Skopje, 24 September 2022 (MIA) – The citizens of North Macedonia deserve the largest credit because they have waited for this moment for too long. I understand why they feel frustrated and tired on this long road to Europe. However, we have no other alternative for a better living standard, said Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski in his address at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday. PM Kovachevski said that despite all difficulties, the European Union is still the best option for the country. “We simply have neither the possibility nor the privilege to give up now. Now is the right time to move ahead with full steam. North Macedonia’s EU membership is of essential importance for the EU itself, especially amid the new global circumstances,” said Kovachevski and added that the Euro-integration path of the Western Balkans must be secured as contribution to European peace. He said North Macedonia is focusing on solutions through unity in challenges that know no state borders, ethnic, linguistic, religious and other differences. “We are all in the same boat and there is no other choice but to show solidarity to one another and be unified in the defense and promotion of the fundamental values – freedom and peace in the world. Peace is achieved through compromise but preserved through mutual understanding,” said Kovachevski. The PM also referred to the Russian invasion in Ukraine, saying it is concerning that the aggression comes from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, attempting to resolve a challenge through violence. According to him, showing strength to a geographically smaller country determined to share democratic values is an unacceptable precedent. “Strength lies in unity. The world is learning this lesson that we can do more together than alone amid unexpected circumstances, first with the pandemic and now with the cruel war in Ukraine. The democratic world needs unity,” said PM Kovachevski. He also spoke of the disrupted food distribution across the globe, the refugee wave caused by the Ukraine conflict, as well as climate change and natural disasters caused by it. “North Macedonia’s goal is peace. We are a country which has learned that friendship depends on unity. Our country is a model of a multiethnic democracy in the region and the world, a significant partner of the EU and NATO allies,” underlined Kovachevski. The PM’s address marked the conclusion of the visit of the Government delegation at the 77th UNGA session themed “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges”.