[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.