Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, dear students: I would like to start by praising our host for organizing this event where we have an opportunity to meet the old and young leaders and discuss the world we live in and the challenges ahead of us. Of course the members of the club of old leaders which I am joining soon will describe their experience about life. But, without the fresh ideas and new visions that could only be offered by the young generations, the picture would [not] be complete. Living my life as a preacher, I was taught the values of love, forgiveness, peace, and serenity. All of the mentioned virtues unfortunately have very little to do with the world of real politics. During last year's conflict in my country, I personally faced a two-sided dilemma. On the one side, I had all the limitations imposed by the constitutional and legal responsibilities of my function as president of the country while witnessing horrible scenes on a daily basis. On the other hand, [I faced] the dilemma [of] whether to press the button, or sign the order, which would have probably meant taking somebody's life. These decisions were the hardest in my life but in the critical moments I always have in mind the words of the great European Robert Schumann who said: "World peace cannot be safeguarded without making creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it."

Dear students, ladies and gentlemen: last year I was not alone in pursuing the cause of peace. Along with me were the overwhelming majority of the citizens of my country who were united in doing the utmost to preserve the basic pillar of our stability, multiethnic tolerance, and coexistence between various ethnic groups and religious communities. But no country will survive if its citizens do not love and honor their own land. Last year we succeeded in a really unique manner, transforming the conflict into radical dialogue and resolving it in the institutions of the system and, of course, resolving it by political means. However, in the most critical moments last year...[the] successful missions of NATO in the Republic of Macedonia [the country] had to establish excellent cooperation with our security forces justifying the trust and confidence of the ordinary people; the fact that the lightest ever NATO mission consisting of only 700 soldiers has achieved three remarkable results is a proof that mutual coordination and cooperation between NATO and competent Macedonian authorities should be considered as a success.

In December this year the partnership is going to continue, and the current mission will be transformed. It will change its mandate into a model for promoting regional integration until achieving the ultimate goal. The course of history in the last 10 years unfortunately was not always in favor of Macedonia. We experienced indirect consequences from several wars, [as well as] embargoes and sanctions in our immediate neighborhood. But nevertheless, the conflict in 2001 threatened to shake our multiethnic democracy and century-long tolerance among various ethnic groups and communities. We never abandoned our Euro- Atlantic aspirations, and were not abandoned by our Euro-Atlantic friends, even in the [most difficult] times as in 1999, when we had 360,000 refugees [equaling about] 17 percent of our population, which extremely exhausted our potential and resources.

Ladies and gentlemen, after this summit NATO [things] will be very different from the reforms of 1949. The invitation for seven countries means a deep penetration into democracy from the former Soviet east. The acceptance of two Balkan countries is even more important in this troubled region... In this reconstruction of the alliance with new priorities and its great potential, we would like to see a new vision of [the] Balkans. Bearing in mind the logic of the expansion countries in the community of shared values and common institutions defending these values, the Republic of Macedonia hopes that our democratic past and our future commitments will make us an irreplaceable part in this effort. We should be aware that no country can become a member just by formally adopting the provisions, and standards, and criteria of the European Union and NATO.... This process is not a formal process. In order to succeed, we need to make the impossible: primarily, changing the mentality of people, and the manner of their thinking; to strengthen civil society; and to have an independent judiciary and free press. That is, to provide for a smooth expression of the creativity of people in different areas.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Republic of Macedonia is facing three crucial challenges. First, to complete above all, the process of security stabilization. Second, to revive the economy that was severely affected by the conflict, and [third, to] implement fully the framework agreement which formally closed the last chapter of the war in 2001. The fact that the parliamentary elections and the last census were executed in a peaceful manner confirmed the maturity of the nation and the responsibility of the political elites.

[The purpose of] government is to use the moment and to live up to the promises they have given to voters. Our experience this past year has been truly remarkable. Twelve months ago, we still had soldiers on the ground. Today, we have managed to have a small unit of soldiers in Afghanistan, [working] hand-in-hand with partner nations trying to restore peace and normality, and ensure freedom for the ordinary people of that country. In the political arena, we offered an opportunity to the former guerrilla movement to establish a political party and to participate in elections. Now they have a chance to become [competent] politicians and to contribute to the well-being of the people. The transformation and the enhancement of capabilities is an issue of great importance. The Republic of Macedonia is ready to internally reform its security forces, and especially with their sub-specialization alone or with other partners, in order to fill some of the existing gaps in the alliance. We have to bear in mind that throughout history, NATO has never only used its power from the weapons it possesses, but [also used] the dedication and commitment of the members and partners to pursue and respect the values which all of them have held for years. In such a way small countries can contribute to the common cause.

Ladies and gentlemen, participation in this session with my friends, the presidents from Albania, Mr. Moisiu, and from Croatia, Mr.Mesic, seems to be the right moment to announce that our three countries are aimed to cooperate in this post-Prague period more closely and more intensively than in the past. We have already discussed the basic elements which might be included in our combined efforts to join NATO. I would like to be honest and to share with you my firm belief that the Republic of Macedonia does not want to become a NATO member only for political prestige. The reasons and routes are much broader and deeper. The new security challenges in the world in the 21st century are embodied in enemies without face and permanent location. The manners of international terrorism proved itself to be a tough enemy for which [even the most] robust military power is not enough to eliminate. Only though hard work together in a global coalition against anticivilization forces, can we make the world a decent place to live. The Balkan region today is still not a safe and desirable place for ordinary citizens to [live] a decent life. We are surrounded by a huge arsenal of weapons and a significant number of individuals, whose only way to earn money is to smuggle, corrupt, or even kill. Combined efforts and the coordinated activities of the international coalitions are necessary to isolate and persecute those people whose ideologies are against all of the historical achievements of honorable and dedicated people. We are ready to do our part of the job.

I believe that NATO will appreciate...[its decision to include the] Balkans into Europe without limits, whole, free, stable, and safe. I would like to [look to] our future, which will be transferred to these young people in front of us, to understand the key messages of this summit, and through a friendly exchange of ideas and solidarity, [in order] to enhance our big Euro-Atlantic family. The time is running quickly. So, sooner than expected you will be in the position to take up the responsibilities and lead your countries and nations as part of this group of respected persons. You will deserve this opportunity.

Thank you.