Defense Minister Fatmir Besimi extended Tuesday via video-link New Year greetings to peacekeepers in ISAF-Afghanistan, ALTHEA-Bosnia and Herzegovina and UNIFIL-Lebanon, and all Macedonian citizens, wishing them joy, success, prosperity and peace.

Troops deployed in the three peacekeeping missions told Minister Besimi they are in excellent health, whereas their morale and preparedness are at the highest level.

"The Macedonian Army operates in a world of globalization, where borders are measured through the common values. The borders that ARM protects and defends are peace, stability and democracy", said Mr. Besimi.

His New Year's wish is that 2013 is a year of peace and stability, mutual understanding.

"I wish that the Republic of Macedonia makes even bigger steps forward in the Euro-Atlantic integration process", added Mr. Besimi.

With regards to Macedonia's participation in the Afghanistan peacekeeping mission beyond 2014, he said NATO is already developing the future model.

"There is still time to determine the way in which the country will contribute, but Macedonia will continue its presence in Afghanistan", stressed Minister Besimi.

The ISAF mission currently includes 159 Macedonian troops, the ALTHEA medical team is comprised of ten members, whereas one ARM representative is deployed in UNIFIL.