Madrid, Spain 4 June 2003

Democratic Transformation and its Contribution to the Stability in the Euro-Atlantic Area Address by H.E. Mrs. Ilinka Mitreva, Minister of Foreign Affairs of former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(1)at the EAPC Foreign Ministers' Meeting Secretary General, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, I would like to join the previous speakers in thanking our Spanish hosts for the organization of this outstanding event, and for their inspiring hospitality. Following the maxim that democracy is an art of thinking independently together, I would like to share with you the views of the Republic of Macedonia on how the democratic transformation on a national, regional and multilateral levels have contributed to and will continue to enhance the stability in the Balkans, and the Euro-Atlantic Area as a whole. I will take the Charter of Partnership that Macedonia, Albania and Croatia signed with the United States on May 2nd of this year, to illustrate past achievements and demonstrate future commitment. The Charter is a short, five-page document, with only seven chapters. But it is a document of vision that will guide each of us to full inclusion in the trans-Atlantic community of democracies. The four partner countries state their shared vision of a free, secure and peaceful South-East Europe, fully integrated in the Euro-Atlantic community. Each of us is dedicated to democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. We also recognize the special responsibility of democracies to rebuild a region gravely affected by wars, on a new foundation of democratic, multi-ethnic and multi-confessional societies. Our partnership in the Charter is not a replacement or substitute for the multilateral processes in NATO's Membership Action Plan or the EU's Stabilization and Association Agreement. Our partnership is a complementary regional initiative that supports national efforts with multinational organizations. Ladies and Gentlemen, Europe will not be truly free until all of South-East Europe is secure, and it will not be whole as long as there are countries in the region that remain outside the Euro-Atlantic institutions. This principle is clearly stated in the Charter's Common Objective of full Euro-Atlantic Integration. We are determined to assume responsibilities of membership. This means a willingness to defend the shared democratic values protected by the Alliance. For that purpose, Macedonia has undertaken reforms in the defense and security sector. One of their main aims is strengthening democratic control over the armed forces, revising our national security strategy; downsizing personnel and weapons systems; and modernizing forces to make them interoperable with NATO. We understand that the reforms entail a big cost, but we tackle them head on. Our goal is to be a producer rather than a consumer of trans-Atlantic security. Already, the Republic of Macedonia has contributed to peace operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. For us, this is much more a historic opportunity to be seized than it is a mere burden to be shared. By welcoming the first ever EU led forces, which followed the three successful NATO missions. Macedonia has a privileged position in assisting the practical realization of the European Security and Defense Policy. This mission, that we expect to be completed later this year, is an expression of the synchronized relations and arrangements between NATO and the EU. We agree with President Bush's statement in Krakow: "This is a time for all of us to unite in the defense of liberty and to step up to the shared duties of free nations." Ladies and Gentlemen, The Charter contains a Section on Democratic Reforms and Human Rights, in which the Partners reaffirm their support for democratic reform and farther transformation of government, civil society and institutions as the best means for preparing our common European future. For Macedonia, democratic stability can only be achieved through inter-ethnic relations that look forward, not to the past. This commitment is enshrined in the Ohrid Framework Agreement. The Agreement is a model for institutional and social reforms that empower the participation of all ethnic communities in state affairs. The full implementation of the Framework Agreement is the priority for my Government. The Republic of Macedonia is preparing to host a Conference in Ohrid in September of this year to explore ideas on democratic reform and strengthening civil society. The Conference will allow Ministers to exchange views among themselves and with leading experts, to develop common approaches to mutual challenges, and adopt measures to further our goals of membership in NATO and the European Union. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Charter's section on Regional Security recognizes that corruption and organized crime are grave threats to democracy and can only be addressed through common effort. In this context, I would like to highlight the Ohrid Regional Conference on Border Security and Management held two weeks ago. For the first time in the Balkans, the countries from the region together with the EU, NATO, OSCE and Stability Pact developed principles, long-term objectives and short-term practical steps to secure borders against transnational threats. The preparation, participation and outcome of the Ohrid Conference enhanced communication and cooperation between the countries of the region and deepened regional ownership of the Conference's conclusions. The ultimate aim is for civilian authorities to control open but secure borders throughout the entire region, in accordance with the European and international standards. Finally, the last Chapter aims at building a rich and dynamic US-Adriatic Relationship for the 21st Century, utilizing Partnership Commission with bi-annual meetings. This will be supported with other practical arrangements and networking, such as regional Parliamentary cooperation — the exchange of ideas between the branch of government most closely linked to the electorate. Cooperation in the defense and law enforcement sectors, as well as links between non-governmental organizations are others venues that will promote our shared integration goals. Ladies and Gentlemen, Democracy means freedom and economic security. Democracy and free market economy are two sides of the same coin. The Charter of Partnership does not disregard this important notion, and devotes a separate Chapter to Economic Reform and Cooperation. Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to conclude my address today by re-stating why Macedonia aspires to become a full member of NATO and the European Union. We are a part of Europe -it is our past and it must be our future. External security, internal stability, more responsive government, and economic progress are all means to the end we seek: creating a better life for our children and their children. Ours will be the generation that changes the Balkans from a region of despair and conflicts to a land of hope, opportunity and peace. Thank you very much for your attention. 1.Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.