Distinguished Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, let me wish you and your families a Happy New Year, good health, happiness and further personal and professional success.
Dear all,
This traditional gathering is a good opportunity to recollect last year’s successes and challenges and, with a good thought, open the door of the New Year.
At the internal level, the year was marked by the implementation of essential reforms in all social spheres, in accordance with the common European values and standards, thus Macedonia has shown that is moving forward on the right path. You are witnesses that the Republic of Macedonia has been repeatedly promoting its society that rests on the rule of law, respect for human rights, on the unique model of multiethnic coexistence. However, there are problems and challenges along that path. The main challenges still remain in the economic sphere. I believe that 2011 will be the year when the state of play in this area will be improved, that slowly but surely we will overcome the consequences of the crisis. My optimism is based on real indicators, but also on the strong commitment of the state and of our business community and associations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Concerning the foreign policy, we had an exceptionally successful year in which the Republic of Macedonia’s international affirmation continued.
We shall remember last year by the successful Macedonian Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, at a time when the key reforms within the organization have started.
I may conclude that progress was made in the relations with all our neighbors, both from the immediate vicinity and from the wider neighborhood, and we are particularly proud of the achievements in the field of regional cooperation. I believe this year will also be marked with new initiatives that would result in overall regional progress towards our common European future.
2010 was a year, as many of you can prove, of intense international activity that led the relations with many friendly countries to be raised to a higher level, a year when we have strengthened the existing traditional relations with many countries, made new friendships, we have intensified the cooperation and opened new perspectives and opportunities. We will proceed with all these activities with even greater intensity in the New Year 2011.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The New Year is a moment of optimism, new energy and new strength.
2011 for Macedonia is a year of jubilees. We will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the struggle against fascism, the 20th anniversary of the independence and the 10th anniversary of the signing of Ohrid Framework Agreement, our model of inclusive democracy that we will further develop and promote. This year we will also recall the tragedy of the Holocaust, and with the opening of the Memorial Center, we will pay tribute to the Macedonian Jews - victims of intolerance and hatred towards diversity. It will indeed be a cultural center dedicated to promoting inter-religious and interethnic understanding. I expect that these jubilees will provide us the necessary optimism that will guide us to courageously seek solutions to the challenges.
I would like you to know that for us, for the entire Macedonian society, as well as for the wider region, the Euro-Atlantic integrations are still the major driving force and a factor of unity and cooperation. There is no viable alternative for the region, for Macedonia, except the Euro-Atlantic integration. Therefore, be confident, the Republic of Macedonia remains committed to the Euro-Atlantic integration. 2011 will be the year of essential reforms continuation, implementation of values and criteria that will enable us to get closer to the desired goal, but more importantly, will meet the real needs of my fellow countrymen.
From this perspective, we are grateful that the Hungarian Presidency has set, high in its priorities, the issue of enlargement. I believe that friendly Poland will follow the vision of the founders of the common European home, and that 2011 will be the year in which the Republic of Macedonia and the entire region will make a step further in the integrations.
Dear all,
You are all aware that, unfortunately, our path towards the highest strategic goal, our full-fledged membership in the European Union and NATO is obstructed. It is regrettable that due to irrational reason, the path to progress and welfare for generations of Macedonian citizens is hindered. Macedonia stands ready in a European manner to bridge the differences with neighboring Greece. Macedonia is a European country and expects European attitude from other countries as well. I believe that through dialogue, enhanced confidence and better understanding we will reach a mutually acceptable solution, a compromise without winners and losers. I believe that the day is not far when the only obstacle for my citizens is removed so that they can enjoy the rights and privileges of the membership in the European and the Euro-Atlantic family.
Dear guests,
I would like to emphasize that the policy of openness towards all, the policy of intensive contacts and cooperation, dialogue and increased understanding and trust, the policy of presence and real contribution of the Republic of Macedonia at all forums and topics of mutual, regional and global interest will still be high in my agenda, in this, and in the subsequent years.
I believe that for all these goals we have set, there is understanding and support of our friends and allies.
At the very end, I would like to express my appreciation for the overall support that you and the countries and organizations you represent, have been providing for the Republic Macedonia so far. I wish you a happy and successful year.
Thank you.