Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi hosted on Wednesday a reception marking September 8 – Independence Day.

The event was attended by President Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski, ministers in the Government, representatives of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the religious communities, former Parliament Speakers Trajko Veljanovski and Tito Petkovski, the Ombudsman Naser Ziveri and other public figures.

Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said in his address to those present that he believes that in all of us there is strength, will, determination and a vision of where we want to see the Republic of Macedonia. We have a common state as a legacy and we are all responsible for it, added Xhaferi, pointing out that this is the only way the dream of our ancestors will live on. Xhaferi emphasized that the European integration process has no alternative or replacement and we still have the last step left – because there is no turning back.

Xhaferi said that in the legislature thirty-one years ago, our fellow deputies put on paper and into life the will of the citizens for an independent, sovereign state with an internationally recognized legal entity and an equal member of the community of nations.

And then, as it is now, the Constitution – the most important legislative act, was our guide, which determines the path we will follow in order to ensure the progress, development and security of the state. In it, the strategic goals of essential importance, around which we have always united, are determined, and I honestly believe that it will be the same this time. Because the European integration process has no alternative, no substitution, and we still have the last step left, because there is no turning back, said the Parliament Speaker.

The fact that we are gathered here today to celebrate this historic day for the country, according to him, says in itself that we are on the right path.

As he said, a difficult period in every aspect awaits us – economic, energy, health, even security, because conflicts can very easily spill over and expand, and therefore, political instability and tension are the least we need right now in the country.

To demonstrate maturity, responsibility and high conscience and awareness and to put the interest of citizens and the state above personal and party interests. Let’s be politically wise, stand firmly behind the decisions already made with additional international credibility and realize the seriousness of the situation, said the Parliament Speaker.