Skopje, February 3rd
Republic of Macedonia is firmly committed to meeting its strategic goal to join NATO and EU and we will not quit this goal, said Defense Minister Zoran Konjanovski in a speech delivered before cadets of the Military Academy at a debate titled "Macedonia's Contribution Towards Global Security and World Peace".
- Achievements in defense, most evident in the country's huge contribution to peace operations worldwide, confirm that Macedonia has managed to become an equal credible partner of NATO and EU, stated Konjanovski.
Macedonia, he added, contributes to global security and world peace by participating in NATO, EU, UN-led missions with over 35 of its land forces.
Dutch Ambassador to Macedonia, Simone Filippini said Macedonia would need more finances if it decided to participate in missions with equipment.
- These are difficult times and all NATO members contemplate how to distribute the budget in defense. Since Macedonia is still implementing reforms, it is in a more difficult situation because it has to procure equipment, which is a financial burden. Therefore, a long-term plan should be made for defense development, which will include plans for procurement of equipment, said Filippini.
According to her, Macedonia greatly contributed by deploying personnel to missions.
DM Konjanovski noted that not only Macedonia, but also all NATO members had cut budget resources for defense as a result of the global economic crisis. - But maybe now is the time the Defense Ministry and Army to find ways to save and to use those finances to buy equipment and to train army troops, added the Minister.
With troops surge in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan with two additional platoons, which together with the Vermont National Guard will train Afghan security forces, Macedonia will take part with 260 peacekeepers.
English
