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OSCE supports inter-ethnic dialogue in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
SKOPJE 5 April 2001
SKOPJE, 5 April 2001 - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, has welcomed developments towards inter-ethnic dialogue in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
"I am impressed by the resolve shown by both Macedonian and ethnic Albanian political parties to start a comprehensive dialogue on the issues that are causing tensions in the country",said Mr. Geoana. "The OSCE strongly supports this dialogue, and we stand ready to assist in every way possible. The OSCE remains fully committed to co-ordinate with the EU and NATO in order to assist and facilitate a productive political dialogue," he stated.
On a visit to Skopje today, the Chairman-in-Office met with State President Boris Trajkovski, President of Parliament Stojan Andov, Prime Minister Ljubcho Georgievski, Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim as well as leaders of political parties. One main issue discussed was the need to address the legitimate requests of the ethnic Albanian minority in the country. In this context, the Chairman-in-Office stressed the importance of establishing the university in Tetovo without delay.
In all his meetings, the Chairman-in-Office reaffirmed the support of the OSCE for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and reiterated his condemnation of recent extremist violence in the country. Finally, Mr. Geoana encouraged both ethnic communities, as well as the authorities and civil society, to rely on the support and assistance of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. The OSCE presence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has recently been strengthened, in response to the upsurge of violence there.
For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org
"I am impressed by the resolve shown by both Macedonian and ethnic Albanian political parties to start a comprehensive dialogue on the issues that are causing tensions in the country",said Mr. Geoana. "The OSCE strongly supports this dialogue, and we stand ready to assist in every way possible. The OSCE remains fully committed to co-ordinate with the EU and NATO in order to assist and facilitate a productive political dialogue," he stated.
On a visit to Skopje today, the Chairman-in-Office met with State President Boris Trajkovski, President of Parliament Stojan Andov, Prime Minister Ljubcho Georgievski, Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim as well as leaders of political parties. One main issue discussed was the need to address the legitimate requests of the ethnic Albanian minority in the country. In this context, the Chairman-in-Office stressed the importance of establishing the university in Tetovo without delay.
In all his meetings, the Chairman-in-Office reaffirmed the support of the OSCE for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and reiterated his condemnation of recent extremist violence in the country. Finally, Mr. Geoana encouraged both ethnic communities, as well as the authorities and civil society, to rely on the support and assistance of the OSCE Mission to Skopje. The OSCE presence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has recently been strengthened, in response to the upsurge of violence there.
For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org