We must never forget the sacrifices our predecessors made so that North Macedonia is today a country recognized by the international community, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Sunday, at the main event on occasion of National Uprising Day, held in Kumanovo.
Kumanovo is a city of heroes, he added, because of who we now have a patriotic duty to create a just society. October 11, marks the start of the fight against fascism, repression and injustice.
Our membership to the UN, the PM stressed, is a confirmation of the Macedonian identity and language, which is now used in international institutions. Moment like these affirm European and democratic values which we must continue to cherish to secure international integration.
North Macedonia has signed the Friendship Treaty with Bulgaria and the Prespa Agreement with Greece, which helped it become a success story and change the narrative in Balkans.
“These decisions resulted in [North Macedonia] acquiring full-fledged NATO membership and getting a green light to start EU accession talks, as well as building partnerships with neighbors,” the PM noted.
Regarding NATO accession, he added that the country has become a crucial factor for stability in the region and will never again find itself isolated. In the past three years, disputes were resolved and now it’s time to focus on justice and discipline, Zaev underlined, calling on all stakeholders to contribute to building a strong justice system.
He noted that the country faces uncertainty as the fight against the pandemic carries on and intensifies.
“This is our current struggle. We are faced with an invisible enemy that we have to fight it together,” the PM stressed.
He also discussed anti-crisis measures, aimed to protect vulnerable members of society, save jobs and help hard-hit sectors.
Beside the pandemic, Zaev added, the country is also fighting fake news, which he said are as dangerous as the virus and called on the opposition to give up on party interests and act responsibly.
“This country was established the fight for justice and equality. It’s a country of equal citizens, who are stronger together and can overcome any challenge. Now, we have the opportunity to tread confidently the European path. It’s an opportunity that we can’t miss,” the PM told the event.
Kumanovo mayor Maksim Dimitrievski also addressed the event and paid his respects to anti-fascist revolutionaries who set the country’s foundations.
North Macedonia marked on Sunday National Uprising Day. The main event on occasion of the holiday was held in Kumanovo and started with flower-laying ceremony at the Memorial Ossuary, in line with protocols.
PM Zaev was accompanied at the event by a government delegation including Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski, Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jagoda Shahpaska, Minister of Transport and Communications Blagoj Bochvarski, and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Naser Nuredini.
Parliamentary delegation, as well as one of the Army, the diplomatic corps, etc. also took part in the wreath-laying ceremony.
