13 August 2021 Skopje – We are marking a significant anniversary – of the agreement that secured North Macedonia’s peaceful future and further democratic development […] The agreement laid the foundations on which we, since 2017 as a newly formed government, have been building our common, one and equal society, equally including and respecting every citizen’s ethnic identity and interests, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev in his address to the “After Ohrid” conference held to celebrate 20 years of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Skopje – You have had hardships on your journey. Difficulties related to your name, which have now been solved, problems with your language that is also a done deal, and I am certain that after the NATO accession you will have the chance to start the formal talks with the European Union very soon, said former EU high representative Javier Solana in his video-address at conference “Beyond Ohrid” on the 20th anniversary of the Framework Agreement on Friday. Skopje – There are too many agreements in history, but what people really want is jobs, good education for their children and hope for the future. It must be a step forward from the Ohrid Agreement, it is our duty, former NATO secretary general, Lord George Robertson said Friday addressing the conference in Skopje marking the 20^th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Skopje – DUI leader Ali Ahmeti urged Friday that agreements should be respected and that any advancement of the language and culture of others should be considered progress of the country. “The more the country is loyal toward the citizens, the more the citizens are loyal to the country. There is a lot to be done and we’ll do it,” he said addressing the “Beyond Ohrid” conference on the 20^th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Skopje – Twenty years ago, North Macedonia, supported by the EU and international mediators, boldly chose compromise and responsibility. Nationalism and ethnic conflicts on our continent are used too often for divisions and sowing hatred, but pluralism is a treasure and a force. EU’s motto is ‘United in Diversity’ and the agreement we observe today marks the country’s leadership in choosing peace as the best way to foster diversity and dialogue, said EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a video-message within the conference on the 20th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, held in Skopje on Friday. Skopje – As the most successful peace agreement in the region, the Ohrid Framework Agreement has withstood the test of time, creating strong social cohesion and a feeling of belonging in the common state, says Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani. Skopje – United States Ambassador Kate Byrnes met Friday with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, presenting Deputy Chief of Mission Eric Meyer, who positively assessed the environment for increased economic cooperation and prosperity for all citizens in the country. Skopje – The United States is proud to celebrate together with North Macedonia the 20th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement that has played an essential role in the country’s establishment as a multiethnic democracy and in preventing a larger conflict, said Department of State Spokesperson Edward Price in a video-message within conference “Beyond Ohrid” on Friday. Skopje – The Western Balkans is a region of strategic importance for NATO, said James Appathurai, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, in a video address at the “Beyond Ohrid” conference commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Skopje – 58% of citizens in North Macedonia view democracy as the preferred system of government but 72% embrace positive views of both democratic governance and “strong-hand” leadership, show the results of a public opinion research conducted by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) on democracy, COVID-19, geopolitics and disinformation. Skopje – On the occasion of the International Youth Day, the Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility along with the Agency for Youth and Sport, the National Youth Council of Macedonia and the Union for Youth Work hosted Friday youth hackathon that was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Skopje – North Macedonia recorded 672 new cases out of 6,770 COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours. Skopje – The Ministry of Health (MoH) said Friday the vaccination sites in all health institutions across the country will be open on Saturday. Skopje – Industry turnover in June, compared to the same month in 2020, increased by 17.9 percent, said the State Statistical Office on Friday. Skopje – The number of tourists rose by 42.5% from January until June 2021 compared to the same period last year. Number of nights spent also increased by 54%. Los Angeles – The US Census Bureau released detailed data Thursday on last year’s population count, paving the way for a frenzied rush to redraw congressional and legislative districts and shape the political landscape for the next decade. Washington – Some 213,000 people were caught trying to illegally cross the United States’ southern border in July, around 172,000 more than the same month last year, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said on Thursday.