The President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov addressed today the meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Nations contributing to NATO / ISAF:

Esteemed Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the very beginning, I avail myself of this opportunity to share with all previous interlocutors my condolences for the ISAF soldiers who gave their lives for peace and stability in Afghanistan.

I would like to emphasize at this point, that we, along with our NATO partners, have already practically launched the implementation of the New NATO Smart Defense Strategy. We fully support the new approach of the Smart Defense Concept in order to maximize effectiveness and minimize expenditures. We also support the commitment for financial assistance of the Afghan security forces whereas Macedonia will participate according to its possibilities.

Based on partners’ assessment on ISAF troops withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Republic of Macedonia, in line with its interests, as it has done so far, will comply with the joint strategic goals.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Macedonia, we also mark 10 years of our active contribution to the ISAF mission. In the past decade, more than 2.800 Macedonian peacekeepers have undergone 24 rotations. In these 10 years, the Republic of Macedonia came to be one of the five top per capita contributors. Macedonia will uphold its commitment to this global partnership.

Respected Attendees,
Our commitment is not only declarative, but also real. As Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, I have witnessed the fidelity, dedication and skillfulness of the Macedonian peacekeepers. Macedonian commitment is continuous and visible to everyone, to all NATO member states, to all ISAF participating nations, and, most importantly, to the people of Afghanistan. From protecting and defending the ISAF Headquarters in Kabul from attacks, through the active participation of Macedonian peacekeeping troops as part of the PHOENIX mission. Standing under the NATO banner, they have been several times decorated by the most powerful armies of today; they are the attesters of Macedonian decisiveness and endurance.

As an active ISAF contributor, Macedonia shares the responsibilities, obligations and risks. Macedonia at the same time expects to share membership rights and benefits. Macedonia, despite the contribution it provides and despite the fully met requirements ever since 2008 is being blocked on its path to full-fledged NATO membership by a precondition set forth by a member of the Alliance, a precondition that is not correlated with membership criteria.

The International Court of Justice, deciding upon the lawsuit filed by my country, found in a judgment that the conduct of our southern neighbor was illegal.
 

Esteemed Excellencies, I will be frank to say that our citizens, the leadership of the Republic of Macedonia are fully disappointed with the delays. This time it was necessary the mistake and injustice done to us in Bucharest to be corrected.
 

We regret that Greece did not find strength to act responsibly in respect of the obligations undertaken with the Interim Accord. Such a behavior is completely opposite to the expectation of the Court that Greece would not repeat the illegal act from Bucharest. Apparently, there is a second violation of the Interim Accord by Greece.
 

I reiterate we are disappointed by the new delay. However, it has never been an issue for us whether Macedonia would become a NATO member state, but when this would happen. The sooner, the better. It would be better for Macedonia, for the region of South-East Europe and, of course, for NATO and the global security.
 

We continue, with the same dedication and interest, to act as a de facto member-state of the Alliance. We continue to constructively carry out our share of the responsibilities, just as any NATO member-state is expected to do.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
At this moment, while I am addressing you, Macedonian peacekeepers act responsibly and fulfill the undertaken duties, protecting the ISAF Headquarters in Kabul, along with your brave women and men in uniform.
 

Politics is merciless towards Macedonian peacekeepers who put their lives at risk on a daily basis in order to bring freedom and security in Afghanistan. But politics is also merciless towards all the citizens of Macedonia who are deprived of enjoying NATO membership benefits. It is a result of irresponsible politicians in our neighbor who, hiding behind the consensus, not only bring NATO in an unpleasant situation to defend indefensible in terms of international law positions, but contrary to all rules and regulations, do not contribute to the stability and security of our region. I am convinced that all of you here listening to my speech are aware of this. And you know that this delay is not our failure.
 

Life has thought us never to retreat before the challenges. Generations and generations of Macedonians were part of the fight for justice, peace, security and development for all. With persistent work towards common goals, and with trust that justice and reason always win, although they sometimes come late, we remain consistent with the undertaken responsibilities.
 

Thank you.