YouSaid · the spoken record

Nikola Gruevski

lines on the record: 62
first: 2011-09-24
most recent: 2015-09-24
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 mention this not only because of my position and obligation to the people of the Republic of Macedonia, but also because it relates in many ways directly to the issue of the peaceful resolution of conflict and the role that mediation plays. We do not like being in the position of having our name and identity opposed by one country, and we certainly did not ask for it. But reality is often cold, hard and brutal. The fact is that our southern neighbour objects to both our name and identity; its objection has become our problem, and a dispute has arisen that is 35 11-51360 unique in the world. It is imposed on the basis of the need of one country, our neighbour, to monopolize two names, and its strategic determination that we should not exist as we feel ourselves to be.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The constitutional amendments of 1993 and the change in our flag showed our goodwill, openness and cooperativeness. However, our sense of responsibility and our maturity should not be considered as weaknesses, nor should they be a reason for continuous abuse from anyone, because we have dignity and pride. We know who we are and how we will live. We are Macedonians, we speak Macedonian, and our country’s name is the Republic of Macedonia. As Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, I would be remiss if I were to neglect the issue of our name and identity and our southern neighbour’s objection to both.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We aim for incorporation into the dominant culture, without any assimilation or disintegration. Unlike many others who, afraid for their own national myth, try to suppress differences, we are proud of them and consider them our treasure. Our system is not perfect, and we have many issues to resolve. Macedonia is on the verge of a great transformation, which will not happen overnight. We, like every other nation in the world, have the right to an identity and to unite around our own national myth. In our myth, there is a place for Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Vlachs, Bosniaks and others. There is a place for all who accept the virtues of non-violence, justice, coexistence and cultural competitiveness. Chauvinism has never been dominant among our people.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Knowing the great awareness and responsibility of my people — and citing the example of country’s response to the global economic crisis, when our solidarity was not shaken and we came through it all without major problems — I am convinced that our unity will succeed. When speaking of Macedonia, however, we cannot fail to mention another great characteristic that has remained with us over thousands of years. As our inheritance from ancient times, this characteristic has helped us to retain our cosmopolitanism — the ideal that has enabled us to maintain a functional multiculturalism. Side by side, throughout the centuries, different cultures, religions and nations have coexisted in my country. While many Europeans deem that astonishing and unique, for us Macedonians that has been the situation for centuries.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Our country’s independence was won through a history that cannot be called merciful. It rests on the great sacrifice of many lives and broken dreams. Yet our past is not the only reason why we act responsibly. We Macedonians believe that we have a European future and that we can leave a great legacy for generations to come. That is precisely why today we in Macedonia are trying to create a broad base of support and to unify all of our strength and potential around the bold idea of Macedonia as a regional leader in economic reform, education, investment, technology and innovation; in protection of the environment and of human rights and freedoms; and in all areas of modern life.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“There are many words I could use to describe my country, and each and every one would fit perfectly in its own manner. But to begin with, I choose only one, and I am convinced that it describes the essence of my country and my people and accurately illustrates all the efforts and strength we have summoned in order to overcome the challenges of our recent history. It clearly describes the patience with which we have faced every obstacle imposed on us, and which we have overcome and continue to overcome, at the economic and institutional level, simply by asserting our own identity and self-recognition. These obstacles have been imposed not because of anything we have done, but simply because of who we are and the fact that we exist. That word is “responsibility”. Macedonia has acted responsibly.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Terrorism and extreme hunger caused by conflicts are only two of the numerous challenges to which it is imperative that we find immediate solutions 11-51360 34 aimed at improving security at the global and regional levels. Human beings must be the focus of our attention, especially in national policy and, of course, in multilateral actions. There is no greater value than human life, human dignity and the right to individual development, prosperity and happiness. Humankind requires action that transforms our declarations and good intentions into deeds. When we ask for that moral imperative from the United Nations, we are practicing what we preach. The Republic of Macedonia will continue to be an active participant in the realization of our common objectives.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Although the Republic of Macedonia has experienced the adverse effects of climate change in a less dramatic way, it wishes to express its solidarity with the countries that are most exposed to the phenomenon. In recent times, we have witnessed numerous conflicts and the disturbance of peace and security in various regions of the world. The democratic awakening, especially the so-called Arab Spring, has shown us once more that democracy cannot be imposed; it can be derived only from the people’s rejection of dictatorships and regimes that are in conflict with the popular interest, and from respect for basic human rights, universal freedoms and the rule of law. Old and frozen conflicts remain a global challenge. The problem of the abuse of programmes intended for the peaceful use of nuclear energy has not yet been solved.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The Millennium Development Goals remain the parameters we need to evaluate our success. Regardless of the serious consequences of the global economic crisis, our commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals must not weaken. The greatest crises occur as a result of a lack of vision and dedication. Turning a blind eye to problems or finding excuses to justify a lack of action to achieve our goals will only increase the price to be paid in future; and that will not be calculated merely in dollars or euros, but also in the most valuable and priceless asset: human lives. One challenge that requires an immediate and long-term solution is the issue of climate change. It is alarming that, precisely as a result of climate change caused by human activity, entire nations and States face uncertainty on a daily basis.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Macedonia welcomes the timely and wise decision to make the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means the focus of this year’s debate. The majority of conflicts do not happen overnight; they are predictable and offer realistic opportunities for effective diplomatic efforts to prevent them. Such cases offer the chance of incurring the lowest cost in every way. While we affirm the sovereignty of States, we must take into consideration that there are moments when a State or States need mediation services, with impartiality and willingness on the part of the mediators to understand the thrust of the issues and to help all parties concerned resolve their problems in a mutually acceptable and satisfactory manner before they can escalate in an unwanted direction.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“We have faced many challenges and temptations, including achieving a peaceful declaration of independence, the introduction of a new political system with due respect for democratic values and human rights and freedoms, transforming our economic system and then dealing with many social problems, establishing ourselves as a responsible and active member of the international community, and shouldering the additional burden of various requirements and conditions. Throughout this time, the Republic of Macedonia has had the United Nations as a partner. Based on lessons learned over the past 20 years, my country is particularly conscious of the value of mediation in the peaceful settlement of conflicts.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“It is my special honour and privilege to address this important forum and to share with the Assembly the positions of the Republic of Macedonia regarding current issues on the United Nations agenda. First, allow me to congratulate His Excellency Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser on his election to the prestigious position of President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session, and to congratulate the previous President, Mr. Joseph Deiss, on his remarkably successful presidency at the sixty- fifth session. I also take this opportunity to congratulate Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on his reappointment, confident that he will continue to work devotedly to realize the noble objectives of the United Nations. The Republic of Macedonia recently celebrated the twentieth anniversary of its independence.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)