Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,
Respected attendees,
Honorable descendants of all our known and unknown heroes who sacrificed their lives for the fatherland Macedonia,
This year, as before, we have gathered together proudly on this holy day to pay tribute to the fighters for free and independent Macedonia, to the heroes of the two Ilindens, but also to all other important events for which lives were sacrificed so that we can be on our own today. To promise them once again that the generations of today shall never forget the will they entrusted us with. We shall focus our views, aspirations, and efforts from our common past to our common present and common future. For all Macedonians, everywhere.
"…Macedonian nation is determined to lead a free life and there is not a single force in the world that can stand on our path towards full national freedom" is stated in the ASNOM First Assembly Manifesto, August 2nd, 1944, in which the following is also stated:
Macedonian nation,
The first National Assembly today comes out of the relentless struggles and bloodsheds of the best Macedonian sons; it is a symbol of your freedom and demonstrates our sovereignty and proclaims to the entire world the full national freedom of the Macedonian nation in the FIRST FREE MACEDONIAN STATE. The century-long ideal of the Macedonian nation is being achieved…
Aware of their historical task, the dream of independent and strong Macedonia has been being fulfilled by many generations of Macedonians. The ideal of the first Ilinden was achieved by the second Ilinden. We are achieving the ideal of the second Ilinden following September 8th, 1991.
Goce Delchev was the torch of the first Ilinden, Kuzman Josifovski-Pitu, stirred up the torch of the second Ilinden. They both departed prematurely but they both did a lot and timely to light up the path of their followers. They did not have luck to feel the freedom of their nation and to listen to the words of the first and the second Manifesto, but their successors know how to praise every step made for liberated Macedonia by everyone, regardless of their religious and ethnic belonging.  
The importance of the first Ilinden for the second Ilinden is explained by Kuzman on August 2nd, 1943, during the Prespa Counseling, in a document celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising. The following is stated therein:
...”Today, when Macedonian nation is determined to fight for its national freedom, the memory of Ilinden shall more than ever be the light in the eyes of the entire Macedonian nation, in the eyes of all decent and freedom-loving Macedonians, all those who love their country... ”
Aware of the power of the light of the first Ilinden, Kuzman, in the second Ilinden, involved his Prometheuses: Chento, Brashnarov and a number of other patriots.
Metodija Andonov – Chento fought the Ilinden ideals to become our reality. He was strongly committed to those ideals during the preparation of the ASNOM assembly, particularly during the meeting of the Macedonian delegation on Vis. That was the reason why he was appointed the first President of the ASNOM Presidium, and is also known as the first President of Macedonia.
Panko Brashnarov, a living witness of the two Ilindens, in the opening speech during the first session of ASNOM, said:
“the life-giving well of freedom is not dried up. Macedonia was divided, the oppressions have changed, however, the struggle of the Macedonian nation has not ceased yet.”
Brashnarov was a witness and a victim of Ilinden ideals; even today we do not know where his grave is to pay our respect to him. Therefore, today, for all those who had a similar destiny, we mention his name and we bow.
Chento, who wanted the ASNOM decisions to become new Macedonian reality, ended up in prison for a whole decade. His name and his merits were erased for a long period from the books, from the history. It was even forbidden to mention his name.
Today we are living their dream. Therefore we celebrate ASNOM – the second holy Ilinden when the foundations of the Macedonian state were set. ASNOM was a confirmation that the Macedonian nation is determined to lead a free life and, as it is stated in the Manifesto: there is not a single force in the world that can stand on our path!
The flag of freedom is hoisted and it shall never be lowered again!
Respected ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we are living the freedom and independence our celebrated predecessors fought and gave their lives for. They sacrificed their lives for our freedom and for the freedom of our children. They were the sacrifice for our future and for the future of our children. Therefore, for their heroic deeds, we are grateful to them forever. With plenty of faith and with a pure heart and thought to be responsible to us, to the closest and everyone else, we have undertaken the obligation to preserve the will they entrusted us with, but, at the same time to strengthen the legacy so that some other upcoming generations, in some other new Ilindens, free from the fears concerning the future can live the ideal dreamt by Ilinden and ASNOM members and many other generations.
To be accountable to our fatherland Macedonia!
This will is inscribed in the Krushevo Manifesto – the strongest and most sincere proclamation of a given hand and a desire for coexistence. A declaration based on the notion that freedom is not a result only of force but also of hope and conscience. A manifesto based on the acknowledgment that freedom is just and cannot sustain unjust.
A will that contains the ideals of Ilinden – fight against tyranny and oppression, fight for freedom, justice and equality. Fight for Macedonia!
A will which is referred to in Article 1 of the ASNOM Declaration on Fundamental Rights of the Citizen of Democratic Macedonia: „ All citizens of the Macedonian state shall be equal before the law, regardless of their nationality, gender, race and religion“.
A will which is referred to in Article 2 of this Declaration: „All rights of free national life shall be guaranteed to the national minorities in Macedonia. “
We have been fulfilling this will and therefore we protect Macedonia and its integration without assimilation. From the very beginning, the governments and the public life have depicted this Macedonian reality. Since the Constitution of the Provisional government “Edinstvo (Unity)”, through the Krushevo Republic, the ASNOM Presidium and all the governments of independent and autonomous Macedonia. In all of them, the communities used to have and still have their representatives who institutionally articulate and direct their needs and interests. Besides Macedonians, also Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Roma, Vlachs, Bosniaks are included and all those who live in the Republic of Macedonia
Dear all,
We are fulfilling the will. The Republic of Macedonia, since 1991, has been diligently attached to the ideals of the celebrated Krushevo Republic and the state-building ASNOM. The Republic of Macedonia is a democratic and a rule of law country, based on respect of human rights and freedoms. A country recognized for its openness, openness towards all those who live therein but also towards the neighbors in the region.
This Macedonian openness is naturally attached to the noble idea of the European Union, the idea for United Europe. Our openness is part of the vision for European peace, which understands Europe as united and open space, space where tolerance and diversities are celebrated, where everyone can enjoy his rights and bear his own identity, space where relations between countries are based on cooperation, openness, democracy and respect of human rights but also respect of human dignity.
Macedonia and the Balkans today live with this idea for united Europe. Europe we genuinely belong to. Therefore, Macedonia and the Balkans are earnestly devoted to the efforts for overcoming, conciliation and integration.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to underline that, as a state, we do not remain silent before the challenges; we face the challenges courageously and responsibly, as it suits Macedonia.
For the Macedonian persistence and commitment speaks the fact that we managed to solve all open issues concerning our borders. That makes us the only country from the former Yugoslav countries with closed border issues with its neighbors.
A testimony for the Macedonian persistence is the good relations with almost all of our neighbors. I have a personal contribution to this, during the frequent meetings I have with the respective country leaders. Macedonia is a state that can openly speak for the future of the region with all, speak about networking, conciliation, about open issues bothering our region, and speak about common infrastructure, energy future, environment, common strategic goals.
I would like to assure you, that, as a region, we do not run away from the problems. We have inherited some of the problems and we have created some of the problems. We face and overcome such challenges proudly, as it is appropriate to the historical mission of this generation of leaders, a mission of historical reconciliation and integration of the Balkan nations within the European family of democratic countries.
The promotion of a policy of openness towards all has not been present only in the region, but it is being spread beyond. The results of such approach are more than evident and realistic. Here, I also have my personal contribution during the meetings I have with European and world leaders. Macedonia will always take care of its interests and need not justify this. However, Macedonia will take care of the common interests of Europe and for the peace in the world. That is why our soldiers and officers are present in all peacekeeping missions we are invited to take part in.
Dear all,
Such positive steps reaffirm the old truth that the issues and the problems can only be solved in a dialogue. That communication restores confidence between parties. Those who communicate can be integrated. Permanent and sustainable solutions can be built only with sincere commitment and conscience for our common past, common present and common future.
Through intensive regional cooperation not only we contribute to conciliation but we support and facilitate the path of the entire region to the European integrations. A synergy we need forever.
Nowadays, for the first time after long historic epochs of tyrannies and despotisms, there is an ambiance in which all countries in our region have democratic elected governments and demonstrate a desire and need to unify this region, from the bad past to common and prosperous present and future. Unity based on mutual respect and understanding, cooperation and friendship. Unsustainable and unfavorable are the old bargainings and alliances, only in favor of one party and to the detriment of other parties.
Our region, our continent, which used to live together only when there was peace, cannot be divided with administrative barriers. Macedonia used to be, is and shall be in Europe, diligently and freely.
The European experience teaches us that it is possible those who were enemies to prosper together, in parallel, avoiding the possibility their success to be detrimental to the others. An experience that teaches us that the success and progress do not belong only to one party and that other parties are to be deprived of it.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Apart the obvious successes, there is one question which, unfortunately, is a dark shadow on the overall regional growth. The blockade of our integration to the EU and NATO by our southern neighbor is not contributing to the stability in the region. The blockade is not corresponding to the EU and NATO objectives – peace, security, stability and welfare. On the contrary, the blockade is antithesis of such objectives.
Some of our southern neighbor politicians have problems with our name and our identity. Therefore, I would like you to know that we are here to help them overcome this problem and accept the reality of Macedonia and Macedonians.
Therefore, I stress: the Republic of Macedonia has proven many times now that is ready for a dialogue, for meetings and communication as the sole manner of overcoming the differences. We have given our hand of reconciliation and understanding many times before, and we are still offering our hand.
Dear all,
Our goal is advanced, economic and democratic developed country, fully integrated in NATO and in the European Union. We are sincerely and committedly striving towards these organizations we naturally belong to.
Our greatest value is our perseverance to identity and integrity protection. A value on which the EU and NATO are based. The countries which are not self-persistent cannot be persistent and open to other countries. Therefore, only as Macedonia and as Macedonians are we a contribution to Europe and to the world.
The membership within these two communities means clear criteria. The EU and NATO have the right to require fulfillment of the membership criteria. However, along with this right are the responsibilities they are supposed to be aware of and fulfill duly. On the other hand, Macedonia has been fulfilling its responsibilities and tasks.
Therefore, I urge our allies to accept formally our membership in the Alliance. We already participate respectfully in assisting the regions that produce instability.
Therefore, I urge our European partners to remain faithful to the deeds of the great visionaries and architects of Europe. May they not let the financial bankruptcy lead to moral bankruptcy.
Therefore, I urge Greece to accept that we exist and will exist as their sincere neighbors and friends. To adhere to the examples of historical settlements and conciliation which bring lasting peace to Europe.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On this day, right from this place which teaches us that freedom is achieved by perseverance and unity, I want to send a clear message. We should be aware of the responsibility we have because we are in a turning point for our country.
We are witnesses of disturbing events which lately shake the political scene in the Republic of Macedonia.
We are witnesses that other neighboring countries have similar disagreements and turmoils to the detriment of their integration processes.
The participation in the political competition understands fair play, without illegitimate pressure and non-constructive actions. It is a contest in which the previously set, known and accepted rules are respected. At the end, winners of such contests are the fatherland and its citizens.
Therefore, I urge – the participation in the political processes has no alternative, particularly for the political factors and actors who made a decision to demand confidence of the citizens at elections.
Therefore, I urge to stop with the daily-political divisions! Only unanimous and united in the strategic determinations can we endure on our path forward. A path that will lead us to the goal which unites the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political affiliation. We already feel the concrete benefits of the reforms, of the visa liberalization. Only together can we manage to fulfill our historical mission. Prosperous and rich European Macedonia.
Distinguished citizens,
We are not afraid of the success.
We are bound on our past; we are bound on the ideals of our predecessors. We are responsible for the current generations, but also for the upcoming generations. We shall not forget that the time we live in we borrow from the future generations. We should leave them more prosperous, richer and more united Macedonia.
Descendants and followers of Delchev, Gruev, Karev, Guli, successors of celebrated Brashnarov, Chuchkov, Pitu, Agoli, Chento- may we celebrate Ilinden for many years!
May freedom and independence last eternally!
Long live the Republic of Macedonia!