Distinguished President, Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great honor and privilege today to address this unique forum, where great and small, powerful and less powerful nations speak in one voice. A forum we undoubtedly expect to result in a dialogue and leadership in dealing
with the challenges against peace and security, hunger and development, human rights and climate change. Success is possible only by overcoming individual interests. I am convinced that today, more than ever, we have reasons to
articulate our words in action, every one of us individually and all of us together.
Let me first extend congratulations on the election of the new President of the 65th General Assembly, Mr. Joseph Deiss and express our readiness for cooperation during his term. I would also like to extend congratulations to the
former President, Mr. Treki, for his successful presiding with the 64th General Assembly.
At the same time, I would like to use this opportunity to acknowledge the engagements and the efforts by the Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, aimed at strengthening the role of our organization.
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, at the outset, I would like to say a few words on the consequences of the
global financial and economic crisis, and, particularly I will refer to the role of the UN in this context. The global economic and financial crisis was a challenge that could set
back the positive processes related to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, the fight to attain peace in all regions. I think that we all, the Member States and the UN system in general, successfully dealt with it.
Timely and jointly, adequate solutions were found for many of the problems. Processes were initiated to alleviate the effects of the crisis, and to face the possible new future crises. Actions were undertaken to mitigate the most affected, according to the action plans, and with appropriate support and cooperation, often resulting in a successful outcome. Let’s not forget that economic, financial, and thus, social security, are foundation on which sustainable development, national and global security and prosperity rest.
Ladies and Gentlemen, 5 years remain to the deadline for implementation and realization of the Millennium Development Goals. The clear goal is still before us - a goal we must
not yield at now, even despite the decelerated pace of their implementation, we are all aware how high the stakes are and what the benefits are. I welcome the outcome of the high-level meeting on MDGs held last week, when we all have
pledged to strengthen the efforts to the ultimate goal.
The Republic of Macedonia, as before, remains strongly committed to fulfilling the goals and this is incorporated at national level in the government's strategy for economic and sustainable development, as well as in the national
legislation, which is adapted to the current obligations deriving from the international documents. On the other hand, the global climate change phenomenon is both a
serious threat to our planet and a manner of our endurance. The frequent natural disasters and humanitarian catastrophes have made it clear that nature reacts to the irresponsible attitude of humanity towards nature. However, the
struggle for preserving nature may not only be declarative and led globally, but it must be present in every small town, in every state, by strict observance and
development of national strategies. Later, these successful formulas are to be transformed into in a common, global struggle to preserve our way of living in coexistence with the needs of the planet.
The Republic of Macedonia stands ready to contribute adequately to the global efforts. Many initiatives are being undertaken. We are truly focused on the best possible weapon in this battle - raising awareness, education and culture on
reducing the use of electricity by using alternative energy sources, reducing the harmful emissions into the atmosphere. As party to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, for more than a decade, my country has been actively working on achieving the Convention objectives.
Excellencies, Unfortunately, the world still does not live in the desired peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, we are still witnessing daily peace and security disturbances in certain regions in the world, old and frozen conflicts, and also evident is the emergence of new tensions in several regions in the world. If the fundamental institutional and essential objective of this organization is the need for humanity to be spared from suffering, wars, conflicts, then we should ask ourselves whether the efforts are sufficient to secure peace and prosperity. The answer is no, neither globally nor regionally.
The consequences of the global financial and economic crisis, as well as the slow pace of implementation of the set Millennium Development Goals have serious impact on the essence of the conflicts, often caused by lack of democratic processes and rule of law in certain areas. Only by promoting peace, human rights and rule of law, with dialogue and tolerance, we can make the world a just and fair place to live in.
Mr. President, in the context of the previously stated, I welcome the relevance of this session’s topic, which should help in creating effective responses to global crises and restore the role of UN in global governance. The genuine
idea of the founders of the UN should be restored. They left us a legacy.
The Republic of Macedonia strongly supports the joint efforts to improve the overall coherence of the UN system. I consider that we all agree that it was and it is necessary to redefine the functioning of the UN systems in order to
respond to the demands and priorities of the Member States in the best and most effective manner. We should create a highly functional global governance organization, an organization in which there will be no overlapping of mandates, but achieving maximum effect with appropriate and transparent use of existing resources.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, delegates, the Republic of Macedonia, since its independence, is fully committed to
substantial reforms in all areas, aimed at promoting democracy and improving the living standards of its citizens, based on historical traditions of respect for
multiethnic coexistence, dialogue and mutual understanding. Our achievements in this context are validated and internationally recognized. Therefore, the Republic of Macedonia rightfully expects a date for opening accession negotiations with the EU and an invitation to join
NATO. We have enforced the necessary reforms to join NATO, we are EU membership candidate country for five years, last year we received a positive recommendation to start negotiations with the EU. Unfortunately, the citizens
have not yet felt the benefits of that, however, the reforms that brought us to the front doors of these organizations were not easy at all. In addition, my country is actively committed to regional cooperation and building good neighborly relations. Macedonia accepts and promotes the dialogue as the only mechanism for overcoming all open issues in the region.
The Republic of Macedonia has been directing all its available capacities to the implementation of the top strategic foreign policy goals - integration into the EU and NATO. I would like to remind you that, 15 years ago, right
here in New York, the Interim Accord was signed with our southern neighbor, when Greece obliged itself not to obstruct the membership of my country in international and regional organizations and its integration. Notwithstanding, I must mention the fact that my country is still waiting in front of the doors of these two organizations due to the acts of our southern neighbor, which are contrary to
the obligations undertaken by the 1995 Interim Agreement.
The Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to the process of resolving the difference with Greece within the frameworks of the mechanism established by the UN Resolutions. Our name is concerned, our right to self-identification and human dignity. We do everything in our capacity to nurture close and friendly relations with neighboring Greece, with its people. A solution can be reached only if the UN Charter, the Resolutions, the international law and principles, on which the international order rest, are respected. The Republic of Macedonia and its citizens deserve to enjoy NATO membership benefits and to start the EU accession negotiations.
Distinguished Excellencies and delegates,
Yesterday, here in the UN, I had a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, which aimed at building a climate of mutual trust and understanding, and I hope that, as two neighboring countries that have lived and will live with one another,
we will be able to find a mutually acceptable solution. It will be a big step for us, but a huge step towards fulfilling the common vision for our whole region.
I must tell you that I am encouraged with the situation in our region. The more intensive communication and cooperation, the better understanding and respect. By accepting the dialogue, as the only way to overcome the inherited problems and open issues, we create one new ambience. A proof of this is the second Balkan Leaders’ Forum which was held here in New York City couple of days
ago. Slowly but surely, the Balkans is restoring its impaired dignity. The Balkans again aspires to become part of the open European space, where European values, European criteria and European principles will be respected. The Balkans used to be and is Europe.
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen. Let me conclude with the statement that the Republic of Macedonia
believes in the United Nations, believes in the postulates it rests upon. I believe that the UN can maintain the stability of international order and relations and
successfully deal with current and future global challenges. The Republic of Macedonia stands ready to further provide its constructive contribution to the implementation and realization of these goals.
Thank you.