Challenges of the modern era - global terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, international organised crime are a threat for all of us. Therefore, we invest in our and in Europe's security. The Republic of Macedonia is continuously putting its troops at disposal to safeguard the values of freedom and democracy within the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
This was stated by President Gjorge Ivanov at the fifth international conference "The role of active and reserve troops of the armed forces in supporting missions and tasks in the regional and global security environment in the 21st century", which was held Monday in Skopje.
It has been concluded many times so far, Ivanov said amongst other things, that our aspiration to join NATO has been formally hindered as a result of an absurd and imposed dispute.
"We are not content, but we are not discouraged either. Despite the discouragement, Macedonia won't leave the partnership. Despite the obstacle, we are still focused on our part of the obligations. The fairness of our responsible behaviour so far has been acknowledged with the judgement of the International Court of Justice. The verdict offers new, legal dimension and requires a fresh approach by all NATO members. This approach implies the judgement to be aboded by as well as the international law," the Macedonian President.
All of this, he added, means that NATO member countries need to rethink their positions regarding Macedonia's membership.
"To respect the judgement, international law and ultimately, the Interim Accord commands the Bucharest conclusion of 2008 to be reconsidered in Chicago in May," President Ivanov noted at the conference, organised by the Association of Veterans and Reservists, Defense Ministry and Macedonian Army-ARM's General Staff.
Establishing and maintaining ARM as an effective, efficient armed force prepared for the challenges of the 21st century is of great importance for the national security and requires large resources to be invested, Minister of Defense Fatmir Besimi said.
He reiterated that Macedonia's integration to NATO and EU are its strategic priorities.
"We have made big efforts in all spheres - political, economic, defense and security in meeting these goals. Our state has deserved to join NATO by fulfilling all of the membership criteria and also by meeting national reforms and contributing to international missions led by NATO, EU, UN and the United States," Besimi underlined in his address.
Macedonia in 2008, the Minister stated, had met all membership criteria and is fully prepared to take over its responsibilities and obligations belonging to a future NATO member.
Macedonia during its 20-year development as an independent state has been tirelessly working on forming and modernising the entire security system, according to him.
"ARM reservists are a powerful component, which in the future needs to be developed in compliance with reservists of the strongest NATO armies," he said.
"To meet the goals of interoperability and compatibility with NATO members is almost impossible without enabling the development of an active and reserve army structure that will be adequately trained with combat skills, capacities and knowledge to take part in different missions in Macedonia and abroad," said the Chief of ARM General Staff, General Major Goranco Koteski.
The conference was attended by active and retired ARM generals, security experts, top officials of the Defense Ministry and General Staff, guests from Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro.
