North Macedonia is celebrating its 32nd independence anniversary, marking the nation’s break from former Yugoslavia. The United States has commended Skopje’s significant strides towards ensuring prosperity for its citizens.
North Macedonia’s journey to independence began with a referendum held on September 8, 1991. In this historic vote, over 95% of the electorate declared their desire for an independent and sovereign state.
It’s important to note that the referendum was boycotted by the Albanian population in North Macedonia, who were advocating for equal representation in the new state. They believed that North Macedonia was being shaped as a monoethnic entity that didn’t reflect its multicultural character.
The refusal to address their concerns led to an armed conflict in 2001. This conflict finally came to an end with the signing of the Ohrid Agreement. Subsequently, North Macedonia amended its Constitution to advance the rights of its Albanian minority.
North Macedonian President Stevo Pendarovski, in his Independence Day message, shifted the focus to recent developments, affairs, and power abuses. He argued that these issues “eroded trust in institutions, devalued the state, and disappointed those who had fought for a democratic state serving its citizens”.
President Pendarovski stated, “The consequences of these abuses are felt most keenly by students in education, the sick in healthcare, the impoverished, and the youth. Solidarity and empathy have increasingly given way to selfishness and apathy. It’s time to demonstrate our practical capabilities, not just through words, and address the serious challenges we face during this lengthy transition.”
Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski spoke in his message about the country’s European integration aspirations. He expressed that “the dreams of those who laid the foundations for independence, as well as those of future generations, would be realized through the completion of North Macedonia’s European integration”.
Kovačevski stated, “Through rational and courageous decisions, our country achieved independence peacefully while maintaining unity. We’ve joined the United Nations, overcome armed conflict, become a NATO member, and initiated negotiations with the European Union. European integration for us means higher incomes, more job opportunities, improved infrastructure, and stronger support for local businesses. Our citizens want to live in a modern country that is part of the European Union.”
As North Macedonia commemorates its 32nd year of independence, its leaders have received congratulatory messages from world leaders.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his message, underscored the United States’ support for deepening partnership relations, fostering prosperity, and facilitating North Macedonia’s integration into the EU while promoting the rule of law.
Blinken stated, “The United States supports North Macedonia’s ongoing reforms for European integration and strengthening relations with its European neighbors. North Macedonia has made significant progress in ensuring the well-being of all its citizens while facing global challenges. We stand with you in your efforts to uphold the rule of law and look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.”
