Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ljubomir Frckoski

Mr. Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, allow me to congratulate the jubilee, the 5th Anniversary of the North Atlantic Cooperation Council. I believe you will agree that, without it, one could not notice such an important level of cooperation among countries which have been developing and still live in different conditions. Its contribution lies in the fact that these countries are currently successful in developing common vision of collective security.

Therefore, it is a great honor and pleasure for me to take part in the today's Meeting.

Mr. Chairman,

We regard the process of NACC and PfP enhancement as extremely important, both from the aspect of countries in political and economic transition, and from the aspect of global stability and cooperation. Enhancement of cooperation through multilateral and bilateral (16+1) consultations and their institutionalization are of great significance to further development.

I would like to point out to several moments to be of pivotal significance to secure mutual confidence on the way of NATO transformation I am speaking from the aspect of my country where there is a consensus at all levels with regard to the need for one full- fledged membership in the Alliance. We are completely prepared to act in accordance with the NATO principles and goals and to maximally carry out our obligations. Therefore, regarding the admission to NATO, I believe that an equal treatment of all applicant countries is necessary, without artificial collective treatment or regional conditioning.

On the other hand, we know that admission to NATO has not been secured for all in the first round, but also that NATO would not close the door to other interested partners. However, this very time dimension, that keeps the distance between the partners and the Allies, could provoke various reactions of each country and of the whole Euro-Atlantic region. In order to prevent new dividing lines, we firmly support the principle of self determination, i.e. of self selection, committing ourselves to a as much higher level of cooperation as possible and to more active involvement of Partners in NATO structures.

The Republic of Macedonia is convinced that internal development of democracy, market economy, respect for minority and human rights make solid foundation for implementation of full cooperation between partner countries and the Alliance. That would enable all countries to produce, not just to consume, security. That is how we view all activities aimed at strengthening NACC and PfP.

Mr. Chairman,

The Republic of Macedonia makes efforts to implement many activities that would enhance the security in the region.

In January 1997, Skopje will host the international "Forum for Europeanization of the Balkans and on Promotion of Goodneighborliness". The Forum is part of implementation of the views contained in the Resolutions on Good-neighborly Relations Among the Balkan States, adopted on the proposal of the Republic of Macedonia at the 48th and 50th Session of the UN General Assembly. Their goal is to make the Balkans a stable zone of cooperation and security by the year 2000.

The Republic of Macedonia has proposed the Resolution "The Maintenance of International Security - Prevention of the Violent Disintegration of States" at this year Session of the UN General Assembly. This Resolution points out the need to prevent the violent disintegration of states where regional international organizations, in addition to the UN, should give their contribution, too.

The presence of the UN peacekeeping forces in the Republic of Macedonia, on our initiative, is of extreme importance, especially their preventive dimension. This mission is the only example whereby the international community has proved and promoted the practice of preventive diplomacy. The mutual experience provided the foundation for the UNPREDEP Mission and the Republic of Macedonia to recently organize the international seminar "Agenda for Preventive Diplomacy - Theory and Practice". In addition to its contribution to conflict prevention, it contributed to putting forward a proposal to establish a "Center for Preventive Diplomacy" in Skopje.

On this occasion, I would like to mention also the adopted proposal of the Republic of Macedonia for holding a "Seminar on Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy" - PMSC ( Political- Military Steering Committee on PfP)/Ad Hoc Group on Cooperation in Peacekeeping Work Program for 1997. We believe that this Seminar will contribute to the prevention of possible conflicts.

Mr. Chairman,

The Republic of Macedonia has been resolving the open issues with all of its neighbors by agreement and in that manner stabilizing the region on a bilateral level. We have gone even further; we are implementing a wide and contractual economic cooperation with countries in the broader neighborhood. Our experience has convinced us that good-neighborliness is of extreme importance to the wider enhancement of security and peace. Therefore, we believe that each country should be treated equally; however, every effort of such a country should be appropriately evaluated. By this, the possibility of their uncritical grouping or of their equalizing is eliminated. It is necessary to create conditions for a realistic assessment of the efforts of each country individually.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Macedonia considers NATO the key option for stability in its region and this is a priority for our country, of course, not minimizing the importance of the OSCE. Thus, we believe that the South Balkans appears as a territory for unhampered and necessary NATO enlargement.

The necessity of paying special attention to the region of South- eastern Europe has also been manifested by current efforts of the international community and the big powers to find out solutions, through various initiatives, to its future developments. In that sense, one should not make decisions treating the region as an artificially isolated group of countries, but rather as an integral part of Europe.

The Republic of Macedonia does not rank among big military powers, but this fact does not make the issues of arms control meaningless to us. We consider that a wider project on demilitarization of the region is necessary, and from this aspect, we have supported the very significant OSCE Lisbon documents. In that spirit, as regards the initiatives for possible regional security arrangements, the Republic of Macedonia believes that they should continue the spirit and the principles of the CFE Treaty - by involving three categories of countries (the Dayton signatories, countries-signatories to the CFE Treaty in the region of South-eastern Europe and countries not included by the Dayton or the CFE Treaty). NATO Allies and Russia should be involved in the finalization of the possible Agreement. Also, I would like to point out that the Republic of Macedonia is willing to be host, i.e. to be depository of the possible Agreement.

Convinced that our commitment shall make concrete contribution to the efforts of the Alliance and NACC/PfP to create an optimum Security model for the 2lst century, allow me, Mr. Chairman, to express once again my gratitude for your attention and that of all the present.

Thank you.