Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Distinguished Colleagues,

Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset I would like to congratulate you on your election as President of the 55th General Assembly of the United Nations. At the same time, I would like to express our appreciation to the President of the 54th General Assembly of the United Nations, Mr. Theo-Ben Gurirab for the achieved results during his presidency.

On this occasion, I would also like to express our gratitude to Mr. Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General, for his efficient and relevant leadership of the Organization. The Republic of Macedonia will continue actively to contribute to the realization of the goals of the United Nations.

I also welcome the admission of Tuvalu in the United Nations, wishing success in its contribution in the UN activities, and expressing our wish to establish diplomatic relations. At the same time, the Republic of Macedonia expresses readiness and is calling for acceleration of the process of establishment of diplomatic relations with all other member-states of the UN with which we have not done that yet.

Mr. President,

In the region where the Republic of Macedonia is located, the situation has to some extent improved after the huge humanitarian crisis which took place in Kosovo. The heavy consequences of the crisis which posed a serious threat to the stability and security of the Balkans and beyond, in Europe are not fully overcome.

The Republic of Macedonia has and will have in the future a vital role for peace and stability in the region of South Eastern Europe and wider. Last year's crisis which occurred in our immediate neighborhood has justified this fact. The risks, the Republic of Macedonia has been confronted with were enormous. The Macedonian Government and the citizens have done everything possible in their capacity to respond to the problems. However, as was the case in the previous crises that occurred in the Balkans, and during the Kosovo conflict last year as well, as a country that most directly felt and bore the brunt of the damages, the Republic of Macedonia has shown and confirmed its long-term commitment to act as a factor of peace and stability in the region. The Government, even in such conditions, persisted on its policy, preserving the stability of the

Macedonian state and at the same time reaffirming its capability to respond to all challenges and risks it was confronted with, in particular, in the economic and social fields. We have succeeded in strengthening and affirming our security and international position, what has been acknowledged by all international factors.

Mr. President,

One of the main priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Macedonia is to further improve good-neighborly relations with all its neighbors. This commitment has been confirmed through a number of our initiatives, resulting in more advanced and developed relations in the bilateral cooperation and intensified cooperation within the framework of a number of regional initiatives. The Republic of Macedonia is aware that stability and prosperity, on the mid-term and long-term, could be provided only if the stability is spread in the entire region of South Eastern Europe, with intensive mutual communication and good-neighborly cooperation in all areas among all states from the region.

My country has managed, with all its neighbors Greece, Albania and Bulgaria, except for the F.R. Yugoslavia with which we continue to negotiate demarcation of the common border, to have outstanding relations and developed cooperation in many areas of common interest. We have significantly improved relations with our southern neighbor. Greece. We continue to hold talks about the difference over the name, expressing our will and interest to resolve this issue as soon as possible taking into account the reality, interest and dignity of the Macedonian people and of all its citizens.

The Republic of Macedonia has made huge steps in regard to the advancement of good-neighborly relations in the region. The Republic of Macedonia's initiative to hold trilateral meetings at the level of prime ministers and ministers has become a regular practice, which serves to coordinate and advance cooperation the aim of which is more successful implementation of the Stability Pact. This initiative yields significant results.

Mr. President,

The project which is most expected to contribute to lasting stabilization of the region and finding solution for the open issues - the Stability Pact, despite the huge expectations and the initial support, has not managed to carry out a large number of ideas and projects which were submitted and accepted. The Pact, as an example of joint engagement and functioning of a large number of international organizations and states is to provide faster revitalization of the countries of South Eastern Europe and their integration into European structures, especially of the narrower region, which in the past period was affected most. I appeal to all participants engaged in this process, especially the donors and the wider international community, to make utmost efforts for its urgent and timely implementation, through accelerated and full realization of the projects. This will provide for economic prosperity of 1he countries of South Eastern Europe and strengthening of the democratic processes, respect of human rights and stability of the region. The implementation of the Pact constitutes natural upgrading of our activities within the regional initiatives, yet another possibility for promoting good-neighborly relations, and the possibility for the realization of the foreign policy priorities of the Republic of Macedonia - full integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

In addition to the foreign policy activities, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia is fully committed to carrying out fundamental reforms based on European standards - political, economic, and democratic with maximum respect for human rights, including minority rights. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia is continuously working on the improvement of inter-ethnic relations. As an example of those commitments and as an active contribution to the entire reform processes, a new law on higher education has been recently adopted. It paves the way for private higher education in minority languages. Therefore, as a result of our commitment and concrete steps, my country, as the first one in the region, is to conclude the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union by the end of this year.

Mr. President,

The efforts of the international community for the stabilization of the Region, to which the Republic of Macedonia has contributed largely, are beginning to show results. This does not mean that we should be fully satisfied with what has been achieved. Despite the subjective limitations, it should be taken into consideration that due to the seriousness and complexity of the situation in Kosovo, and the FR Yugoslavia, as a whole, its consequences cannot be alleviated with the speed desired by all of us, especially by the countries of the region.

In regard to the F.R. Yugoslavia, our view is that its democratization is one of the key factors for the comprehensive stabilization of the situation in the region. Our joint engagements should be directed at the support for the democratic forces in the F.R Yugoslavia, efforts for their unification and joint action for starting democratic processes, followed by opportunities for economic prosperity. It is important to reassess the overall effects of the sanctions, which should not be directed towards the citizens. We hope that the upcoming elections in the F.R. Yugoslavia will be fair and democratic in accordance with the European and OSCE standards and a step towards its democratization.

Regarding the situation in the FR Yugoslavia, I would like to inform you, in my capacity as Chairman of the South-Eastern European Cooperation Process, about the Joint Declaration adopted by the Foreign Ministers of the participating states in the Process, on 12 September, 2000 in New York. In the Declaration the foreign ministers expressed their concern about the latest development of the situation in the FR Yugoslavia in regard to the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections and confirmed their support for the democratic forces in the FR Yugoslavia, for the independent media and for the civic society and their efforts to start the democratic processes.

All of this might contribute to the integration of this country into the international community, participation in the work of the international organizations along the path that all the successor states of the former Yugoslavia underwent. Furthermore, the resolution of the succession issue of the former SFRY on the basis of equality of all successors, acknowledged by the decisions of the EU/UN International Conference on the former Yugoslavia, as well as by the relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, is a prerequisite for larger cooperation, development of good-neighborly relations and promotion of stability and peace in the region.

Concerning the issue of succession, I would like to point out that during the Millennium Summit and Millennium Assembly, the four successor states have once again reaffirmed their joint position about this issue and have undertaken more intensive activities for its settlement.

Furthermore, I would like to express our support for the stability and the reform processes undertaken in Montenegro and for the democratically elected Government in its efforts to continue with the economic and democratic development, as well as for its larger involvement in the work of the international bodies and organizations, and in other regional cooperation processes.

The consistent position of my country stated much before the outburst of the Kosovo crisis and adoption of the UN SC resolution 1244, was in support of a peaceful and political solution to the Kosovo crisis through substantial autonomy in the framework of the F.R. of Yugoslavia, respect for human rights of all living in Kosovo, respect for the inviolability of the existing borders, cessation of hostilities and repression in Kosovo, deployment of peace-keeping forces, safe and unimpeded return of all refugees, demilitarization of military and paramilitary forces, and economic reconstruction and stabilization of Kosovo and the region.

We support the activities of UNMIK and KFOR. We are convinced of the necessity to build democratic institutions and a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo, and to find a model of civil society to discard all tendencies for ethnically clean territories. The local elections in Kosovo are of paramount importance for its future. Therefore, it is necessary to provide larger participation of all ethnic groups, what implies the process for their return.

The Republic of Macedonia is concerned about the reported violence and the increased number of inter-ethnic incidents and tensions in Kosovo, accompanied by the attempts to spread them into the neighboring countries. We consider that KFOR should strengthen its activities in regard to the border control, with the aim of preventing spillover of violence into the neighboring countries and in my country. I am stressing this because there have been several serious incidents at the border of the Republic of Macedonia, which according to some indicators, have also'been a result of the attempts for illegal trafficking in arms, drugs and human beings, as part of the organized crime.

Hoping that the developments in Kosovo would be the last serious challenge of this kind in the Balkans, we will have to defend together more successfully the democratic principles and values, and to develop longterm preventive strategies. Regional stability can be provided only by economic prosperity, democracy, respect for human rights and rights of national minorities, as well as through the intensive regional and bilateral cooperation. However, there remains the fact that the most serious guarantee for the security of the region and its transformation into an area of democracy, development, stability and cooperation an early integration and full fledged membership of the countries from the region in the European Union and NATO.

Mr. President,

This year's Millennium Assembly presents a genuine opportunity to analyze the work of our Organization and to evaluate its efficiency in resolving the issues of international interest. We all hope that the directions for future development will also be underscored, with the aim of further promotion of the achieved results and practices.

One of the main characteristics of the modern world, more than ever, is large interdependence, what represents a new challenge, but at the same time a new quality in the international relations. Moreover, when everybody is talking about enormous significance of the ever more important multilateral' character of the international scene and globalization, the question of equal participation of all its actors Is being raised, meaning official representation of the voice of all peoples. In that respect, I would like to express our support to the efforts of the Republic of China -Taiwan for their integration into the international community, taking into consideration its interest, but also its significant contribution and solidarity in the international cooperation. It is in the interest of our Organization that the 23 million population of the Republic of China participate in its activities.

Mr. President,

The negative effects of the crises, threats to the peace, security and economic development, up to the pollution of the environment, disruptions of the joint markets and production systems, are felt globally. Therefore the UN obligation to address these issues, as a single global Organization is needed. In accordance with the new situation in international relations, needs and visions, an obvious demand exists to strengthen the role of the UN. The United Nations can successfully carry out their activities only if the Member States fully contribute to their realization.

Also, there is a need to reaffirm the principles and provisions contained in the UN Charter and in the other fundamental documents and agreements. Furthermore, it is necessary that the Member States adhere to the new priorities of the UN and to respond successfully to the new challenges, which are becoming more complex as a result of the ongoing process of globalization in all areas.

In order to have a successful role in the 21^st century, it is necessary to adequately reform the UN Organization itself. We welcome the Secretary General's efforts made thus far to this effect, and at the same time we would like to urge him and the Member States, to continue. Furthermore, I would like to underline that the reform of the UN will be successful only if strengthening the role of the General Assembly follows the reform of the Security Council. In our view, it is necessary to increase the number of the permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council, on the basis of the new reality in the international relations, both from the developing and developed countries.

Part of our efforts should be also focused on the reaffirmation of the role of the UN peacekeeping operations in the new reality, which evidently is becoming one of the priority activities of our Organization. Equal attention should be given to the strengthening of the role of the UN in coordinating humanitarian activities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

What is necessary to be done so that the United Nations can adequately respond to the challenges of the 21^st century?

The Millennium Summit offered part of these answers. The adopted Millennium Summit Declaration is an obligation for all UN member states in their future endeavors. We share the opinion that although the Declaration is a political document, it is fist of all an action plan of our Organization for the period to come. Stressing the importance of the adopted Document, I would like to urge the General Assembly to begin the implementation of the adopted provisions. In those efforts, the Republic of Macedonia will actively contribute.

The Republic of Macedonia will continue to contribute to the strengthening of the international peace and security, enhancement of international cooperation in all areas and strengthening of the role of the United Nations. I would like to emphasize, that part of our contributions in the realization of the issues mentioned, will be elaborated under the three agenda items to be considered in the First Committee, as a follow-up to the resolutions submitted to the UN by the Republic of Macedonia: Development of good-neighborly relations among the Balkan states, Maintenance of international security-Prevention of violent disintegration of states and Stability and Development of South-Eastern Europe.

Mr. President,

The maintenance of international peace and security worldwide shall continue to be the priority of our Organization in the 21^st century. As the Secretary-General stated in his Report, the world will be faced, and our Organization in particular, with the need to be fully involved in the conflict prevention, conflict resolution and development of the affected states. The large number of armed conflicts is the cause for the numerous victims, displaced persons, as well as heavy material damages. Regretfully, the most affected are those not directly involved in the conflicts, for example, women, children, elderly and aging people. All of us are aware that by not solving the acute problems, the existing differences will only get deeper and result in new conflicts. In our view, first the root cause of the conflicts should be solved, i.e. in the region where they can occur, therefore, the prevention should become one of the primary instruments of our Organization.

Considering our contribution to the prevention activities and policy, I would like to inform you that in the Republic of Macedonia an International Center for Conflict Prevention and Resolution is being established.

Mr. President,

The Republic of Macedonia continues to uphold its position In favor of nuclear disarmament, non- proliferation of nuclear and chemical weapons, as well for banning all weapons of massive destruction. We consider being of great importance to the stability and security the control of small arms and light weapons, which pose large threat to peace in many regions of the world. The increased illegal trafficking in these -arms is obvious, often in connection with drug and people trafficking. We consider that the UN, in cooperation with other regional organizations, such as the OSCE and NATO, can have a serious impact on the prevention of proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

We urge the international community to take strong measures and to make efforts to stop the arms trafficking, especially of small arms and light weapons. In that respect, we hope that that the UN International Conference on these issues, which will take place in June/July 2001, shall contribute to more efficient actions by the international community.

Mr. President,

One of the reasons for the eruption of a large number of local conflicts worldwide are the economic and social factors. Globalization, apart from the positive effects, has a number of negative implications on the small and least developed economies. They should not be marginalized and excluded from the world trends. For their participation, in addition to other measures, financial, resources for development are necessary, which realistically, the UN is not capable to provide. We support the appeal to provide the necessary voluntarily contributions from the Member States, but also the idea to involve other participants, such as international financial institutions, private sector, non-governmental organizations and other specialized associations. In this respect, we welcome next year's International Conference on Financing for Development. Due to different interests of the above participants, it is necessary to develop precisely the criteria and conditions for their involvement. Here, I would like to underline that writing off the debts, or part of them, for countries affected by objective external influences, would have a very positive impact and help them to diminish global poverty and unemployment, and help overall economic development of the indebted countries. Eradication of poverty and increase of the living standard of the population is the main priority of every society, but also the priority of the work of our Organization.

For the realization of the mentioned aims it is necessary to take already developed measures and to carry out the appropriate policy at national, regional and international level. In that respect, as a single global Organization, which is predetermined to deal with current global issues and problems, the UN must have a dominant role in the creation of the international economic relations, especially in managing the globalization of world economy, and diminishing the growing differences between the developed and developing countries.

The manner of industrial production, as well as the negligent exploitation of natural recourses contribute on the large scale to the degradation of the environment. The consequences are well known and have already reached alarming proportions. Global warming, water crisis, acid rains, deforestation, natural disasters and other indicators call for our adequate coordinated action for overcoming these problems.

Lately it has become practice, along with the UN system, other international organizations and integrations, and also non-governmental organizations to be included in the solution of these issues. By using their comparative advantages they are contributing to more successful solution of problems. In order to enjoy the benefits we have to continue to strengthen this mechanism and to advance it, avoiding overlapping of activities with the precise leading role.

Mr. President,

The General Assembly is a proper place for evaluation of the achieved in the promotion and protection of human rights and freedoms. Impressive development has been achieved in the field of international human rights law in the last fifty years. Today, we can proudly state that the United Nations with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other instruments, succeeded in affirming the international consensus-human dignity to be the basic standard and the main goal for all people and nations.

Last year we marked the 10th Anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and next year there will be a World Summit on this issue. I would like to take this opportunity to announce the intention of the Republic of Macedonia to sign in a very near future the two Optional Protocols to the Convention, the first one- for involvement of children in armed conflicts and the second- on trafficking of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

I would like to underline that the Republic of Macedonia highly values the continuous commitments of the international community to the respect and promotion of human rights, as well as the persons belonging to national minorities, as one of the imminent indicators of the democratic development of states.

Mr. President,

Before I conclude my Statement, I would like to single out a few issues to which my Government attaches crucial importance. One is the situation in Africa, both political and economic. In one 'word our Organization must do much more to reverse the situation to the better. We, on our part, will do whatever we can. The second issue is the peace process of the Middle East. All efforts should be made to bring it to a successful conclusion. Next, is the financial situation of our organization. All Member States should fulfill their 'obligations. In this effort we should not delay finding new consensus. The last issue concerns the peacekeeping operations which contributed for the affirmation of our Organization on the global scale. This is the right moment for their restructuring and strengthening.

Mr. President,

Many challenges await us in the 21^st century. Our obligation is to make the world a better and happier place to live in. In the realization of that aim, the United Nations has a significant place and role. The significance and existence of our universal Organization lie in its skillfulness to adapt itself to the real situations, but also to the future challenges.

We expect this year's Millennium Assembly to contribute to the realization of this aim. I would like to assure you of the Republic of Macedonia's contribution to its successful fulfillment.

Thank you.

BY