OSCE Mission to Skopje supports review process of Ohrid Framework Agreement

SKOPJE, 29 September 2015 – Evaluating the role of the Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA) in enhancing social cohesion is the aim of the OSCE-supported review process discussed in Skopje today, focusing on anti-discrimination, de-centralization, education, equitable representation, the use of languages and numerically smaller communities.

The Secretariat for the implementation of the OFA, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Skopje and the European Institute of Peace, is co-ordinating the work of six thematic working groups with representatives of relevant ministries and institutions, which are preparing analyses and policy recommendations to be presented in early November for broader consultations with civil society, academia and political parties.

“These crucial integration policies still need to be developed and implemented and we believe that the recently-revived process of reviewing the OFA is the right place to do it,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Nina Suomalainen.

Deputy Prime Minister Musa Xhaferri added: “The analysis of OFA review process will serve in building policies leading towards better inter-ethnic relations and contributing to social cohesion, which are prerequisites to bring the country closer to European integration.”

The OFA review process is co-ordinated with the Priebe recommendations and the government’s Action Plan on Reform Priorities regarding inter-ethnic issues. It is closely followed by the European Commission, which has noted the need to complete the review in its Progress Reports.