Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Address of the President Veljanoski on the occasion of marking the tenth anniversary of the demise of the President of the Republic of Macedonia Boris Trajkovski
Distinguished attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,
10 years have gone by since 26 February 2004, the day when the President Boris Trajkovski tragically lost his life. His close associates also lost their lives in the accident: Dimka Ilkovska – Boshkovik, Risto Blazevski, Anita Lozanovska, Mile Krstevski, Boris Velinov, Ace Bozinovski as well as the pilots Marko Makrovski and Branko Ivanovski.
Today, 10 years later, we remember them; feel the pain, the loss for their families and their beloved.
Distinguished,
„DON’T LET THE HATRED CONTROL YOUR LIFE. WE HAVE TO BE UNIFIED TO DEFEAT THE EVIL. WE HAVE TO BE UNITED IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST ANY TYRANNY, SINCE THIS FIGHT DOES NOT GIVE SECOND CHANCES”
These are words told by the President Boris Trajkovski which perfectly reflect his character.
Character casted of integrity and goodness.
Character forged in principle stance and persistence, mark and strong weapon of the greats and true leaders.
These blessings of his character and leadership, can best be seen in the crucial moments for our state.
In moments when people and political elites were hotheads, he was the voice of reason.
When many, guided by the turbulences called for divisions, he called for peace and unity.
When many used faith for division and definition of different sides, he used it for the unity of all citizens underlining that Macedonia has room for everyone.
Confronting those who remarked his moderation and alleged excessive leniency, he responded with the words: “NEVER UNDERESTIMATE OR MOCK PEACE.”
This message, today, is a constant reminder of his deeds.
This message underlines the true function of a statesman and the meaning of a responsible leader, but above all, the meaning of a good man.
Dear friends,
Today, in honor of his memory, the meaning of this message, we, as our testament, have to bridge and apply in our new reality as well as in the developments of this time, so that we will be consistent with his deeds.
Boris Trajkovski was indeed President of all citizens of this state.
He always reaffirmed and underlined this.
In a message, he unambiguously expressed his pledge “MY INTENTION IS TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF ALL CITIZENS OF MACEDONIA, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS BELONGING, REGARDLESS OF THEIR POLITICAL AFFILIATION. I SHALL NOT ALLOW THE ETHNIC HATRED AND INTOLERANCE TO UNDERMINE THE STABILITY OF MACEDONIA.”
His efforts, as one of the most important unifying factor in Macedonia during the ratification of the Ohrid Agreement, as well as his efforts for the implementation thereof, not forgetting the conditions under which it was adopted, and constantly supporting the debate and discussion for its more effective implementation, send a clear message which reflects his vision for inclusive Macedonia.
A message which should remind us all, that no state can persist divided; that every day, each one of us, regardless if one is politician, officer or common citizen; regardless if one is Christian or Muslim, Macedonian, Albanian, Roma, Turk or Vlach should strive for unity.
Every one of us should be dedicated to the improvement of our motherland, Macedonia.
On one occasion, Boris Trajkovski will say: "THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA IS BEING BUILT ON DEMOCRATIC IDEALS AND VALUES, NOT ON ETHNIC GROUPS. THOSE IDEALS AND VALUES INCLUDE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES, LANGUAGE AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, RELIGIOUS RIGHTS, AND POLITICAL PROCESSES."
Today, 10 years after his tragic untimely demise, we can conclude that we remain consistent to this vision.
Boris sincerely believed in Macedonia and in the capacities of each citizen.
Trajkovski was proud of our motherland.
With his immediacy, wisdom, simplicity, modesty and dignity personified the values of our state in the world.
Because of these values he was appreciated by the most powerful and influential leaders in the world.
It is well known that Trajkovski cherished close, humane and friendly relations with some of the world leaders, who, in him, recognized man of moral, man who can be trusted.
Distinguished attendees,
President Trajkovski, in his four - year mandate could be seed among the most prominent and powerful people in the world, but in the same time among the most grounded and modest people.
His humanity and versatility made him feel comfortable among Kings and Queens, Ministers and Presidents of great and powerful states, not forgetting, even for a moment, his people and origin.
That is why, often, after a meeting with dignitaries or a visit of a world capitol, he could be seen with the towns people from Macedonia, men and women working in the factories, Macedonian agriculture workers.
Many people who had the opportunity to work with him or to know him and spend time with him during the years of his Presidential mandate whiteness that he tirelessly promoted the Macedonian interests in the international community, through his personal connections.
Conveying the condolences for the early and tragic demise of the President, a Congressman said” BORIS TRAJKOVSKI ALWAYS STOOD FOR WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS RIGHT, MORAL AND JUST, EVEN IN THE MOMENTS WHEN HE WAS FACED WITH GREAT OPPOSITION”
This once again confirms his unbreakable integrity and overall dedication to the state interests.
He never hesitated to restlessly lobby for the support of his country.
Ladies and gentlemen,
During the mandate of Boris Trajkovski, Macedonia felt the renaissance in the international relations. Namely, our strategic relations and partnership with USA, as well as other Western European states and other world international organizations were improved.
The great respect he enjoyed from the representatives of the international community was evident with the attendance of over 60 foreign delegations, who expressed their deepest sorrow at his funeral in Skopje.
The international community appreciated this man while he was alive, while, unfortunately, back then, blinded by the daily politics, unable to see the bigger picture, we needed such a tragic event to unite us together, citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, of all nationalities, religions, political affiliation, to realize and understand his message, his efforts and his great, essential to our state, role, which he, played successfully.
10 years have passed by since Macedonia and the world lost an important political persona which equally cared for his people but also for other people. A person who invested himself in the success of Macedonia and made efforts for new and better world.
The political engagement, humanity and dedication are the attributes which engraved President Trajkovski in the memory and remembrance of the citizens of Macedonia.
With his personal marks and character he became a symbol which is equally appreciated and loved by all the citizens of our state regardless of our national, religious or political affiliation.
Boris is the bright momentum of the newer Macedonian history.
Epitome of a system of values, worth standing for and being followed.
Because of this, and much more, he remains the person, whose heritage will determine the meaning of the Macedonian politics in the future.
Macedonia will demonstrate that it can appreciate the positive values and will continue to walk the path of democracy and mutual respect, just as Boris Trajkovski did.
„BORIS WAS NOT BROUGHT UP WITH THE DESIRE TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA “, a friend of his said, but Boris was President and he will be remembered of good. President mentioned of good by the generations to come.
He had far–reaching vision for the state and the region.
He dedicated attention to different and significant topics, but love, forgiveness and reconciliation prevailed in his messages.
Boris Trajkovski lived to bring people closer to each other.
He had hope for the future.
Today, when we mark 10 years from the demise of the President Boris Trajkovski, we remember and share the sorrow with his beloved; family; spouse and children, we seek solace for the sorrow and pain in his fulfilled life, in the dedication to the family, love and understanding for the friends, the good will and the steadfast patriotism President Trajkovski lived with.
He left an example.
He obliged us to follow the path which means selfless dedication to ones’ own state.
To unite different people with different background and opinion – this was the intention of the President Trajkovski. To understand each other and to become one. To share the idea and the value of the peace.
Dear friends,
Allow me to finish with another beautiful quote from the President Trajkovski, which illustrates his emotional state for the country, sacrifice and his undisputed leadership: "I AM CONSIDERING TWO THINGS ON A DAILY BASIS: WHAT IS RIGHT TO DO AND WHAT IS WRONG TO DO IN MY ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF MY PEOPLE. ACCORDING TO MY CONSCIENCE, I AM TRYING TO ABIDE BY THE RIGHT. MY VISION IS PEACE. MY VISION IS PROSPERITY. IN CASES WHEN I NEED TO ADOPT HARD DECISIONS ON BEHALF OF MY CITIZENS, I ALWAYS TRY TO SUSTAIN PEACE. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME. I BELIEVE THAT IF YOU ARE MAN OF VISION, THEN YOU ARE DESTINED FOR SUCCESS. I HAVE TO BRING ALL THE CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA TOWARDS PEACE AND PROSPERITY. I HAVE TO LEAD ALL CITIZENS TOWARDS MY VISION, REGARDLESS OF HOW MISUNDERSTOOD I AM AT THE MOMENT, OR HOW IRRATIONALLY I AM BEING TREATED. THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT I HAVE A GOAL AND TIME WILL TELL. IF I SUCCEED, IT WILL PROVE THE CORRECTNESS OF MY VISION TO MY CITIZENS, UNTIL THEN I AM READY TO ACCEPT ALL ACCUSATIONS, ALLEGATIONS, ANGER - BUT I HAVE TO SUCCEED."
Today, after 10 years, time proves the correctness of this vision and we will forever be in debt to him for his success.
Today, his successes, victories and efforts are remembered as our victories, our dignity as nation and our hopes are embodied in our memory of his life.
Our democratic determinations and efforts for integration of Macedonia as dignified and proud member of the European Union of nations, as well as the NATO Alliance are engraved in our strategic commitment as his most valuable legacy.
Eternal glory.