In our talks I pointed out the necessity or the need that long-term stability can only be achieved if we establish a society governed by the rule of law, market economy principles and the principles of respect for human rights. Long-term stability in the region cannot be attained, cannot be achieved with violent changing of borders or with crime.

Our talks were rather encouraging. I informed Mr. Powell about the current situation of the country. I also informed him about the latest activities that I have undertaken with respect to the ongoing dialogue with political parties.

I informed Mr. Powell that I would like to make this dialogue available and accessible to all political subjects and I also informed him of my commitment to the openness and transparency of this dialogue as well as my commitment to include in this and involve in this dialogue not only political subjects but ordinary citizens, religious groups -- to involve the society at large.

I informed Secretary of State Powell that we would like to establish a state society that would be based on the individual responsibility of each person and not a society based on collectivisms. We are committing to the citizens, the individual, not collectivistic groups.

I affirmed to Secretary Powell the necessity that the U.S. develop or define a clear and coherent policy towards Macedonia and towards the region. I also invited State Secretary Powell and pointed out the world's right and obligation to remain involved together with the European partners in the region. I also pointed out to the Secretary that the U.S has to continue affording assistance in Kosovo, and to Yugoslavia as part of a comprehensive policy towards the region and once again I underlined the need that Kosovo becomes a source of stability in the region.

I hope that the USA will remain involved not only in military but also economic and political terms. I hope that we can rely on our friends from the USA that we can work together as partners in finding just and equitable solutions.

SECRETARY POWELL: Thank you, Mr. President, for your warm welcome. I'm very pleased to be with you today and to have the opportunity to share views and bring the greetings of President Bush and the American people to you and to your people.

You can be sure of American support for your efforts -- political support, economic support, and military support. You are facing a challenge, which you must meet. That is to show to the rest of this region and to show to the world that people of different backgrounds, different ethnicities can come together in peace and find a way to resolve differences through political dialogue and a common commitment to a single state.

I was especially pleased to be briefed on the political dialogue that is taking place now and I am looking forward to more conversations this afternoon as to how that dialogue is going.

I was especially pleased to extend to the President a personal invitation from President Bush for the President to visit the United States in early May, May the second.

Mr. President, you can be sure of our commitment.

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