Mr.Secretry General,

Your Excellencies,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are at the dawn of the 21^st century, a century that holds much promises and hope for all of humanity, but also holds many challenges. Some of these challenges are old. Poverty, war, tyranny and disease have always been against us. At the same time, some of these challenges are rather new, such as globalization and the protection of our environment. We ought to create level playing fields in order for the benefits of globalization to be accessible to all nations and individuals. The fair access to financial resources, knowledge and technology will give everyone the chance to benefit. At the same time, and now, more than ever before, we must cooperate to protect our global environment. What we do here and now, will be recorded in history.

In this new millennium, when countries and peoples are being rapidly brought together by globalization, the UN has the responsibility to promote efficient world integration and foster interdependence. For the UN to be successful in the 21st century, all members must be fully committed to the founding principles, as well as to new challenges that include reform of this body.

The Republic of Macedonia takes great pride in its role and contribution to the successful realization of the UN mission.

What can a state the size of the Republic of Macedonia do to support the UN in the new millennium as boldly described in, "We the peoples" - the Role of the UN in the 21st century?

First, the Republic of Macedonia will continue to preserve its dignity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Second, the Republic of Macedonia pledges to continue strengthening its democracy. We will not permit authoritarian leaders to strangle democracy by fanning the flames of nationalism and hindering political and economic reforms. We must continue to develop a strong civil society that is the basis for prosperity.

Third, the Republic of Macedonia pledges to continue to fight for human rights. We proved our commitment to this noble cause by sheltering 360,000 refugees during the Kosovo crisis. Only strong democratic states, which ensure all members of minorities that they are equal citizens, can achieve full integration in their societies.

Fourth, the Republic of Macedonia pledges to continue to fight trafficking with weapon, women and drugs.

Fifth, the Republic of Macedonia is committed to reforms that further a market economy, thus providing a higher living standard for everyone. Specifically, this means providing access to capital, technology and knowledge to everyone.

Our most important contribution to the UN has been our continued support for conflict prevention measures since 1993, when the first-ever preventive force was deployed in my country, and later on with the close cooperation with the UN agencies involved in the Kosovo crisis. In addition, the Republic of Macedonia has always supported UN sanctions. Even though they have hurt us in the past, they were justified by the long-term stability that they are now providing.

Finally, Macedonia pledges to be a positive forc e in rebuilding and uniting Southeastern Europe. This task will require fostering law and order, creating strong democracies, rebuilding infrastructure, encouraging free trade and strengthening economies. Ultimately, our goal is simple to join Euro structures to take our rightful place in Europe.

My Fellow Presidents and Excellencies,

I welcome the Secretary-General's endeavor to meet today's challenges and at the same time I make an appeal to all members to support these goals.

Besides a united effort by all states, reforming the UN will require strengthening countries from within, as well as through more active mutual cooperation among countries. Reforming the UN will also require sharing common rules and values and it will have to include NGO's, the private sector and multilateral agencies.

In conclusion, I would like to quote our first UN Secretary General, Dag Hammarskjold, who said that, "...no life is more satisfactory than one of selfless service to your country or humanity. This service requires a sacrifice of all personal interests, but likewise the courage to stand up unflinchingly for your convictions".

With Hammarskjold's definition of service, let us defeat the HIV virus, build digital bridges, strengthen international law and defend our ecosystem. All of this will not be accomplished in the near future. Nor will we achieve it in our lifetimes. But let us begin.

My Fellow Presidents and Excellencies,

The Secretary General has called us to action. Let us take up the new and old challenges for the betterment of the people we serve. Not because it is politically beneficial, but because it is the right thing to do!

-----