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Macedonia celebrates 29 years of independence-Pendarovski: A common imperative is to live better in the coming years than we did before

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The Republic of North Macedonia today is celebrating its Independence Day, the 8th of September. This year marks the 29th anniversary since the majority of Macedonian citizens on this day in 1991 voted at a referendum and declared their determination for an independent state, out of the former Yugoslavia’s borders.

In his addressing regarding the state celebration, President Stevo Pendarovski reminded that almost three decades have passed since the majority of citizens voted to live in an independent, free, and democratic Republic of Macedonia.

“Since then we had ups and downs in the fight for democratic values. The path we took at the time wasn’t easy. It demands politicians to make decisions in the interest of citizens, transparent institutions, continuous dialogue between the government and the opposition, a civil society sector that is reviewing the work of any government, and free media that are working in the interest of the public and not under instructions of daily politics or business,” said Pendarovski.

Pendarovski said that this year was very difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The crisis hit all spheres of our lives and left permanent consequences on the ways we work, socialize, the ways our children learn. The pandemic will certainly be with us sometime and will cause additional pressure on the whole society. But, with joint forces and dedicated, hard work, we shall be able to overcome these problems,” said Pendarovski.

He reminded that by resolving the decades’ long name dispute with Greece and the implementation of necessary reforms, the state has become a NATO member, and this year it is expected a formal start of the EU accession negotiations.

“As we start the 30th year of our independence, I expect, You the citizens, to remain vocal and to demand from the politicians to be accountable because we are obliged to work in your interest. A common imperative is to live better in the forthcoming years than we do now. With a lot of work and mutual respect we shall be able to achieve that,” stressed Pendarovski.  

During his addressing, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev stressed that the strive for an independent state is a centuries-long ideal in the Macedonian history.

“The Independence Day, 8th of September 1991, will be remembered as a day when we united to choose our statehood and to choose a path full of mutual understanding, happiness, and prosperity. Important strategic pathways on this road were NATO and the European Union. Today, the Republic of North Macedonia is the 30th member of the North Atlantic Alliance, and is a country on its way towards an EU membership,” stressed the prime minister. Zaev announced that a time is coming of order, justice, and discipline and that the new government will enter into an uncompromising fight with the crime and corruption on all levels.

“That will be the most important story. The laws were passed, and now is the time for their quick and thorough implementation. Those that disobey the law, will face with a law,” said Zaev.

The Independence Day celebration, 8th of September began today morning with a celebration in front of the government’s building and it was organized in accordance with the COVID-19 protocols, with limited number of attendees of government’s representatives, the diplomatic representatives and the media. With the changing of flags at the plateau in front of the government, the Macedonian anthem was intoned, a video message was screened with messages to mark the 29th anniversary of the country’s independence. Earlier, a government and parliamentary delegation laid flowers at the tombs of former presidents Kiro Gligorov and Boris Trajkovski at the Butel graveyard.

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