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