OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities calls on political leaders in Skopje to unite and act to preserve stability

THE HAGUE, 17 June 2014 - On a visit to Skopje, Kumanovo and Tetovo from 10-13 June 2014, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors expressed serious concern with regard to recurring outbreaks of inter-ethnic incidents in the country. She noted that of immediate concern is the verdict in the 2012 Smiljkovci Lake murder case, which is expected to be delivered tomorrow, 18 June, and pointed out that it could lead to intensified inter-ethnic tensions.

“I continue to urge the political leadership to make a joint call for restraint and calm to avoid any disturbances,” Thors said. “ Unfortunately, the public discussion so far around the criminal proceedings has increased the risk of tensions.”

Thors was on her second visit to the country as High Commissioner, and during her trip examined both the short- and long-term stability in the country as well as structural measures to be taken to further integrate society and improve inter-ethnic relations.

The implementation of the integrated education strategy, which the High Commissioner has assisted with, was one of the main topics discussed. In Kumanovo, she visited schools, and in Tetovo, she paid a visit to the South East European University.Thors welcomed the government’s plans to prioritize education, emphasizing that the growing separation between the two main communities also needs to be addressed in the educational system and at all levels of governance.  The High Commissioner said she was inspired by the results achieved by the Nansen Dialogue Center Skopje, a previous winner of the Max van der Stoel award. “This experience demonstrates that there is a great deal of interest among teachers, parents and pupils to learn each other’s languages by using modern innovative methods of teaching. This is very encouraging, and such efforts should be supported by the government as well,” Thors said.

During her visit, the High Commissioner met with President Gjorge Ivanov, Prime Minister-elect Nikola Gruevski, other key ministers and leaders of political parties, as well as civil society and ethnic community representatives.