Address
by Mr. Ljuben
Paunoski, the Minister of Defence of
the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(*)
Secretary General, Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. Republic of Macedonia's Commitment
Allow me once again to present the firm political determination of the
Republic of Macedonia for a NATO and EU membership. The Republic of Macedonia
has already achieved great practical results and it seriously prepares
itself to participate in NATO led operations.
The new defence law is in a procedure in the Parliament and we are going
to conclude all the structural reforms by year 2002.
2. The situation in the region
The situation in the region shows progress but the final solutions will
not come right away. NATO must remain in the Balkans. But unfortunately
the latest developments in the Presevo Valley and Bujanovac pose a threat
to the peace and the economy in the region.
3. Republic of Macedonia's suggestion
Apart from KFOR and the international civil structure and their commitment
to the citizens in the region we believe that the political leaders in
Kosovo should also take on the responsibility for leading the people.
4- What are the specific contributions of the Republic of Macedonia
NATO was the only active player in the region in stopping the military
violence in Bosnia and in Kosovo.
The Republic of Macedonia has been the only country hosting the overall
logistical support of NATO and a country that has successfully buffed
the massive refugees' implications.
The Republic of Macedonia has shown great tolerance towards the provocation
of the criminals and the terrorists along our northern border because
accepting a conflict does not offer any solution and on the other hand
such a conflict would open a dilemma about the KFOR's capability to deal
with the Kosovo situation. Hence we express our strategy that we will
continue to carry out this strategy of ours, as another contribution of
the Republic of Macedonia towards the authority of NATO.
The Republic of Macedonia has taken a strong pace in the overall reforms,
which are the condition for a NATO and EU membership.
5. Political and economic character of the Repub1ic of Macedonia
- A small state system that could be easily established and sustained.
It could be easily integrated into the NATO and the EU co-operation.
- Small and mobile military that could be trained and equipped easily
and with quality. It will finalise its reforms by the year 2002 with
a significant democratic control. A military which does not have a lots
of old arms and equipment
- A state which is not inclined towards creating political, economic
or military problems and a state, which through its own efforts has
improved its relations with the neighbours.
- A strong political determination for a NATO membership.
- This has been proved in practice during the Kosovo crisis and with
its openness for having a NATO logistical base stationed in the country.
- A confirmed openness for the NATO presence in the Republic of Macedonia.
- A state and a policy which does not have any predisposition to condition
its co-operation. A state of solidarity.
6. Benefits both for NATO and the Republic of Macedonia
Small investment that need to be put into or given to the Republic of
Macedonia and great effects from which NATO would benefit by having the
Republic of Macedonia as its member.
And finally, the reforms in the Republic of Macedonia are not for the
sake of NATO but for its own sake. But the seriousness and the intentions
are undoubtedly motivated by NATO and the EU.
Thank you for your attention
Footnote:
(*)Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with
its constitutional name
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