[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[March 23, 2001]
[Page 300]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 300]]


Statement on the Situation in Macedonia
March 23, 2001

    The United States joins its allies and the United Nations in 
strongly condemning the violence perpetrated by a small group of 
extremists determined to destabilize the democratic, multi-ethnic 
Government of Macedonia. The United States and its allies have a 
longstanding commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of 
Macedonia.
    The insurgents in Macedonia claim to be advancing the cause of the 
Albanian minority. They are not. In fact, their violent methods are 
hurting the long-term interests of ethnic Albanians in Macedonia, 
Kosovo, and throughout the region. We support instead those political 
leaders in Macedonia and the region who have rejected violence and 
terror in favor of democracy and dialog as a way to achieve political 
change.
    I strongly support the efforts of President Trajkovski and the Macedonian Government to uphold democracy and 
the rule of law. We encourage the Government to act with restraint and 
to work closely with elected representatives of the Albanian community 
to address legitimate concerns, while taking the necessary steps to 
prevent further violence.
    The United States is working with its allies and friends in the 
region to assist the Macedonian Government in countering the violence 
perpetrated by the extremists. We support NATO's effort to assess 
Macedonia's immediate security needs. We are already providing 
surveillance information to the Macedonian Government, and our Defense 
Department is dispatching Predator unmanned aerial vehicles to assist in 
this effort. KFOR patrols have been increased along Kosovo's border with 
Macedonia in order to improve border security and curtail the 
insurgents' activities.
    Macedonia is a close friend, a partner country of NATO, and a 
successful example of a democratic, multi-ethnic state in the Balkans. 
As the United States knows only too well, perfecting such a state--and 
addressing the legitimate concerns of minorities--is a continuous 
process. It can only be done through dialog and democracy--and never 
through violence. That is why we call on all those who seek political 
change in Macedonia to work through the democratic political process.

Note: The statement referred to President Boris Trajkovski of Macedonia.