In 2011 Macedonia has been successful in overcoming challenges and although its road to the strategic goals - the EU, NATO membership - remained blocked, there is no room for discouragement, as the country enters 2012 certain in its ability to turn these aspirations into reality, President Gjorge Ivanov says in his New Year's message to citizens.
"In 2011 Macedonia has successfully dealt with various challenges. We have had many reasons for joy. We have advanced in terms of economy, gone through yet another elections, which enriched our experience as a developed European democracy. We have justified the assessments of our progress. However, the road to our strategic goals remained blocked. But there is no room for discouragement. We shall succeed, we shall realize our goals Macedonia to become NATO and EU member," Ivanov says.
The road for Macedonia's recognition has never been easy, but that's what make us strong, he says.
"Dealing with difficulties has made us stronger and more decisive. We have not enjoyed the privilege to walk along the easier road, being forced to make our own way for which credit should be given to the wisdom of our citizens and precious support of our friends across the globe.
The completed and ongoing reforms demonstrate the awareness that we alone must build sound, decent home for us and our families. We are not relying on someone else to do our job, nor blame others for our mistakes. Macedonia enters 2011 armed with self-confidence. We are aware that our responsible, serious behaviour has been acknowledged. We have acquired the necessary recognitions at international level, and more important at the domestic one," Ivanov says.
Being aware of the reality, Macedonia will continue to work hard on its economic prospect, building of good neighbourly relations, regional security, the President says.
As never before, he says, the successes of our athletes in 2011 have united us as a nation.
"We flocked together at the city squares watching TV to celebrate their victories, as we did to observe the 20th anniversary of our independence," Ivanov says.
I wish, he says, in the next year each of us to rejoice at own successes, as we have done in this one.
"Let's be happy about our professional accomplishments, successful working day. Let's be happy about a good agricultural year, new markets for our products. Let's be happy about educational successes, new knowledge and horizons," the message reads.
The President also calls on citizens during the Christmas and New Year holidays to pray for and extend gratitude to the Macedonian soldiers serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia/Herzegovina and Lebanon.
Our soldiers, who defend the flag of the Republic of Macedonia, also defend our peace, our values and our place in the international family of nations, Ivanov says.
Finally, the President wishes for the citizens of Macedonia to have festive holidays and for 2012 to bring them good health, lot of joy, happiness and prosperity
