Macedonian President takes oath

Five weeks after his election, the new President of Macedonia has taken the oath of office in Skopje.

Gjorge Ivanov becomes the fourth head of state since Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. “My political agenda is clear and unequivocal – Macedonia as a member of NATO and the European Union. A strong Macedonia, respected and equal, with proud, prosperous and, above all, happy citizens,” he said. Ivanov called for good relations with Macedonia’s neighbours, particularly Greece which objects to Macedonia’s very name as it clashes with a northern Greek region. President Ivanov insisted his country would be even-handed, an ally of America and the EU, but also of Russia and China.

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