Friday, 18 June 2010
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski received the Secretary general of NAto Mr. Anders Rasmussen
The Republic of Macedonia continues to accomplish its strategic determination- membership in EU and NATO, underlined the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski. The fact that over 4% of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia participates in the peace missions in Afghanistan and in other states reflects that we are responsible regarding the preservation of peace and fight against the international terrorism and facing the challenges which jeopardize the world peace. This means that beside the fact that we are not member state of NATO, we are taking our responsibilities as if we are full-fledged member, and this is recognised by almost all Member States of the Alliance.
Referring to the results of the recent poll in which there is a sign of minimal drop of the support for the Membership in EU and NATO, Mr. Veljanoski underlined that this is not against the Euro-Atlantic integration, but this is a result of the Greek politics, which is abusing the status of Member and blocks the Republic of Macedonia.
„If Bucharest did not happen and if we received a date on opening negotiations in October last year, I am convinced that the issue with our constitutional name would have been closed” underlined the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski.
„Nevertheless, the fact, that over 80% of the citizens support the Euro-Atlantic integration, is obliging us to continue the negotiations to find a compromising solution and also to continue the reforms. I would like to underline that the solution cannot tangle the national or lingual identity of the Macedonian people”, stated Mr. Veljanoski.
Speaking about the Cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO, Mr. Veljanoski stated that the Macedonian parliamentary delegation, as an associative member, regularly participates in the plenary sessions of the PA of NATO and in its other activities and in October, the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia will host the well-know Ros-Rot Seminar.
The Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Anders Rasmussen, underlining the contribution of the Republic of Macedonia in the peace missions in Afghanistan and other states underlined that the Republic of Macedonia is demonstrating its will and determination for preservation of the world peace.
„ I am convinced that when Macedonia becomes a Member State of NATO your role and contribution will be important for the Alliance in general. Unfortunately there is only one obstacle, the name issue. That is why, NATO and I, personally encourage both governments to find a solution of the name issue as soon as possible. Namely I think that this issue should not question your integrative processes. Membership in NATO and EU will benefit the Republic of Macedonia but it will benefit the regional and the Euro- Atlantic associations” – underlined the Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Rasmussen