Address by the President of the Republic of Macedonia Dr. Gjorge Ivanov on the occasion of awarding the recognition "Charter of the Republic of Macedonia" to Vladislav Barchikovski

Dear Mr. Barchikovski,
Dear family members Barchikovski,
Dear Ambassador of the Republic of Poland,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have great honor and pleasure to address you on the occasion of awarding the "Charter of Macedonia" to Brigadier General, Professor Doctor Vladislav Barchikovski.

Today, at the ceremony of awarding the "Charter of Macedonia" to Doctor Vladislav Barchikovski, we have an excellent opportunity to praise his scientific value and his humanitarian activities.

Mr. Vladislav Barchikovski, as a doctor, dedicated his life to helping people and organizing and carrying out humanitarian activities. Among his engagements, Doctor Barchikovski was unselfishly engaged in treating and providing medical assistance to the Macedonian refugees (partisans and civilians) in the Republic of Poland during the civil war in Greece (1946-1949). With this contribution Doctor Barchikovski left a lasting pledge in strengthening the friendly relations between Macedonian and Polish people.

Helping wounded and sick people was not just a simple medical treatment. It was also healing of emotional wounds of people who lost their homes and left their loved ones at a distance of thousands of kilometers. Apart from professional medical care, Doctor Barchikovski, together with his Polish colleagues and fellow citizens, gave their heart to the patients.

All this will never be forgotten by those who went through medical treatments, and by their families. Today, a couple of patients of Doctor Barchikovski are here with us, who are living witnesses of his humanity and professionalism. They are living witnesses of the Golgotha of the Macedonian people, whose wounds are still not healed, a Golgotha we hope will never happen again.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Macedonia has a responsibility to celebrate its friends and not to forget all the events in its history. That is the only way we can face reality, relieved of the burden and unspoken truths from the past, ready to welcome the future.

Doctor Barchikovski, you are an absolute example that such barriers do not exist when it comes to talent, will and perseverance. Humanity and care for people cannot be prevented by any war or totalitarian regimes, or any historical mischief.

At the end, once again, on behalf of all Macedonian citizens, on behalf of the Republic of Macedonia and on my personal behalf, let me express my appreciation and gratitude to you, hoping that your unselfish and great deeds will be an inspiration for current and future generations in Macedonia and in your native country Poland, to practice good deeds in everyday life with everyone and certainly, with their deeds, to contribute to a better and more humane world.