[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 10, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H985-H990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR UNTIMELY DEATH
OF MACEDONIAN PRESIDENT BORIS TRAJKOVSKI
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 540) expressing the condolences and deepest
sympathies of the House of Representatives for the untimely death of
Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 540
Whereas on February 26, 2004, President Boris Trajkovski of
the Republic of Macedonia was tragically killed in a plane
crash in Bosnia-Herzegovina while he was on his way to an
international investment conference;
Whereas Mr. Trajkovski served Macedonia as Deputy Minister
of Foreign Affairs from December 21, 1998 until he was
inaugurated as President on December 15, 1999;
Whereas Mr. Trajkovski stood up for what he believed was
right and moral, even when he faced opposition within
Macedonia;
Whereas under Mr. Trajkovski's leadership, Macedonia was
one of the first countries to publicly support Operation
Iraqi Freedom and to commit troops to the effort;
Whereas during Macedonia's armed ethnic clashes Mr.
Trajkovski demonstrated his willingness to work with all of
Macedonia's ethnic groups, which helped to prevent a civil
war;
Whereas Mr. Trajkovski was a strong believer in free
markets and worked tirelessly to bring development and
investment to Macedonia;
Whereas under President Trajkovski's leadership, Macedonia
negotiated an agreement with the United States under Article
98 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court,
signed the agreement on June 30, 2003, and ratified the
agreement on October 16, 2003, thereby helping to ensure
United States citizens will not be subject to politically
motivated prosecutions;
Whereas Mr. Trajkovski worked to foster peace for the
entire Balkan region and to integrate Macedonia into the
international community; and
Whereas the death of Mr. Trajkovski is a tragedy for the
people of Macedonia: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the people of the
Republic of Macedonia, the family of President Boris
Trajkovski, and the families of the other crash victims;
(2) expresses its desire for a smooth and orderly
transition of power; and
(3) expresses the solidarity of the people of the United
States with the people of Macedonia and the Macedonian
Government during this tragedy.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).
General Leave
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on H. Res. 540, the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Nebraska?
There was no objection.
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, this Member rises in support of H. Res. 540, as
amended, expressing the condolences and deepest sympathy of the U.S.
House of Representatives upon the death of Macedonian President Boris
Trajkovski. This resolution was introduced by the distinguished
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder).
On February 26, 2004, President Boris Trajkovski of the former
Yugoslav republic of Macedonia was tragically killed in a plane crash
over Bosnia-Herzegovina, while traveling to Moscow to attend a regional
economic conference. He and eight other individuals on the aircraft
died in this tragic accident. This Member understands the official
State funeral was held Friday of last week in Skopje.
President Trajkovski is one of the most important reasons why
Macedonia is making the progress it has made in recent years. President
Trajkovski was an important leader and voice of reason in resolving the
ethnic conflict that was threatening his country 3 years ago and in
implementing the Ohrid peace agreement of August 2001. His leadership
and moderation between opposing sides have been absolutely essential in
creating the conditions for the progress that his government and his
country have made since then.
He worked tirelessly to ensure that democratic values and
institutions would prevail in his country and to bring his country
closer towards full
[[Page H986]]
integration in the Euro-Atlantic institutions. In May of last year, his
country joined Croatia and Albania in signing the Adriatic Charter, an
agreement to commit to reforms and cooperation in order to prepare
these countries for accession into NATO. His country has been a strong
supporter of the international war against terrorism and has
contributed forces to operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
Tragically, his country was scheduled to formally submit its
application to become a candidate for membership in the European Union
last week on February 26, tragic only because that was the very day of
the tragic accident.
Historically, President Trajkovski will be most known for saving his
country from civil war. This resolution recognizes that fact and his
leadership and his importance to his country. This resolution is an
affirmation that the U.S. House of Representatives supports the reforms
that President Trajkovski implemented and the progress that all
Macedonians have made. May the government of Macedonia and the people
of Macedonia continue to follow his example and continue along his path
of reform, progress, peace and democracy.
This Member would like to express his deepest sympathies and
condolences to his family, to his country and to all the Macedonian
people and urge his colleagues in this House to support passage of the
resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in sad and strong support of this resolution. I want to
associate myself with the remarks of my good friend from Nebraska, and
I want to join him and all other Members in offering our deepest
condolences on the tragic death of President Boris Trajkovski, to the
people of Macedonia and to his family. President Trajkovski is survived
by his wife and two children, and I want to extend our expressions of
sympathy to his entire family and to all the citizens of Macedonia.
The Balkans have seen more than their share of turbulence in the past
couple of decades. Macedonia alone has attained independence, wrestled
with economic challenges, overcame ethnic tensions between Macedonian
Slavs and the Albanian minority. Outside of Macedonia, there are still
people in the Balkans who strive to return to their homes to attain
international recognition and to secure their statehood. Our
involvement in the region must continue to be vigorous and effective.
The leadership of President Trajkovski stands out in the Balkan
context. He was a voice for moderation and reason who united his
country and led it on the path of integration with the European Union
and membership in NATO. I was privileged to meet him a little while
ago, with our distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Hyde) to discuss his vision for Macedonia and for the region, and both
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and I were deeply impressed by
his passionate commitment to his people and to building a democratic
society.
Just on the day of this tragic event, a Macedonian delegation was due
to present a Macedonian-EU partnership application to the government of
Ireland which currently holds the presidency of the European Union. I
was pleased to learn that, although the visit of the Macedonian
delegation was cut short by the tragic events, the government of
Macedonia followed through and did submit its application to the
European Union.
{time} 1830
Last year, Madam Speaker, Macedonia signed the U.S. Adriatic Charter,
affirming its commitment to the values and principles of NATO and to
joining the alliance at the earliest possible time. Macedonia has been
a true friend of the United States. It stands with us in the war on
terrorism and has provided troops both in Afghanistan and Iraq.
So today, Madam Speaker, as we honor the memory of President
Trajkovski and mourn his tragic death, we reaffirm the close friendship
and partnership we have with Macedonia and we express our desire that
this relationship grow stronger under the new leadership that the
Macedonian people will soon choose. I am confident that Macedonia will
stay firmly on the path to democracy and integration with the Euro-
Atlantic community, and I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res.
540.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such time as
he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), the sponsor
of the resolution.
(Mr. SOUDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. SOUDER. Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the chairman of the
Subcommittee on Europe, the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter); the
chairman of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Hyde); and the ranking member, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos), for moving this piece of legislation.
Just a few moments ago, we discussed a resolution in support of
Republic Day in India, the world's largest democracy, and a country
with a rich, long tradition and of great importance to the United
States. This resolution addresses a relatively new and small democracy,
the Republic of Macedonia, but also of importance to the United States.
Our friend, the Republic of Macedonia, has just lost its leader. Two
weeks ago, the man many believed would lead Macedonia was tragically
killed in a plane crash. Now, the future of Macedonia is uncertain. The
next president of Macedonia may or may not stay on the course charted
by Mr. Trajkovski. The next president of Macedonia may or may not work
to bring all Macedonians together. The next president may or may not
have the esteem Mr. Trajkovski commanded. I certainly hope the next
president of Macedonia is able to do all of these things.
As is typical in many new democracies behind the old Iron Curtain,
President Trajkovski did not have a long record of public service. In
1997, Mr. Trajkovski became Chief of Office in a local government
administration. In 1988, he was appointed to the post of Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs. In 1999, he was inaugurated president of
the Republic of Macedonia. What Mr. Trajkovski's public service lacked
in longevity, however, it more than made up for in terms of quality and
the impact that his policies and principles will have far into
Macedonia's future.
During Macedonia's ethnic troubles, he realized that peace was better
than war. He reached out to the Albanians and Macedonians alike. As a
Methodist minister in an Orthodox Christian country, establishing
trust, even among his own people, was no small feat. Yet Mr. Trajkovski
brokered a peaceful solution that avoided the further balkanization of
the region. It is a little sea of hope in the midst of much conflict.
In looking forward to the future of his country, President Trajkovski
realized that economic development was the key to the success of
Macedonia. He encouraged investment, free markets, and great
international participation. Indeed, he died on his way to an
international investors conference. President Trajkovski's contribution
to his country's stability and prosperity will not soon be forgotten.
Macedonia worked with the United States in the conflict in Serbia,
letting us base multiple operations there, including camps for those
who had fled Kosovo, with no small risk to the stability in their
country. They are a great friend of the United States, as we have
heard, in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It was my privilege to meet President Trajkovski a number of times,
and he was a dynamic man. But while he was a great leader as president,
he was much more. He was also a good man and a Godly man. He lived his
faith, and it undoubtedly influenced every single decision he made in
his life and in his leadership. As a devoted family man with a wife and
two children, he worked hard to make sure his children had a better
future. I have gotten word that the government of Macedonia is working
to support the Trajkovski family's future needs. Given the contribution
Mr. Trajkovski made to his country, I am glad his family is not
forgotten.
In 1996, Mr. Trajkovski visited the United States in order to study
the
[[Page H987]]
democratic political process. Judging from his presidency, I would say
he learned a great deal. During his time in the United States, he
visited my district. The several thousand strong Macedonian community
of northeast Indiana maintains close ties with friends and relatives of
Macedonia. They are very informed about the political and economic
situation there. With the death of Mr. Trajkovski, I am sure they are
very concerned what the future holds for the homeland.
In recent days, many people have remembered Boris Trajkovski. One
remembrance in particular stands out. In a moving article I am
submitting for the Record, Jason Miko, an American living in Macedonia,
recalls not only President Trajkovski, a powerful leader, but also
Boris Trajkovski, a simple man of the people. I would like to read one
paragraph in closing.
He writes: ``Since thoughts are even now turning to the next
president, it is vital to remember the legacy that Boris leaves. More
than almost any other figure in the Balkans in modern history, he did
the most to bring people together. He was respected by all ethnic
groups and had a vision for this country which was 20 years ahead. He
often talked about rights, together with individual responsibility, the
importance of a civil society together with the need for social
communication. But his most important message was one of
reconciliation, love, and forgiveness.''
Madam Speaker, I submit for the Record the complete article from
which I just read:
[From the Macedonian Vreme, Mar. 2, 2004]
My Friend Boris
(By Jason Miko)
My friend Boris Trajkovski passed away last week. I rarely
called him ``Boris.'' I usually called him ``Mr. President.''
Sometimes, when we prayed, I referred to him as ``my brother,
Boris.'' He wasn't hung up on titles and ceremony and frankly
didn't care what people called him though I know he was a
little bit hurt when some people in Macedonia referred to him
as ``citizen Trajkovski'' during his first year in office. I
think they probably regret that now. They should.
I first met Boris Trajkovski in early 1997. I had moved to
Macedonia in the summer of 1996 and got to know him through
an American friend of mine who had introduced me to a
Macedonian friend of his who knew Boris very well. I honestly
cannot remember the very first time we met, but I will never
forget the last.
He wasn't my president, but over the past seven years, I
came to know Boris as a very dear friend. And while I had the
high honor and privilege of seeing him go from international
secretary in his party to deputy foreign minister to
president, the friendship never changed. We shared a
friendship that transcended disagreements, difficult periods,
and misunderstandings. Boris was always there for me and he
told me about two weeks ago how he loved me. And I know his
love was not limited to his family or friends. He loved his
fellow citizens and his country as much as his family and
friends. He was a big man with a big heart.
When September 11th occurred, his was the third call I
received. The first was from a friend telling me of the
disaster and the second was from my parents in Arizona.
Another time I remember when he asked me to give strong
consideration to hiring a friend of his (long before he was
president), in my organization. I didn't hire his friend, but
that didn't change our friendship.
It is ironic in a way. Since the tragedy last week,
Macedonians of all political stripes and colors, all ethnic
groups, all social classes and all religious groupings have
been in a funk, a state of shock, at the loss. Boris is much
more popular now in death, than he ever was in life. The
international community, too, is still reeling from the loss,
now coming to the full realization of what a treasure we all
had and took for granted. That seems to be the way life works
though.
We've heard many people over the past week talk about Boris
and say he was their friend. I believe most of them are
sincere though I also know that there is, even now, some
political posturing going on. I know that Boris held no
grudges against anyone and even though he could get angry at
people for what they said and did to him, he didn't remain
angry for very long. He was that sort of a man--forgiving,
understanding and loving. It's a shame we are only now
realizing that.
Boris was a rare individual. He stood for what he believed
in and he fought for the values he held dear. He was real,
not phony like some politicians can be. In fact, in many
ways, he wasn't even a politician. I clearly remember, in the
summer of 1999, as the Kosovo crisis was ending and thoughts
were turning to the presidential elections of the fall, the
enthusiasm that people had for him as a candidate. And
truthfully, he hadn't even thought of running for president
himself until ordinary Macedonians started encouraging him to
run. Coming from humble roots in rural Macedonia, he was
truly a man of the people and for the people.
Over the past four plus years of his mandate, Boris was
able to mingle with the highest and mightiest on this earth
and with the most humble. And while he was comfortable in
both situations--with kings and queens, presidents and prime
ministers on the one hand--he enjoyed himself most with
villagers and working men and women of his native Macedonia.
How many other elected officials do you know who have gone
into villages throughout this country speaking with the
common man and woman listening to their hopes, fears and
dreams? I hope that you, as Macedonian citizens, will demand
that of your next president. It is the legacy that Boris
would want.
And since thoughts are even now turning to the next
President, it is vital to remember the legacy that Boris
leaves. More than almost any other figure in the Balkans in
modern history, he did the most to bring people together. He
was respected by all ethnic groups and had a vision for this
country which was 20 years ahead. He often talked about
rights, together with individual responsibility, the
importance of a civil society together with the need for
social communication. But is most important message was one
of reconciliation, love and forgiveness.
These values he held came from his deep faith and
convictions. And while he was indeed a Methodist, it is not
important to focus on his chosen religious denomination, but
on the tenants of that faith. His deep love for the Son of
God--Jesus Christ--and his recognition that man is sinful and
needs salvation--prompted him to talk about and live a life
of love for all mankind. I remember him--on many occasions--
talking about how he was willing to ``sacrifice myself'' for
Macedonia. And ultimately, Boris did pay the ultimate price
for his fellow man and his country--he gave us his life. He
gave Macedonia his life that Macedonia might come together
and yet live again.
I hope that by giving up his life for his fellow man that
something good will come of this. Something good must come of
this. It can start here in Macedonia but it can spread
throughout the Balkans and the world. And it is this: a life
lived for his fellow man, and a deep love for his family, his
country and for God. The international community, in the
meantime, can help continue Boris' legacy by finally
recognizing the name--the Republic of Macedonia. Boris would
want this.
I was with Boris last Wednesday, until about 5:30 p.m.,
about 14 hours before he left us for a better place. We were
discussing the future, his plans, upcoming trips and the
like. How short life is and how foolish the plans of man
indeed! In a blinding instant it all changed, for Macedonia,
for the Balkans, for the world, forever. It changed for his
family, his friends, his fellow countrymen and for the
international community. For people such as myself, and my
friend Boris, however, we have a hope of things yet to come.
Our faith tells us that one day we will be reunited together
along with many others. In the meantime, what life we have
left here on earth should be dedicated to spreading his
legacy, a legacy of love, forgiveness, reconciliation and
friendship. That is what my friend Boris would want.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), a distinguished member of the
Committee on International Relations who has a long-standing special
interest in this region.
Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for
yielding me this time, and I rise in strong support of H. Res. 540.
Madam Speaker, being a Member of Congress, we are privileged to meet
many international leaders. Particularly serving on the Committee on
International Relations, it is our honor to meet visiting dignitaries,
and we often go to different countries to meet with them as well. Last
week, I had the distinct honor, on Friday, of attending President Boris
Trajkovski's funeral in Skopje, Macedonia, as part of the official
American delegation, along with my colleague and good friend, the
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), and also Secretary Principi, who is
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. I know the three of us felt that it
was an honor to represent the United States of America at this funeral.
I knew Boris Trajkovski, having met with him on many occasions. It is
a tragedy, as my colleagues have pointed out, that a man so young, only
47, with tremendous promise, a very good leader for his country,
forward looking, a strong ally of the United States, would be cut down
in such a tragic manner.
It is not easy to be a leader in the Balkans. The Balkans has been a
very, very volatile area. It takes people with courage to be able to
look ahead and to be able to do what is right. Boris Trajkovski was
such a person.
[[Page H988]]
I remember a meeting with him in 1999 in Skopje, Macedonia, where he
was running for election as president and was courting the votes of the
Albanian community in Macedonia. The Albanian community is a very
important and large ethnic minority community in Macedonia. And
President Trajkovski was looking for the votes and said that he is a
Methodist minister; and as a Protestant minister in an Orthodox
Christian country, he was a religious minority in his own country. So
he said that he would be sensitive to other religious minorities and
ethnic minorities in Macedonia. And, indeed, he was.
Madam Speaker, part of the resolution says: ``Whereas during
Macedonia's armed ethnic clashes, Mr. Trajkovski demonstrated his
willingness to work with all of Macedonia's ethnic groups, which helped
to prevent a civil war.'' And even though that was unpopular among some
of his own people, he knew it was the right thing to do. He knew that
the Albanian ethnic minority was entitled to rights as first-class
citizens of Macedonia. And I can tell you, as chairman of the Albanian
Issues Caucus here in Washington, I witnessed firsthand the workings of
President Trajkovski bringing people together and standing out and
speaking out in favor of such an agreement, which worked.
Tensions in Macedonia are at an all-time low, largely because of the
work of Boris Trajkovski. Our ambassador, the U.S. ambassador to
Macedonia, Ambassador Butler, who does such a wonderful job, told me
last week that he met with President Trajkovski regularly. In fact,
they prayed together and they often discussed all kinds of issues.
President Trajkovski was unabashedly pro-American. As our colleagues
have said, they joined with us in fighting terrorism and joined with us
in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Adriatic Charter, Croatia, Macedonia, and
Albania, we promoted that in this Congress. My resolution passed both
the Senate and the House commending these countries for signing the
Adriatic Charter. President Trajkovski was an important part of making
that happen.
Yes, he alienated a number of people because he wanted to move
forward. Even in his own party there were some times he wondered if he
could win reelection because he was so bold in taking these enlightened
positions. But, ultimately, I believe that had he lived and stood for
reelection, he almost certainly would have been reelected, because
people understood that here was a man of vision and a man of greatness
and someone who was good for the Macedonian nation.
So I just want to join with my colleagues in paying tribute to
President Boris Trajkovski. I met with his wife before the funeral, saw
his children; and at the cemetery, I must say it was very, very moving
to have thousands of foreign dignitaries there, each representing a
different country. I had not seen anything so moving since the funeral
of Yitzhak Rabin in Israel several years ago.
Boris Trajkovski was a man who will be missed; and it is very, very
important that all people of good will follow in his footsteps and make
sure that Macedonia continues to have a thriving democracy and
continues to work closely with the United States of America. I strongly
support this resolution and urge our colleagues to all vote in the
affirmative.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I thank the distinguished
ranking member for yielding me this time.
In my community, I always discuss with my constituents the value of
internationalism, recognizing the world family; and so I want to
applaud the sponsors of this legislation because, again, it says to the
world that America cares. I believe that this very sad occasion, the
loss of life and the untimely death of President Trajkovski, should be
noted on the floor of this House.
I had the privilege some years ago, during the Bosnian war, to be in
that area and to understand the closeness yet the distance and the
importance of someone who could be in fact a uniter, and that he was.
To recognize the wrongness of ethnic cleansing and ethnic divisiveness
was his trait. As I understand it, even as he traveled to his untimely
death, he was engaged in efforts of internationalism and peacemaking.
So I rise today to express my condolences and as well my deepest
sympathies to the people of Macedonia, and of course to the region, and
to thank the Committee on International Relations for always drawing to
our attention that we are much stronger when we extend the hand of
friendship and we accept each other's pain as well as each other's joy.
My deepest sympathy also to those who mourn his death here in the
United States and certainly in Macedonia and around the world.
I conclude by saying that in addition to those from that region, I
have a great deal of collaboration with those who call and respect
India as their place of birth. So I also want to be able to acknowledge
the resolution dealing with the commendation and the celebration of the
Republic Day of India, and again to thank Indian Americans for their
efforts toward peace and reconciliation. Not only do we speak these
words, but I hope that we will act upon the international spirit and
making sure that all of our friends know that we continue to stand
united for world peace, world dignity, and the humanity of all.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution. The issues
of India and Indian-Americans are becoming increasingly prominent here
in Washington. The role of India, as a large and vibrant democracy in a
strategically important part of the world, is quickly coming into
focus--as a partner in trade, and as an ally in fighting international
terrorism. Indian Americans have contributed immensely to the American
culture and to our economy. It is no wonder that in only ten years, the
Congressional Indian Caucus has already amassed over 160 Members.
But India is a huge and complex nation, well-known as the world's
largest Democracy. Of course, as strong as our relationship is with
this large partner, there are also differences--on trade issues,
outsourcing, environmental, and labor issues. We need to work on those
differences and come to fair resolutions. It is the true bond of
friendship between our two nations, so obvious in our cultural
exchanges, that makes me confident that we will resolve the differences
between us and build on our common values.
It is a true testament to the power of democracy and the spirit of
the Indian people, that only 54 years after it adopted its
Constitution, that India is such a powerful and respected player on the
world stage.
After my two trips to India, and my years of friendship and
partnership with the outstanding members of the Indian community in
Houston, I know that I have still only scratched the surface of the
deep culture and history that Indians have to offer the world. I am
glad that the U.S.-Indian relationship is continuing to flourish.
I commend the co-chairs of the Indian Caucus, Representatives Wilson
and Crowley, for taking the time to put forth this symbolic resolution.
I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same.
{time} 1845
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Macedonia is a deeply divided country ethnically, and President
Trajkovski was a powerful force in bringing peace and reconciliation to
the Slav and Albanian communities. We shall remember him as a man of
peace. I urge all of my colleagues to join us in voting for this
resolution.
Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues for their appropriate
words and sentiments. I urge unanimous support for the resolution.
Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 540,
expressing the condolences and deepest sympathies of the House of
Representatives for the untimely death of Macedonian President Boris
Trajkovski and to pay honor to his life.
I was honored to be a part of the United States delegation to
President Trajkovski's funeral led by Veterans Affairs Secretary
Anthony Principi. The delegation also included Congressman Eliot Engel,
Barry Jackson from the White House and President Trajkovski's good
friend, Kent Patton.
President Trajkovski was a great friend of the United States and will
be dearly missed.
[[Page H989]]
He was a man of great faith and led his country with dignity and
respect. He united the citizens of Macedonia and will remembered by
all.
Below are statements read at his funeral by H.E. Mr. Branko
Crvenkovski, president of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia,
and Mr. Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission. Their words
illustrate the great impact that Boris Trajkovski had on so many of the
lives he touched.
Address by H.E. Mr. Branko Crvenkovski
Dear President, today, Republic of Macedonia is on its
feet, united and unified in its pain, dignified in its
sorrow, joined in paying the respect.
We are offering our last farewell to you, our President.
Our loss is immense; the tragedy, which has befallen us, is
immense.
Only 10 days ago, full of life, full of enthusiasm and
deeply convinced of the European future of Macedonia, you
sent me to Ireland.
Fate has decided that I bid you farewell today to the
unforgettable part of the history of our nation and state.
In the last four years, circumstances and the curse of our
profession called politics, bestowed us moments when we were
both friends and opponents, moments when we cooperated,
moments when we criticized each other.
However, I will never doubt the fact that in all key
moments whilst making the most difficult decisions for the
future of our state, we were always together, we were on the
same side, understanding each other even better than with our
fellow party members.
You often sailed against the wind, misunderstood, blamed,
without sufficient support.
You were the most deserving for the fact that we avoided a
disaster in 2001.
It is tragic for us that your death united us more than
your commitments as President.
It is tragic for us and a satisfaction for you that today
we are aware that you were more respected worldwide than in
your own country.
Today, we know that you looked further, thought deeper and
believed more.
Our pain is immense; the pain of your family is
immeasurable.
Somebody said: ``Shared joy, is greater joy. Shared pain is
lesser pain.'' Today, all of us, entire Macedonia and all our
friends worldwide share the pain and sorrow of your Vilma,
Sara and Stefan.
Your children had a father. From now on, fatherly care
becomes the responsibility of all of us.
Standing your ground, you withstood all criticism. You were
blamed that you were a traitor, while you made the most
patriotic step. You were blamed of cowardice, but you were
the most courageous one. You, more than anybody else, stopped
the war and returned the peace to us.
In times of insanity you gave us reason. You fought hatred
with your words of love, forgiveness, mutual understanding.
And you accomplished all of this in your recognizable style:
sincerely, simply, from the bottom of the heart, excluding
any calculations.
Once you told me: ``In 10 years everybody will recognize
that I was right''.
Boris, it was not necessary to wait 10 years. Already today
the entire Macedonia pays its tribute and recognition.
Distinguished President, having learned of the tragic
event, many asked themselves what would befall Macedonia
after your death. Such people neither know Macedonia, nor
knew you.
Your greatness did not lie in leading your people in a
direction different from what they considered their options.
Your greatness is embodied in you being a man of the people
and for the people.
Macedonia knows its way. Macedonia knows where its future
lies.
Dear President, I am honored for having known you and for
having the opportunity to work with you.
There are great people next to whom all others feel small.
There are greater people next to whom all others feel great,
as well.
You, Boris were the latter kind of man.
Rest in peace, great man.
____
A Tribute to Boris Trajkovski
(By Romano Prodi)
When I learned the news of the tragic crash that cut short
Boris Trajkovski's life, an image flashed to my mind--the
memory of our meeting in Thessaloniki at the European Council
in June last year.
It was an important day for the Balkans. It was an
important day for Europe. It was the day we decided together
that the European Union's enlargement would not be complete
until all the countries of this region were full members of
the Union. It was the day we set a joint agenda together to
achieve that objective.
When we met, we embraced and rejoiced at the fact we were
seated at the same table. It was a foretaste of what the full
European family would look like.
I remember thanking Boris for all the enthusiasm and
commitment he had shown in bringing the whole region--not
just his own country--along the road to European integration.
His reply was a smile and an even warmer embrace.
That is the image of Boris Trajkovski that will always stay
with me. His passion, his commitment, his love for Europe and
for his region. Europe was the guiding star on Boris's
journey. The values of tolerance and respect on which our
Union is founded were an inspiration to him in the very
difficult times this country and all its people have seen.
Pulling together, not apart. Being open, not closed.
Including, not excluding. Like our Europe, a Union of
minorities, united by the ideals of cooperation and peace.
Those were my thoughts on my recent visit to Skopje, as
together we crossed the old bridge over the Vardar--that
symbol of union so full of meaning for this city's--and this
country's--past and present. This country, this region, all
Europe has lost an enlightened, far-sighted leader, a
statesman who saw beyond the narrow horizon of everyday
politics, a man who put the individual at the center.
As we pay tribute to the memory of Boris Trajkovski today,
we all share the pain and grief felt by his beloved wife
Vilma, his children Stefan and Sara, his family and friends,
and all his fellow Macedonians.
But as we morn his loss--and it is a great loss--we must
not lose sight of the deeper meaning of his work, the work he
sacrificed his life to accomplish.
Honoring Boris Trajkovski's memory means taking up the
challenge--meeting the objectives he believed in and
completing the work he started.
Honoring Boris's memory today means thinking of the future
of the people of Macedonia--these people he cherished so
dearly, who were his foremost concern, with whom he felt
utterly at one.
For the country's leaders, it means continuing--resolutely,
united in purpose--along the path of European integration.
Aware that this is an irreversible process, a process that
has the whole country behind it. With all its ethnic and
political components fully supporting the choices,
shouldering the responsibilities and protecting the rights of
each.
For the international community, it means continued backing
for the efforts this country has already made. We must
support Macedonia's bold reform program to become a full
member of the European Union.
So we look forward to receiving your application to join
the Union. And if that application were dedicated to anyone,
it would be to Boris Trajkovski.
We believe in this country, we believe in its will and
determination to become a full member of the European
institutions. And we are certain it will succeed.
This will demand patience and, above all, perseverance. And
it can only be achieved if it is truly desired, as Boris
Trajkovski desired it so passionately.
Today we morn Boris Trajkovski, but we have faith in this
country's political future. Any other attitude would fall
short of the ideals Boris fought for all his life.
His tragic death is a loss to us all. But his memory gives
us heart to work even harder, to keep alive his political
heritage and the principles that guided him, and to meet the
objectives he set himself.
February 26 will be remembered as a sad day, but also as a
day to commemorate Boris Trajkovski's commitment and
enthusiasm. So his dream of Macedonia as a full member of a
prosperous and peaceful Europe comes true.
Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I join my colleagues in supporting H. Res.
540, which expresses the condolences and deepest sympathies of the
House of Representatives for the untimely death of Macedonian President
Boris Trajkovaski.
As we know, President Trajkovski died in a February 26 plane crash in
Bosnia-Herzegovina, where he was planning to participate in a
conference before traveling to Ireland to present his country's formal
application to join the European Union.
Boris Trajkovski had been serving as President since 1999. He reached
across ethnic divides to hold his country together during the ethnic
turmoil and conflict which erupted in Macedonia in 2001. He also
represented Macedonia well in working with the international community,
both on regional issues and on making Macedonia's case for integration
into European and Euro-Atlantic institutions.
Macedonia is a country of concern to the Helsinki Commission, which I
chair. As they have had to develop democratic institutions over the
last 15 years, Macedonia also had to assert independent statehood as
Yugoslavia disintegrated and deal with the economic disruption caused
by that disintegration. Macedonia had to bear a refugee burden caused
by associated conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo, and be a part of the
enforcement of international sanctions against Milosevic's Servia.
Macedonia has had to work out differences with neighboring states on
sensitive, national issues which run deep in Balkan history, at the
same time to overcome divisions within its own, ethnically diverse
population. And, like so many of the countries in southeastern Europe,
Macedonia must contend with organized crime and corruption, including
trafficking in persons, which threaten its further democratic and
economic development.
It is my hope, Madam Speaker, that the same strength and
determination upon which the people of Macedonia have relied in the
face of these challenges, will serve them again in the face of this
latest tragedy. With the passage of this resolution, the United States
Congress can show its support for
[[Page H990]]
Macedonia and its people, not only as they mourn the loss of their
President, but as they continue on the path of peace and prosperity he
was leading them at the very moment he died.
In closing, I wish also to express my prayers and personal
condolences to family and many friends of Boris Trajkovski.
Madam Speaker, I join my colleague Mr. Souder and others in
supporting this Resolution and expressing deep sadness over the sudden
and tragic death of Boris Trajkovski, the President of Macedonia.
In the 1990s, I served as a Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security
and Cooperation in Europe, the Helsinki Commission. During that time,
the Commission, the Congress, the American government and indeed the
international community viewed the conflicts associated with
Yugoslavia's demise as a foreign policy priority. In Croatia, Bosnia
and then Kosovo, thousands upon thousands were killed, raped or
tortured while millions were displaced in ethnic cleansing campaigns.
The violence, of course, would reverberate through the region,
replacing trust and cooperation with fear and hatred in ethnically
diverse communities.
Macedonia, as a republic of the former Yugoslavia, was caught in the
midst of this turmoil, but it held itself together. Even when fighting
erupted within its own borders, many of that country's leaders worked
to find solutions to underlying grievances and brought peace back to
Macedonia. Of course, international involvement was essential, but so
was the presence of people like Boris Trajkovski, who would reach
across ethnic lines and work to help all the citizens of Macedonia, not
just those of their own ethnicity.
Boris Trajkovski, in my view, understood what it meant to be a head
of state, to represent the country, all of its people, and all of their
aspirations. Since 1999, he moved his country forward.
I hope, Madam Speaker, that the people of Macedonia will find not
just sorrow in President Trajkovski's death but also the strength to
make his vision of a democratic, tolerant and prosperous Macedonia a
reality.
They can count on support of the United States to that end. As
Secretary of State Colin Powell said on February 26, the day
Trajkovski's plane crashed in Bosnia, the Macedonian President ``leaves
behind a legacy of U.S.-Macedonian friendship that has never been
closer or stronger.''
In closing, let me also express my deepest condolences to President
Trajkovski's wife, Vilma, his children Sara and Stefan, and other
family members and friends.
Poverty is a fact of life for as many as 400 million Indians who
survive on less than $1 a day. Illiteracy rates, while decreasing, are
still high. And the health, economic and security challenges posed by
the HIV/AIDS virus may be the most important issue facing India today.
Madam Speaker, as our delegation conveyed during our recent visit,
and I was want to convey today, the United States is India's partner as
she works to address these and other challenges on the way to realizing
her potential of becoming a true world power.
I returned home with a renewed commitment to ensure that the United
States continues to provide economic development assistance for health
care and food for the needy, improved energy efficiency and
environmental restoration efforts. And we will of course honor our
pledge to take the lead in the global effort to combat the scourge of
HIV/AIDS, through the provision of medicine, volunteers, and much-
needed financial resources.
Above all, we must foster a deeper appreciation for the shared values
and beliefs that lie at the heart of our two great democracies, and an
understanding of the common principles and interests that bind us
together.
This Resolution is a celebration of India's Republic Day, but also a
recognition of our strengthening relationship.
I urge all of my colleagues to support it.
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of Michigan). The question is on
the motion offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that
the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 540,
as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________