The Republic of Macedonia, through its foreign policy at both bilateral and multilateral level, promotes its national values and interests. The European and the Trans-Atlantic integration processes represent vital interest to the long-term stability, security, and well-being of the Republic of Macedonia.

• The Republic of Macedonia is committed to fulfilling five foreign-policy priorities: NATO membership, getting date and commencing the negotiations for full-fledged membership of the European Union, abolishment of visas for Macedonian nationals, overcoming of the issue of the name difference imposed by our southern neighboring country, and, strengthening the economic and public diplomacy.

• The Republic of Macedonia has fulfilled all criteria relating to the membership of the Alliance and has implemented the required reforms. In the Declaration of the NATO Bucharest Summit, there was clear recognition of our dedication to the values and operative activities of NATO and progress in the reform process. Due to the opposition by the Republic of Greece, the Alliance would send the invitation for NATO membership after finding a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of the difference concerning the name of the Republic of Macedonia; to this end, talks are being conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. The NATO membership of the Republic of Macedonia would mean long-term stability and security not only for the Balkans, but also for the Euro-Atlantic region on the whole and so the commencement of the finalization of the concept for a Europe, whole, free, and in peace.

• A major goal that the Republic of Macedonia pursues in its relations with the European Union is the early start of EU accession negotiations. Hence, the Government and state institutions committedly work on the fulfillment of the priorities under the 2008 Pre-Accession Partnership. It is expected that in 2009 the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Macedonia will be relevantly valorized, i.e. that the European Commission will adopt a recommendation to start accession negotiations, which will be accompanied by a relevant decision by the European Council.

• The Republic of Macedonia expects early and successful completion of the dialogue on visa liberalization with the EU. Considering the established significant progress in fulfilling the conditions under the Visa Liberalization Roadmap, it is expected that at the beginning of 2009 the European Commission will institute the legal procedure within the EU Council for abolishment of the visa regime for the Republic of Macedonia and that the visa free regime will enter into force in the course of 2009.

• The Republic of Macedonia participates in active and constructive manner in the negotiations process under the auspices of the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General, Ambassador Mathew Nimetz, in order to overcome the irrational issue imposed by the Republic of Greece concerning the difference about the name of our country. The Republic of Macedonia is continuously engaged in finding a mutually acceptable solution that would not infringe on the Macedonian national identity, language, and culture.

• The Republic of Macedonia is committed to constant strengthening of its strategies partnership with the United States of America and developing comprehensive partnership relations with the EU and NATO Member States; in this regard the Republic of Macedonia pays special attention also to the relations and cooperation with other countries, above all with the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China.

• In the relations and cooperation with countries in the immediate neighborhood, promotion is made of good-neighborliness and friendship, and so of preparedness for overall cooperation in several fields of common interest. Good-neighborly relations, as one of the priorities in the foreign policy, represent original determination, instrumental in enhancing mutual trust and, at the same time, a complementary factor on the accession road of the Republic of Macedonia towards the European Union and NATO.

• Building comprehensive cooperation ties with all countries in the immediate and wider neighborhood – at both bilateral level, and within regional initiatives and projects by taking part in the existing initiatives of regional cooperation in the entire region of South East Europe – makes an active contribution by the Republic of Macedonia in building relations of security, stability, and cooperation in South East Europe.

• The Republic of Macedonia is continuously engaged in promoting and further enrichment of relations with democratically committed countries with which the Republic of Macedonia has, to greater extent, traditionally good and developed relations.

• The Republic of Macedonia actively participates in the work of all major international organizations, both at global level: the UN and specialized agencies, WTO, as well at regional level: OSCE, Council of Europe, etc., as the most efficient way for the protection of the world peace and security from the contemporary global threats: terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, organized crime, then for the protection of the environment, addressing economic and social problems, (dis)respect of human rights, etc.

• Promotion of economic potentials and opportunities to invest in the Republic of Macedonia, as well as conducting active economic foreign policy, is meant to have intensification and contents enrichment of the bilateral economic ties with countries of the region, Europe, and the entire international community.

• Taking in consideration the significance of the national identity and the values of the Macedonian people for sovereignty, independence, and security of the state, the Republic of Macedonia attaches special importance to the promotion of the national, culture, and spiritual identity beyond the borders of the Republic of Macedonia.

• Care for the position of the Macedonian communities living outside the state borders, and for the improvement of the legal status and treatment of the Macedonian national minority in other countries, in conformity with international treaties and concluded bilateral agreements, represents one of the major foreign policy goals.

• The Republic of Macedonia participates in peacekeeping missions (UN, NATO, EU) in support of peace, security, and stability. Presently, Macedonia contributes with about 240 officers to the international operations, or, about 3.5% of its own military forces. The Republic of Macedonia participates with own troops in Afghanistan (ISAF), Iraq (Iraqi Freedom), Bosnia and Herzegovina (ALTHEA), and Lebanon (UNIFIL), and also provides logistical support to KFOR in Kosovo. With regard to the participation in NATO-led international missions, the Republic of Macedonia has been given the highest assessment by NATO, which sees our country as a stable military partner to the Alliance.

POSITIONS AND VIEWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA ON CERTAIN FOREIGN-POLICY ISSUES

Position of the Republic of Macedonia on the EU enlargement

The Republic of Macedonia, being a candidate country for EU membership and so a part of the enlargement process of the European Union, supports the project of European unification, as the only model for common creation of the future, which has enabled the European continent to enjoy the longest period of peace, stability, and economic prosperity.
The Republic of Macedonia welcomes the renewed consensus within the European Union to continue the Union enlargement process with the countries that are already part of that process, as confirmed at the meeting of the European Council in June 2008 under the Slovenian Presidency. The Council concluded that further progress in the relations between Macedonia and the European Union is possible to have by the end of this year, if conditions cited in the 2005 conclusions of the European Council and the Copenhagen criteria are fulfilled. It is of special importance that the consensus reached, based on principles of consolidation, conditionality, communication, and the capacity of the European Union to integrate new members, does not foresee introduction of additional membership criteria.
The Republic of Macedonia follows attentively the course of ratification of the Lisbon EU Reform Treaty and expects that the outcome of the Irish referendum would not lead to slowdown in the integration process of Macedonia into the European Union.

International terrorism

The Republic of Macedonia takes active part in the global activities in context of combating terrorism within the UN, EU, NATO, OSCE, the Council of Europe, and other relevant organizations.
The activities within the UN system are articulated by implementation of the conventions and instruments we have signed, and out of 13 (thirteen) conventions 11 (eleven) have been ratified. Ratification procedure is under way for the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, and the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf. In 2006, ratification was made of the Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (signed in 2005). Ratification was also made of the Convention on Nuclear Safety, while in May 2006 a special Law on the ban of development, production, storage, and use of chemical weapons was passed, in order to implement the UN convention of the same name.
In accordance with the UNSC Resolution 1373 (2001), the Republic of Macedonia continues to have active cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UNSC, and to date the Republic of Macedonia has filed one initial and three additional reports on the implementation of the obligations at national level in combating terrorism. Delegation of the Executive Directorate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UNSC visited our country in May 2006 and prepared a Report on the activities and capacity of the Republic of Macedonia in combating terrorism, with corresponding recommendations. The Republic of Macedonia undertakes activities and continues the dialogue with that UNSC Committee on implementing the recommendations.
The Republic of Macedonia has supported the adoption, on 8 September 2008, of the UN Global counter-terrorism strategy and is engaged in implementation of the Action Plan and measures cited in that UN Strategy.
The Republic of Macedonia makes efforts to overcome the remaining differences as soon as possible concerning the text and have definite adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism, within the Sixth Committee of the UNGA.
The Republic of Macedonia is also engaged in similar activities in combating terrorism within the Council of Europe, whereby the Republic of Macedonia has signed or ratified almost all relevant conventions and instruments in this subject matter. Procedure has been initiated to sign the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. The Republic of Macedonia is actively involved, through its experts, in the meetings of the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Terrorism.
In context of the regional cooperation, in October 2006 the Republic of Macedonia signed the Pact on Combating Terrorism and Organized Crime together with six other countries in the region (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Romania, and Albania).
Following the tragic 9/11 events, we have become aware that international terrorism is rather serious threat to peace and democracy in the world. Democracy is based on the belief that all human beings are born equal and have natural right to live in freedom. We must have will to defend these principles and that is why the Republic of Macedonia will continue to offer its full support and will be actively involved in efforts of the international community in combating global terrorism. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to combating terrorism financing and undertakes different activities in this regard. The provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Macedonia are in conformity with the international criminal law standards relating to combating terrorism. The Directorate for money laundering prevention (established in 2002) has drafted a proposed law on prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing which should be adopted by the end of 2007 and whose aim is to have further harmonization of the domestic legislation with international regulations addressing this field. The Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia recently adopted the Law on restrictive measures (entered in force on 1 June 2007). In order to improve cooperation among various bodies and institutions in this field, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia established the Advisory body on prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing. The Republic of Macedonia is state party to all major international law instruments on combating international terrorism (UN and Council of Europe).

Afghanistan

The Republic of Macedonia reiterates its strong support to the Government of Afghanistan in the combat against terrorism and the general efforts to strengthen the rule of law. Macedonia remains committed to help the Afghan people to achieve lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. We reaffirm that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
The Republic of Macedonia expresses its support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and commends the work of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Afghanistan, Kai Aide.
We will continue to maintain military presence and be part of NATO-led ISAF force in Afghanistan. In fact, at the beginning of 2009, the Republic of Macedonia increased its contribution in the ISAF for nearly 25%. Currently we contribute with military units and military personnel in Afghanistan at the level of about 2,5% of the active component of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (total of 168 soldiers) which ranks the country among the top six contributing countries in Afghanistan. We further welcome the commitment of the ISAF contributing nations to ensure that ISAF has the forces, resources, and flexibility needed to ensure the mission’s continued success.
The Republic of Macedonia also clearly supports Afghanistan’s continued effort to achieve political progress and its people’s full investment in a legitimate and inclusive democratic process. We consider that the forthcoming presidential and provincial elections, to be held in August 2009, will provide the chance to strengthen the legitimacy and national unity in the country. 

Iraq

The Republic of Macedonia welcomes the results from the Annual Review Conference of the International Compact with Iraq, held on 29 May 2008 in Stockholm, and Iraq's 6-point proposal for a Partnership for Development. It is encouraging that the participants reaffirmed their support to the Compact as well as their intentions to promote investment and trade. The Conference also identified the interconnected issues of national reconciliation, human development, human rights, reconstruction and fight against corruption, as vital areas of common interest concern over the next period. The Republic of Macedonia strongly condemns the suicide bombings and expresses condolences to the families of the victims. The Republic of Macedonia calls upon all Iraqis to consolidate, reject violence, unite for the good of all citizens, to progress in the rule of law and order, and help find the path to reconciliation, peace and security.
The Republic of Macedonia supports Iraq in its efforts to build a united, federal, and democratic country, at peace within and beyond its borders, and en route to sustainable economic self-sufficiency and prosperity. The Republic of Macedonia participated as part of the allied forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom from June 2003. The total number of deployed troops is 490. Operation Iraqi Freedom was concluded on 31 December 2008, upon which the troops from the Army of the Republic of Macedonia returned to the country.
The Republic of Macedonia welcomes the holding of non-violent governorate elections in Iraq on 31 January 2009. This represents a particularly important step towards stabilization and democratization of the country.

Iran

The Republic of Macedonia welcomes the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008) and 1835 (2008), which impose sanctions on Iran for failing to suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. The Republic of Macedonia is deeply concerned with the lack of co-operation of Iran with the IAEA and regrets that Iran has not taken the steps required by the Security Council.
The Republic of Macedonia is concerned over the fact that Iran tested short- and medium-range missiles in July 2008. Such missile tests can only heighten the concern of the international community at a time when Iran has still not implemented Security Council Resolutions 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, and 1835, and, in particular, has not suspended its sensitive nuclear activities.
The Republic of Macedonia hopes that Iran will finally respond to the demands of the entire international community as expressed in the Security Council Resolutions, as well as to the standing call for cooperation issued by US President Barack Obama.

Taiwan

The Republic of Macedonia repeatedly reaffirms its position that there is “one China” and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government of the Chinese people, whereas Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. Thus, the Republic of Macedonia hopes for and supports the successful resolution of this internal Chinese issue through peaceful political dialogue, for the purpose of achieving the aspirations of the people of China for its final reunion.

North Korea

The Government of the Republic of Macedonia expresses its satisfaction with the results of the most recent Six-Party talks, which took place in Beijing from 10 to 12 July 2008, and hopes that those talks will continue with the aim of achieving complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantling of the whole of North Korea's nuclear program, in accordance with the objectives of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia welcomes the progress made towards resolving the North Korean nuclear issue via the diplomatic efforts deployed.
It is with great concern that the Republic of Macedonia followed the launch of “an experimental communications satellite” conducted on 5 April 2009 by the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which represents a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. This act has negative impact on the maintaining of regional stability at a time when mutual trust is needed among the parties.

Middle East   

The Government of the Republic of Macedonia very closely follows the developments in the Middle East. We give full support to the work of the Middle East Quartet that has international responsibility for the Road Map and we welcome the efforts of the United States and other concerned parties as expressed at the Annapolis summit in November 2007 and in the recent travel to the region of Middle East of the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and the US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell to discuss the peace process and to actively and aggressively seek a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, as well as between Israel and its other Arab neighbors.
Republic of Macedonia considers the Road Map as the only way to realize the vision of two democratic states, living side by side in peace and security. Negotiations between Israel and Palestine must be resumed because that’s the only viable way of bringing peace and security tо the people of the Middle East. Palestinians must overcome divisions on its side and they need to abide by international agreements made in the name of the Palestinian people in the past, because Israel is entitled to peace and security. But Israel must also abide by international law. Peace is only possible if everyone accepts their full responsibility.
The Republic of Macedonia has observed, with great concern, the recent violent events in the Gaza Strip, and has welcomed the ceasefire announcement by Israel of January 18, 2009. We find unacceptable all terrorist and existential threats to the very being of Israel, and strongly condemn all forms of anti-Semitism and denial. We also welcome the efforts by the international community to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and for the Gaza reconstruction, especially expressed at the donors’ conference in Sharm Al Sheik (Egypt) on March 2, 2009.

Sudan (the Darfur crisis)

The progress on wider national and regional issues is essential for the efforts to bring peace in Darfur. The enhanced efforts of the International community represent a key factor for resolving the five-year conflict that has claimed the lives of an estimated 300,000 people and displaced a further 2.7 million.
The Republic of Macedonia welcomes the Goodwill and Confidence Building Agreement signed between the Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement on 17 February 2009.
The Republic of Macedonia supports the decision of the International Criminal Court to issue a warrant for the arrest of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir under charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The Republic of Macedonia condemns the expelling of thirteen international humanitarian non-governmental organizations from Sudan and the annulment of the licenses of three local non-governmental organizations, which directly threatens the continuous distribution of international humanitarian aid to Darfur. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia calls upon the Government of Sudan to reconsider its decision and allow the distribution of humanitarian aid to the affected Sudanese citizens.