The ten days of the Krushevo Republic, a rare phenomenon for the World in 1903, laid the grounds for the first civic model of a Republic on the Balkans. Even though it was short lived, its merit was sufficient to be remembered forever. Ilinden was a manifestation of genuine, European maturity; the leadership of the Republic reflected the ethnic diversity and the civic spirit of this revolutionary idea of the times. ‘Macedonia is the Homeland of everyone living on its territory […] regardless of nationality, religion, origin and gender’ – these words from the Macedonian revolutionaries to their neighbours of different origin and traditions established the unity between the Macedonian and other nations.

Offering a new, humane alternative to imperialism, absolutism and tribalism, the Ilinden Uprising and its short-lived Republic were a regional avant-garde to the modern European alternative of democracy for those ‘the forsaken and forgotten’ on the edges of Empires and Civilizations. The impact of the Ilinden epic on the people and in the country has been overwhelming; it has been historically reaffirmed in the ‘Second Ilinden’ and in the establishment of Macedonian Republic in 1944. The ideas of the first Republic on the Balkans, which were far ahead of the times in 1903, survived within delicate a environment throughout the 20th century; these ideas are now among the inspiring principles of Macedonian foreign policy on its way to European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

In the year of the Centennial jubilee of the Ilinden Uprising and of the statehood of the Republic of Macedonia, various cultural traditions in the country, notwithstanding the obstacles, are in the process of their mutual democratic and civic improvement.

Obviously, nowadays it is not enough to confront the mad ‘prophets’ and their companies of ‘chosen ones’ with bare force. But a clear distinction has be made between dealing with them and including those that are culturally different, in a way that restraints exclusiveness. That is particularly important for the Balkan peoples, living on the edge and cross roads of civilizations, have accordingly been exposed to the interests and strategies of the major actors of the European and the world politics; they often found themselves engaged in mutual intolerance and disputes, not always by fault of their own. Nevertheless, the European tradition of the nation-state was recently manifested in excessive form in Southeastern Europe (SEE), followed by ugly nationalisms obsessed with dreams of ‘greater nation-states’, ‘ethnically pure’ from the Others. In spite of the accelerated current democratic and social transformation of the Region, this kind of extremism still finds fertile ground due to the dissatisfaction with their effects; this intricate pattern of social and national threats still permeate the fabric of societies in SEE.

Furthermore, in the course of Balkan history, the ethnic and religious minorities, present in each of the countries in the Region were permanently threatened, being also used as instruments for interethnic and inter-state conflicts; yet, intertwined with the organized crime resulting from the difficult process of transition, political extremism, using the pervasive corruption in the Region and undemocratic and terrorist methods, is still among the negative factors of the development of SEE. It is well known that throughout half of the past century, the people of the Republic of Macedonia went through this general experience in the region in a concentrated manner, frequently being used as the usual ‘natural victim’ of the Balkan turbulences.

The Republic of Macedonia has been and still is important given its geo-strategic position in the Region and in the wider environment; it is even more important in view of the possible geopolitical implications of the historic and present position of the Macedonian country and people. Without its existence and security, disputes in the area of Southeastern Europe would certainly follow.

Consequently, from the declaration of its independence, the Republic of Macedonia has been developing and sustaining its existence in an extremely complex ambiance; however, the Republic of Macedonia has proven and it will continue to prove itself a factor of the peace in the SEE and that it is firmly committed to continuing peaceful policy. At the same time, the Republic of Macedonia has proven another thing as well: that only the independence and territorial integrity of the country will put a final end to any ‘greater nationstate’ appetites, these being the causes for regional conflicts and wars.

Nowadays, this is more than clear for the international public. Unfortunately, in the first decade of independence, the largest part of the energy of the people and of the institutions in the Republic of Macedonia was spent on dealing with the difficulties arising from the imposed conditions, then with disturbances owed to the wars in the neighborhood, followed by political and economic blockades which, at the same time, represented a test for the vitality of the state. The procrastination of wider international recognition, as well as the complicated accession to the fundamental international organizations and associations, have to a certain degree reminded the Macedonian public of its bitter historical experiences.

These unfavorable and demanding conditions were further aggravated by a spillover of the previous instabilities in the Region in Macedonia in 2001; undoubtedly, they had great impact on Macedonia’s integrational processes with European and Euro- Atlantic structures. Yet, In spite of it all, at present, the Republic of Macedonia has established full diplomatic relations with 143 countries and is a member of almost all of the important international organizations and associations.

The Republic of Macedonia is decisively committed to the inauguration of principles of mutual respect among all nations and states in SEE, this being the most important criteria for confidence building on a bilateral and at the regional level. This aim can only be realized through cooperation based on equality, which has a positive impact on the overall climate in this part of Europe, by promoting the spirit of openness, transparency and by establishing a climate of mutual trust and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity among neighbouring states. This is the context in which the Government and the people of the Republic of Macedonia perceive the preparation and realization of bilateral and multilateral regional initiatives, and confidence and security building measures in the Balkan countries. They also expect the same from other countries, not only those in Southeastern Europe — "Balkanization", with all possible consequences, if left unchecked, can destroy all preconditions for any social development in the region. In this context, the Republic of Macedonia is advocating that the future cooperation among states be aimed at including the countries which are outside the present forms of common security activities, so that the whole South-eastern region can become an integral part of Europe in terms of security, stability and prosperity.

In accordance with its basic commitments, the Republic of Macedonia actively participates in the processes that encompass the efforts of all countries in the Region for developing good-neighbourly relations, stability, security and mutual trust and cooperation. As part of its national foreign policy, the Republic of Macedonia supports the regional initiatives aimed at prompter integration of the countries in the Region within the European and Euro-Atlantic political, economic and security structures, and has led, chaired and held many such initiatives and conferences.

Regional cooperation in the filed of security is also one of the major areas of focused activities — an effort at securing a coordinated response to regional security challenges: fight against organized crime, trafficking of weapons, human beings drugs and fragile security of borders. Along these lines, the Republic of Macedonia in 2003, took over the Chairmanship of the SEEGROUP and hosted important events in the first half of this year, including the EAPC/SEEGROUP seminar on SALW (Small Arms and Light Weapons) in March and the SEECHANGE meeting in April 2003.

The Regional Conference on Border Security and Management, held in Ohrid in May 2003, was an additional thrust to strengthening confidence between the countries in the Region; the participation of four international organizations and the countries in the region resulted in a Common Platform and concrete measures that each country will have to undertake to secure open, but controlled borders in accordance with European standards, as well as regional ownership of the process.

Achieving European standards in border management will bring the region closer to the Schengen requirements. Enhanced regional cooperation in this field will result in fostering the fight against organized crime, including the illegal trafficking of arms, narcotics and human beings. All of this will have a long-term effect in the further improvement of the internal stability of the countries in the Region.

Regional cooperation facilitates closer contacts and meetings between the people from SEE – it translates into stability and security; and in this respect, an interesting, both regional and Trans-Atlantic, strategic initiative is unfolding. In May 2003, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia, Albania, Croatia and the US Secretary of State signed the Charter for Partnership. Thus, they opted for intensive mutual cooperation for accelerating the process of integration into NATO. The United States of America have a long lasting interest in the independence, territorial integrity and security of Macedonia, Albania and Croatia, and a profound commitment to their goal of full integration into the community of Euro-Atlantic democracies. This strong political document has given an additional impetus to their efforts of becoming full fledged members of NATO in the next round of enlargement, which is anticipated to be no later than 2006. The Republic of Macedonia is preparing to host a Conference in Ohrid, in September 2003, to explore ideas on democratic reform and strengthening civil society. The Conference will allow Ministers to exchange views among themselves and with leading experts, to develop common approaches to mutual challenges, and adopt measures to further our goals of membership in NATO and the European Union. Ultimately, in the last eighty years, the European architecture was built through partnership between the European countries and the USA; the United States stepped forward in the crucial moments of the great wars, helping to preserve democracy in Europe. Thus, the Charter is a kind of historical repetition of the previous European experience.

For the Republic of Macedonia, joining NATO will require decisions to be taken on a national level in order to be able to take on the responsibilities of membership. Currently, deep reforms in the defence and security sectors are underway, which will entail major social costs, but they are without alternative. The evolution of NATO in response to the new global security challenges is a major theme these days; NATO’s new global security concept will help the Alliance and the aspirant countries to adapt themselves within the new regional and global environment. Nevertheless, long lasting continental security and stability are possible only through integration of Europe with its stable, democratically consolidated south-eastern part.

On several occasions, the Republic of Macedonia, albeit only a Partner in Peace, provided the Alliance, with assistance equivalent to that of a full member. When faced with spillover effect and a crisis that could have had devastating consequences, NATO helped the Republic of Macedonia, as it would have done for a full member, by supporting and guaranteeing political solutions that resolved the crisis in 2001. Macedonia and the North-Atlantic Alliance have built a unique Partnership, originating during the Kosovo crisis. The Partnership between Macedonia and NATO continues to this very day, after three successive and successful NATO Missions that assisted Macedonia in dealing with security threats, there is now the invaluable assistance of the NATO Advisory team. During all these years, the Republic of Macedonia gave proof of its maturity, stable institutions and Euro- Atlantic orientation, enhanced with proper achievements within Membership Action Plan; in May 2003, the fourth annual cycle of its implementation was concluded successfully. Therefore, by pursuing this principal commitment, the Republic of Macedonia is continuously confirming itself as a stable and strong producer of security in the Region of SEE and in the whole Euro-Atlantic Area, and as such, as a strong candidate for joining the Alliance.

Immediately after September 11, Republic of Macedonia joined the international anti-terrorist coalition, giving political support to the efforts of the allies. At this very moment, Macedonian troops are in Afghanistan and Iraq, helping to bring the peace and to enhance the safety of the citizens; both countries are in desperate need of full democratic transformation of their societies, and of reconstruction that will allow people to live normally. The success of these joint efforts will be proportionally contingent upon the contribution and commitment of all actors within the international community. The Republic of Macedonia is taking part in these efforts with small units, but stands ready to take part in the reconstruction efforts, as well.

The European security component is also important to Macedonia. The European security and defense identity began to be realized in practice with the promotion of the EU forces in the Republic of Macedonia, as part of the "Concordia" mission; in that way, Macedonia has a privileged position in assisting the practical realization of the European Security and Defense Policy. This mission is an expression of the strengthened relations and arrangements between NATO and the EU. Hopefully, the rule of law and the elimination of the security risks will lead to a time when there will be no further need for international military presence in the Macedonia, probably by the end of 2003. But, for Macedonia it is clear that the firm Euro-Atlantic link must remain as the foundation of the security of the whole Euro-Atlantic area.

The European integration of the Republic of Macedonia and its citizens is a long standing orientation. In view of Macedonian continuing expectations and efforts for recognition and acceptance as a European people, it is understandable why the articulation of this strive for integration in Europe is often also accompanied with a doze of emotions – which was especially the case during the time of Ilinden Uprising. The establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the European Union at the end of 1995 was followed by a period of intensive cooperation, the result of which was a Trade Agreement. In accordance with the timing of establishing diplomatic relations, and also with the policy of the EU towards the countries in Southeastern Europe, in 1999 the Republic of Macedonia was included in the Stabilization and Association Process. In a decade of independence, in conditions which others would call disastrous, the Republic of Macedonia showed an exceptional, even self-denying constructiveness in establishing democratic relations within and without its borders. As a well behaved, often called ‘atypical example on the Balkans’, the EU facilitated the negotiation and conclusion of a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA). Thus, as the first country in the Region with this kind of agreement based on individual achievement to date, the Republic of Macedonia became closer to the EU.

At the same time, the activities for the harmonization of the legislation of the Republic of Macedonia with the legislation of the EU are gaining in intensity; also, Macedonia is the only non-EU member that has political, economic and security cooperation with the Union. For years, the Republic of Macedonia has been strengthening its cooperation with the countries of the Region, which is stipulated in one of the first charters of the SAA; it has already concluded or is in the phase of concluding free trade agreements with all SEE countries; it is actively participating in the realization of all projects that are in the interest of the region and strengthen the cooperation in fields of mutual interest. However, Macedonian society has to be transformed in order to attain European standards.

Standardization presumes democratically established institutions that will act according to rules acceptable and accepted by the citizens, institutions that are founded and transformed according to clearly established procedures and ensure the legal and personal safety of citizens. Another proof of this determination are the results of the Strategy for uncompromising fight against organized crime and corruption. This is an overwhelming task; but one that has to be done, because it will be the main verification of Macedonian readiness and worthiness for European integration. In short, it has to be proven that integration is equally in the interest of the Republic of Macedonia as it is in the interest of Europe.

Macedonia welcomed the Second Report of the European Commission on the SAP Countries, in which the political and economic situation in Macedonia is assessed realistically, and generally positive. The Recommendations contained in the Report about the priorities for the upcoming 12 months, are practically identical with the priorities of the Government; for the realization of these recommendations, the Government is preparing a Detailed Plan of Activities with specific timetables.

Macedonia is actively preparing to apply for membership in the EU. It will submit its application at the time when it will be assessed that it is a right moment for undertaking such a historic act. On the basis of comprehensive analyses of the realization of the necessary criteria and the positive signals from our EU partners, it is credible to believe that it may be possible for Republic of Macedonia to submit the application by the end of 2003.