At the time of the establishing of the Quadragonale, the region of the Central Europe was at the crossroads of the cold-war divisions within the old continent. Thirteen years later, we have our meeting at yet another crossroads. We are gathered in Skopje, the capital of a country, which is known also as “Catena Mundi”, where different cultures and Civilisations have overlapped for centuries. This is to prove that in today’s world crossroads are to be seen as meeting points, rather than as dividing fronts.

Not even the greatest optimists would have believed that the Initiative of four countries launched in 1989, in more than a decade, would encompass 17 states spread over thousands of square miles, in the heart of the Continent. No one would have been prepared to argue that in the year of 2002 the EU would undertake the biggest enlargement ever, by inviting 10 new countries to become members of the Union. And finally, not too many would have dared to believe that the dream about Europe whole and free, would be so close to being fully achieved, as it is today.

Let me take this opportunity, and share with you my appreciation of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia for your participation at this meeting at the end of the Macedonian Presidency of CEI.

Macedonian Presidency was focused on promotion of the links among the governments and societies in Central Europe. In the course of the last year, the communication between the different regional organisations was strengthened; the cooperation within CEI was improved, envisioning more often meetings of the governmental and parliamentary dimension of the Initiative; Finally, the role of the CEI Secretariat in Trieste was strengthened operationally and became a Formal Seat of the organization. I would like, on this occasion, to extend my congratulations to the Director General of the Secretariat, Ambassador Mr. Harald Kreid and to his deputies.

By being present here today, you do show that the cooperation in Central Europe is strong and vivid, and that the cohesion and solidarity are the principles to which we do not pay only declaratory tribute, but we implement them as a part of our state policies.
 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I address you as a member of a Government that was formed on the basis of the general elections held on the 15th of September this year. Those elections were assessed as democratic, fair and transparent by all of the international and domestic observers. At those elections the citizens of Macedonia have shown their support for courageous and decisive action in confronting the challenges, which have threaten to fundamentally damage our country and the very fabric of the society.

Macedonia is in need for urgent actions in many fields. This Government will adopt new, integrated approach, in solving the daring problems of the country. The issues will not be addressed one at a time. This Government believes that only a comprehensive strategy is the proper solution for overcoming the complex situation in the Republic of Macedonia. It will be based on: Full restoration of peace and security and the rule of law on the entire territory of Macedonia; Determined Implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement; Uncompromising fight against crime and corruption; and Enhanced economic reform.

Implementation the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the Annual National Programs for preparation of the Republic of Macedonia for NATO membership, are among the most important roadmaps within that Strategy.
 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It seems beyond doubt that, some of the members of the CEI will be invited to become full members of NATO at the Prague Summit, in one-week time. Five of the members of CEI will be invited in one-month time to join the EU in 2002.

 The impact of these developments on the region cannot be overstated. However, I believe that they will not undermine the importance of the regional cooperation. On the contrary. We must take all the benefits offered by the incorporation of the members of CEI in the European and Euro-Atlantic integrations, and enhance the regional initiatives even further.

 The Republic of Macedonia strongly supports the determination of the NATO to remain committed on the “open door” policy in the post-Prague period. This country is determined to fully implement the standards of NATO and to be ready for membership by year 2006.

 On the other hand, having in mind the inclusive and irreversible nature of the enlargement, Macedonia, the first country in the region to have signed the SAA, intends to take an innovative approach to develop an Agenda for defining future steps towards the EU membership.

 Macedonia believes that the countries should move closer to the full membership in the Euro-Atlantic integrations on the basis of their individual achievements. But, as we have seen from the successful examples of the Baltic and the Vishegrad Group states, those integrations will be both faster and easier if they are married with regional actions.

Macedonia believes that the enlarged EU will be able to concentrate even more on the other countries in the region. I expect the support of the members of CEI, being in same time current or prospective members of the EU, for creation and promotion of policies, which would bring the remaining countries from this Initiative closer to the European standards.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

 In the course of this week, Skopje, apart from the CEI Summit of the Heads of Government and this Informal Meeting, is also a host of the Fifth CEI Summit Economic Forum and a Youth Forum.

The organization of the last two events, in the framework of the CEI Summit, speaks about the philosophy of this Initiative, which this Government considers an appropriate one. Only through multidimensional approach we can successfully assess the achievements and propose the improvements.

I hope that the brief discussion we will have today to be a frank exchange of ideas on the important regional challenges in this historical political moment. Let us all show, both by this discussion and the subsequent actions, that the crossroads from now onwards will be the points of creation of synergy, and never again of division neither in the region nor in Europe, as a whole.

Thank you.