"We are concerned, pleased and are giving our support for the progress you have made towards NATO and we wish you all the best," Rumsfeld said. "I am happy and think there is a good, solid progress and people in NATO recognise that, which is a good sign." He declined to give a specific timetable for Macedonia's entry into the Alliance, noting that such as decision would be reached by consensus among NATO members.
“Zainteresovani smo, zadovoljni i dajemo vam svoju podršku za napredak koji ste postigli u pravcu ulaska u NATO i želimo vam sve najbolje”, rekao je Ramsfeld. “Srećan sam i smatram da je ostvaren solidan napredak i ljudi u NATO to priznaju, što je dobar znak.” On je odbio da izloži neki konkretan vremenski raspored za ulazak Makedonije u Alijansu i naglasio da će takva odluka biti doneta konsenzusom članica NATO.