YouSaid · the spoken record

Aleksandar Dimitrov

lines on the record: 53
first: 1999-09-24
most recent: 2000-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The significance and existence of our universal Organization lies in its skilfulness in adapting to real situations and future challenges. We expect this year's Millennium Assembly to contribute to the realization of this aim. I assure the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia's contribution to its successful fulfilment.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Before I conclude, I would like to single out a few issues to which my Government attaches crucial importance: first the situation in Africa, both political and economic; secondly, the Middle East peace process; thirdly, the financial situation of our Organization — all Member States should fulfil their obligations; and, finally peacekeeping operations, which contribute to the affirmation of our Organization on a global scale. This is the right moment for their 25 restructuring and strengthening on the basis of the report (A/55/305) prepared by the Brahimi Panel. Many challenges await us in the twenty-first century. Our obligation is to make the world a better and happier place to live in. In the realization of that aim, the United Nations has a significant place and role.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Last year we marked the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and next year there will be a world summit on this issue. I take this opportunity to announce the intention of the Republic of Macedonia to sign in the very near future the two Optional Protocols to the Convention, the first on the involvement of children in armed conflict and the second on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“I underline that writing off the debts, or part of them, of countries affected by objective external influences would have a very positive impact. It would also help to diminish global poverty and unemployment and aid the overall economic development of the indebted countries. The General Assembly is the proper place for evaluating achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms. There has been an impressive development of international human rights law in the last 50 years. Today we can proudly state that the United Nations, with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other instruments, succeeded in affirming the international consensus — that human dignity is to be the basic standard and the main goal for all people and nations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In that respect, we hope that that the international conference on this issue, which will take place next year, will contribute to more efficient actions. Among the reasons for the eruption of a large number of local conflicts worldwide are economic and social factors. Globalization, apart from its positive effects, has a number of negative implications for the small and least developed economies. Financial resources for development are necessary; realistically, the United Nations is not able to provide them. We support the appeal for the necessary voluntary contributions from Member States, but also the idea of involving other participants, such as international financial institutions, the private sector and other bodies. In this respect, we welcome next year's international Conference on Financing for Development.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In regard to our contribution to prevention activities and policy, I would like to inform the Assembly that in the Republic of Macedonia an international centre for conflict prevention and resolution is being established. Of great importance to stability and security, in our view, is the control of small arms and light weapons, which pose a large threat to peace in many regions of the world. In that connection, the United Nations, in cooperation with other regional organizations, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), can have a serious impact on preventing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. We urge the international community to take strong measures in its efforts to stop arms trafficking, especially of small arms and light weapons.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“I emphasize that part of our contribution to the realization of the issues will be elaborated under the three agenda items as a follow-up to the resolutions submitted by the Republic of Macedonia. The maintenance of international peace and security worldwide will continue to be the priority of our Organization in the twenty-first century. As the Secretary-General stated in his report, the world, and our Organization in particular, will be faced with the need to be fully involved in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and the development of the affected States. Therefore, prevention should become one of the primary instruments of our Organization.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“These new members should come from both the developing and developed countries. 24 What needs to be done so that the United Nations can adequately respond to the challenges of this century? The Millennium Summit offered part of the answer. The adopted Millennium Summit Declaration creates obligations for all Member States in their future endeavours. We share the opinion that, although the Declaration is a political document, it is first of all an action plan of our Organization for the period to come. Stressing the importance of the adopted document, I would like to urge the General Assembly to begin implementing it. In these efforts, the Republic of Macedonia will actively contribute. The Republic of Macedonia will also continue to contribute to the strengthening of international peace and security.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Our Organization can successfully carry out its activities only if the Member States fully contribute to their realization. In order to allow the Organization to be able to play a successful role in the twenty-first century, it is necessary to adequately reform it. We welcome the efforts made by the Secretary-General thus far to this effect, and at the same time we would like to urge him and the Member States to continue. Furthermore, I would like to underline that the reform of the United Nations will be successful only if strengthening the role of the General Assembly follows the reform of the Security Council. In our view, it is necessary to increase the number of permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council on the basis of the new reality in international relations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In this regard, I would like to express our support for the efforts of the Republic of China on Taiwan to become integrated into the international community, taking into consideration the interests of that country and also its significant contribution to international cooperation and the solidarity it has shown. It is in the interest of our Organization that the 23 million people of the Republic of China participate in its activities. The negative effects of crises, threats to peace, security and economic development, and the pollution of the environment are felt globally. In accordance with the new situation in international relations, needs and visions, an obvious demand exists to strengthen the role of the United Nations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We all hope that the directions for future development will also be underscored, with the aim of further promoting the achieved results and practices. One of the main characteristics of the modern world is that now more than ever there is a great deal of interdependence. This represents a new challenge, and at the same time is a new feature of international relations. Moreover, when everybody is talking about the enormous significance of the ever more important multilateral character of the international scene and about globalization, the question of the equal participation of all the world's actors is being raised. That is, at issue is the official representation of the voices of all peoples.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Regional stability can be provided only by economic prosperity, democracy and respect for human rights and the rights of national minorities, as well as through intensive regional and bilateral cooperation. However, the most serious guarantee for the security of the region and its transformation into an area of democracy, development, stability and cooperation remains the early integration and full-fledged membership of the countries from the region in the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This year's Millennium Assembly presents a genuine opportunity to analyse the work of our Organization and to evaluate its efficiency in resolving issues of international interest.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The local elections in Kosovo are of paramount importance for its future. The Republic of Macedonia is concerned about the reported violence and the increased number of inter-ethnic incidents and tensions in Kosovo. We consider that KFOR should strengthen its border control activities, with the aim of preventing violence from spilling over into the neighbouring countries, including my country. I am stressing this because there have been several serious incidents at the border of the Republic of Macedonia. In the hope that the developments in Kosovo will be the last serious challenge in the Balkans, we will have to defend together more successfully democratic principles and values and develop long-term preventive strategies.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The consistent position of my country, which was stated well before the outbreak of the Kosovo crisis and adoption of the Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), was to support a peaceful and political solution to the Kosovo crisis through substantial autonomy in the framework of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, respect for the human rights of all living in Kosovo, respect for the inviolability of the existing borders and, finally, the economic reconstruction and stabilization of Kosovo and of the region. We support the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo and the Kosovo Force (KFOR). We are convinced of the need to build democratic institutions and a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo, and to find a model of civil society that does away with any propensity to create ethnically cleansed territories.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Furthermore, I would like to express our support for the stability and the reform processes undertaken in Montenegro and for the efforts of the democratically 23 elected Government there to continue pursuing economic and democratic development. We also support that Government's greater involvement in the work of international bodies and organizations and in other regional cooperation processes.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Furthermore, the resolution of the succession issue of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on the basis of the equality of all successors — as acknowledged by the decisions of the European Union/United Nations International Conference on the Former Yugoslavia, as well as by the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions — is a prerequisite for stability and peace in the region. Concerning the issue of succession, I would like to point out that during the Millennium Summit and Millennium Assembly, the four successor States have once again reaffirmed their joint position and proposed to work more intensively to settle this issue.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“In the declaration we, the Foreign Ministers, expressed our concern about the latest developments in the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as regards the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, and confirmed our support for the democratic forces in that country and for its efforts to start the democratic process. All of this might contribute to the integration of that country into the international community and to its participation in the work of international organizations, following the path that all the other successor States of the former Yugoslavia have taken.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“We hope that the upcoming elections in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will be fair and democratic, in accordance with European and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe standards, and be a step towards that country's democratization. Regarding the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, I would like, in my capacity as Chairman of the South-East European Cooperation Process, to inform the Assembly about the joint declaration recently adopted by the Foreign Ministers of the participating States in New York.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“Despite the limitations, it should be taken into consideration that the seriousness and complexity of the situation in Kosovo, and in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as a whole, mean that the consequences of this situation cannot be alleviated with the speed desired by all of us, especially by the countries of the region. In regard to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, our view is that its democratization is one of the key factors for the comprehensive stabilization of the situation in the region. Our joint efforts should be directed at support for the democratic forces in that country and at joint actions to start the democratic process, followed by the provision of opportunities for economic prosperity. It is important to reassess the overall effects of the sanctions, which should not be directed at the citizens.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The Government of my country is continuously working on the improvement of inter-ethnic relations. A law on higher education was recently adopted that paves the way for private higher education in minority languages. Therefore, as a result of our commitment, concrete steps and achievements, by the end of this year my country will be the first in the region to conclude the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union. The efforts of the international community to stabilize the region, to which the Republic of Macedonia has contributed widely, are beginning to show results.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“This will provide for the economic prosperity of the countries of South-East Europe and strengthen democratic processes, respect for human rights and stability in the region. The implementation of the Pact constitutes a natural upgrading of our activities within the context of regional initiatives to promote good- neighbourly relations and the possibility of the realization of the foreign policy priorities of my country: its full integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. In addition to its foreign policy activities, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to carrying out fundamental reforms based on European standards — political, economic and democratic — with maximum respect for human rights, including minority rights.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“22 Despite the huge expectations and initial support, the project that is most expected to contribute to the lasting stabilization of the region — the Stability Pact — has not managed to ensure the implementation of a large number of ideas and plans that have been submitted and accepted. The Pact, a significant example of the joint engagement and functioning of a large number of international organizations and States, is intended to hasten the revitalization of the countries of South-East Europe and their integration into European structures. I appeal to all participants engaged in this process, especially the donors and the wider international community, to make the utmost efforts to speed its urgent and timely implementation through the accelerated and full realization of these projects.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“My country has managed, with almost all its neighbours — Greece, Albania and Bulgaria, but not the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with which we continue to negotiate the demarcation of our common border — to have outstanding relations and to develop cooperation in many areas of common interest. We have significantly improved relations with our southern neighbour, Greece. We continue to hold talks on our differences over the name of my country, under the auspices of the Secretary-General, expressing our will and interest in resolving this issue as soon as possible, taking into account the reality and dignity of the country and all its citizens.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“One of the main priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Macedonia is to further improve good- neighbourly relations with all its neighbours. This commitment has been confirmed through a number of our initiatives, resulting in more advanced and developed relations in bilateral cooperation and intensified cooperation within the framework of a number of regional initiatives. My country is aware that stability and prosperity, in the medium and long terms, can be ensured only if stability is spread throughout South-East Europe, with intensive mutual communications and good-neighbourly cooperation among all States of the region.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The Macedonian Government and our citizens have done everything within their capacity to respond to the problems. However, as was the case in the previous crises that occurred in the Balkans and during the Kosovo conflict last year as well, as one of the countries that most directly felt and bore the brunt of the damage, the Republic of Macedonia has shown and confirmed its long-term commitment to acting as a factor for peace and stability in the region. The Government, even in such conditions, persisted in its policy to preserve the stability of the Macedonian State and at the same time to reaffirm its capability to respond to all challenges and risks confronting it, in particular in the economic and social fields.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“At the same time, the Republic of Macedonia expresses its readiness and calls for the acceleration of the process of establishing diplomatic relations with all other States Members of the United Nations with which we have not yet done so. In the region where the Republic of Macedonia is located, the situation has to some extent improved after the huge humanitarian crisis that took place in Kosovo. The heavy consequences of the crisis, which posed a serious threat to the stability and security of the Balkans and more widely in Europe, have not been fully overcome. The Republic of Macedonia has and will have in the future a vital role to play for peace and stability in South-East Europe and beyond. The risks confronting the Republic of Macedonia were enormous.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“At the outset, I would like to congratulate Mr. Holkeri on his election as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fifth session. At the same time, I would like to express our appreciation to the President of the General Assembly at its fifty-fourth session, Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, for the results achieved during his presidency. On this occasion, I would also like to express our gratitude to Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his efficient and relevant leadership of the Organization. The Republic of Macedonia will continue actively to contribute to the realization of the goals of the United Nations. I also welcome the admission of Tuvalu to the United Nations, wishing it success in its contribution to United Nations activities and expressing our wish to establish diplomatic relations.”
2000-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 55 (2000)
“The United Nations is the true place for the improvement of these basic values. The resolution of each country to persist in that way is of crucial importance in determining whether we will jointly manage to fully implement these commitments and enjoy the fruits of development. I would like to assure the Assembly that the Republic of Macedonia has already embarked on that road and will continue to make its contribution to the full implementation of those values.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Republic of Macedonia is of the opinion that the reform of the United Nations system will be successful only if reform of the Security Council is followed by reform of the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. We expect the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly to successfully conclude preparations for the organization of the Millennium Assembly in the year 2000. In this context, we are anticipating with great interest the Secretary-General's report. At the same time, we join the appeal for all Member States to be represented by heads of State or Government at that event. United Nations Member States must constantly contribute to the strengthening of the basic democratic values of peace, security, stability, social and economic development, respect for international law and respect for human and minority rights.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The contribution of the Republic of Macedonia to the promotion of peace and security is well known, and this was confirmed by the deployment on its territory of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP), which was unfortunately terminated at the moment when the region may have been most in need of it. The importance of the leading role played by this single universal Organization is reflected in its skill in adapting to real situations and practical problems. I am deeply convinced that the new challenges are already reflected in the manner of operation of our Organization and in its structure. I would like to salute the firm determination to continue to implement United Nations reforms, which have already produced results, as stated in the Secretary-General's report.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The increased globalization and liberalization of the world economy should be accompanied by a lowering of existing barriers and by facilitating the free transfer of goods and services and of the work force. This would create a unified world economy in its true meaning. In the next century more attention will be placed on the observance of the United Nations Charter. In the interests of the maintenance of international peace and collective security, it is extremely important that Security Council decisions be made on behalf of all the Member States of our Organization, without its being possible for them to abuse the right of veto.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Writing off the debts, or part of the debts, of the countries affected by objective external factors would have a very positive impact on diminishing global poverty and unemployment and on economic development. Only the economically developed and independent State can be truly politically independent and sovereign and have a role to play in the international community. 44 Globalization of the world economy and liberalization of world trade are necessary preconditions for the improvement of living standards and the reduction of existing differences in countries' development relative to global development. The role of the United Nations in this area is of great importance.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Half the population of the world lives on less than $3 per capita per day, while the unemployment rate is increasing continuously; the international community has to face the challenge of overcoming that situation. Decisions of the international community regarding international economic policies are most frequently made in the United Nations framework. The Governments of the developed countries have a leading role to play and the primary responsibility in this domain. The indebtedness of the developing countries and countries in transition is mainly a result of inappropriate political circumstances, in the form of armed conflicts; different types of embargoes and factors make it impossible for them to market their goods; and natural disasters.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In the next century the Republic of Macedonia would like to see an improvement in economic development and international economic cooperation, as well as an enhancement of efforts being made within the disarmament process and greater support for them. We may note that the global community has achieved significant improvements with regard to living standards and the reduction of poverty. The global economy is showing modest but constant growth of 2 per cent annually, while the volume of trade is continuing to increase. However, it seems that, irrespective of the important accomplishments, the world community is confronted with a series of alarming problems that must be resolved. Increased world poverty and unemployment are key problems, which should be the main preoccupation of the international community, the aim being to eliminate them.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“As is evident from the democratic development of my country, the Republic of Macedonia completely associates itself with the endeavours of the international community for the observance and promotion of human rights. In the twenty-first century the maintenance of international peace and security all over the world should be the priority aim of our Organization. As the Secretary- General stated in his report, the world, and our Organization in particular, will be faced with the need to be fully involved in the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts and with the development of the affected States. The elimination of poverty and reducing the gap between the developed and developing countries should be our priorities, as my colleagues have already said.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Although this Convention has been ratified by almost all States, its genuine implementation is still a desired aim. A large number of children are still victims of disrespect for their fundamental rights. We therefore fully and firmly support the efforts made at this year's session of the Commission on Human Rights to undertake concrete measures for the protection of the rights of the child, the aim of which is to promote the next century as the century of the universal protection of the rights of the child. The role and efforts of the international community in the full implementation of currently accepted standards and principles are important, but the primary role and responsibility lies with the States themselves.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Over the last 50 years, impressive progress has been made in international humanitarian law. Today, we are proud to note that the United Nations, having adopted the fundamental Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has managed to affirm the international consensus on the basic postulates of human dignity and to promote them as a basic standard and objective to be attained by all individuals and nations. Of no less importance is the promotion and strengthening of all United Nations human rights bodies engaged in the protection and promotion of human rights, including minority rights. In this regard, the Republic of Macedonia supports the reform of the mechanisms and functioning of the United Nations bodies in this area. This year we mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Two trilateral meetings have taken place among the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria and Greece, the aim of 43 which was to coordinate and promote activities aimed at a more successful implementation of the Stability Pact. I would like to emphasize that the policy of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, elected less than a year ago, is aimed in particular at improving, as soon as possible, the situation in the region. To this effect, many practical steps have been taken, which to our mutual satisfaction are yielding results. As we approach the new millennium, the last session of the General Assembly for this century is undoubtedly the forum best suited to evaluating what has been achieved in the area of the promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“That commitment by the Macedonian Government and the results of the reforms have been commended by the international community. That is precisely why the European Union has decided that the Republic of Macedonia should be the first partner in the commencement of negotiations for the conclusion of the Stability and Association Agreement. The Republic of Macedonia has a long-term commitment to the continuing improvement of its relations with all of its neighbours. The advancement and development of these relations, as well as of bilateral cooperation with all of its neighbours, is evidenced by intensive cooperation in the framework of a number of regional initiatives.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The success of that policy is reflected in the fact that the Republic of Macedonia was able to stay out of the four armed conflicts which have taken place in the last decade on the territory of the former Yugoslavia. For the first time in the history of the Republic of Macedonia as an independent country, we have been faced with a war on our borders. In such circumstances, the contribution of the peaceful and constructive Macedonian policy to conflict resolution is highly significant. The Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to carrying out the reforms that have been initiated, based on European standards, in the political, economic and democracy fields, with maximum respect for human rights, including minority rights.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“However, the best way to guarantee the security of the region and transform it into an area of democracy, development, stability and cooperation is for the countries of the region to join the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and become fully fledged members. The Republic of Macedonia is among the countries most affected by the crisis — economically, socially and politically. This has hampered our efforts to build a society that meets the expectations of our people. Despite the major challenges it has confronted in the past, my country has managed to implement and advance the strategic commitments set out in its foreign policy: integration in the European Union, inclusion in Euro-Atlantic security structures and development of good-neighbourliness.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“We are convinced that the draft will be supported by all States Members of the United Nations. Let us hope that this will be the last crisis in the Balkans or South-Eastern Europe. But to prevent any recurrence of this kind of situation, we will have to defend more successfully democratic principles and values and develop long-term preventive strategies. I am convinced that the beginning of the next millennium will mark a new era in the history of this area, which has been overburdened with conflicts and therefore needs to focus primarily on its own development and prosperity. In the long run, regional stability can be provided by economic development, democracy, respect of human rights and the rights of national minorities, and bilateral and regional cooperation.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The most important issue linked with its unimpeded functioning and the realization of the desired results — greater inclusion of the Balkans in European economic, political and democratic trends — is the setting up of lasting mechanisms for the necessary fund-raising and the securing of funds to this end. Many United Nations programmes and activities could be used for this purpose. The Republic of Macedonia is interested in seeing the United Nations play a role in this sphere. The Republic of Macedonia will propose a pertinent draft resolution at this session of the General Assembly that stresses the importance of the prompt consolidation and development of South-Eastern Europe, the importance of the Stability Pact and the need for the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Furthermore, it is prepared to take an active part in its implementation and to contribute to the reconstruction and stabilization of the region and its speedy integration into European structures. The Stability Pact, through its three pillars, or “working tables”, and through the relevant international global and regional institutions, is expected to contribute to a lasting stabilization of the region and to its final integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. To this effect, I would like to call upon all of the parties to this extremely important document to mutually reinforce their activities and to enhance their coordination. I would here like to underscore the strong interest of the Republic of Macedonia in the prompt implementation of the second pillar for economic development and reconstruction.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Republic of Macedonia, in this respect, will continue to support the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and all other international governmental and non-governmental organizations. In this context, I would like to recall that on many occasions the Macedonian Government has demonstrated its readiness closely to cooperate with the Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, with his Special 42 Representative, Mr. Kouchner, and with UNMIK, and that it has offered its good offices. The Republic of Macedonia strongly supports the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe as one of the most important adopted documents for the wider region and for Europe.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Even prior to the outbreak of the crisis and the adoption of Security Council resolution 1244 (1999), my country had consistently supported a peaceful and political solution to the Kosovo crisis that would include substantial autonomy within the framework of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; respect for the human rights of all living in Kosovo; respect for the inviolability of existing borders; the cessation of hostilities and of repression; the deployment of peace forces; the safe and free return of refugees; the demilitarization of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and other paramilitary forces; and the economic reconstruction of Kosovo and the region. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the efforts made fully to implement Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“This is the right moment to write off parts of our external debts as a recognition of the efforts we are making to overcome the crisis. Today, the only thing that the Republic of Macedonia requests is the fulfilment of the promises made by the international community during the crisis.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“Macedonia has managed to overcome these hardships, but the consequences are still being felt in the national economy. Financial assistance and support from the international community are indispensable for the recovery of the national economy. It is beyond doubt that compensation for the damage we suffered by making our national capacities available for the resolution of the Kosovo crisis should be an obligation of the international community. The Macedonian Government highly appreciates the assistance provided by the international community thus far through certain financial institutions or on a bilateral basis. The assistance should continue, which is to say, we expect States to fully carry out the commitments they have undertaken.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“In these circumstances, the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia have demonstrated great humaneness towards the refugees, tolerance and solidarity, but also restraint in the conditions of enormous social, political and economic pressure they were exposed to and whose consequences could have been more dramatic. Finally, we should not forget that there are still 30,000 refugees in the Republic of Macedonia. I urge the Assembly to continue the joint efforts for their safe return to their homes. At the same time, the peace forces of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for Kosovo were deployed in the Republic of Macedonia in support of the international efforts for a political resolution of the crisis, as were a large number of international governmental and non-governmental organizations.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)
“The Republic of Macedonia entered a rather difficult economic, social and political situation that tended to destabilize it, particularly against the background that the international community reacted with insufficient speed and agility. The damage which the Macedonian economy suffered is enormous, amounting to approximately $660 million. A large number of workers were dismissed as a result of lost markets and increased transportation costs. The unemployment rate reached 40 per cent. All of this has negatively affected the already poor economic and social situation.”
1999-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 54 (1999)