It gives me great pleasure to host this important gathering in such a short period after the election of the new Government of the Republic of Macedonia. I highly appreciate your presence at this Summit of the Central European Initiative, which becomes even more important since it represents a forum for cooperation among the countries in the region and a factor for their development and integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For more than a decade now, Central and East European countries have been living in the hope for prosperity, democratization, economic and social development. Unfortunately, one must conclude that despite the wishes large part of their efforts have not brought about results and citizens live in conditions of tensions, instability and economic crisis.

The causes of such a situation are multifaceted and interconnected, feeding each other and creating a spiral of tensions and instability. Thus, the economic crisis decreases security, burdens and makes democratic reforms unattainable, increasing at the same time the political and nationalistic tensions. All of this results in diminished investment opportunities, as well as in various forms of organized crime and overall undermined credibility of state institutions.

One of the key tools for elimination of these obstacles to the peace, stability and economic and democratic development of the entire region are such initiatives of co-operation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Macedonia is putting behind it a period of armed interethnic conflict and extremely unstable political and social situation. I deeply believe in my Government’s program and in the capacities of the new Cabinet to face comprehensive reforms.

In terms of security, I see the future of my country in the already developed Euro-Atlantic NATO security structure. I am especially glad that at the Prague Summit most of you will join as full-fledged members those who are already members. The very next day after the Summit my Government will state its most sincere intention to deploy all capacities, all our energy to prepare for our membership. I am convinced that as early as next year we will have the strongest arguments that there is no need to further postpone the invitation for our membership.

Dear Colleagues,

Ever since its independence, Macedonia has had a very responsible role in maintaining the peace and stability in this region and has been faced with numerous challenges. The economy has had to face not only the usual transition difficulties, but other difficulties as well, which did not depend on us. However, the great economic potentials remain, the business community of this country have learned the rules of the game in the hardest period and I believe that they will be even better in applying them in the forthcoming period. I believe in the firm commitments of the new Government to successfully dealing with corruption and to prompt implementing of stimulation measures for the successful positive change of the economic climate in Macedonia. The package of measures prepared by my associates at the Government will make Macedonia a pleasant place not only for such Summit meetings as we have today, but for business activities as well – the Economic Forum held in parallel with our Summit is a good introduction as to what I expect.

Dear friends,

The complete and continuos success of the Macedonian economy requires change of the approach towards Macedonia’s EU integration. Macedonia is the first country, which signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. I hope that Brussels will be able to recognise that the new Government of Macedonia is a serious partner, prepared for a new, dynamic approach in the integration process. We undertake intensive activities in respect of the comprehensive Membership Agenda. I should expect that as early as the next Ministerial meeting, EU would define our next step forward. Dear colleagues, I rely on you support.

Excellencies,

Based on my prior experiences, I know that problems must not be postponed. We have the historic opportunity given by the globalisation and integration processes to secure solid progress – along with political rapprochement and elimination of trade barriers, we can witness an incredibly fast development of science, technology and information. At the same time, we can also witness the new phenomenon- global terrorism -- which imposes new priorities in the international policy. As European countries, I believe it is very important that we preserve the specific features of the cultural milieu of our continent -- globalisation should not undermine the richness of our cultural diversities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I fully share the optimism I see in the last documents of other international organisations in terms of the overall political and economic climate in our region. Great tensions are behind us, the European Union enlargement with ten new members, five of which are present here is about to be realised – my congratulations to them.

Dear Colleagues,

At the end, I would like to express my pleasure with the results achieved during the Macedonian CEI chairmanship. The CEI Secretariat has had a significant role in this respect. Finally, on your behalf and on my own, I take this opportunity, to thank the Italian Prime Minister, Mr. Silvio Berlusconi, for the assistance given to the CEI member-countries through the Italian Fund at the EBRD.

Mr. Berlusconi, I give you the floor.