The delegation of the EACM, led by the Vice President Mr. Ismet Ramadani attended the General Assembly of the Atlantic Treaty Association in Rome, from 3rd to 6th February 2013.

The leadership of YATA Macedonia, consisting of Mr. Ilija Djugumanov, Mrs. Stefanija Madzoska and Mr. Jordan Tasev also attended these meetings.

During the discussions, Mr. Ramadani raised the question regarding the debate for NATO - EU relations and the debate for Macedonia’s sooner integration in both NATO and the EU. He gave firm support to the bigger inclusion of Serbian representatives in the ATA.

This year’s YATA General Assembly was very important because many significant processes were initiated, especially at the YATA General Assembly. On initiative of Mr. Ilija Djugumanov, the first working group within YATA International was established (“YATA South-Eastern European Working Group”) and Joint Declaration was signed by seven countries (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia and Turkey) and the YATA International. This South-East European Working Group (SEE WG) was initiated on the previous General Assembly in Tirana in 2011. It was modified during the YATA Management and Leadership Seminar and presented on the ATA Spring Council Meeting.

Furthermore, on this General Assembly the president of YATA Macedonia, Mr. Ilija Djugumanov was elected Vice President for Public Diplomacy of the YATA International and now he is part of the YATA International Executive Board, along with five other members.

On this General Assembly there were representatives from more than 40 countries.

The venue of the event is the NATO Defense College in Rome.

Еnclosed find the Joint declaration on the establishment of the “YATA South-Eastern European Working Group”.

Joint declaration on the establishment of the “YATA South-Eastern European Working Group”