YouSaid · the spoken record

Gjorge Ivanov

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100
first
2009-09-24
most recent
2016-09-24
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5
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un-general-debate

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  1. We wish to work together with them and build a safe and free world for our children. The protracted nature of the reform of the Security Council and the revitalization of the General Assembly, as well as the comprehensive process of reinforcing the coherence and efficiency of the system, should not discourage us. On the contrary, they should serve as an impetus for further mobilization. Only the United Nations can provide integrated solutions for interdependent issues such as development, peace and security, human rights and humanitarian action. In conclusion, I invite all Member States to recall the words of Jean Monnet, the father of modern Europe. He described the use of the veto in modern European history as the expression of lack of power for dialogue and the impossibility of overcoming national egoism.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  2. The International Court of Justice, in paragraph 95 of the judgment, states clearly that Macedonia has the right to refer to itself as the Republic of Macedonia in its relations with the other party and within international organizations. In a spirit of good-neighbourly relations, and because of our strong determination to overcome and settle unresolved issues, I take this opportunity to appeal to our neighbour to work together with us in that direction. From this rostrum in the heart of the United Nations, I urge them to respect the judgment of the International Court of Justice and their own internationally assumed obligations. We are neighbours, but we wish to be more than just neighbours. We wish to be partners, allies and friends, and to be able to build together the present and future of our people, our countries and our region.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  3. Macedonia should get what it rightfully deserves; something that all Member States represented here already have and enjoy. Without the right of self- identification, Macedonia is prevented from being equal to all other Member States. In that regard we are discussing international law. We are talking about the rule of law. Here is the judgment of the International Court of Justice adopted 10 months ago in favour of the Republic of Macedonia. We are asking for this judgment, adopted by a body of the United Nations, to be respected. We ask for this because we have been prevented from using our constitutional name even at this very rostrum.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  4. And here is my appeal to everyone here: address us from the point of view of the future. I fully subscribe to what was said by the United States President, Mr. Barack Obama, just a few days ago, in this very Hall. We believe that freedom and self- determination are not unique to one culture. Those are not simply American values or Western values, they are universal values. It has happened in the history of the United Nations that a country was given additional criteria to become a Member, but the 1948 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice stated clearly that this was not correct and was contrary to the Charter of the United Nations. Except in our case, no one has been deprived of the right of self-identification thus far.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  5. I expressed my expectation that the Secretary- General would make use of his authority and engage in order to overcome the impasse on the talks regarding our country’s name that are taking place under his auspices. Respect for the judgment of the International Court of Justice will mean respect for international law and the rule of law in practice. I believe in this process. I believe that this process can lead to a solution, but we cannot wait another 19 years for that to happen. Today, in the twenty-first century, it seems quite absurd to be called “a former nation” or “a former colony”. In the name of the dignity of my people, I hereby take this opportunity to publicly thank all 134 Members of the United Nations that have recognized the constitutional name of my country, which is the Republic of Macedonia.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  6. Allow me as well to recall the recommendation in that report that the Government of our southern neighbour should abstain from disputing whether there is a Macedonian minority, and instead focus on the protection of the right to self-identification, freedom of expression and freedom of association of that community. In the recommendation, our neighbour is urged to respect the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, according to which the country should be allowed to use the word Macedonian to denote its name and to freely express its ethnic identity. The report concludes that the right to protection must be respected, as elaborated in the 1992 Declaration on Minorities and in the basic international conventions on human rights.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  7. I fully agree with the position of the Secretary-General, stated during his visit to Macedonia in July, that we should never make compromises when it comes to universally acknowledged principles. It is the duty of the United Nations and of each and every one of us not to subject the rule of law and human rights to compromise. Therefore, I have asked the Secretary- General to bring renewed attention to the 2008 report of the Independent Expert on minority issues, Ms. Gay McDougall, entitled “Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development” (A/HRC/7/23).

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  8. The words of the Ohrid message speak of the undoubtedly enormous potential of the Republic of Macedonia: to be a functional multi-ethnic, multilingual and multireligious foundation of the European Balkans and of the Balkans in Europe. Next year we will host the third World Conference on Dialogue among Religions and Civilizations. The Republic of Macedonia has always believed that dialogue is irreplaceable and put its belief into practice. We condemn all forms of violence. No one should be a victim of violence — not individuals, peoples, States or their official representatives. Just as the limits of decency must be observed in public spaces, so violence can never be a fitting response. The rule of law and human rights are fundamental principles and they cannot be subject to compromise.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  9. That is why, in parallel with the South-East European Cooperation Process summit, we will also host the eleventh Forum of the Dialogue among Civilizations, in cooperation with UNESCO and the Council of Europe, with the focus on youth. As President of the Republic of Macedonia, permit me to say that we are greatly looking forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary of the first regional gathering of the dialogue among civilizations, which we are preparing together with UNESCO. It was here, at this rostrum, that my predecessor, President Boris Trajkovski, with the strong backing of the United Nations and UNESCO, shared his dreams about that initiative, which was then realized in Ohrid in 2003, when the wounds from the bloody conflict in the former Yugoslavia were still fresh.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  10. Our principles are based on solving citizens’ problems regardless of ethnic, religious or any other affiliation. I see no way of doing this other than through close regional cooperation. Let us build good-neighbourly relations on the basis of solidarity. In return, we expect our neighbours to show solidarity in actions for a safer region. We can and we must be ready for future challenges so as to provide a safer future for future generations. Our young people will hold us to this. They expect our generation to behave responsibly. They live in a time of new technologies, and they already know what is going on at the global level. I believe firmly that we should focus all our energy on young people, to create youth for the future and a future for our youth, formed in a spirit of dialogue, tolerance and respect for diversity.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  11. The region is not immune to global challenges and threats, and such threats can be removed only by meeting the obligations and numerous commitments we have all undertaken. I am convinced that intensive regional cooperation in this area will help us build a region more resistant to natural disasters. We wish focus our chairmanship on the process of meeting the real and everyday needs of our citizens — those of peace, security and development — that are the result of global challenges that recognize neither political and ethnic barriers nor religious groups. Among the priorities of Macedonia’s chairmanship will be cooperation in economic and agricultural matters, culture and tourism, science and education, cross- border concerns and the protection of the environment.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  12. The outcome document of Rio+20 — the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (resolution 66/288, annex) — should be taken as an additional impetus to use alternative possibilities for achieving sustainable development. The Republic of Macedonia, in coordination with the policies of its European partners, will advocate expanding those alternatives. Sustainable development is closely linked to disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change. Recognizing that interdependence, the Republic of Macedonia supports a holistic approach to the implementation of these goals in national, regional and global strategies, policies and plans. We have demonstrated our dedication to the region of South-eastern Europe and to regional cooperation through our chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  13. The Republic of Macedonia’s aspiration to become a member of the European Union has created the necessary spur for political, economic and social reforms. Promoting equitable and comprehensive development founded on human rights has provided a solid base for the national development agenda. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia therefore established a programme focused on emphasizing economic development, improving our citizens’ standard of living, creating jobs, fighting corruption, increasing education opportunities and promoting democracy and inter-ethnic relations. Balanced and sustainable development is a major investment in the future, and in the interest of the general well-being, everyone must participate.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  14. We are convinced that our experience in this area, along with our particular achievements and ambition to promote this area of global governance, will enable us to make a full contribution to further strengthening and affirming human rights in subsequent years. Once again this year all priorities are focused on the three most important pillars of our world Organization: peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. All are mutually related. There can be no sustainable development without peace and security, and there can be no sustainable peace without development and poverty reduction. The Millennium Development Goals continue to be the parameters by which we evaluate our success.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  15. The Republic of Macedonia will continue its efforts to preserve and promote human rights — to promote democracy and the rule of law, gender equality and the improvement of the role of women, and to protect vulnerable and marginalized groups. We also strongly support Member States’ active participation in the universal periodic review as a mechanism for promoting the effectiveness of the Human Rights Council. In that context, I would like to remind the Assembly that the Republic of Macedonia has presented its candidature for membership in the Human Rights Council for the period 2014-2016.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  16. The rule of law is incomplete and is impossible to achieve without respect for human rights. As the Secretary-General said in his statement at the opening of the general debate at this session, “We shall have neither peace nor development without respect for human rights and the rule of law” (see A/67/PV.6). As a country building a model of inclusive democracy, the Republic of Macedonia attaches particular importance to the development, promotion and protection of human rights. It is the right and duty of every country to safeguard and promote the rights of its citizens. Human rights should reinforce and reaffirm national sovereignty. This, then, will be the best guarantee that, as a principle, the responsibility to protect will remain the desired first and primary pillar.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  17. The Republic of Macedonia stands ready to offer its experience in the area of democratic institution-building, based on the Macedonian inclusive, democratic model of integration without assimilation. In that context, I wish to refer to the recent High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law at the National and International Levels. The Republic of Macedonia attaches great importance to this issue, which is undoubtedly the basis of all democratic societies, and the report of the Secretary- General on the rule of law (A/66/749) has provided food for thought and further action. The Republic of Macedonia believes that inclusiveness is an important principle that needs to be implemented when it comes to the rule of law. The rule of law is multifaceted and should cover all stakeholders, especially civil society.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  18. In a time of global economic crisis, the focus of the United Nations on preventing conflicts and further developing preventive diplomacy is understandable. The Republic of Macedonia believes it makes sense to focus on the effective and efficient use of resources — which are shrinking — which is why we have been attentively following all activities relating to the report of the Secretary-General on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/66/311) and to the implementation of the recommendations of the Senior Advisory Group found therein. It is very important that the international community make progress in preventing new conflicts and relapses into conflict in vulnerable countries.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  19. It was a positive experience for Macedonia, the United Nations and the Member States involved. We are witness to the fact that the evolution of international relations and the increased complexity of challenges in our globalized world confirm the need to develop mechanisms and to use good offices. At this point, I would like to commend the Secretary-General for advocating more thorough analysis of this issue in his report on strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution (A/66/811), which produced good, operative solutions for upgrading the capacity of the United Nations in this area. I believe we can and must explore new ways and possibilities for strengthening the role of the Secretary-General in the resolution of international disputes.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  20. Ever since our declaration of independence and after becoming a Member of the United Nations, the peaceful resolution of international disputes has been one of our leading principles and guidelines for our behaviour as a responsible member of the international community. Therefore, I wish to welcome the General Assembly recommendation to put the issue forward as a topic of debate this year. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When speaking about international disputes, it is inevitable to refer to prevention activities as one of the mechanisms for their resolution. Today preventive diplomacy has proven its relevance once again. In the early days of our independence, the Republic of Macedonia was host to the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force, a one-of-a-kind mechanism for the United Nations at the time.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  21. The support provided by Member States is of crucial importance. I wish to assure the Assembly that the Republic of Macedonia will continue to contribute actively to the reinforcement and improvement of the efficiency of the system. This diverse world is in need of a common denominator, a link that unites all individuals, peoples and countries regardless of differences in culture, language and religion. That link is the Charter of the United Nations, with its principles and fundamental values. The Republic of Macedonia is firmly dedicated to respect for the Charter, which serves as the basis of its foreign policy.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  22. Ban Ki-moon, which undoubtedly have contributed to strengthening the role and reputation of the world Organization. It was a real honour for me and for the citizens of Macedonian to be his host. The Republic of Macedonia highly values and supports the Secretary- General’s endeavours, and he can count on our continued full support. Now, more than ever in the history of humankind, the nations of the world are confronted with the same challenges, are victims of the same threats and share the yearning for a better future. Effective multilateralism is of essential importance for the development of collective action to respond to common challenges. The United Nations is an organization whose legitimacy to tackle global challenges through global actions is universally accepted and undeniable.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  23. It is an honour and a privilege to address this forum today and to share the views of the Republic of Macedonia regarding a number of issues of concern for all of us. Allow me first to extend our congratulations to Mr. Vuk Jeremić on his election to the prestigious position of President of the General Assembly at its sixty-seventh session. I believe Mr. Jeremić will respond to all the challenges and tasks that await him, and I wish to express our full readiness to cooperate. Allow me also to express my thanks and to compliment the former President of the Assembly, Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, for his successful presidency during the sixth-sixth session. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the work and efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr.

    2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)

  24. Let me conclude with the statement that the Republic of Macedonia believes in the United Nations and the postulates upon which it rests. I believe that the United Nations can maintain the stability of international order and relations and successfully meet current and future global challenges. The Republic of 41 10-54965 Macedonia stands ready to further provide its constructive contribution to the implementation and realization of these goals.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  25. It will be a big step not only for us but also towards fulfilling our common vision for the whole region. I must say that I am encouraged by the situation in our region. The more intensive communication and cooperation efforts are, the better understanding and respect will be. By accepting dialogue as the only way to overcome inherited problems and open issues, we create a new climate. Proof of this was the second Balkan Leaders Forum, which was held here in New York City a couple of days ago. Slowly but surely, the Balkans is restoring its impaired dignity. The Balkans again aspires to become part of the European space, where European values, European criteria and European principles will be respected. The Balkans has been, is and will be Europe.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  26. Our name is at stake, as is our right to self-identification and human dignity. We have done our utmost to nurture close and friendly relations with our neighbour Greece and its people. A solution will be reached only if the United Nations Charter, the relevant resolutions and international law and its principles, on which the international order rests, are respected. The Republic of Macedonia and its citizens deserve to enjoy the benefits of NATO membership and to start EU accession negotiations. Yesterday, here at the United Nations, I had a meeting with the Greek Prime Minister, which sought to build a climate of mutual trust and understanding. I hope that, as two neighbouring countries that have lived and will live with one another, we will be able to find a mutually acceptable solution.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  27. The Republic of Macedonia has directed all its available capacities and resources towards implementing our top strategic foreign policy goals: integration into the EU and NATO membership. I would like to remind the Assembly that, 15 years ago here in New York, the Interim Accord was signed with our southern neighbour, whereby Greece agreed not to obstruct my country’s membership of and integration into international and regional organizations. Nevertheless, I must note that my country is still waiting at the doors of these two organizations due to the actions of our southern neighbour, which are contrary to the obligations under the 1995 Interim Accord. The Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to the process of resolving its differences with Greece within the framework of the mechanism established by United Nations resolutions.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  28. Therefore, the Republic of Macedonia rightfully expects a date to be set to begin negotiations on its accession to the European Union (EU) and an invitation to join NATO. We have enforced the necessary reforms to join NATO, we have been an EU membership candidate country for five years, and last year we received a positive recommendation to start negotiations with the EU. Unfortunately, our citizens have not yet felt the full benefits of that. And yet, the reforms that brought us to the front doors of these organizations were not at all easy. In addition, my country is actively committed to regional cooperation and to building good-neighbourly relations. Macedonia accepts and promotes dialogue as the only mechanism for overcoming all outstanding issues in the region.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  29. I believe that we all agree that it was and remains necessary to redefine the functioning of the United Nations system in order to respond to the demands and priorities of the Member States in the best and most effective manner possible. We should create a highly functional global governance organization that has no overlapping of mandates, but achieves maximal effect through an appropriate and transparent use of existing resources. Since gaining independence, the Republic of Macedonia has been fully committed to substantial reforms in all areas aimed at promoting democracy and improving the standards of living of its citizens, based on historical traditions of respect for multiethnic coexistence, dialogue and mutual understanding. Our achievements in this context have been validated and internationally recognized.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  30. The consequences of the global financial and economic crisis and the slow pace of implementation of the MDGs have had a serious impact on the essence of conflicts, often because of a lack of democratic processes and rule of law in certain areas. Only by promoting peace, human rights and the rule of law through dialogue and tolerance can we make the world a just and fair place to live in. 10-54965 40 In the context of what I have just said, I welcome the relevance of this session’s theme, which should help create effective responses to global crises and restore the role of the United Nations in global governance. The genuine vision of the founders of the United Nations should be restored. They have left us a legacy. The Republic of Macedonia strongly supports the joint efforts to improve the overall coherence of the United Nations system.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  31. As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for over a decade, my country has worked actively to achieve the Convention’s objectives. Unfortunately, the world still does not live in the desired peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, every day we continue to witness disturbances to peace and security in certain regions in the world, both in old and frozen conflicts and in the emergence of new tensions in several regions in the world. If the fundamental institutional goal and essential objective of this Organization is to spare humanity from suffering, wars and conflicts, then we should ask ourselves whether our efforts have been sufficient to secure peace and prosperity. The answer is no, neither globally nor regionally.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  32. However, the struggle to preserve nature must not only be a matter of declarations; it must enjoy global leadership and be visible in every small town, every State, and the strict observance and development of national strategies. Successful formulas must be transformed into in a common global struggle to preserve our way of life, side by side with the needs of the planet. The Republic of Macedonia stands ready to contribute adequately to the global efforts. Many initiatives have been undertaken. We are truly focused on the best possible weapons in this struggle: awareness-raising and education on and a culture of reducing the use of electricity by using alternative energy sources and reductions in harmful emissions.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  33. I welcome the outcome of the High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals held last week, when we all pledged to strengthen our efforts to attain the ultimate goal. The Republic of Macedonia, as before, remains strongly committed to achieving the Goals, as reflected at the national level in the Government’s strategy for economic and sustainable development and in national legislation, which is adapted to the current obligations deriving from international treaties and agreements. On the other hand, global climate change is both a serious threat to our planet and survival. Frequent natural disasters and humanitarian catastrophes have made it clear that nature reacts to the irresponsible attitude that humankind has adopted towards it.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  34. Processes were initiated to mitigate the effects of the crisis and to face possible future crises. Actions were taken to help the most affected, according to the agreed action plans and with appropriate support and cooperation, often resulting in successful outcomes. Let us not forget that economic, financial and social security is a foundation on which sustainable development, national and global security and prosperity rest. Five years remain before the deadline for the implementation and realization of the Millennium Development Goals. That objective is still before us — an objective we must not give up on achieving now, despite the decelerated pace of implementation. We are all aware of the high stakes and potential benefits.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  35. Treki, on successfully presiding over the Assembly at its sixty- fourth session. At the same time I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the engagement and the efforts made by the Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, to strengthen the role of our Organization. At the outset, I would like to say a few words on the consequences of the global financial and economic crisis, and I will refer in particular to the role of the United Nations in this context. The global economic and financial crisis threatened to reverse the progress made in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and efforts to attain peace in all regions. I think that all we Member States and the United Nations system in general successfully dealt with it. Timely, joint and adequate solutions were found to many of the problems.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  36. It is a privilege and a great honour for me today to address this unique forum where great and small, powerful and less powerful nations speak with one voice; a forum we undoubtedly expect to result in dialogue and leadership in order to 39 10-54965 deal with the challenges to peace and security, hunger and development, human rights and climate change. Success will be possible only by overcoming individual interests. I am convinced that today more than ever, each of us individually and all of us together have reasons to turn our words into actions. Let me first congratulate Mr. Joseph Deiss on his election as the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session and assure him of my delegation’s readiness to cooperate during his term. I also congratulate the former President, Mr.

    2010-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 65 (2010)

  37. The Republic of Macedonia sees in the Organization the potential to maintain stability in international affairs and a unique opportunity to tackle the numerous challenges posed to humanity. The Republic of Macedonia, as has been the case hitherto, shall continue to respect and support the values and principles enshrined in the Charter. Allow me to finish my address with the words of the former Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan, who said that if the goal of humanity is progress in peace and freedom, the state of peace is not only a state free of conflict, it is a state of respecting human freedom and rights. We are still far from that goal. However, indisputably, huge and serious progress has been achieved.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  38. We believe that with truthful and sincere willingness and preparedness we can reach a solution whereby there will be neither winners nor losers. Allow me to take this opportunity to recall Article 1, paragraph 2 of the Charter of the United Nations: “[t]o develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace”. Let not this Organization betray the expectations of the vast majority of people who set their hope on it, and let it not betray the ideals of its founders. The Organization must prepare itself to come up with responses to existing and emerging challenges posed by our times. When I say “the Organization”, I refer to all of us who support those processes.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  39. The Republic of Macedonia is prepared to seek a solution that is a reasonable and fair compromise and that will not touch upon or deny our national, cultural or linguistic identity in any way, a solution that would obtain the legitimacy and the seal of approval of our citizens. There is no more sovereign right than the right of self- determination and self-identification. That right has been cherished by many generations before us. I hope that the Republic of Greece will abandon its policy of taking action from a position of power in order to unfavourably influence the outcome of the disputed issue. I expect that the political leadership will look towards the wider interest in terms of permanent stabilization of the entire region.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  40. The Republic of Macedonia believes in law and in justice. The Republic of Macedonia believes in the International Court of Justice as a body of the United Nations and as a protector and upholder of the law. Beyond the absurdity of the dispute with our southern neighbour, the Republic of Macedonia sincerely hopes that soon the only obstacle that prevents us from taking our rightful place in the Euro-Atlantic family will be removed. In spite of the flagrant violation of international obligations by our southern neighbour — in respect whereof the Republic of Macedonia has filed an appeal at the International Court of Justice — we are actively participating in the negotiation process with the Republic of Greece. I would like to state clearly that we are prepared to discuss only the issues foreseen in the United Nations resolutions.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  41. The Republic of Macedonia is dedicated to sharing and contributing to the Euro-Atlantic values in a common vision for the enlargement of the stability and security zone in South- East Europe. The actions of our southern neighbour that prevented the Republic of Macedonia from acceding to the NATO alliance were contrary to the obligations undertaken in the 1995 interim agreement. That was done in an attempt to influence the outcome of the negotiations held under the auspices of the United Nations and was completely opposite to the common vision. Nevertheless, I would like to stress before this forum that the Republic of Macedonia is sincerely dedicated to the process of resolving our differences with our southern neighbour within the framework of the mechanism set out in United Nations resolutions.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  42. Over the past number of years, the Republic of Macedonia has achieved impressive progress that has been recognized and acknowledged by all. My country today is looking forward to the initiation of the accession negotiations with the European Union. My country has fulfilled all of the conditions set for NATO membership. It is an active and strong supporter of regional cooperation. It remains fully committed to good-neighbourly relations and to dialogue as a key tool for overcoming all of the issues that continue to beset the region. 09-52463 22 All of my country’s Governments have consistently focused on the realization of the country’s two top strategic priorities: accession to the European Union and accession to NATO.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  43. The summit on Dialogue Among Civilizations that was held in the Republic of Macedonia, in Ohrid in 2003, with assistance and support from the United Nations, is an example of the kind of regular annual meetings at the highest level that are being held in South-East Europe under the auspices of UNESCO. This not only represents recognition for my country but also demonstrates the value of dialogue in the advancement of security and in development. Since its independence, the Republic of Macedonia has been unswervingly committed to the promotion of democracy and the improvement of the living standards of its people, and to reform in all spheres of our economy. The Republic of Macedonia promotes a society founded upon the rule of law, respect for human rights, multi-ethnic cohabitation, dialogue and mutual understanding.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  44. We believe that strengthening multilateralism is the only way to advance towards and achieve our primary goals of peace, democracy, human freedoms and rights and respect of international law and principles. The Republic of Macedonia strongly supports joint efforts to improve the overall coherence of the United Nations system. We need a United Nations that will, in the best possible and most efficient manner, realize the expectations and the objectives of its Member States. The Republic of Macedonia is a country that has immense experience in nurturing and affirming dialogue and in advancing dialogue among civilizations. It is a unique example of a successful multi-ethnic and multi-faith country.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  45. Let us be dissatisfied until that day when the lion and the lamb shall lie down together, and every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid.” With reference to these words, I welcome the topic of this session, which is meant to assist us in finding effective responses to global crises. The responses to most questions must take into consideration not only the present and the reality of today’s world, but on top of that, we must anticipate the future and take on board the objectives we have set ourselves. Instead of paying lip service to multilateralism, which I do not believe will help, a real approach based on meaningful multilateralism and action is required. The Republic of Macedonia and I personally strongly believe in and strive towards effective multilateralism.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  46. Peace and security are compromised on a daily basis in certain regions of the world. We are faced with the continuation of old and frozen conflicts, but also with a series of new tensions in many regions throughout the world. When it comes to the reasons for the constant crises besetting our world, or certain parts of it, allow me to seize this opportunity to quote Martin Luther King, who in 1967 uttered a recipe for overcoming bilateral, regional and global crises. He said: “Let us be dissatisfied until from every city hall, justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  47. The Republic of Macedonia, as a party to the Framework Convention on Climate Change for more than a decade now, has been actively working on implementing the goals set out in the Convention. We have — including me personally — assigned special significance to the forthcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, and we all have great expectations for it. The Macedonian authorities are truly committed to undertaking numerous concrete activities with a view to raising awareness in society regarding this issue. The Republic of Macedonia is fully prepared to make its contribution to the global effort. When we address issues related to peacekeeping and stability, a large majority of us, unfortunately, regularly expresses dissatisfaction regarding the current state of affairs.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  48. The issue of climate change, which today represents one of the biggest challenges facing humanity, is extremely high on our national agenda, but also on that of the United Nations. We owe it to our children and to the generations to come to preserve our planet. If we do not establish, urgently and immediately, the highest and most sustainable standards for how we treat the environment, we will pay the price in the future. Time is running out, and there is no possibility for us to further postpone 21 09-52463 coordinated and serious measures to combat the negative consequences of climate change. Climate change and global warming have an increasingly serious impact on economic growth and on the quality, quantity and price of food. That exacerbates poverty. It is therefore imperative that we tackle this issue immediately.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  49. Ban Ki-moon, which indisputably have contributed to the enhancement of the role and reputation of the Organization. Before I refer to the key theme of this session, I would like to remind the Assembly of the fear and uncertainty we all felt exactly one year ago, right here. It was fear and uncertainty over the scope and the consequences of the global financial and economic crisis. I recall this in order to emphasize the urgent need for the United Nations to use this opportunity to contribute to processes that will facilitate the overcoming of the effects of the crisis. It is even more important that we assist in preventing new such crises. In this context the serious economic problems most of us have been facing should not shift our focus from the absolute priority, which is the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)

  50. I have the special honour and privilege today to address this esteemed forum and to share with you the views of the Republic of Macedonia regarding the topics of this session, but also on other current issues that concern us all, directly or indirectly. At the outset, I would like to convey my congratulations and to greet the President of the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session, Mr. Ali Abdussalam Treki. I would also like to extend to him our full readiness for cooperation in the course of his mandate. At the same time, I wish to congratulate the President of the Assembly at its sixty-third session, Mr. Miguel d’Escoto Brockmann, for his successful presidency. Availing myself of this opportunity, I would like to acknowledge the engagements and the efforts of the Secretary-General, Mr.

    2009-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 64 (2009)