Tuesday, 12 May 2009
PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA, Mr. TRAJKO VELJANOSKI MET THE PRESIDENT OF THE OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY, Mr. JOAO SOARES
During the meeting, the President of the Assembly, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski stressed that, being a full OSCE member, Macedonia fully respects and applies the basic principles and commitments of this international association. He expressed gratitude for the role the OSCE played in the overall process of transition of the Macedonian society and institutions. President Veljanoski once again reminded of the importance of the visa liberalisation for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia, which they deserve on the basis of the accomplished reforms and progress in that area, including the recent well-conducted elections, positively assessed by the ODIHR.
In relation to the name dispute, we have continuously been committed to resolving it through dialogue and compromise; however this must not put into question our national, cultural or linguistic identity, stressed President Veljanoski.
The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Joao Soares emphasised that Macedonia has indeed made positive steps and that he fully supports the requirement for abolishing the visa regime. I understand your positions concerning the name and the OSCE PA supports both parties in finding an acceptable solution through dialogue. At the same time, it would be perhaps positive if the dialogue is held among parliamentarians. The OSCE PA is ready to help the parliamentarians of both countries to establish that kind of dialogue, while respecting the negotiations held within the United Nations, stressed Mr. Soares, President of the OSCE PA.