OSCE Mission encourages students in Struga to strengthen ethnic dialogue

SKOPJE, 9 May 2008 - Ethnic Macedonian and Albanian high school students are discussing ways young people can contribute to the social development of the country and its integration into the EU at a public debate in Struga today.

The debate, which coincides with Europe Day, marked on 9 May, was initiated by the local NGO Youth Education Forum and supported by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje.

"Students should be actively involved in the country's development. They can help foster EU integration processes and promote these goals in their respective communities," said Bernard Segarra, the head of the OSCE Mission's Confidence-Building Department.

Ilija Zupanoski, the President of the Youth Education Forum, said: "Young people can help remove existing social stereotypes and barriers. Such discussions help them to overcome daily problems, and build a common future based on co-existence and understanding."