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