22nd February 2017 Skopje, North Macedonia
Ahead of my visit to Macedonia
Since the UK voted to leave the European Union, I am often asked the same question by the people I meet overseas: What does this mean for my country? Every time my answer is the same, the UK will be leaving the European Union, but we are not leaving Europe.
On my first visit to Macedonia, I want to take this message with me. Our commitment to the Western Balkans is unwavering. The Foreign Secretary has made this clear during his recent visit, as did the Prime Minister during her Global Britain speech. Now I’m here to reinforce that commitment.
I understand that my visit comes at a particularly crucial moment in Macedonian politics as your political parties work to form a government. I know that your recent elections were inconclusive. On no account will the UK interfere in what are your affairs, not ours. I am coming to Macedonia to hear from the leaders of all of your political parties and to set out one clear and simple message: the UK is a great friend of Macedonia and we will continue to support any Macedonian government to bring about essential reforms.
Every country is different and the policies and actions taken by the Macedonian Government are for the people of Macedonia to decide. We care deeply about the democratic values shared by both of our countries and we will continue to support Macedonia to be a stable, secure and prosperous partner. You have chosen NATO and EU membership as the best strategic path for the country, and I am very much in agreement. The EU and NATO accession path is fundamental for Macedonia’s stability, security and prosperity.
Overcoming the barriers to membership will require determination, political resolve and no doubt some very difficult decisions. It will require Macedonia’s politicians to rise above the differences that have created the current political crisis, and focus instead on democracy and the necessary reforms required to take the country forward. These reforms are crucial to create jobs and growth.
Democracy can’t exist without transparency and such openness is not intended to threaten or undermine politicians and public officials. Rather, it helps us act as representatives of our people. It is also true that you cannot embrace democratic values without a vibrant and vigilant civil society and a judicial system that is independent of political influence.
During my visit I look forward to hearing views from political leaders and civil society. I hope they will be open about the challenges they face and I am confident we will have genuine, progressive discussions about what we can do together to overcome them.
I know that I can only meet a tiny fraction of society during my visit. So I’d like to ask you to add to my understanding by responding with your thoughts. Let me know how you would describe your country today – and what you would change if you could.
Sir Alan your visit is of course welcome. As a UK citizen frequently in the Republics of Macedonia and Kosovo over the last two decades, I have noted the mainly quiet influence of UK diplomacy standing in marked contrast to that of some other nations, to an extent reflecting the high quality of the embassy staffs. You are absolutely right to say that we should not get involved in matters which depend on the democratic wishes of the people of RM. The rule of law deriving from Magna Carta is a proud English legacy to the world including RM, where some further influence is yet needed. As a 100% supporter of Brexit over time, I am doubtful that RM will benefit from membership of a failing EU, and that is not our concern now anyway, but agree that the country should have been accepted into NATO years ago. Can I suggest that apart from assisting with improving the rule of law you concentrate on two issues which are of great concern: visa-free travel – it is both expensive and bureaucratically a nightmare for RM citizens; improving links between RM and UK educational institutions which are affected to a large extent by the business model adopted by the latter?
Thank you Sir Alan Duncan for taking time to visit us here in Macedonia.
How would I describe it?
A wonderfull gem, full of history and nice people.
What would I change?
THE FUNDING OF NGO`s.
The people in charge of NGO`s have destroyed civil society here in Macedonia.
Only the ones that are close and support the ex-communist party SDSM get the grants.
Pretty much like in Kosovo:
http://balkanist.net/balkanist-recommends-bourgeois-scum-ngos-in-kosovo/
What kind of an CIVIL SOCIETY are we talking about when the same people organize and campaign for a party(SDSM)?
There are people that love Macedonia,and want to help,people that want to do something for our prosperity and future.
Unfortunately since they dont care about political parties- their projects cant even see the light of day.
If you can help,please MAKE THEM DO AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT for the received grants.
Sir Duncan,
I’m an AUSTRALIAN journalist of Macedonian ancestry who has covered the BALKANS beat over 20 years plus media trips to Iraq and Afghanistan and a former AUSTRALIAN soldier in East Timor.
I wanted to bring to your attention that there are some people in Macedonia who crazily want to return the country to defacto Serb-Yugoslavist control which would spark certain civil war. These people paradoxically also use the “Albanian rights” issue as a political wedge against Macedonians.
It’s truly alarming.
Link:
http://teamuzunovmedia.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/macedonia-back-to-federation.html?m=1
Good post Minister maybe the United Kingdom can encourage and promote the Westminster system and or institutions of the Westminster system in the region?