YouSaid · the spoken record

Kiro Gligorov

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS KIRO GLIGOROV

lines on the record: 43
first: 1993-09-24
most recent: 1997-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“I am confident that the reforms that have been announced, or rather their consistent implementation, will lead to an even greater affirmation of the United Nations and its commitment to combating policies of force and domination and to supporting peace, cooperation and the balanced development of all countries and peoples. In a word, we are confident that in this way the United Nations will be even more efficient in responding to the objectives and ideals of the Charter of the United Nations.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The processes of democratic transformation in many countries in the world will undoubtedly continue at the same pace in the twenty-first century. This trend will inevitably influence the character of overall and comprehensive international relations in global proportions. The United Nations and other organs within its system must inevitably take part in these changes. Only if the rules of international law are abided by and the real situation on the ground is respected can a better and more humane world be created and thus our trust in our Organization increased.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We would like to make our own contribution to the activities of the Security Council and the United Nations as a whole by incorporating our own policy of peace and democracy into those activities on the issues which fall within those organs' areas of responsibility. I would like to assure the Assembly that our delegation on the Security Council will act in full accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. In the period that lies ahead, United Nations bodies will continue to deal with Balkan problems and the general Balkan situation. This is reality. For these reasons, it is quite logical that the Republic of Macedonia, as a Balkan country, be elected to this function. It will be a great honour for us to shoulder this responsibility, and, at the same time, a great obligation for which we have long been preparing.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“As long ago as 1994, my country, the Republic of Macedonia, submitted its candidacy as a non-permanent member of the Security Council from the Eastern European group of countries, for the term from 1998 to 1999. I also announced our candidacy during my address to the Assembly last year. I am pleased that many United Nations Members have expressed great understanding of our motives and arguments, and have supported the need 5 for one Balkan country to be elected as a member of the Security Council. We very much appreciate the support for and confidence in our candidacy that we expect to receive from the Assembly.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“This can also be seen through resolutions 48/84 and 50/80 B proposed by the Republic of Macedonia and sponsored by many Balkan countries — but not just Balkan countries — and adopted with the vast support and consensus of the General Assembly. The Republic of Macedonia is committed to respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Balkan States and the inviolability of international frontiers, and to advancing mutual cooperation in all spheres. We are particularly committed to the institutionalized and functional integration of the Balkans in the European integration processes. During this session, our delegation will submit a draft resolution for the development of good- neighbourly relations in the Balkans. I hope that the General Assembly will adopt it by consensus.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The agenda of this session of the Assembly also includes the development of good-neighbourly relations between Balkan countries, in accordance with resolution 50/80, adopted following our proposal at the fiftieth session of the General Assembly, and the election of new members of the Security Council for the term from 1998 to 1999. Allow me to address these issues briefly. Throughout the twentieth century, the Balkans has remained a concern for the international community due to the many wars waged in this region. The Republic of Macedonia has unequivocally opted for peace there. In this context, we are engaged in an active policy of good- neighbourliness and mutual cooperation with all Balkan countries.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The international community, epitomized in the United Nations, must not allow the Dayton Accord to fail. Hence, it is imperative to give impetus to further engagement by the Organization, in coordination with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union, in sustaining the peace process. A particularly important part of that effort, I would emphasize, is the normalization of relations between the Balkan countries, on the basis of good-neighbourliness and mutual respect. Within its capacities, the Republic of Macedonia has made and will continue to make the maximum contribution to that effect.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The cooperation between the Macedonian Government and UNPREDEP, one of the most successful preventive operations in the history of the United Nations, is truly excellent. My pleasure is increased by the reports of the Secretary-General that contain the same assessments. The mission of UNPREDEP is ongoing. We believe that it should continue, for the presence of peacekeepers in the Republic of Macedonia serves not only as a dam preventing the existing crisis points in the Balkans from overflowing, but also as an actor working for peace, security and stability in the country’s southern regions. In that context, the Republic of Macedonia has welcomed and follows closely the implementation of the Dayton Accord. It is a matter of principle that the indicted war criminals be brought to justice.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The credibility of the United Nations will to a large measure depend on this, for in the coming period much energy will have to be devoted to ending existing crises and conflicts and to preventing the eruption of new ones. The United Nations has become renowned for its successful peacekeeping operations. I should like to use this opportunity to express my highest appraisal of the presence of the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as my appreciation to all the participants in that operation, which has helped prevent a spillover of the conflict from some parts of the former Yugoslavia to my country. With regard to the crisis in Albania, my country has constantly felt the need for the effective presence of the United Nations peacekeeping forces.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In that context, the emerging priorities are as follows: a stronger General Assembly, reform of United Nations organs, and above all of the Security Council, a reduction in the number of ad hoc bodies, greater transparency of operations, and maximum control over the budget of the Organization, financial spending and contributions. Allow me to address some of the priority tasks that the United Nations will have to face in the coming period, tasks which should not be placed in the background because of the reform of the United Nations. Indeed, that reform must be in the service of a more efficient resolution of the bitter issues that burden the international community.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We believe that the essential changes that have been proposed take into account the basic consideration that the United Nations 4 remain a democratic institution representing the interests of all Members. We too, much like the Secretary-General, wish the Organization to be a promoter of new changes, a true centre where countries can harmonize their activities in building a better world. Whether the United Nations will truly become such an organization will depend on all of us, and the Republic of Macedonia will continue to make its contribution to that end.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“This trend can only be a source of conflicts, of confrontation of interests, even of wars. Consequently, there is no alternative to the strengthening of peace through the promotion of international cooperation, and our Organization faces the serious responsibility of being even more efficient and more focused on essential issues. This is the direction that the Macedonian delegation will also pursue. I applaud the fact that the Organization is headed by Mr. Kofi Annan, a very competent reformer who believes in the irreplaceable role of the United Nations as a guarantor of international peace and security. His programme for United Nations reform, as contained in his report of July of this year, is one of the most topical issues before the Organization.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“First of all, Sir, allow me to congratulate you on your election as President of the fifty-second session of the General Assembly of the United Nations and to wish you success in the execution of that responsible and lofty function. I am especially pleased that the General Assembly has elected to this very responsible function a very competent representative from Ukraine, a friendly country with which the Republic of Macedonia is developing successful cooperation. The Republic of Macedonia attaches great importance to the fifty-second session of the General Assembly. On the threshold of the twenty-first century, the interdependence of peace and global development is a standard that must be respected. It is dangerous for some to develop while others continuously regress.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Allow me to conclude my address by expressing my conviction that a vision of the world in the twenty-first century as one of peace, democracy and well-being will prompt all of us and the United Nations to act with persistence and determination. It is my hope that the decisions and the direction set out by this year’s General Assembly will be a step towards that goal.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The Republic of Macedonia has opted for the model of respect for human and minority rights and for the implementation of international standards pertaining to the rights of national minorities. This is guaranteed by the firm provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia and through its legislative and political practice. We remain deeply convinced that, in the ethnically inter-mixed Balkans, the guaranteed rights of national minorities are the most important long-term factor for stable peace and cooperation. This is why we have proposed the idea of a comparative study regarding national- minority rights in the Balkans that will enable much more efficient action to 2 be taken by such international institutions as the OSCE, the Council of Europe and most certainly the United Nations.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“It is presently in the midst of the so-called “post-Dayton” era encompassing the process of bringing to life the fragile peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the normalization of relationships among countries and the opening of prospects for development and cooperation in the region. In this context, the Republic of Macedonia, as a peaceful country oriented towards Europe, remains steadfast in its policy, especially in terms of resolving the economic and social problems it is facing as a country in transition and particularly with regard to the rights of national minorities as a precondition not only for democratization and security in Macedonia, but also for wider security in the southern Balkans.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The peace-keeping forces of the United Nations that comprise the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force (UNPREDEP) in the Republic of Macedonia have set the precedent for the United Nations successful involvement in the concept of preventive diplomacy. They have clearly demonstrated the justification and merit of this concept. We have a very high regard for the role that UNPREDEP plays in the preservation of peace and security in the Republic of Macedonia and the region. Consequently, and in view of the existing and potential threats to peace in the region, we have already requested an extension of the UNPREDEP mandate for an additional six months. The region in which my country is situated, the Balkans, is one of the most sensitive in Europe.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We are confident of the prospects for good and friendly relations between our countries and that we will reconcile the remaining differences. The level of democratization we have achieved, our reforms aimed at adapting the economy to market mechanisms, and our high human-rights standards confirm our intentions of becoming fully integrated into international and regional economic and security structures. Today, the Republic of Macedonia is a full- fledged member of the Council of Europe, the oldest European political organization, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). It is a partner in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s “Partnership for Peace”. It has also concluded a cooperation agreement with the European Union, with prospects for closer association and membership in the Union.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“They were sponsored by more than 30 countries and adopted unanimously, with the aim of undertaking measures and preventive action that will create a stable zone of peace and cooperation in the Balkans by the end of the year 2000. In accordance with the resolutions, the Republic of Macedonia will be the host of a high-level international meeting of the Balkan countries in January next year, dedicated to the advancement of stability in the region. Led by the principles of the United Nations, last year the Republic of Macedonia signed the Interim Accord with the Republic of Greece within the framework of the negotiations held under United Nations auspices. The positive results of this Accord are already evident.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“From the very onset of our independence, the Republic of Macedonia, the only one of the former Yugoslav republics to achieve independence peacefully, has distinguished itself as an example of a country whose leverage in the international community and whose foreign policy are founded on consistent respect for the principles of the United Nations, a readiness to cooperate with neighbouring and other countries and to resolve all open issues in a peaceful manner on the basis of mutual respect, the inviolability of borders and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. Led by these commitments, the Republic of Macedonia submitted two resolutions for good-neighbourly relations among the Balkan countries.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We are convinced that our demeanour during and following the dissolution of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the constructive and peaceful policy we have upheld, our acknowledged position as a factor of stability in the Balkans, our commitment to its Europeanization and our activities within the United Nations to date will be a sufficient basis and guarantee for securing the support of United Nations Members for our candidacy. I wish to assure them that we will fully justify the confidence they bestow.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We believe that the proposal for including the Federal Republic of Germany and Japan as permanent members of the Security Council, as well as the expansion of the number of rotating members is realistic and deserves special attention. At the same time, other constructive and complementary approaches in circulation should also be kept in mind. If necessary, the Republic of Macedonia is prepared to make an individual proposal in this respect with a view to overcoming any possible delay in the resolution of this issue. Wishing to make a constructive and active contribution to the work of the United Nations, the Republic of Macedonia has submitted its candidacy for rotating membership in the Security Council for the 1998-1999 term.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“This is especially so in the case of the plans that should determine global development in the twenty-first century, alleviate existing gaps in the economic and social development of countries and regions, and advance world peace. The subject of the expansion of the Security Council is undoubtedly one that should receive priority treatment at this session. In view of the changed structure of the international community and the growing role of the Security Council in recent years, and of the need for further democratization of the decision-making process as regards global peace and security, the conditions for expansion seem ripe. The Republic of Macedonia is actively taking part in the activities of the Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“It is an honour for me to address the fifty-first session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, confident that it will make yet another positive contribution to the advancement of world peace and cooperation among nations and countries of the world. The current international political and security situation is burdened with many crises, cases of blatant violation of international law, the uncontrolled hoarding of arms, upsets of the ecological balance, disrespect for human rights, widespread international terrorism, and tensions in economic and social development. Such developments have confronted the United Nations with the need to reform its system in order to preserve its ability to carry out its functions.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“In this context, the delegation of the Republic of Macedonia will make its full contribution to the successful work of the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly and to strengthening the Organization.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this spirit, the delegation of the Republic of Macedonia at this session will lay out our direct proposals regarding the problem of compensation for damage incurred as a result of implementing the sanctions, the problems deriving from the position of landlocked countries, and other issues related to peace and cooperation. The strengthening of the United Nations in all aspects, in the post-cold-war period, is of vital importance to the Republic of Macedonia. My country belongs to a group of countries that can survive and develop only in conditions without war, in a world where peace and stability are not threatened, where international cooperation will be conducted without obstacles and discrimination, and a world where everyone will have respect for human dignity.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I am deeply convinced that, in accordance with Article 50 of the Charter and Security Council resolution 820 (1993), the United Nations and the Security Council will be in a position to provide us with concrete forms of assistance. It is inconceivable to expect a small country to bear the damage of an international action of this type on its own, without solidarity and timely assistance. Aid should be provided now as a preventive measure, instead of after the outbreak of those likely social clashes which may grow into new conflicts.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“These factors contribute to the economic difficulties of my country. The situation is further complicated by the consequences of the United Nations sanctions imposed on Serbia and Montenegro. I would immediately like to emphasize that we have strictly complied with the implementation of the sanctions. As a result, this year alone, our gross national product has been cut in half. External trade has been reduced considerably, transport costs have increased immensely, and other indirect damage has occurred as well. Today, the survival, democracy and economic development of the Republic of Macedonia are fundamentally dependent on assistance from the international community. Otherwise, it is very possible that social tensions, and the probable collapse of the economy, will bring about a new crisis spot.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The next steps which our delegation will support are the commencement of operations of the Commission on Human Rights according to the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, and an examination of the need for 4 General Assembly - Forty-eighth session setting up a United Nations high commission for minorities, with headquarters in Geneva. I would like to point out that all unresolved issues involving ethnic minorities can well lead to future military conflicts, particularly in certain regions of the world, thus endangering international peace. Hence it is essential to take immediate preventive measures in this area as well. The Republic of Macedonia is a European country in transition, a landlocked country, a country of transit and a developing country.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We are concerned by the fact that in the past year, violations of human rights have reached epidemic proportions. We feel that the Vienna Conference on Human Rights is a very positive step in the right direction, and we hope that the Declaration and Action Programme adopted at that Conference will contribute greatly to ending the unfavourable developments in this area today. The negotiations in Vienna have clearly shown that current mechanisms for implementing existing human-rights instruments are not efficient, and that much improvement is needed, particularly in the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities. A significant step in this direction has been taken by the adoption last year of the Declaration on minorities.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In this context, I am convinced that the forty-eighth session of the General Assembly will serve as firm encouragement for an increase in world demand and for liberalization of world trade. A very important prerequisite for the realization of this goal is the successful outcome of the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations, encouraged by the Tokyo summit. It is also essential to resolve the issue of arrears and that of access by developing countries and countries in transition to international financial markets. All of these activities support the view that only development generates new development, while stagnation brings only regression and poverty. Enhanced protection of human rights is justifiably receiving greater priority in the work of our Organization.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We are all dissatisfied with the stagnation of the world economy in the past year, the deterioration of the economic situation in the world, and the economic situation in certain countries and regions. The number of people affected by unemployment, poverty and hunger is on the rise. For developed countries, recovery from the recession has been slower than expected, hindering their increased participation in the development of the developing countries and countries in transition. Because of this situation, and because of our firm conviction that the period after the cold war must not grow into a period of economic conflicts, we believe that much more can be done to seek a way out of the world’s current economic and social difficulties.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“Those are the reasons why Macedonia has adopted policies of good-neighbourly relations, peaceful settlement of problems and development of overall economic, political and cultural cooperation among the countries of the Balkans. We are truly convinced that, in the interest of peace and stability, the international community will ardently support these processes in the Balkans. The principles of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe and the processes within the European Community are the only options for peace, stability and economic revival in the Balkans. However, this also implies that all the Balkan States, which have chosen the European option, must be enabled to achieve gradual integration into the European Community.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In the same spirit, our efforts are aimed at establishing good- neighbourly relations with all our neighbours and at resolving all existing problems with our southern neighbour. The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the implementation of United Nations sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro, and the remains of bloc divisions prevalent until recently prevent the Balkans from functioning on natural regional principles. Economic and cultural ties, communications, the free flow of people, goods and ideas have practically been severed. This is indeed a depressing situation. In order to prepare for the twenty-first century and a Europe of open borders and cooperation, it is essential that the Balkans undergo major changes. This is in the interest of all the peoples and all the countries in this region.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The decision of the Security Council, to which the Secretary- General made a great contribution, has proved to be justified, timely and efficient. It has demonstrated the enormous advantages of preventive diplomacy. The peace-keeping forces of the United Nations, strengthened by the United States contingent, are of great importance for our security and for sustaining peace and stability in the region. Our cooperation with these forces is exemplary, and it will remain so in the future. This step has greatly increased the feelings of security and trust in the peace-keeping activities of the United Nations on the part of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia. As a country and as a people, our permanent interest lies in peace and cooperation in the Balkans.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“It would in fact mean condoning the potential for permanent inter-ethnic wars. Forty-eighth session - 30 September l993 3 The Republic of Macedonia is vitally interested in seeing an end to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, forestalling a spill-over and attaining peace on lasting foundations. For these reasons, and out of concern for our own security and for peace and stability in the region, we have undertaken a number of timely preventive measures in cooperation with the United Nations. In this context, I would like to stress the key role played by Security Council resolution 795 (1992) of December 1992 for the deployment of a contingent from the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in the Republic of Macedonia.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“However, permanent peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina will not be possible without compliance with, and upholding of, the fundamental principles of international law, the United Nations Charter and the principles of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), namely that borders cannot be changed by force; that the international community does not recognize or accept "ethnic cleansing"; and that the rights of minorities must be respected. Without these preconditions, not only will permanent peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina be impossible, but a precedent will be set which will incite new conflicts. To condone the use of force and military superiority for territorial expansion and redrawn borders would exacerbate other, less heated, tensions, especially in the ethnically mixed Balkans and the countries of Eastern Europe.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“In dead earnest we, a country situated in the immediate vicinity, see this as the threat of an all-out Balkan war. The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is extremely grave, tragic and incomprehensible. The most terrible post-cold-war drama is unfolding in the heart of Europe: massive killings, massive destruction, over 2 million refugees, insane acts of ethnic cleansing and genocide. Numerous international conferences and activities have been undertaken in order to bring an end to this war. The Security Council has adopted numerous resolutions. Let us all hope that peace in Bosnia will finally become a reality. An end to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a first and essential step.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“I take this opportunity to emphasize the extraordinary significance of the historical accord between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization for peace in the Middle East and the development of world relations. All those who have contributed to its signing deserve our special recognition. In this context, I am deeply convinced that, despite all difficulties, we will soon be speaking of South Africa as a region of successful development and human dignity. Let us hope that the forces of peace in that region will ultimately prevail over the forces of regression and apartheid. I must reiterate our deep concern over the perpetuation of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the threat of a spill-over and a wider destabilization of our region.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We are not fully satisfied with the efforts of our Organization nor especially with the results it has achieved in resolving current sources of tension. We accept the assertion that the world today is not threatened by a new world war and that the use of nuclear arms is not very likely. But the fact remains that the number of serious and potential military conflicts is increasing. The efforts of our Organization to find peaceful solutions have been enormous. Regrettably, the results have not always been productive, owing to a certain extent to the absence of a wider implementation of preventive diplomatic measures and activities.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“The comprehensive efforts of the past two years have changed our historic position from a bone of contention to a factor for peace and stability in the Balkans. Pursuant to this, the endeavours of the delegation of the Republic of Macedonia in the course of this session will be aimed at strict compliance with the United Nations Charter; support for all measures that enhance international peace and security; the democratization of international relations in all spheres; the advancement of human rights and freedoms to the utmost degree; the promotion and development of a policy of good-neighbourly relations; forestalling the proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction; and the enhancement of preventive diplomacy in settling disputes. The adverse situation of the world today is a source of concern to all of us.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“We see the interdependence of interests and mutual respect as the future of successful international cooperation. An important element of our foreign policy is to promote good-neighbourly relations and to incorporate the principles of the new European architecture in the crisis-ridden region of the Balkans. Such a foreign policy is consistent with the internal development of the Republic of Macedonia, which is oriented towards a market economy, democracy, a State of law, human rights and harmony in inter-ethnic relations. By attaining its independence in a peaceful and legitimate manner, the Republic of Macedonia has kept the peace and forestalled a spill-over of the war into the southern Balkans.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)
“At the outset, it is my pleasure to extend to you, Sir, my sincere felicitations on your election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its forty-eighth session. In discharging your important duties, you can count on the support and cooperation of my delegation. Your wide experience and diplomatic skills are a valuable asset for the success of this important session of the General Assembly. This is the first time that my country, the Republic of Macedonia, is attending a session of the General Assembly as an independent State committed to making its full contribution to the enhancement of world peace and the promotion of international cooperation. The Republic of Macedonia is a country with foreign policies based on the principles of peace, friendship and cooperation.”
1993-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 48 (1993)