| Annual address of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, His Excellency Dr. Gjorge Ivanov at the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia | |
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Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, I am confident that we all share a feeling of victory of justice with the judgment of The Hague. The Republic of Macedonia in The Hague won a great diplomatic and legal victory. А victory that means confirmation of the credibility of our foreign policy, of our conduct in the international community. Unfortunately, the next step in the European Union integration of my country is blocked for the third time, and it is not by our fault. We did everything we had to do, everything that we were asked to. I will elaborate on these two events, respectively.
Will and responsible behavior is needed. The judgment is a result of faulty conduct of the governing structure of our neighbor. It is a chance for Greece, for all of us, for the region. Observing the judgment, the Interim Accord, the international law is the framework that will contribute to a more favorable climate in the relations between the two neighboring countries. We have an ideal opportunity for a historic step forward. The Hague ruling, except legitimizing our current policy, increases our reputation and has yet another great and important dimension: it is a framework which regulates the issues of extreme importance for the conduct of both parties in terms of respecting the obligations under the Interim Accord. The ruling confirmed that the Republic of Macedonia may use its constitutional name within international organizations in which Greece is a member. Greece’s allegations regarding the breach of the Interim Accord by the Republic of Macedonia were rejected by the Court. Therefore, we need not seek new ways to reach a solution. We only have to respect the Interim Accord and adhere to the framework set forth in the UN resolutions, nothing more than that. We stand ready for that.
In three consecutive years we receive a recommendation to start negotiations with the European Union, which is a great confirmation of the reform processes. The Report of the European Commission is a roadmap where to focus our attention in the reforms. It is not our fault that we have not yet launched the negotiations. The third postponement of setting a date to launch accession negotiations by the European Council is not our failure. I know that the number of countries supporting us is increasing, supporting law and justice, convinced in the strength of our arguments and the judgment of the highest court of justice. Thus, we are not discouraged. I believe that on the next European Council, on the next NATO Summit, if leadership, courage and vision is shown, the status quo situation in the integration can be moved forward. All will be winners, and the greatest winner will certainly be we and our neighbor. We will continue to reform our society with even greater motivation. Our goal is to be friendly and European neighbors with Greece. It is a rewarding goal for us, for Greece and for the European Union. It should be known that we have managed to prove to our friends and partners that we want a solution in which there will be no losers and winners. We provide ideas and initiatives to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Many times we have proven our constructiveness. However, willingness is necessary from our neighbor, willingness primarily to adhere to the framework in which negotiations are led in the UN, willingness to abandon the policy of argument of power. My assessment is that there is a historic opportunity for a brand new start. I want to believe that this opportunity, together with our neighbor and the EU and NATO partners will be seized. Next year, from this stage, in this same period, I wish to confirm that my expectations were justified. Ladies and Gentlemen, Guided by the principles of honesty, responsibility and accountability, fulfilling my constitutional obligation, in the year we leave behind, I was fully committed to the highest strategic goals of our country: - Membership in NATO and the European Union and shift of the status quo situation. I would like to bring the following to your attention. In this regard, I did not spare myself nor will I spare myself in the future. I will continue to acknowledge the world with the truth and the arguments about Macedonia. I will continue to foster and strengthen the existing and will establish new friendships and partnerships. As far as foreign policy is concerned, this year I have attended 38 international events and activities, I have realized 23 official and working visits to foreign countries. I have represented our country in almost all major regional and global multilateral events dedicated to economy, energy, peace, disaster risk reduction, culture, sports ... I have hosted 9 official and working visits of my colleagues. I have had more than seventy meetings with heads of state and governments and heads of international organizations. I was host of the third Regional Summit of the Presidents of Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. We discussed specific topics in the interest of our citizens, on the European and Euro-Atlantic integration, on the economic cooperation and energy security and connectivity. My message to all my colleagues was that the time of declarations has come to an end. We must initiate and implement concrete projects. We took over the chairmanship of two extremely important processes that will further enhance the reputation of our country. Namely, we will chair the South East European Cooperation Process in the period 2012 - 2013, which will allow us to provide our active contribution in strengthening regional cooperation. In 2013 we will be hosting the Summit dedicated to the Dialogue among Civilizations, marking the 10th anniversary of such summits initiated by my predecessor, President Trajkovski. All this has been done in a consistent way, knowing that Macedonia can be internationally recognized and competitive primarily according to the following: In the field of diplomacy, I have accredited, with a decree, 18 new Ambassadors of the Republic of Macedonia in countries around the world. For our diplomats, I urged, to be given greater freedom of action by reducing the bureaucracy of the diplomatic service, which would go along with the increase of responsibilities of diplomats on the basis of which they will be evaluated, according to the results achieved. I want to see a proactive diplomacy. I assure you, the criteria and the assessment of our diplomats are already set on a higher level. There will be awards and penalties, too. There is no room as in the past for fake values and false authorities in our diplomacy. In terms of cultural diplomacy, we can be proud of our cultural and historical heritage. We have plenty of things to offer the world. But it should be promoted for others to see what we have. This is feasible but we must do our best to utilize it. Concerning the sport, I will not waste many words. We have all seen what a sport success means. Not only it celebrated our country but, more importantly, the success united Macedonia.
As a Supreme Commander, I can proudly say that the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, as a shield of our freedom, security and stability, continues to give confidence in the Macedonian society. This year, the Army got a new Chief of Staff, in compliance with the highest standards of the Alliance. Some time ago I approved the new organizational structure and formation of the Army, the transformation of which will begin in early 2012. Be assured that in anticipation of the next NATO Summit in Chicago, we remain committed to the reform process as an investment in our European and Euro-Atlantic future. This will be an argument more for our accession to the Alliance, along with the judgment of the International Court of Justice. I would like to inform you that I consistently follow the state of play of the army contingents contributing to the establishment and maintenance of global peace in operations led by NATO, the European Union and the United Nations. Our peacekeepers are a true example of commitment and perseverance in our strategic goals. Therefore, I respect the commitment of the Government for next year and the period ahead to continuously increase the budget for the Army. As a Supreme Commander, I have already recommended a number of activities and events to mark, with dignity, the 20th anniversary of the Army. It is the least we could do for our Army, which gives us confidence that future generations will live their welfare in a free, democratic, European Macedonia. In the spirit of the 20th anniversary of independence of our homeland, I have bestowed several meritorious individuals, institutions and organizations significant for the Macedonian statehood, independence and sovereignty. By bestowing them, I expressed gratitude to sincere friends of Macedonia, who support us everywhere and always. I want you to know that I remain dedicated to the closeness and constant contact with citizens. I do this in direct meetings during my regular visits to villages and towns throughout Macedonia, but also indirectly, through the People's Offices, which represent an open door between me and the citizens. Through these offices, I feel the pulse of people on many issues, including the name issue. So far, the Cabinet, through these Offices has received over thousand suggestions and complaints. Actions have been taken in compliance with my competences. We need to invest real values in young generations. We must have faith in them. Our young people are exactly where we have led them by now. Therefore, their education and advancement is necessary. So far, the School for Young Leaders has educated two exceptionally successful generations. I am convinced that Macedonia will be led by truly responsible leaders in future in all spheres of everyday life. We have also prompted competition in the field of science by awarding the title "The Youngest Scientist". This proved that there are young successful people from Macedonia at the most prestigious universities in the world. Their achievements in science are noteworthy. I was a patron of several important events dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity. Ladies and Gentlemen, Jubilees and anniversaries are always an occasion for recollection of what has happened, what passed, but also a time for debate about the future. This year we marked and celebrated important events. 20 years of independence, 10 years of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, 70 years since the National Liberation Struggle. I am glad that the 20th anniversary of independence of our homeland Macedonia is the year of awakening of self-respect and self-confidence among Macedonian citizens. We should continue in this direction. We should respect ourselves more for others to respect us as well. Therefore, our citizens deserve to be praised for the dignified celebration of the anniversaries as well as for the unity in celebrating successes. This year marks a decade of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. By implementing this Agreement we have reached a level of greater understanding, respect and tolerance. We have built a model that strives to integrate, not to assimilate. Our model is not only an example in the region, but it is an agreement with principles that inspire even beyond. We respect our model and we ask others to respect its principles, too. We defend our model. To all those who, for any reason doubt it, to all those who wish to undermine and bring discord, I am sending my clear message – do not try to do so, your effort is doomed to failure. To all those who by burning the flag, the flag of all citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, think that with that act they will burn the multi-ethnic coexistence, my message is - you will not succeed in that. Ladies and Gentlemen, This year, again, I was strongly focused on several important issues for the economy and I supported the following areas: - Entrepreneurial activities in Macedonia; I initiated and held meetings with many national and foreign businessmen. This year, the Assembly, upon my proposal, designated the new Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia.
Economic diplomacy has been high on my agenda in almost all of my working and informal meetings, participation in multilateral events and official visits to foreign countries, as well as during the visits of foreign dignitaries to the Republic of Macedonia. Business forums and meetings with businessmen have always been part of my international agenda. Energy sector development is the basic and main driving force of economy, state, society. No one in the world today can make projections for the future without having to look for ways and being fully focused on ensuring energy security. Neither can we. Therefore, as President, looking far beyond my mandate, I became actively involved in exploring all possibilities to join the planned energy corridors, which should provide long-term energy stability. I am particularly pleased that we are in advanced negotiation stage for inclusion of Macedonia in the "South Stream" pipeline. However, we must not rely solely on that. What is also necessary is reasonable usage of the renewable energy sources, something that our country abounds with. At all separate meetings and regional summits I tackle also the topic of the improvement of infrastructure connectivity. I discuss with regional leaders how to open further our region and thus to influence further its welfare. We talk about connecting the Adriatic-Ionian highway with corridors 8 and 10. This is a huge project; that is why it has been considered for so long; however, I will reiterate that I am not discouraged. The benefit will be huge. In these times of vast global economic crisis, thanks to the prudent macroeconomic policy of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and the economy led by the Macedonian citizens, we live in one of the least indebted European countries, a country with one of the largest growth rates in Europe. Reforms in administration, judiciary, fight against crime and corruption, give results. We have the right to access the European market, freely, without taxes and restrictions. In the European Union, we travel freely without visas, opening up prospects for our citizens. Freedom of trade, economic connectivity, freedom of movement are some of the most important benefits of the Union. Notwithstanding, despite these rights, we are also entitled to political representation in the Union. We can not refrain from that right because Greece entered the Union first. Ladies and Gentlemen, Macedonia has begun the year with a boycott of this Dome by the opposition. The early parliamentary elections held in June, when you, the MPs, won the trust of the citizens, were highly and positively assessed in the international community as fair, legitimate and well organized. I believe all stakeholders provided their contribution to this success, but, above all, the citizens. We are increasingly building democratic awareness and political culture. We are building an environment of dialogue and participation in discussions and decisions on vital issues of our society. I hope we will all continue in that direction. After a long period of instability and divisions, today, consolidation takes place and we devotedly continue with the reforms. I am here, always, willing to help in removing any political obstacle, to facilitate dialogue, but I repeat, the temple of democracy is this Dome, the Parliament, and all political debates should happen here. As President, on several occasions, I initiated and hosted leadership meetings with the leaders of the parliamentary parties of the government and the opposition, aimed to overcome misunderstandings and to restore political dialogue in the institutions. Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me refer to the highest goal of our country, integration into NATO and the EU. We are all aware that the achievement of the most important strategic objectives has been blocked till now by our neighbor. Blocking such important collective goal means irresponsible, visionless and totally incompatible conduct with the time we live in. But, as I have said at the outset, the path that leads to a solution is simpler than we think, if each party adheres to the framework set by the United Nations and the Interim Agreement. If, however, issues beyond the framework are put on the table, then the way out of this situation is simply impossible. We continue with maximum action on all fields. That means attaining European Union standards, values and criteria. Our citizens will enjoy the benefits of such a position of the state. Therefore, time has come, on the 20th anniversary of independence to turn to the future. I appeal, political and especially daily political bickering for where the state goes, or whether there is or are we looking for alternatives, stop. The answer is clear our strategic goals have always been membership in NATO and membership in the EU. As we are approaching the attainment of our strategic goal, the awareness among all stakeholders is changing, the mentality is changing, as well as the way of thinking and acting. We will walk on that path guided by the principles of honesty, responsibility and accountability, as principles of the new leadership, principles which are merely possible in the new times. I want to send a message to our neighbor. The Republic of Macedonia is a reality. This reality existed, exists and will exist. For issues such as our highest values - identity, language, culture, and constitution, we do not want and there is no need to talk at all. Noone in this world has the right to deny to other such high values. These are values that can only be ascertained and respected. Therefore, led by the expressed will of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, in future, I will not accept a Report in which the Macedonian language and identity is disrespected. I will conclude as I began. The 20th anniversary of Macedonian independence is accomplished with a great diplomatic and legal victory. We have a historic possibility to turn a new page in the relations with our southern neighbor. We have stretched our hand for reconciliation. But internally, at home, we have a unique opportunity to be united, regardless of ethnicity and religious affiliation. Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Bosniaks, Aromans, Christians, Muslims, Jews, we are all children of our common homeland Macedonia. And we all have one perspective and one common European and Euro-Atlantic future. When it comes to national interests, strategic goals and determinations, there is only one party that recognized no division of leaders and members, of old and young, of left and right. This party is called Macedonia, and we must be united in that single party. Only then will we succeed in achieving the strategic goals. Everything we have achieved so far, in severe times of blockades, isolation and threats to our sovereignty, identity and survival, made us stronger and better prepared. With God's providence, we must endure on the path of building a modern, developed, internationally acknowledged and respected state. We are obliged by the pledge of our ancestors who laid the foundations of our sovereignty and independence. We are obliged to this by the future generations. We are obliged by our homeland Macedonia. Long live the Republic of Macedonia! Thank you. |
