YouSaid · the spoken record

Branko CRVENKOVSKI

lines on the record: 49
first: 2004-09-24
most recent: 2008-09-24
sittings or episodes: 4
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

“Respect for those principles and for the full equality of States and peoples is the sole guarantee for the noble mission of creating a more dignified and just world.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“As a responsible country fully aware of its internationally agreed obligations, the Republic of Macedonia is ready to accept a fair compromise and a reasonable solution that will not deny our national and cultural identity. It is understandable that we are not ready to consent to just any kind of solution in a case of such national importance. If our integration into international institutions is to help stabilize our State, then we should not allow ourselves to be humiliated and internally destabilized by an unsatisfactory compromise. To conclude, allow me to reiterate the well-known fundamental position in which we, as a State, believe and intend to firmly uphold in the years to come. The principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations are the highest goals around which we should all unite.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Contrary to the agreed obligations, at the NATO summit held in April 2008 in Bucharest, Greece objected to the invitation to admittance to NATO extended to the Republic of Macedonia and insisted that, prior to integration, a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute must be reached. The very logic of the negotiations was seriously undermined by that act, while at the same time the principles of the United Nations Charter were derogated. Taking advantage of its status as a standing member, the Hellenic Republic has begun obstructing our integration into the European Union, using similar arguments. Let me take this opportunity to highlight once again before the Assembly our position, which has been openly expressed on numerous occasions.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“A decision was adopted on that occasion to the effect that, instead of using the name which my country had chosen, other Members would address us as “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”. Unfortunately, I am forced to conclude that in that time the other party has not demonstrated the same level of dedication to its agreed obligations, as confirmed by its flagrant breach of the Interim Accord signed by both countries in 1995. According to that document, the Hellenic Republic is legally bound not to object to Macedonia’s application for membership to international, multilateral and regional institutions and organizations in which the Hellenic Republic is already a full member.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Unfortunately, at the NATO summit held in April 2008 in Romania, an international precedent was set when the narrow national interests of one country were presented as being more important than the established principles of international law. Despite the obvious absurdity of the issue, my country is participating actively and constructively in the negotiating process with the Republic of Greece, mediated by the Personal Envoy of the Secretary- General, Ambassador Matthew Nimetz. At the same time, we have consistently respected our legal obligations and affirmed our constructive role by making numerous suggestions and concessions during the long-standing process. I recall that, at the time of Macedonia’s admittance to the United Nations in 1993, the first major legal precedent was set.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“We do not doubt that only together with the rest of the Balkan countries will we be able to contribute to the accelerated integration of the entire region into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. At the domestic level, the Republic of Macedonia is continuously working towards the sustainability of its specific model of functional multi-ethnic democracy. We believe that our model has broad and positive regional implications because it has shown that it is possible for different nations and cultures to share the same territory and coexist productively. 08-51845 6 Two strategic goals that have enjoyed our highest priority for years are integration into the European Union and NATO. In recent years, we have invested significant resources and focused all our efforts on the accomplishment of those goals.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is therefore necessary to overcome our existing differences for the sake of a more efficient United Nations that will serve the world in the twenty-first century in the best possible way. Over the past few years, South-East Europe and the Balkans have begun moving in the right direction. Although it is certain that not all open problems and issues have been resolved, the tendency of the region towards closer integration with international bodies is clearly discernable. The activities of my country, the Republic of Macedonia, are directed towards continuing participation in and support for regional projects and the consistent promotion of comprehensive regional cooperation with all neighbouring countries.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Only if those provisions are universally accepted and sincerely supported by all of us will humanity be able to proceed on the path towards progress. Solutions to problems should be sought within the framework of respect for agreed norms and through equitable dialogue and cooperation. In that context, the United Nations has a specific and valuable role that should not be neglected. It is therefore especially important to develop the Organization further so that it may become more efficient and more relevant in a broader sense, as well as more responsible for the people on whose behalf it acts. I am deeply convinced that our differences are among the greatest values that we possess and that each Member State, regardless of its size, has a valuable contribution to make.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Such recalcitrance has rightly led some people to question the relevance of the United Nations in the present context, as well as the true meaning and scope of multilateralism and the selective implementation of international law and principles. This year we commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and it is only proper to ask ourselves whether universal respect for its provisions is possible. Human rights problems will certainly not decrease if there continue to be different interpretations of the provisions of the Declaration or if those provisions are only partially implemented. Acceptance of the entire body of human rights is the basis of the rule of law and fundamental to resolving bilateral and international conflicts.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“Our debate should thus focus on issues such as development and the implementation of effective concepts for sustainable development, as a crucial part of any agenda for the maintenance of long-term peace, stability and security in the world. Speaking of issues related to the sustainability of peace and security, we have unfortunately to note that here there are not many reasons for satisfaction. We are still facing numerous crisis situations and old and frozen conflicts, as well as a series of recent turbulent incidents and tensions in several regions of the world. Terrorist acts continue to occur with worrisome frequency, yet Member States remain unable to reach consensus on a truly necessary global counter-terrorism convention.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In 2008 we enter the second half of the term envisioned for the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. The results accomplished thus far are not to be underestimated, but they are still far from satisfactory. Furthermore, even the Goals that have already been achieved are now jeopardized by the new challenges and problems we are facing: the surge in oil and food prices and the adverse effects of climate change. During this year, a slowdown in economic development has been noted in many countries; that is confirmed by numerous indicators forecasting regional and global recession. It is therefore of the utmost importance to devise new stimuli for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“At the same time, allow me to congratulate the previous President, my compatriot Srgjan Kerim, on his contribution to the work of the world Organization over the past year, during which numerous issues of global importance 5 08-51845 were considered. Through his engagement, my country, the Republic of Macedonia, has confirmed in the best possible way the values for which we stand and the principles in which we believe when it comes to international relationships, namely, multilateralism as the key tool for cooperation and for the promotion of the fundamental values of peace, democracy and human rights and freedoms. I take this opportunity also to welcome the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, who contributed greatly to the useful and functional operation of the Organization over the past year.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“It is a great honour and pleasure for me to have the opportunity to address this distinguished gathering of statesmen from United Nations Member States. Despite past and continuing challenges, this Organization remains an irreplaceable forum where the representatives of many nations can exchange opinions concerning the most pressing issues facing the world we all live in. Allow me at the outset to welcome the election of Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann of Nicaragua as President of the Assembly at its sixty-third session. I convey to him our unwavering readiness to cooperate during the year of his mandate.”
2008-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 63 (2008)
“In that context, I would like to underline in particular that we do not agree with the recently mentioned idea of partition of Kosovo according to ethnic lines, since that might have serious negative implications for the entire region. The issue of the technical demarcation of our northern border with Kosovo according to a predefined procedure and agenda remains a top priority for the Republic of Macedonia. Allow me to assure the Assembly that we will spare no efforts translating our words into actions, so that people around the world may be convinced of our commitment to respecting and implementing the principles and values enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Finally with or without any points of order the name of my country is the Republic of Macedonia and will be the Republic of Macedonia.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“The Republic of Macedonia remains firmly committed to good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation, and we believe that dialogue is of key importance for all outstanding issues in the interest of everyone in the region. We continue to support the efforts of the international community regarding the resolution of the status of Kosovo. At this stage, the Republic of Macedonia hopes that the next round of negotiations and consultations led by the Troika will bring the positions of both parties closer. We also endorse the position that a resolution of the Kosovo issue should be formulated within a reasonable time frame, in the best interest of stability in the region and the region’s Euro- Atlantic perspective.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We are committed to comprehensive reforms in all segments of Macedonian society in order to obtain a date for the beginning of pre-accession negotiations for membership in the European Union in 2008. At the same time, bearing in mind the successful reforms that we have been implementing for years, we are deeply convinced that it would be realistic to obtain an invitation for membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at the next summit of that organization, scheduled for April 2008 in Bucharest. The region of South-East Europe has come a long way in the past decade. We are all striving towards the common goal of European and Euro-Atlantic integration, which is a strong driving force in terms of reforms and final stabilization of the region.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Since the very beginning, the Republic of Macedonia has been part of the international anti- terrorist coalition in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Republic of Macedonia fully supports the unity of Iraq. We also support the recent Security Council resolution 1770 (2007) regarding an extended role for the Organization in Iraq. Building peace and democracy in those two countries remains a key challenge both for the international community and for the Iraqis and Afghans themselves. The Republic of Macedonia continues on its path towards a functional multi-ethnic democracy. There are many challenges on that path that we should tackle and obligations that we must fulfil.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“United Nations involvement in Africa, including in the Sudan, remains of exceptional importance. The situation in Darfur is extremely critical and alarming. Member States must reunite once again and provide support to United Nations activities in order to respond to the challenges on the ground. The Middle East situation continues to be an issue of utmost concern. People in the Middle East deserve to live free from fear and threats. The Republic of Macedonia supports the efforts of the Quartet and the Road Map. A renewed peace process is also of utmost urgency. The situation in Lebanon also remains high on the international agenda. Recently, the Republic of Macedonia joined the United Nations forces in that area by sending military officers to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“At the 2005 World Summit, we reaffirmed our commitment to global partnership for development as stated in the Millennium Declaration, the Monterrey Consensus and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. We fully agree that every country bears the responsibility for its own development, which depends mainly on national policies and strategies. We also agree that global actions are necessary as a support to national efforts. Some regions need more shared responsibility than others in order to achieve the projected targets. Africa, where the situation remains alarming, requires special attention. With this in mind, we endorse the call for renewed commitment to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals, and we await the forthcoming High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development, which is expected to bring specific results.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“I hope that the discussions during the current session will help to create a consensus on measures to strengthen United Nations capacities in the areas of development, humanitarian assistance and environment. The issue of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation must remain high on our agenda. We must therefore attach further importance to these issues, which are relevant for the achievement of global peace, security and development. Terrorism continues to threaten our world. The fight against terrorism is yet another area in which we must stand united. The United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and its Plan of Action, adopted last year, provide an excellent framework for our individual and joint actions. We must promote their implementation at the national and regional level and seek to achieve visible results.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We must continue working on the reforms of the main bodies, in the interest of transparency and effectiveness. The Republic of Macedonia strongly supports the current management reform directed towards achieving efficiency and accountability in the United Nations system. The new bodies are already a reality and fully operational. What we expect in particular is the Human Rights Council to strengthen its role in the global promotion and protection of human rights. Driven by our strong will to contribute to the work of this highly important body, we have put forward our application for membership for the period from 2009 to 2012. The report of the United Nations High-level Panel on System-wide Coherence offered a number of valuable recommendations for the reform of United Nations operational activities.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“In this context, apart from recognizing the central role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, we should also promote consultations within the United Nations environmental institutions. People around the world expect the United Nations to improve its performance and continue to deliver. For many, this Organization remains a symbol of hope and of support in times of need, but also a helping hand in times of crisis. The world has changed, and so have the challenges. The United Nations must also continue to change in order to be ready to respond. The 2005 World Summit Outcome created a solid basis for all necessary reforms. A lot has been achieved perhaps not as much as was expected, but the progress made so far is visible.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“Ban Ki-moon, on the energetic start of his mandate and his dedication in this time of great importance for our Organization. The issue of climate change was rightly proposed by the President of the General Assembly as a topic to be discussed during this general debate. The alleviation of the impact of global warming and climate change, which has become one of the greatest challenges for individual countries, but also for the entire international community, calls for the undertaking of coordinated and serious measures. It is our obligation to preserve our planet for the generations to come. Therefore, one of our imperatives would be to provide clear political support in responding to the negative impact of global warming, while not impeding economic growth and the reduction of poverty.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“It is a privilege and an honour for me to address this forum and to share the views of the Republic of Macedonia regarding issues of utmost importance for the current session of the General Assembly. However, allow me first of all to avail myself of this opportunity to congratulate my fellow countryman, Mr. Srgjan Kerim, on his election as President of General Assembly at its sixty-second session. His nomination to this prestigious position is yet another proof of the full dedication of the Republic of Macedonia to the promotion of the aims of this unique global Organization. I would also like to congratulate the previous General Assembly President, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa, for her successful presidency of the Assembly at its sixty-first session. Allow me as well to take this opportunity to congratulate the Secretary- General, Mr.”
2007-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 62 (2007)
“We urge that this issue be closed in that manner before the final Kosovo status decision is reached. 15 06-52988 I am confident that our deliberations will contribute to creating a better world for all. Although the debates at times show how different we are, our differences must not be an obstacle to our common vision. The personification of the hope of mankind for a better tomorrow remains with the United Nations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“I stress that every effort should be made to achieve a negotiated settlement mutually acceptable to the parties concerned, in line with Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) and the Contact Group guiding principles. The Republic of Macedonia, with its active good-neighbourly policy, has been a factor that has largely contributed, and continues to contribute, to the final, overall stabilization and positive developments in the region. Yet there is one important, still pending, issue in this context for the Republic of Macedonia: that of the technical demarcation of our northern border on the Kosovo section, in line with the agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, signed in February 2001, and the recommendations made by the then Secretary- General’s Special Envoy, Kai Eide.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We will continue to pursue such a policy even more vigorously. There is no alternative to dialogue, and all outstanding regional issues should be resolved in that manner. This year the Macedonian delegation will once again introduce in the First Committee a resolution entitled “Maintenance of international security — good-neighbourliness, stability and development in South-Eastern Europe,” which is traditionally widely supported and co- sponsored by Member States. I should like to say a few words about the Kosovo issue and Kosovo’s future status. Macedonia fully supports the work of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari, and his team on the Kosovo status talks.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“As for NATO, we expect the invitation to join it at the next enlargement summit. The region of south-eastern Europe to which my country belongs has experienced significant changes in the recent past and made considerable democratic progress: the start of European Union accession negotiations of Croatia and Turkey; Macedonia becoming a candidate country for membership in the European Union; the signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Albania; and the opening of the negotiations for the same agreement with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, the newly independent State. Furthermore, Romania and Bulgaria are expected to become full European Union members in a few months. Good-neighbourly relations and regional cooperation have been and are among the top priorities of Macedonia’s foreign policy.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We hope that the Commission’s weaknesses will be overcome, but we have to be aware that this requires a strong political commitment on the part of the membership. Guided by the wish to contribute to the work of this important body, we have announced our candidacy for membership for the 2009-2012 period. Today Macedonia is a stable and functional multi-ethnic democracy. Over recent years we have launched and carried out a large number of reform projects, which have brought us closer to the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. In December last year Macedonia was granted candidate status for European Union membership. Macedonia rightfully expects that the pace of the needed reforms the country is committed to will lead to an opening of the negotiations on joining the European Union.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Last year at the Summit we reaffirmed our commitment to the global partnership for development, as set out in the Millennium Declaration, the Monterrey Consensus and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. It is beyond doubt that every country has a principal responsibility for its own development. However, it is more than obvious that national development efforts must be supported by global actions. The contribution of the private sector and civil society may play a critical role in our common endeavour. In addition to human rights standard setting, the United Nations, since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has been a guardian of human rights. We trust that the recently established Human Rights Council will give a new impetus in this area.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Macedonia supports the efforts of the United Nations and the international community to provide timely humanitarian assistance to those affected and for the reconstruction of Lebanon. 06-52988 14 The United Nations must fight to make a lasting peaceful solution for the Middle East. From the very beginning the Republic of Macedonia has been part of the international antiterrorist coalitions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and it has recently increased its contingents as part of the international forces. Peace- and democracy-building in those two countries remains one of the key challenges for the international community and the Iraqis and Afghans themselves. I again reiterate Macedonia’s support for their efforts to rebuild those countries and create a better life for their people.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“We have to follow and react to the changes and to the new challenges that are incoming. The overall reform of the United Nations, including better management, must be an ongoing effort. There are still issues from the World Summit Final Document yet to be delivered, such as mandate review and Security Council reform, to name only some. Hopefully, there will be enough understanding and progress achieved on them too. Last month we had yet another reminder of how fragile world peace actually is. The Middle East again erupted. We have witnessed how difficult it is to restore peace, to hold a ceasefire and to send United Nations peacekeepers there. Macedonia welcomed the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) of 11 August.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Recently we adopted the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I believe it was high time that we adopted a unified position and strategy, that all of us gave a strong international response. Comprehensive international cooperation and coordination against this evil is equally important to activities at the national and regional level. We need to have results; the sooner, the better. Outside this building, when the United Nations is mentioned, for many peoples, even nations, it means hope and help; it means peace; and it means cure. It means also freedom, democracy and safety — it means life. So the United Nations should not be shy to respond, to act and to resolve when it is asked. The United Nations has to react. Only by resolving problems do we make progress.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“It is my privilege to address this forum and share with it the views of the Republic of Macedonia on the issues of primary importance on this year’s agenda of the General Assembly and of the international community at large. Terrorism is not a new world issue, but it has unfortunately become our tragic daily reality, thus rapidly gaining new and more devastating dimensions in the increasingly globalized world. We are all affected in one way or another — whether we speak about actual terrorist attacks or threats. The real question, however, is: can we or should we, the nations of the world, continue to live in that kind of atmosphere, to live in fear, threatened? It would be a failure of humanity, of free spirit and democracy, of prosperity and mankind, and finally, if I may say so, a failure of all of us here at the United Nations.”
2006-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 61 (2006)
“Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that the world is facing a range of challenges and threats, but that our experience so far has proven that there is no alternative to the multilateral approach to overcoming threats to international peace and security. Our experience has also proven that dialogue remains the most valuable and powerful instrument in our endeavours to create a different and safer world.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Republic of Macedonia is going through a critical stage in the process of carrying out fundamental economic and social reforms and transforming its society to prepare it for accelerated integration into the European Union. The finalization of the implementation of the framework agreement concluded in 2001 is a priority in that process. Most of the legal regulations resulting from the constitutional changes flowing from the framework agreement have already been adopted. Nevertheless, one of the main issues pertaining to decentralization — namely, territorial reorganization — could pose a challenge, given the upcoming referendum. That referendum is a democratic event of the highest order that provides citizens with an opportunity to express their opinions on the concept being put forth by the Government.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“At the same time, the Republic of Macedonia is also lending its continued support to the United Nations and other international bodies as they carry out their responsible missions. 6 We have developed contractual cooperation with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo in various areas, with a view to resolving concrete issues that are relevant to the population. We expect very soon to start the process of the demarcation of our border with Kosovo. Also with regard to Kosovo, I would like to emphasize the fact that any decision on its future status must not result in the destabilization of the region.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“However, despite the considerable progress made at the level of stabilization and improved security in the region, not all sources of potential instability have been eliminated. We strongly believe that the process of the region’s accelerated integration into the European Union and NATO will weaken existing threats at the national and regional levels. As an immediate neighbouring country, the Republic of Macedonia is following with particular attention the developments in Kosovo. We fully support the United Nations policy of standards before status, whose final goal is to establish a true multi- ethnic community and to improve security, democratization and the rule of law.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Good-neighbourly relations are one of the foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Macedonia, as one of the promoters of regional cooperation in South-East Europe. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Assembly that, as during previous sessions, the delegation of the Republic of Macedonia will propose the adoption by the General Assembly of a draft resolution on good-neighbourly relations, stability and development in South-Eastern Europe. In recent years, the countries of the region have made considerable progress at both the domestic level and in developing mutual relations. We are actively cooperating in numerous regional initiatives and in the framework of the Euro-Atlantic integration process.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The rule of law and effective respect for human rights are the best instrument in preventing conflicts, as well as prerequisites for peace and prosperity. Today, we are increasingly aware of the need to nurture and respect multiculturalism as a precondition to the development of a secure and harmonious world. In that regard, every effort should be made to create mutual confidence and understanding and to promote respect for differences. The Republic of Macedonia is deeply committed to those principles, and we adhere to them strictly in our actions. For half a century now, the United Nations has had a key role in the development of international human rights law. In that context, we welcome current efforts to harmonize the draft international convention to protect the rights of disabled persons.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“It is crystal clear that we must take decisive steps if we want to mobilize political will and resources and carry out reforms on the national and global levels to meet the Goals by 2015. However, it is already clear that some regions of the world will find it very difficult to achieve the projected Goals. Special attention should be dedicated to Africa, where the situation is alarming and the issues of poverty and hunger eradication and the problem of AIDS are very serious. Achieving the Goals will not be possible unless the international community is ready to assume its share of responsibility in that respect. The Republic of Macedonia places special emphasis on the importance of effective respect for, and promotion of, human rights as one of the pillars of every democratic society.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“I would like to emphasize the exceptional importance of the implementation of resolution 1546 (2004), which endorsed the restoration of Iraq’s sovereignty and provided the core framework for the political transformation and democratization of that State. With regard to Iraq, I would like to appeal to the authorities of that country to do their utmost to find the three Macedonian citizens who have disappeared there. The Millennium Development Goals remain the key challenge for the Organization. In September 2005, heads of State and Government from around the world will meet to review what has been done in realizing the Goals in the five years since the adoption of the Millennium Summit Declaration.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Unfortunately, violent conflicts have continued this year. The armed conflict in Darfur and the terrible humanitarian tragedy it brought about require decisive action. We support the Security Council resolution in this regard, and we join the call for further and urgent action on this matter. The situation in the Middle East continues to keep the world on edge. We support the efforts of the Quartet to find a solution acceptable to all sides and we share the conviction that the road map is the only way to reach a solution for Palestine and Israel, two neighbouring States that will one day live in peace. Building peace and fostering democracy in Afghanistan and Iraq, where the Republic of Macedonia is part of the multinational force, remains a challenge facing both the international community and the peoples of those two countries.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“At the end of last year, the Republic of Macedonia conducted a successful effort to collect small arms and light weapons. That effort had the support of the United Nations Development Programme. Efforts in this regard are ongoing. We expect that the first review conference of countries parties to the Ottawa Convention, which is to be held in Nairobi, will produce a summary of the results achieved through the implementation of that extremely important instrument, which will pave the way to the creation of a world free of landmines. The Republic of Macedonia has destroyed its mine stockpiles and is working on the demining of affected regions. The United Nations Mine Action Service, together with the International Trust Fund for 5 Demining and Mine Victims Assistance, have provided a great deal of help in our demining activities.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction remains one of the major threats to international peace and security, and it is closely related to terrorism. We welcome the Security Council’s adoption of resolution 1540 (2004) on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The implementation of that resolution will complement the existing set of instruments and consolidate the role of the Security Council in this area. The suppression of the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons and the total prohibition of anti- personnel mines are also very important issues, given the size of the problem and the number of victims caused by mines. Doing so will contribute greatly to conflict prevention and successful peacekeeping and peace-building throughout the world, including our region.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“In order to enhance the capacity of the international community in this respect, we need to further consolidate the world anti-terrorist coalition led by the United Nations and, additionally, strengthen cooperation with regional organizations that have specific mechanisms to fight this global evil. The Republic of Macedonia will continue its active cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the Security Council and make its own contribution to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001). In that regard, I would like to inform the Assembly that, last May, the Republic of Macedonia ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“The Republic of Macedonia has presented its candidacy for the election to the Economic and Social Council to be held during this session. We are confident that, if elected and with the support of the General Assembly, my country will be able to make its full contribution to improving the efficiency of the Council. As far as the revitalization of the General Assembly is concerned, we think that we must seize the momentum, implement the provisions of the revised agenda and pursue efforts to make the work of the Main Committees more focused and rational. Unfortunately, once again this year, inhuman acts of terrorism have continued to take innocent lives and to preoccupy world public opinion. We were all horrified by the images of human suffering in Madrid, Beslan and elsewhere.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“We certainly all agree that the United Nations continues to be the most relevant global forum addressing international peacekeeping and security issues. We also agree on the need to renew and reform its bodies and agendas in order to preserve the vital role of the Organization. In that context, we look forward to reading the report being drafted by the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, which was created by the Secretary-General. With regard to the reform of the Security Council, the Republic of Macedonia considers it extremely important to increase the membership of the Council with regard to both permanent and non-permanent seats. The renewal and strengthening of the role of the Economic and Social Council is equally relevant.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)
“Allow me at the outset to extend my congratulations to you, Mr. Jean Ping, on your election as President of the fifty-ninth session of the General Assembly, and to express my conviction that this session will be concluded successfully under your presidency. Moreover, I take this opportunity to congratulate the President of the fifty-eighth session, Mr. Julian Hunte, on his dedication and on the successful fulfilment of his responsibilities. Last year was extremely challenging, for both the world community and the United Nations. In that regard, I would like to commend Secretary-General Kofi Annan for his efforts and contributions in preserving peace in the world. In his recent address (see ), he clearly demonstrated once again his dedication to the cause of the Organization.”
2004-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 59 (2004)