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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities visits Skopje
SKOPJE 10 May 2007
SKOPJE, 10 May 2007 - The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ambassador Rolf Ekeus ended a three-day visit to Skopje and Tetovo today, during which he met government officials and political party and minority representatives.
In Skopje, the HCNM discussed with officials the progress made in the area of equitable representation of communities in the public administration and education issues. He also pointed to the need to ensure effective participation of all ethnic communities in the political decision-making processes.
"The best way to safeguard harmonious interethnic relations is to implement policies that promote integration of all groups in society, while at the same time respecting their diversity and identity," said Ambassador Ekeus.
During his lecture at the Southeast European University in Tetovo, the High Commissioner highlighted the key role that education plays in promoting integration of society, equal opportunities and public participation. The University was established in 2001 with the support, among others, of the HCNM.
"Integration based on the respect of diversity can help prevent conflicts and guarantee minority rights. At the heart of this approach lies the notion that States need to encourage minority participation in the political, social, economic and cultural life of mainstream society with a view of developing a sense of belonging and having a stake in society at large, while at the same time protecting the right of minorities to maintain their own identity," added Ambassador Ekeus.
In Skopje, the HCNM discussed with officials the progress made in the area of equitable representation of communities in the public administration and education issues. He also pointed to the need to ensure effective participation of all ethnic communities in the political decision-making processes.
"The best way to safeguard harmonious interethnic relations is to implement policies that promote integration of all groups in society, while at the same time respecting their diversity and identity," said Ambassador Ekeus.
During his lecture at the Southeast European University in Tetovo, the High Commissioner highlighted the key role that education plays in promoting integration of society, equal opportunities and public participation. The University was established in 2001 with the support, among others, of the HCNM.
"Integration based on the respect of diversity can help prevent conflicts and guarantee minority rights. At the heart of this approach lies the notion that States need to encourage minority participation in the political, social, economic and cultural life of mainstream society with a view of developing a sense of belonging and having a stake in society at large, while at the same time protecting the right of minorities to maintain their own identity," added Ambassador Ekeus.