“Distinguished citizens of the Republic of Macedonia,

             Today, the International Court of Justice in The Hague announced its decision regarding the Application that the Republic of Macedonia filed against the Hellenic Republic for violation of Article 11 paragraph 1 of the Interim Accord signed by the two countries in 1995.

                The proceedings were officially instituted in November 2008, after Greece blocked our accession to the NATO at the Bucharest Summit.

            I am pleased to conclude that the Court found the Application justified, and decided to accept the Application of the Republic of Macedonia, i.e. adopted a decision according to which the Hellenic Republic did violate Article 11 Paragraph 1 of the Interim Accord, thus unjustifiably hindering the accession of our country in the NATO.

The decision is positive for the Republic of Macedonia, and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia and all the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, we hereby express our gratitude to the Court for respecting the arguments of law and justice.

At the same time, the Court rejected all objections by Greece on the key points, as well as all their submissions.

The Court also addressed the two objections, as well as the issues of jurisdiction and admissibility of the Application, whereby: 

1. The Court declared itself competent in this case and did not uphold the objections submitted by Greece (quote: The Court concludes that it has jurisdiction over the dispute and that the Application is admissible);
2. The Court decided that Greece failed to comply with Article 11 of the Interim Accord and thus hindered the integration of our country in the NATO, something that it was not supposed to do in light of the Accord (quote: the Court concludes that the Respondent failed to comply with its obligation under Article 11, paragraph 1, of the Interim Accord)   
3. Deliberating on the possible legal remedies for this violation or breach, the Court finds that it is not necessary to oblige Greece not to repeat the same act of violation in future, since it expects and presumes that the country (Greece) will act in good faith, or in other words, the Court expects and presumes that Greece shall not repeat an act that the Court has already found wrongful (quote: As to possible remedies for such a violation, the Court finds that a declaration that the Respondent violated its obligation not to object to the Applicant’s admission to or membership in NATO is warranted. Moreover, the Court does not consider it necessary to order the Respondent, as the Applicant requests, to refrain from any future conduct that violates its obligation under Article 11, paragraph 1, of the Interim Accord. As the Court previously explained, “[a]s a general rule, there is no reason to suppose that a State whose act or conduct has been declared wrongful by the Court will repeat that act or conduct in the future, since its good faith must be presumed”).

In light of the above, we can conclude that the Court supported us in all three objections, although at first glance it seemed that its decision on the third objection was more to the benefit of Greece.

Furthermore, what is exceptionally important is that the Court stated that Macedonia can use its constitutional name in international organizations when referring to itself.

Otherwise, of all claims by Greece for alleged breaches of the Interim Accord by our side, the Court found only one single instance in 2004 when this was the case, but stating that this was corrected that same year, making Greece’s remark irrelevant. 

What is also of importance for us is the conclusion of the Court that in the process of overcoming the name difference, Macedonia participated in good faith and showed a degree of openness, especially in the months prior to the Bucharest Summit.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Republic of Macedonia shall respect this decision in its entirety and according to international law – this is our obligation and our sincere belief. 

According to international law, this decision implies that Greece shoul refrain from any further objection to the accession of the Republic of Macedonia to the NATO or other international organizations and institutions. We have the right to hope that third countries, members of these organizations will take this decision into consideration; having in mind the fact that rule of law is one of the central values of the families we strive to become part of.

This decision provides a new positive impetus in the ambiance of moving forward in overcoming the name difference and eliminating the blockage imposed on the Republic of Macedonia. The decision is also a proof that the Interim Accord is alive, that it has a legal force now internationally verified by the Court of Justice, accepted by both signatories and guaranteed by the United Nations, and that it should be observed by all entities it concerns and which have had their role in its creation, in line with international law and universal values and principles. It is the fundamental document providing legal security, which proved itself useful in the management of processes and relations between the two countries so far, and it is only in this light that it should be interpreted.

The Republic of Macedonia is interested in enabling progress in its relations with Greece, and marking progress in our European and Euro-Atlantic integration. I believe that it is not the time and place to be triumphalistic or euphoric, although some might say that there is a serious basis for this, and I urge all citizens to respect this position.  This is not a decision to be interpreted from the point of view of winners and losers, and no one should act as such, because Greece is our neighbor and it is of exceptional importance to see the development of our relations through the prism of mutual respect, cooperation, trust, partnership and appreciation. Now is the time to move on with a responsible attitude, which has been our feature for two decades already, ever since the beginning of this dispute, in the spirit of European values, with a helping hand, as friends. We are ready to work together with Greece on the realization of the Agenda 2014 which they promoted as a basis for integration of Balkan countries in the European Union. Integration of the Republic of Macedonia in the European Union and NATO should be seen as a joint success, i.e. as a success of the region.

In the forthcoming period, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia will take all necessary measures and activities for promotion of our, common and regional interest, having in mind the arguments arising from the position of the International Court of Justice in The Hague and their importance for both countries, their coherence and effectiveness, as well as for building good neighborly relations of respect and cooperation, with an essential promotion of relations with the Hellenic Republic in the spirit of friendship, regional stability and development. We will continue implementing all Copenhagen criteria and achieving European standards. 

Apart from this decision, we are dedicated to continue the talks for finding a mutually acceptable and sustainable solution to the name dispute, under the auspices of the United Nations and using the good offices of Mr. Matthew Nimetz, as well as undertaking measures for building confidence between the two countries through direct meetings and contacts between leaders, but also upgrading existing relations through specific confidence building measures. This decision is in no way an obstacle – on the contrary, it provides an additional positive momentum towards finding a decision for the open issue blocking our European and Euro-Atlantic integration. 

The decision is a stimulus for the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions and the international standards, and a motivation for continuous improvement and reform of our society in order to reach the level of development necessary to our integration and to the development of relations with our neighbors.

The decision is positive, useful, and I believe that, is seen and affirmed from the right point of view, it provides a basis to improve relations and strengthen the cooperation with Greece regarding issues of common and regional interest.

We will approach it with responsibility, in view of promoting common interest.

            Thank you