Honorable citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

By the end of the year 2011, let me share with you some of my feelings for the going year and my expectations for the coming year.

Macedonia in the year 2011 as well faced various challenges successfully. We had many reasons to rejoice. We made progress in the field of economy. We passed through another election cycle which enriched our experience as developed European democracy. We confirmed the ratings of our development. Still, the path towards our top strategic goals remained blocked. However, there is no room for discouragement. We will succeed; we will realize our goals, Macedonia – member of NATO and Macedonia as a member of the EU.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our path towards establishing a recognized, egalitarian country has never been easy. Yet, that is what makes us strong. Facing difficulties makes us stronger and more decisive. We did not have the privilege to walk the easier way; we had to pave our own way, certainly, owing to the wisdom of our citizens and the precious help of our friends around the world.

The reforms we have implemented, and which we are still being implemented, are a reflection of the awareness that we must build by ourselves a solid and decent home for us and for our families. We do not wait for someone else to fulfill our obligations, but we also do not blame others for our failures. Macedonia enters the New Year 2012 with confidence. We are aware that our responsible and serious behavior has been confirmed. We received the necessary confirmations from abroad, and, even more importantly, internally. Macedonia remains firmly embedded in reality, in the serious conduct in terms of economy, relations with its neighbors, regional security.

In 2011, as never before, the successes of our athletes united us as a nation. We were together on the squares and we waited in front of the TVs to mark their successes, as we came out together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our independence.

In 2012, I wish everyone to rejoice personal successes, as we did in the passing year. May we all rejoice our professional successes, the successful working day. Let us rejoice the successful agricultural year, the new markets for our products. We shall rejoice the successes in education, gained knowledge and extended views towards the world. I wish we all rejoice the expansion of our families, family gatherings and celebrations.

Dear all, before I conclude, I would like to ask you to take a little time during the celebration of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, and focus our thoughts, prayers and expressions of gratitude to our Macedonian soldiers serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lebanon. Think of our soldiers, Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Vlachs, Bosniacs. Our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, who defend the flag of the Republic of Macedonia, who also defend our peace, our values and our place in the international family of nations. We owe them our gratitude.

Honorable citizens,

Macedonia is a country in which we jointly celebrate our holidays and festivities. This is a period of the year when we mark Kurban Bairam and Hanukkah, when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Therefore, dear friends, in the end, on my personal behalf and on behalf of my family, let me wish you peace and prosperity during these holidays. In this time of the year, may we all recall the successes of 2011 and make plans for the next year. I wish you all step the paths that will bring you lots of health, joy, happiness and prosperity. May the New 2012 be blessed!