Gjorgje Ivanov

[Soldier of Macedon]

http://www.mia.com.mk/default.aspx?vId=67788755&lId=2

New York, October 25 (MIA) - Macedonia wishes to take the place it deserves within the Euro-Atlantic community and with an assistance of the UN mechanisms to settle the absurd dispute, imposed by Greece, which in this manner violated its international obligations, President Gjorge Ivanov said Friday in his address at the 64th UN General Assembly.

Reiterating that the European Union and NATO membership are Macedonia's strategic goals, Ivanov said that today the country meritoriously expected an initiation of the EU entry talks, considering its impressive progress to that effect. Macedonia has also fulfilled all of the necessary criteria for NATO membership, being deprived from such status by its southern neighbor, the President said.

- The act of our southern neighbor was contrary to the obligations under the 1995 Interim Agreement. This was done i an attempt to influence the outcome of negotiations held under the UN auspices, thus acting completely opposite to the common vision for enlargement of the stability and security zone in South-East Europe, Ivanov said.

Nevertheless, Macedonia is sincerely dedicated to the progress in resolving the difference with Athens within the mechanisms of UN resolutions, the President said.

Despite Greece's flagrant violation of the international obligations , for which Macedonia filed an appeal to the International Court of Justice, Skopje has been taking active and constructive part in the UN-sponsored negotiation process, he added.

- I would like to state clearly that we are prepared to discuss the issues foreseen in the UN resolutions only. The Republic of Macedonia is prepared for a solution that is a reasonable and fair compromise, which shall not in touch upon, nor deny our national, cultural and linguistic identity in any way, a solution that shall obtain the legitimacy of the citizens. However, there is no more sovereign right that the right of self-determination and self-identification, a right cherished by many generations before us, Ivanov said.

Macedonia hopes for swift settlement and expects for Greece to abandon the policy of acting from position of power in order to unfavorably influence on the negotiations' outcome, the President said.

- I expect that the political leadership will anticipate the wider interests for a permanent stabilization of the region. We believe that with truthful, sincere willingness and preparedness we can reach a solution that will leave no winners and losers, Ivanov said.

It appears to be a solid enough speech after his recent words cited in this thread. What do you guys think? This seems to be the most vocal Ivanov has been on the issue since he became president.

[Pelister]

How can there be a "solution".

It doesn't make any sense.

If there is going to be a "Double-Name" formula - what is actually the purpose of a referndum ?

Secondly, if there is going to be a "Double-Name" formula - we are still not recognized by Greece, and will not be admitted by our Constitutional name.

The "negotiations" are a charade, and these politicians are planning to betray us.

[George S.]

I tried to make point before why bother to negotiate what for what nothing!
If we negotiate our identity it's stupid of the highest order if we don't we can't get in to the eu or nato so what!.We can get all the benefits from nato at no cost to macedonia.THe eu who needs to surrender their sovereignity for what come on what are we doing trying to please the politicians??

[Soldier of Macedon]

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/8377/45/

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon fully believes in the activities of mediator Matthew Nimetz and hopes for the name dispute between Macedonia and Greece to be settled soon.

UN cooperation with Macedonia is excellent and it is a pity that one open issue has been burdening the relations, Ban Ki-moon said late Friday in New York at his meeting with President Gjorgi Ivanov.

The UN Secretary General vowed support of Macedonia's integration with the European Union and NATO, media reported.

Ivanov also gave credit to Nimetz for his constructive role in the name dispute settling. Macedonia will remain actively engaged in the negotiating process and expects equal approach from Greece after the completion of its elections, Ivanov said.

He reiterated Macedonia's readiness for reasonable, fair compromise that would not jeopardize the national identity and dignity. The UN Charter, resolutions are the frame within which Macedonia is viewing the continuation and completion of the process for resolving the differences with Greece over the name, the President said.

Yesterday, Ivanov had a meeting with Macedonians living in New Jersey, also attended by US Congressmen Bill Paskell and Herb Clein.

Ivanov is playing politics, but in the position that he is in with respect to the name issue and these institutions, he is doing ok. We all agree that they should pull out immediately, but that does not look like any reality at the moment.

.......if there is going to be a "Double-Name" formula - we are still not recognized by Greece

That will be a problem between Macedonia and her southern neighbour for years to come, because the double-name formula does not appear to address matters concerning the Macedonian ethnic majority and the Macedonian language. Furthermore, it does not appear to address the issue of international events taking place in Greece, will the Macedonians need to keep 2 football team shirts, one for Greece and one for the rest of the world? Will Greece behave so idiotically? I think that is a certainty.

If there is anything positive with the acceptance of the double-name formula, it would be the restriction of the matter to Macedonia and Greece only. At least that way we can continue to progress within international organisations by our constitutional name without the Greece's hindrance, while at the same time reach a more level footing in our dealings with Greece going foward. They wont be able to deny the truth forever.

[Dimko-piperkata]

Greek hysteria after president Ivanov's speech at the UN

Monday, 28 September 2009

Greece officially submitted a reply to the address of President Gjorge Ivanov before the UN General Assembly through its ambassador Anastasios Mitsialis.

Greece reacts on Ivanov's mentioning of Macedonia's constitutional name in his speech, instead of the reference in resolutions 817 and 845 of the UN Security Council.

"Fyr Macedonia authorities have demonstrated they do not respect Security Council resolutions, assuming an uncompromising position in bilateral talks under UN auspices, thus preventing a settlement in the name row. Instead of using the interim name, the Fyr Macedonia authorities are always using the constitutional name and deepening differences between the two countries", reads the Greek reaction.

Athens also sees Macedonia's suit against Greece before the Hague-based International Court of Justice following the latter's veto to Macedonia's NATO accession at the Bucharest Summit as violation of the 1995 Interim Treaty.

"Greece remains fully committed to the bilateral talks under UN auspices, which would result in an acceptable settlement that takes into consideration the legitimate interests and the sensitivity of both countries, thus closing the issue that directly effects regional stability. The name dispute should not have winners or losers, but be in the interest of both countries. Such a solution can be reached only if neither side tries to acquire exclusivity in the name use by monopolizing wider geographic term Macedonia", reads the note.

Ambassador Mitsialis is to deliver the reply to Ivanov's address at the General Assembly debate on Tuesday, where he is scheduled to speak on behalf of Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis.

http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/8392/2/

[George S.]

Re greek hysteria: of course greece acquires a monopoly on the name if they negotiate.It's by default.Greece does not want anyone else to use the word macedonia.The republic of macedonia should be left alone as that "the Republic of Macedonia".If macedonia negotiates for change of name greece is the benefactor.Macedonia does not benefit if it changes it's name.

[Pelister]

If there is anything positive with the acceptance of the double-name formula, it would be the restriction of the matter to Macedonia and Greece only. At least that way we can continue to progress within international organisations by our constitutional name without the Greece's hindrance, while at the same time reach a more level footing in our dealings with Greece going foward. They wont be able to deny the truth forever.

I agree, but Greece will never accept our admission to international institutions by our Constitutional name.

This had led me to believe that the "Double-Name" formula the government has insisted it is pushing is a sham.

[The LION will ROAR]

President Barack Obama with Gjorge Ivanov President of the Republic of Macedonia



President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle pose for a photo during reception at the Metropolitan Museum in New York with H.E. Gjorge Ivanov President of the Republic of Macedonia, and his wife, Mrs. Maja Ivanova, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

[Risto the Great]

Nice photo.
Gee the First Lady is a tall glamorous woman.

[Pelister]

Nice photo.
Gee the First Lady is a tall glamorous woman.

The First Lady is looking pretty good - very glamorous.

[Currency Trader]

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle pose for a photo during reception at the Metropolitan Museum in New York with H.E. Gjorge Ivanov President of the Republic of Macedonia, and his wife, Mrs. Maja Ivanova, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Is there a link to this photo?

[Dimko-piperkata]

truly a nice photo

[Prolet]

The First Lady is looking pretty good - very glamorous.

Ours or theirs?

[Spartan]

^^I hope thats a joke

[George S.]

I think them saying that we need to comprimise on our identity as a precursur to being allowed to join nato & the eu.I think Macedonia should tell them to all go jump in their proverbial lakes.The name is non negotiable,Why can't we agree to disagree & go onto our seperate ways peacefully.The Macedonian Govt must call the TALKS OFF NOW before
It's too late.It's all a sham Greece want's a monopoly on the name is it did on the flag,they want it all,Why they can later take the rest of Macedonia.Greece has all the irrendist claims.You just wait if we give in they will walk in & take the rest of Macedonia.
Message to all Macedonian People To tell The Macedonian GOvt to call Off the TAlks where it's biased & they want macedonia to just compromise.Greece is not offering to do anything.Not even recognizing her minorities within her borders.Why negotiate with an enemy that's out to destroy you.