Boris Trajkovski quotes:

The Republic of Macedonia is being built on democratic ideals and values, not on ethnic groups. Those ideals and values include economic opportunities, language and educational opportunities, religious rights, and political processes.

Our citizens will lose their confidence or trust in the values and principles of the international community, especially if our personal identity is denied.

I intend to be the president of all citizens of Macedonia, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, regardless of their political standing. I shall not allow ethnic hatred and intolerance to undermine Macedonia's stability.

I am ready to accept all accusations, allegations, anger - but I have to succeed.

Remember all those references to Macedonia as the oasis of peace in the Balkans. You only really appreciate it when you have lost it.

The alternative to peace is war, which will expose everyone to mass casualties, misery and a loss of perspective for many years to come.

I am considering two things on a daily basis: what is right to do and what is wrong to do in my role as President of my people. According to my conscience, I am trying to abide by the right. My vision is peace. My vision is prosperity.

Never underestimate or mock peace.

While there continues to be differences, the important point is that all citizens and elected officials use democratic and legal avenues for solving those differences.

I understand the protests, but not the shooting and the attempts to bring down the state. We cannot allow hatred to control our lives. We must remain unified to defeat this evil.