Macedonian PM Nikola Gruevski Saturday resumes his participation at the 2011 Croatia Summit - A New Decade for South East Europe - Finalizing the Transition, which  held in Dubrovnik, Croatia July 8-9.

In his address at the first day of the summit, Gruevski emphasised that Croatia symbolises the progress that countries from the region achieved on the road to the European Union, finalising the painful transition period.

- The transition will end when we will complete all reforms and when they will begin to show results, which will contribute in becoming full-fledged EU and NATO member state. At the end of the transition the Balkan people see better future in united Europe and we should turn this strive into a reality. Above all we should know how to work and to think in European way, PM Nikola Gruevski said emphasising that he is happy that the politicians in the Balkans have been doing this lately.

Referring to the last decade of the 20th century he said that now all differences in the Balkans are surpassed, adding that still there are open issues among the countries for which efforts are being made to be resolved through a dialogue.

- The progress of the neighbour is experienced as its own progress. In this context I would like to congratulate our friends, people and political leadership of Croatia for successful finalising of EU accession talks. The South East European countries can be proud of the progress in the past 10 years. We are finalising the transition processes and we are facing with new challenges in the development requiring a lot of efforts and enthusiasm. At the same time we are facing with the need to finish the reforms, to adopt new tools for economic growth and new ideas on how to become more competitive and to attract capital maybe more than ever, Gruevski said.

We should focus on cooperation, assistance, understanding and long-term visions to fulfil expectations of our citizens and to open perspectives for the future generations, he said.

- The best way to face with these challenges is to focus on our efforts in further democratic development, to continue to build good neighbourly climate and cooperation, to forget the misunderstandings of the past and to become part of the EU and NATO, Gruevski emphasised.

Referring to Macedonia Gruevski reminded on recently held parliamentary elections in the country at which parties from the previous government’s composition have won again. The elections were assessed as the most successfully organised elections ever in Macedonia by the international and home observers by which Macedonia once again confirmed the readiness and democratic maturity and justified the recommendation of the European Commission for the start of the EU accession talks.

- Now we should compose new government we are ready to do our best in finding solution to the problems that still exist. We will make the maximum we can to be part of the positive trend that is happening in the region, Gruevski said.

Gruevski assessed the finalising the Croatia’s EU accession talks, arrest of Ratko Mladic, progress of Serbia and Montenegro towards EU integration and clear orientation of Bosnia and Herzegovina towards European future as positive matters for the Balkans.

Gruevski emphasised that EU member states expect new members to fulfil their obligations but also underlined that EU candidate counties expect the EU to continue to promote policy of openness and integration, which is very important for them.

- The important part of the EU integration process is closing the open bilateral issues as in the case of Slovenia and Croatia. In this context Macedonia expect EU to pay greater attention not to rational but to emotional aspect to the problem with our south neighbour connected with our constitutional name, which would certainly lead to successful problem resolution. We will continue to be active aimed at finding pragmatic name row resolution which will be based on principle of not endangering national identity and respect of the differences which are not only ours but are basic values of the EU. When we speak about solutions, which will not endanger national, language and cultural identity of any nation, we are lead by principle aspects, Gruevski said.

He said that now is the time to find adequate way to establish rule for cohabitation, which will enable local and central authorities to prove their capability in creating conditions for harmonious and quality life of every citizen.

- The Republic of Macedonia proved to be real partner of the international community and country which significantly contributes to stabilisation of the SEE region and as functional multi-ethnic democracy of the EU and the Balkans it showed that coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups is possible. All people in the Balkans should use the wave of positive energy, cooperation and respect in the region and finally to close the chapter of transition and to see ahead towards the European family because we certainly belong there with our culture, civilisation and values, Gruevski said.

The two-day 2011 Croatia Summit has started in Dubrovnik Friday with many regional leaders attending covering topics such as the problems of economic governance, challenges posed to regional and global security by the developments in the Southern Mediterranean, and prospects of European integration for the countries of the South East Europe.