    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [August 14, 2001]
    [Page 968]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Following a Telephone Conversation With President Boris
    Trajkovski of Macedonia
    August 14, 2001

        This morning I spoke with my friend President Boris Trajkovski to
    congratulate him on his courage and leadership in negotiating the
    political settlement that was signed yesterday in Macedonia.
        The settlement promises to strengthen democracy and avert civil war,
    while protecting Macedonia's territorial integrity and political unity.
    It addresses longstanding political aspirations of the citizens of
    Macedonia. It is now up to Macedonia's Assembly to adopt the
    constitutional amendments and legislation to implement the settlement.
        As I have made clear from the outset of the fighting, the United
    States stands strongly against those armed extremists who have tried to
    take democracy hostage in Macedonia. President Trajkovski and I agree
    that their tactics are despicable and their methods undemocratic. The
    time has come for these armed groups to turn over their weapons to NATO
    and disband.
        A political settlement has been signed, and we now need to ensure
    the peace and put Macedonia back on the road to Europe. The United
    States offers its strong support to President Trajkovski and to the
    democratic Government of Macedonia as they move forward to achieve this
    goal.