We Have a Chance

Asked to comment Macedonia's recent admission into the United Nations, president Kiro Gligorov said: "The patience and readiness for certain compromises to be made in order for this problem to be resolved for the sake of peace in the Balkans, have paid off. The compromise regarding the name is temporary, while the postponement of the ceremony of hoisting the flag is an act by the UN administration that does not have our consent. Talks about open questions between Greece and Macedonia are to take place through the mediation of Mr.Vance and lord Owen. The Republic of Macedonia is entering the upcoming talks with the best intentions to have agreement reached because this is obviously in the interest of both countries, and primarily for the purpose of preserving peace and security in this part of the Balkans. Macedonia's policy of not taking part in this bloody war, of wanting good relations with all its neighbors, of having no territorial pretensions towards any of its neighboring countries, of being in favour of the European option and, on the internal plane, in favour of a state ruled by law and of living together with people of all nationalities, has received justification and confirmation with the republic's admission into the UN. We can now turn, with much more energy, to internal economic and social problems which, as it is known from the practice of all former socialist countries, are numerous.

However, as a responsible member of the international community and as a country that has preserved peace, we have a chance of resolving them gradually.