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| Updated: 22-Nov-2002 | NATO Speeches |
| Prague 22 Nov. 2002 |
Statement
by The President of The Republic of Macedonia
Ladles and Gentlemen, Allow me to congratulate to our host, the Government of the Czech Republic
on the excellent organization of undoubtedly one of the most important
summits in the NATO' s history. The Republic of Macedonia is proud to be part of this historic Summit
where the North Atlantic Alliance takes the decision with the far-sighed
historical relevance as a clear sign of commitment of NATO's community
of nations to integrate all democracies from central and southern parts
of the continent and in such a way to overstep again the old historical
and ideological dividing lines. It is beyond doubt that this big enlargement
towards South Europe and the Balkan Peninsula will strengthen indigenous
democratic forces and strongly support progressive-oriented people, which
have to oppose, prevail and defeat nationalistic and extreme movements,
which unfortunately still do exist in some comers of our societies. New threats like terrorism and WMD , ethnical and religious extremism
are enemies without faces and territories. They should be situated everywhere.
The Republic of Macedonia is ready to participate In this transformation
and to engage in sub-specialization in order to contribute to the overall
strength of the Alliance. If the logic behind the NATO enlargement is
to integrate the willing countries into the communities of shared values
and common institutions which are protecting these values from the same
threats, the Republic of Macedonia hopes that our past democratic record
and our future commitments, will qualify us to be an irreplaceable part
of the international coalitions against evil forces. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are aware that difficult times we went through in the past decade
and especially in the last year prevented us from achieving all of the
projected goals and standards and though significant achievements were
undoubtfully made in different areas, all challenges were not fully met
and we are going to deal with them immediately after Prague. In this context
the conclusions agreed here are not disappointing , but on the contrary
they are encouraging for all, especially for the aspiring countries . The course of history in the last ten years unfortunately was not always
favorable towards Macedonia, Nevertheless, we emerged from it without
severely harming the multiethnic tolerance and democracy and co-existence
of various ethnic and religious communities in the country. Our achievement during last year's conflict was a unique one: we transformed
the conflict into a political dialogue and resolved its negative consequences
into the institutions of the system by political means. Despite the potentials
of the conflict to expand and inflame the whole population; Instead, we
managed to strengthen the democratic credentials of the country and to
improve the rights of ethnic minorities in several areas. The role of
the international community, especially of two NATO missions was crucial
in stabilizing the security of the country and in stepping up the processes
of democratic reforms. In September we organized free and democratic parliamentary elections
and a peaceful transition of power as a confirmation of the maturity and
political culture of the people and visions of the state leadership. A
week ago a census throughout the country was successfully conducted, respecting
the highest possible standards and meeting all democratic and legal requirements
. The state leadership however stands before new challenges, but we are
committed to deal with our internal challenges decisively, strongly encouraged
by the phraseology used in the final Communique and attention given to
the Republic of Macedonia on this Summit. One element should be crucial in pursuing our vision: despite all hardships
we passed through in our recent history, overwhelming majority of Macedonian
citizens are continuously committed to tha core of Euro-Atlantic values
and beliefs. The ordinary people in my country recognize very well the
values, strength and professionalism of NATO soldiers. In 1993 Macedonian
Parliament officially adopted the decision to join NATO and almost ten
years later 78% of citizens, regardless of their ethnicity, are still
in favor of the membership of the Alliance. This presents a very strong
base for further enhancement of mutual partnership and trust. Ladies and Gentlemen, The experience we have had is truly remarkable. Twelve months ago we
still had our soldiers on the ground. Today, we manage to have a small
unit in Afghanistan working hand in hand with our partners to ensure the
freedom for the people in that country. The strength of the North Atlantic
Alliance never consisted only in robust military power or number of weapons
it possessed, but in dedication and commitment to the values of democracy.
In such a way , the countries small in size can contribute immensely to
the common cause. We aim at becoming a generator of stability and emerging
as a center for regional security cooperation in the near future. We do
believe that NATO will appreciate and support our efforts, along with
our neighbors, to include the Balkans into Europe, without new dividing
lines, but indeed whole and free, stable and safe. Within the restructured Alliance with refocused priorities and new capabilities
agreed, we would like to see also the integral approach with the defined
obligations and visible timeframe for accession. The new vision for the
Balkan region is necessary to be put in place. A vision which will give
a different meaning to the words of Balkan and balkanization. With the
seven countries invited on this Summit, am firm that now we are a big
step closer to that vision. We are grateful that the open door policy of NATO will stay as a basic
principle in the years to come till the integration processes are completed.
The last year conflict proved our role as a producer not a consumer of
security in the region . So, in future enlargement processes we do not
want to be privileged without reasons, but not to be forgotten on the
same ground , as well. In December we are going to have a new and restructured NATO mission
in Macedonia which is projected to serve as a contribution towards achieving
the self-sustainability of the country in a long term basis. The new NATO
mission will not consist of the security component only the Alliance offered
us a very important expert support for our military and security reforms
in order to shorten the road towards membership. This is an additional
proof that we are on the path of definite stabilization. Ladies and Gentlemen. The NATO decision to invite seven countries from the Vilnius 10 is a
success for all member of the club. The importance of V-10 was proved
since its inception in 2000 when all of us agreed to participate and to
contribute in the creation of a specific culture of solidarity and mutual
support towards the common aim. We do believe that the principle of solidarity
as a basic pillar of the group will continue to function until the goal
set up two years ago is completed which means all countries from the group
to enter the Alliance. At the very end, allow me to ask you to show understanding for our pro-Atlantic
ambitions because our intentions and commitments in this regard are founded
long ago and deeply rooted and serious. The RM needs full membership,
not for political prestige but as a confirmation of democratic values
and peace, supported by all citizens of my country. Aware of the significance of EAPC as the world's largest and most effective
permanent coalition which entered into its second decade of existence
the RM is supportive and fully dedicated to the practical implementation
of two important documents of this Summit:" Report of the comprehensive
review of EAPS and PfP" and " Partnership action plan against
terrorism". We, the people of the Republic of Macedonia are convinced that through
our model of functional multiethnic democracy, good neighborly relations
and a long standing partnership with NATO we are acting actually for the
whole time as a de-facto full fledged member of the Alliance. But, we
are not going to stop: we will engage all democratic forces and potentials
in society to strengthen our democracy further, to revive our economy
and to build a professional and effective military under civilian control
and to provide our place in the Euro-Atlantic community of nations, as
soon as possible.
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