Tuesday, 3nd November 2009
The Delegation of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, headed by the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Trajko Veljanoski had a meeting with Congressman Mr. David Price, with the President of the International Democratic Institute (IRI) and the Regional Program Director for Europe
At the meeting with the Delegation from the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, consisted of the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski and the Vice-President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Jani Makraduli Congressman David Price said that the cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia is one of the better they have had. He added that he was pleased with the continuous support for the Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Republic of Macedonia from the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and from all the political parties. “This was the case in 2006, when I visited Macedonia for the first time, this was the case during my last visit in 2008, and this is the case now”.
President Veljanoski informed the Congressman with pleasure that every project which came as an idea during the meeting in Macedonia in 2006 between the Macedonian MPs and the USA Congressmen has been realized. The President underlined that this was a result of the work and the constructive approach of all the political parties, whether they are in the Government or in opposition and regardless of ethic belonging.
“The best confirmation that we can learn and transfer this knowledge to the younger democracies is the participation and the presentation of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia at the World E-Parliament Conference”, said Mr. Makraduli, pointing out the progress of the Republic of Macedonia and the role of USA in this, especially of the House Democracy Assistance Commission. 
Congressman Price underlined that Macedonia can continue to rely on the support of the USA, and that bilateral issues have never been an obstacle for NATO Integration. Nevertheless, he said that we should continue to work on finding a solution for the name issue.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Trajko Veljanoski and the Vice-President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Jani Makraduli also met the IRI President, Mr. Lorne Craner, and the IRI Regional Program Director for Europe, Ms. Lindsay Lloyd. They pointed out that the public opinion is very important for strengthening of the democratic capacities of the political entities in Macedonia, and to this aim IRI periodically conducts public opinion surveys in Macedonia. Mr. Craner and Ms. Lloyd expressed their satisfaction with the results achieved in Macedonia and their readiness to continue their activities in our country in future.