United in our fundamental commitment for further development of the Euro-Atlantic integration processes;

Having regard to the importance of the tradition and history of the Republic of Macedonia, the country of the Macedonian nation, as well as of the Albanians, Turks, Roma, Serbs, Vlachs, Bosniaks and the other nationalities living in the Republic of Macedonia;

Pursuant to the Decision of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia from 23 December 1993 on accession of the Republic of Macedonia to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - NATO;

Recalling that Republic of Macedonia, as a partner country since 1995 and a candidate country for NATO membership since 1999, has proved itself as a valuable ally to the Alliance and is prepared to work on the promotion of the common democratic values, stability and wellbeing in the Euro-Atlantic area;

Calling for respect of the international law and the universal values of justice and freedom, as well as for promotion of peace and democracy in the world wherever there is need for that;

United in the common goal of developing the good-neighbourly relations and the relations among the countries in the function of confirmation of the ideas on which the international order established with the foundation of the United Nations is based;

United in the commitment for further development of the principle of cooperation, as the fundamental value of the Euro-Atlantic integration;

Pointing out that NATO membership is of crucial importance for improvement of the security and stability of the Republic of Macedonia; and aware that the membership in NATO will have a positive effect on the business climate and economic growth and development, which will result in better standard of living for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia;

Expressing our respect for the approximately 3,000 men and women of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia that have, since 2002, served in international operations side by side with the soldiers from the member countries of the Alliance;

Strongly convinced that the confirmation and further development of the wide consensus in the country will contribute to the intensification of the Euro-Atlantic integration processes;

Reaffirming the strategic commitment shared by all the political forces and the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, and confirming this commitment with the consensus of the representatives of all the political parties represented in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia for intensification of the Euro-Atlantic integration processes;

Based on Article 4, paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, at its session held on 25 April 2012 the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia adopted the:

DECLARATION

REAFFIRMING THE COMMITMENT FOR REALIZATION OF THE STRATEGIC GOAL OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA FOR NATO MEMBERSHIP

1. Principal strategic interest of the Republic of Macedonia is membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), for which there is wide social consensus and support from the citizens;

2. The integration of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO is the key political commitment, intention and goal shared by all the political parties, social factors and citizens that with their activities bear the responsibility and contribute to the dynamics and quality of the realization of this process;

3. We call on respect of the NATO open door policy that is the basis of the Alliance, reiterating that the country has fulfilled all the criteria and conditions for membership; we remain committed to the continuation of the reforms and support of the NATO led peacekeeping operations for securing world peace and democracy wherever there is need for that.

4. We appeal for respect of the legitimacy and legality of the United Nations and the bodies established by the world organization, respect of the international law and its principles, and we refer to the ruling of the International Court of Justice in The Hague and the recommendations from this ruling, with the aim of reflecting objectively the circumstances that affect the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, as well of achieving progress on our path and cooperation with the neighbours;

5. We believe that the maintenance of good-neighbourly relations is of vital importance for securing the development of the region and we are fully committed to this strategic priority; we are also dedicated to the continuous development of the mutual cooperation with the neighbours in the interest of the citizens. In view of that, we reiterate our commitment and utmost interest in finding a solution for the name dispute under the auspices of the United Nations, a solution that will not bring harm to anyone.

6. We point out the importance that the region remain in the focus of the NATO enlargement process, and we seek support from the member countries for sending an invitation to the Republic of Macedonia for NATO membership at the forthcoming Summit in Chicago, as well as for start of the accession negotiations with the European Union;

7. We are convinced that the invitation for NATO membership and the beginning of the accession negotiations with the European Union will be strong encouragement to both sides for finding a solution for the differences regarding the constitutional name of the country;

8. Having regard to the crucial importance of the process of Euro-Atlantic integration, we emphasize that it is especially significant that all the political parties should act responsibly and not use this strategic goal for daily political purposes, that they reaffirm the spirit of unity and constructiveness with the aim of achieving the goal of full membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO as soon as possible;

9. Recalling the role of the Republic of Macedonia in the coalition against Fascism, guided by the principles of the Atlantic Charter for self-determination, recognizing the struggle of generations of citizens for organization of the Republic of Macedonia as a Euro-Atlantic, modern state; emphasizing the progress that the country has achieved, and fully aware of the civilizational values of the process of unification of the Euro-Atlantic area, we are committed to further strengthening of the values of the integration  of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO;

10. This declaration shall be forwarded to all the relevant international organizations and institutions;

11.    This declaration shall be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia.

ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA