.

Macedonia has been working for a long time on the complete demarcation of its borders, and it is a great contribution for the stability of the region. In this issue, again the entire complexity of the Balkan relations, with all its historical and geo-political nuances, came to light, but the Republic of Macedonia adroitly settled this issue. Today we may boast with a renewed quality in the relations with our newest neighbor. I know that the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, and the international community, value highly this diplomatic success of our country. I am satisfied with the increasing level of economic relations. Kosovo is our important commercial partner and there are great opportunities for cooperation in various spheres.

Respected,

In the course of 2009, Macedonia made remarkable success in the field of Euro-integrations. Macedonia managed for the first time to receive a fully positive report from the European Commission and a recommendation for opening of the negotiations. The process that lasts for many years which united the Macedonian society ended up with a positive and concrete end of one significant phase. Even though we did not receive a date for opening of the membership negotiation, managed to reduce the problem to what it really is – the irrational and unreasonable resistance of political elite of our southern neighbor to the entry of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union and NATO.
We hoped that the very fact that we are a country in which the differences are appraised, as well as the abundance of languages, minority rights are respected; our path should be easier and simpler. It turned out that the politics based on strength may still endure in such circumstances, even when it abuses the rules set forth precisely in order to protect those who fulfill the conditions to become part of that community.

Ladies and Gentlemen, before this forum of democracy of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, from the house of Macedonian sovereignty, I would like to convey this clear message:
Macedonia is a 21st century country according to the respect of human rights and the rights of the communities!
Macedonia is a 21st century country because here everyone can realize its human, political and economic potential, regardless of his origin and manner of expression!
Macedonia is a 21st century country because it wants an open space, offers freedom and competition based on cultural and civilization values!
Macedonia is a 21st century country because as far as Macedonia is concerned, the identity of others is equally sacred as is our own identity!
The Republic of Macedonia will find solutions to all open issues with all those who live in the 21st century like we do! We have nowhere to meet with all others, if they are outside the democratic and civilization standards of our time!

We have been debating too much on our red lines in the negotiations with our neighbor over the differences concerning our name. From this podium I call upon all political actors to cede creating confusion and doubts among our citizens. Is there anyone in this country who doesn’t know his own red lines regarding the issues of identity, language, culture and tradition? These individual red lines are our official red lines. The proper place of Macedonia is in NATO and in the European Union, with joint contribution in the fulfillment of this strategic goal. The majority of us present here have been faced with the issue of this dispute. Many of us gathered here have also held the responsibility to have it settled. I know that the red lines are well familiar and clear to you, just as they are clear to the Macedonian citizens. It means that Macedonia will not change the Macedonian identity. It means that we will not change the Constitution. A solution that will not offend our national, cultural and linguistic identity. The Republic of Macedonia has long ago proved its constructive will in this absurd issue that is forced upon us, with specific steps of good will. Beyond all known standards of Constitutional practice, we changed our Constitution, to line out what was generally know, that the Republic of Macedonia has no territorial aspirations. The Republic of Macedonia made a further step. We did the unthinkable. We changed our flag. The Republic of Macedonia is prepared for a compromise solution; we are prepared to discuss only matters that are foreseen in the UN resolutions.

Respected,

As a society we do not need political abuse of the dispute. The Macedonian citizens gave their confidence to politicians who should work on resolving the name issue. The Macedonian leadership has clear position, to be committed to the process in the United Nations and to search for an acceptable solution. The final goal of the Macedonian integrations is absolutely accepted by all. There are only differences in the tactics and in the approach, on how to reach the goal.

We have seen that Greece directs its actions within the Union simply on the basis of its internal, petty political interests. It has the formal right to act in such a manner, but it has no right to thoroughly ignore the common European interests. It has no right to block the enlargement and the fulfillment of the great European dream. To block a country in which the public, to the last man, has many times clearly stated its position concerning the EU and NATO accession. Macedonia will be a different member of NATO and of the Union. Macedonia will always take care of its interests, and will not make any excuse for that. It will also take care, however, for the common interests of Europe.

I know that, due to the traumatic past of Macedonia, there is a deeply rooted notion that we are not in a position to decide anything, that we are not asked about anything. That Macedonia is merely a recipient of political decisions, even when they relate directly to us. Ladies and Gentlemen, that is the old way of thinking. Such a manner of thinking does not bring us closer to Europe. Neither has it brought friends. It cannot even bring us respect. Macedonia needs to be asked about many issues. Macedonia will speak its mind. And it shall be heard.

Ladies and Gentlemen, all the undertaken activities, all the established contacts and initiatives demonstrate our commitment to the European Union. All citizens of the Republic of Macedonia demonstrated that they are Euro-enthusiasts.
The Republic of Macedonia requests no more then any other country, but it will settle for nothing less.
We know who we are. We know what we are. We know where we are going to.
Long Live the REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA!
Long Live EUROPEAN MACEDONIA!
Thank you

Ms. President
Mr. Executive Secretary
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me congratulate Denmark for hosting COP15, a follow up of the two-year Bali Action Plan. I also applaud the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for carrying out this tremendous job. But the process does not end here.

Policy and decision makers are responsible towards the present generation and the ones to come. Let us not forget that the present is something we have borrowed from the future generations.

We are already witnessing the negative effects of the climate change and we must act promptly in order to prevent the process from having negative irreversible impact. This is why we need a legally binding global agreement creating the best possible conditions which will keep global warming below 2 degrees.

In this regard, we strongly support the European Union in its efforts to cut by 20 percent its carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 and its advocacy for global emissions reduction by at least 50 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels, as well as aggregate developed countries' emissions reduction of at least 80-95 percent.

Adhering to integrated energy and climate change response policies, Macedonia is determined to increase the share of renewable energies in its overall energy consumption, from the current 15.3 percent up to 21 percent by 2020. I expect this course of action to be performed by other nations as well.

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are looking forward to collaborate with our European partners to effectively harmonize the identified priorities with the corresponding technical and financial needs and capacities of the countries, both of Macedonia, and of the others.

I believe that we all share the common efforts to integrate carbon emissions reduction measures in the key national policies and documents. We believe in the power of knowledge. Climate change demands environmentally innovative approaches and technologies supportive to economic development and growth. We are fully aware that sustainable development strategies are not abstract concepts or wishful thinking. They are both blueprint and roadmap on how to act responsibly at home and how to share that responsibility with other nations.

This shared vision also depends on developing public awareness and individual understanding of the problem – a crucial step for the improvement of energy consumption and enhancing energy efficiency.

Climate Change is indisputable and its effects are evident not only on the extreme weather patterns, such as more frequent and intensive floods, heat waves and droughts, but also in the ecosystem degradation and impact on livelihoods, thus increasing communities' vulnerability, especially through health risks.

Recognizing the direct linkage between climate change and natural disasters, as indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we are developing nationally based and internationally merged multi-stakeholder mechanisms for risk reduction and mitigation to limit the impacts of climate related hazards.

With more extreme weather conditions lurking on the horizon, we need coordinated action to cope with the challenges that lie ahead. In this regard, Macedonia accepts with great enthusiasm the HFA priorities as well as responsibilities that come with co-chairing the European Regional Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction, established by the UNISDR and the Council of Europe.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our efforts and political will go beyond reducing carbon emissions. With developed and, on profound expertise based strategies, we are leading the way in the mitigation process through a nationwide systematic forestation campaign that has, thus far, resulted with 20 million planted trees.

In the next decade, the Macedonian forests will expand by additional 100.000 ha (hectares) of currently arid land. Once they reach the right age, these 100.000 ha (hectares) of forests will annually absorb at least 250.000 tons of CO2. Imagine what a pan-European or even a worldwide forestation would do to reduce the existing carbon levels in the atmosphere.

By this, we are not advocating for an alternative to a global climate change deal. On the contrary. Both concepts are complementary and are part of the same equation. Therefore, I call upon you to get together in this common endeavor to hand down to our posterity a cleaner and safer Planet Earth.

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,

At the end, in order to practically demonstrate Macedonia’s commitment and responsibility concerning this issue, I would like to inform you that immediately after this Conference, for the next year, I intend to initiate high ranking regional meeting. The meeting shall be focused on strengthening of the regional cooperation in this context. I expect that this meeting shall contribute to raising regional awareness and responsibility for the cross-border problems and challenges, with implications that are of our common concern. I expect that it shall provide concrete results in the desired direction.

Thank you.

It is good to be in Berlin again. As a life long professor, it is also good to be back in my old role, as a lecturer on political issues. I better enjoy it until you start fielding questions at me.

As a professor, one of the things I never could quite understand is the phenomenon of a great number of students, that would finish their studies up until the last year, often until the last one or two exams needed for their graduation, and then just stop. I don’t know if this is the case in Germany, but in my practice I’ve had a great number of these cases and I’ve often felt a particular sadness over it. It was incomprehensible for me, why would anybody stop when his life’s work is at a completion.

It is the same feeling I get when I consider the state of the integrations in the region I’m coming from, and especially in my country. It is as if, the easier and smoother things get, the less interest we can find in completing them. This is the time when we start talking about fatigue. Even worse, we turn a complete blind eye to the incredible success we have achieved and begin concentrating more on the problems and the possibilities for failure. I’m sometimes wondering why do we always need to have a crisis, so we get spurred into action? Why are we so averse to things going good for us? The Balkans lately have been a constant stream of good news. Macedonia has been a country in which we no longer speak of fulfilling the necessary standards for integration. We are beginning to speak of setting the standards for our neighbors. Yet, at the same time, it is as if the integration process is getting harder and slower, not easier and faster.

Ladies and gentlemen. It is especially important for us Macedonians that the integration of our country into the Euro-Atlantic community is done on merit. We realize that it includes a significant transformation of the way of doing things in Macedonia. Macedonia needs to begin the process of negotiations to join the European Union. It is the next logical and natural step.  It is very important for us that this transformation is done on a continuous basis, with constant progress, with measurable and implementable projects. This is a way of integration, of association, through interaction. We can’t have integration without constant progress, without constant advancement. We need a learning curve, not a flat line, not repeating the same things all over and over again. Stopping the process of integration is impossible. In time of more and more open borders, of constant interaction between the Macedonian and the European companies, citizens, the cultural, religious and educational organizations, it is futile to have another wall drawn between the countries of the European Union and the countries that are applying for membership.  The administration, the bureaucracy, must not fall behind the private sector, behind the individual citizens. Having the high ideals of United Europe interpreted through the dry and flat language of the working groups, project management and benchmark realization has not undermined the appeal of the European idea for my citizens. The polls show unanimous determination to join both the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the European Union. We are constantly reminded of this through contacts with local citizens who have the desire to live without borders, to travel and to exchange ideas and experiences. We are constantly reminded of this by our businessmen, who are eager to show their worth at the great open marketplace next door.

Respected. There is a sense of bitter sweet irony to be saying this here, at this place, at the very border, at the very place where this city was divided. The power of an idea is never stronger then at the very place where it ends. Living for almost 20 years now, at the sidelines of a transforming, changing Europe, you would forgive our impatience. Just as East Berliners were looking over the Wall, at the place across, where Freedom was not just an abused word. Two nations that have both known tirany have a peculiar understanding for each other. We are both aware of where we are coming from. We have witnessed events that shake the faith in mans inherent goodness.

Macedonia was standing for a long time before our own equivalent of a Wall. The allure of the ideals, of the prosperity and freedom which we can see over the border, gives us the right to say that we must never have cities, countries, people divided anymore.  You know much better then me that closing the border, isolation is not an effective way of interaction. Out of a lack of communication, prejudices are born. Once these prejudices are set in place, it can take a generation of work to have them removed. Therefore, the strength of Europe is not in its tanks, or the barbed wire. It lies in its ideas, in its values. Europe mustn’t fear from an interaction, from engagement. It can influence countries far away from its physical reach. It can touch people, motivate them, inspire them. An engagement of Europe with the Balkans can transform both, in a positive way. It can add a new value, not only in an economic sense, but in a spiritual, in a human way. Let us grow and mature together. I find it unexplainable how the word fatigue can ever be used in this issue. How can we feel fatigued before the opportunity to make something grand, together? I have always found it more natural that joy, energy, excitement is the proper feeling, the proper mood inspired by the realization that European unification is finally at hand.

A very important move for my country is on hand. The abolishment of the visa regime is announced after a long process that guarantees that Macedonia will contribute to the secure borders, efficient procedures and the dynamic movement of people within Europe. It is a perfect example how, when the procedures of the integration are clear, measurable and with adequate deadlines, a country can be motivated to do its utmost. To top this, the quick pace of the reforms needed to make this move happen in Macedonia was an inspiration to other countries in the region, which have benefited enormously from the exchange of the experience. This is the power of the European allure at its best. Provoking change, provoking advancement in its midst, which leaves everybody better off in the end. Conversely, neglecting to extend the perspective of enlargement, integration and further openness, in cases when all objective conditions have been met, does nothing to encourage countries to undertake further reforms, which are often painful. Anything that pushes the Euro-Atlantic perspective further away from the Western oriented countries undermines the energy that Europe can generate and inspire. It wastes away a valuable currency Europe uses to spread stability and good will in its vicinity.

Respected. Macedonia has experienced the full weight of the indecisiveness of the European countries and the often seen hesitation and doubtfulness. Last year in Bucharest we’ve seen a face of Europe that does not do service to its name. We’ve had petty quarrels dominate the debate that was supposed to be concentrated on the great perspective of a united and whole Europe, safe and secure. The widespread silence experienced by Macedonia, but also by Georgia, and by the Ukraine, was much more bitterly felt for us then the loud attempts of one single country to look for flaws and insufficiencies in my country. Even this esteemed institution has had its moments of doubt, insisting that Europe must pause its enlargement after the admission of Croatia. That it is not ready to accept new members. Sirs, it is not in the essence of Europe for the to think this way. It is often said that united Europe is a peace project. A project to stop new wars. But, at the same time, we must not allow ourselves to work on this project only when there is a war, a crisis, when bodies are mounting at the borders of Europe. I don’t think it does a great service to the legacy of Chancellor Adenauer to lay aside the hard work of the unification of Europe, because the times are good, and the crisis is over. This is precisely the time to work on the friendships, the links, the projects that will prevent the next crisis. That will broaden the circle of stability and security around Europe. That will give hope to farther and farther reaches. It was an almost missionary work done by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, to help bring the ideas of Christian democracy to Macedonia. Your representatives in Macedonia have worked tirelessly to convey the true sense of democracy and conservative values in the often ideologicaly chaotic days after the collapse of Communism in the Balkans. It was often on the German political model that Macedonian politicians have made their first learning steps. Let’s not allow this huge work to remain unappreciated.

Macedonia has fulfilled all necessary standards to join NATO. Our soldiers are already full members in sharing the risks and the dangers with their comrades from Germany, and all the other allied countries. We do this in Bosnia, where the strength of the Euro-Atlantic idea has stopped a hellish scenario. We are in Lebanon, patrolling the outer reaches of Europe. And we are together in Afghanistan, pushing back an enemy that has shown complete disregard for simple humanity.

While engaged in all our joint projects, Macedonia is prepared to listen to any rational objection for its bid to join NATO and to begin the negotiations for EU integration. We are willing to listen, and we have proved many times that we can make tough decisions and sacrifices, when we find them necessary for the benefit and future progress of our country. What we are not prepared to do is to listen to open-ended attempts to attack our pride and identity. We want dearly to become members of NATO and the EU, but that must not come at the expense of our dignity.

At this day and age, mercifully, in Europe, we do not have the walls in their old sense. But we have a myriad of procedures, impediments, regulations, which sometimes appear as if they have been deliberately put in place to stop the interaction of between men, the commercial exchange, the exchange of ideas. The grand idea of Europe, of abolishing the borders, has been also to dismantle this system. To do away with the artificial obstacles for commerce, for trade. To allow everybody to compete based on his own worth, not on some unfair advantage. It was this system that brought peace and prosperity in Europe. That enabled Europe to become the beacon of hope for the World. Germany, in the heart of this continent, has been the main dynamo of the European economic miracle and it is an inspiration to us all.

Macedonia has worked tirelessly to cut down as much of the obstacles laid before us as we can. We are working further to open our economy toward the world. In the past years we’ve seen an enormous reformist drive to liberate the creative spirit of our people. We have invested in our most precious resource – our own people. We have opened new state and private universities. We have seen a galloping rise in computer literacy and have enabled our schools with latest technology, so that our children can contribute to a modern economy. We do this for the simple reason to develop our own country, to make it a proper home for our people, who will not have to look for their happiness abroad. We have made huge strides to offer the opportunity of investment and mutually beneficial exchange before the companies from Europe. The latest World Bank Doing Business report has notified that Macedonia is moving in leaps toward creating a beneficial atmosphere for the business community. In this, we have often used the shining example of the German economic development, and its model of a free and fair economy. This message was often brought to us by the many Macedonians who are living as exemplary citizens in Germany. They were most often the first to come back and invest in their home towns and villages, bringing with them not only financial resources, but more importantly, the work ethics and the respect for the rule of law that has made Germany an example for the modern world.

The future, for Macedonia, is wide open, and we are prepared to grasp it. In this, we need support, to remove the final few obstacles that remain before Macedonia and its citizens, its companies and its potential, can be shown to the world in full. The Macedonian wine, the agricultural products, textile and raw materials will find its way to Europe more easily and more openly. The integration of Macedonia would add perhaps a small market to the European complex. But it will help bring prosperity and stability in a region where violent spasms were often able to affect the heart of Europe itself. It will bring strategic cohesiveness to Europe. It will be a step further toward completing the great project started by herr Adenauer, whose spirit endures and grows with every new step that the European community of nations makes.

Respected. I was recently reminded of a little moment from the life of herr Adenauer. Of a case when, as a Prime Minister of still occupied Germany, he was told that he must stand aside from the red carpet, that he is not allowed to have the same respect under the protocol. Adenauer deliberately broke the protocol and proudly stood on the red carpet, signaling that humiliation is not a way to build a lasting friendship. That his country is prepared to start assuming its responsibilities. I come here as the leader of a country that was itself often told to stand aside from the red carpet. I also come to say that Macedonia is prepared to stand on the red carpet. We are not going to allow to stand on the sidelines. We will assume our responsibilities and we keep our dignity. Thank you.