Brussels, 23/03/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Monday in Dublin, the Macedonian Prime Minister, Branko Crvenkovski, officially presented his country's request for EU membership to the President of the European Council, Bertie Ahern. Mr Crvenkovski had cancelled this ceremony on 26 February because of the air crash that had cost the Macedonian President, Boris Trajkovski, his life. A tragic but also symbolic detail, as the request for membership is that which was signed by the late President Trajkovski. "I assure you that this signature today is stronger than ever, sealing Macedonia's commitment to the European Union", the Prime Minister said on Monday. Mr Crvenkovski said he was confident that his country would overcome all the obstacles that still stood in its way to EU membership. "After all, in the last 13 years, we have demonstrated that we have the necessary capacity and democratic potential to resolve even the most complex problems by applying European norms and standards", he stressed. Mr Ahern gave his assurance that Macedonia could not only count on the support of the EU but also on its assistance and encouragement. President Prodi had said at Mr Trajkovski's funeral that the EU awaited Skopje's request for membership "with joy". CFSP High Representative Javier Solana also gave a warm welcome to the request, which he considers is a "message of hope for the region".