Skopje, 31 August 2021 (MIA) – The historic decision made on September 8, 1991, made by the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia at the time, who voted for independence and sovereignty, was a courageous and resolute act of facing the historic circumstances, and an expression of strong faith in the perspective for a new beginning, a better life and a better future in an independent country, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev told Tuesday’s formal session on the 30th anniversary of the country’s independence. “Our responsibility and sacred duty was to preserve the Macedonian identity. Not only did we preserve it, but we affirmed it and strengthened it. For all times, Macedonians and the Macedonian language are a part of the treasure trove of the people and languages of the world, and nobody is denying this,” said Zaev. The independence referendum, he added, clearly determined our future, with 95% of votes in favor. The voter turnout was an astonishing 72%. Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, Romani, Vlachs, Bosnians, all stood together and preserved the peace in the country, declaring the country as independent. “The next step was to create an army, monetary independence and instating a national currency, international recognition of the country, solving the internal conflict, achieving the strategic commitments to NATO and EU membership. Next, we faced political crises that got dramatic expressions and threats to the institutional system and constitutional order, building and renewing of democracy and reinstatement of freedom, and many other societal engagements of many citizens of North Macedonia. All these were tests of maturity - some of them passed by previous generations, and some of them passed by us,” PM Zaev said. He noted that all the statesmen and government members who are no longer with us will be always remembered and honored for their contribution to the country’s independence and building the  country according to modern democratic values. “It’s crystal clear today that we’re fulfilling our ancestors’ oath who spent centuries affirming and defending the Macedonian identity. We made this centuries-long dream of our ancestors come true. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all citizens - Albanians, Turks, Vlachs, Serbs, Roma, Bosnians and all other ethnic communities, for showing camaraderie and brotherly understanding, and supporting their fellow citizens Macedonians. This support, this understanding of defense and protection of the Macedonian identity is of crucial significance for building a unified society – our society, authentic, unique, civil. These bridges we build are the lifeblood of our mutual trust,” the PM said. According to him, Independence Day – September 8, will be remembered as the day we united to set our strategic pathways and trace a path to democratic development, filled with mutual understanding, prosperity and welfare. The important strategic signs on this road were NATO and the EU. “Today, North Macedonia affirms its independence in NATO, the most powerful military-security Alliance, and as a candidate for membership in the EU, the strongest economic union in the world. We built the Republic of North Macedonia as an open, just and stable land of opportunities on several strong pillars: the pillar of the rule of law, the pillar of economic growth, the pillar of society and institutions as service for the citizens, and the pillar of one society for all. We took the best heritage from the past and we’re creating a state with a certain European future. A future for North Macedonia with more hope, welfare and prosperity for all its citizens, free of the fears and prejudice of the past. That’s our contribution for future generations,” Zaev stressed. He said in key moments, when historical issues were resolved, the citizens of our country and the responsible political leaders reached great decisions, and they truly made the right choices. According to Zaev, valuable lessons have been learned in the time since the Anti-fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM) was formed 77 years ago, and in the 30 years of independence, and one of the most important lessons is the one for the preservation and nurturing of democracy. “Today, when we’re celebrating 30 years of independence, North Macedonia is deeply attached to the European project. We have a lively, dynamic society, in which we should all invest in order for it to develop constantly. The citizens of our country are actively connected to civil values, and they’ve proven this clearly. Divisions and arguments over party or nationalist interests, or interests that clash with our strategies have brought nothing good for anybody, nor will they in the future. That’s why we will always have the upper hand on anyone who tries to divide the people, bring bad blood between brothers and friends, and spread hatred and discord, because we stand for cohesion and unification, prosperity and future. We’re building a society where everyone is valued equally,” the PM said. First Deputy PM and Minister of Political System Artan Grubi said that he’s doubting whether the Albanian citizens were right not to participate at the referendum that brought independence and sovereignty to the country 30 years ago. “The Albanians were all for independence. But, this doubt created opportunity to enter any alliances with the sovereign countries of former Yugoslavia, something we couldn’t consider as an option. From the comfort of today, we can say that the elite of the time should have directly participated in the referendum that caused Yugoslavia to break up, and maybe this solidarity would’ve enabled a mutual understanding and the bringing of a modern, multiethnic Constitution that would’ve enabled equality without majorization in the decision,” Grubi said. Such doubt, he added, made us live next to one another but not with one another, not to believe in each other or scare our citizens for political benefits. “These doubts lost us a decade of opportunities. In 2001, we understood in the hardest way what I often say that the loyalty of the citizen towards his country is measured with the loyalty of the country towards its citizen. But, all the agreements and misunderstandings are now a part of a common story of our country’s path since the independence. We chose dialogue, equality and cohabitation together on the pillars of the referendum and the independence declaration, and the Ohrid Framework Agreement. We also determined our path towards NATO and the EU with our friendship with our neighboring countries. That’s why the Friendship Treaty and the Prespa Agreement are inseparable pieces of the mosaic that made us a NATO member and trusted partner. In these important moments at the 30th anniversary since the independence, the Ohrid Agreement, the Prespa Agreement and the Friendship Treaty are the foundations of the country. I am convinced that the people who are against these agreements are against the country itself,” the Deputy PM said. He added that the existential and key challenges in these three decades have been overcome with the bravery of the political leaders and the unshakable will of the citizens. That’s why, he said, we have a mutual, joint natural action serving towards increasing the living standard, the fight against corruption and organized crime, non-selective justice, economic development, jobs, quality health and education, presenting a green agenda and ultimately fulfilling our generation’s mission – EU membership. “This past 30 years, as brief or as long as they may be, taught us that nothing is impossible when we build a future together based on mutual respect and equality, valuing our differences and diversity as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, setting up an open and honest dialogue. Together we are truly stronger,” Grubi told the formal session on the Independence Day. dk/nn/