Tuesday, 16 June 2009
PRESIDENT OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA, MR. TRAJKO VELJANOSKI MEETS THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PRESIDENT, MR. LLUÍS MARIA DE PUIG
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe supports Macedonia in its accession to the European Union.During the friendly and open meeting, the President of the Assembly Mr. Trajko Veljanoski stressed that it was the Council of Europe through which the Republic of Macedonia began its integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures. 'At the same time, it was with the embrace and implementation of the Council of Europe standards and principles - human rights, democracy, rule of law and peace - that we started our reforms undertaken primarily for the sake of our citizens, because it is the only way to ensure political and economic stability and growth', said President Veljanoski.
Recalling that the Republic of Macedonia has ratified almost all the conventions and documents of the Council of Europe, President Trajko Veljanoski emphasised the particular attention dedicated to the regional cooperation, in order to ensure peace, stability and European future for the entire region.
The preparations were also mentioned for Macedonia's forthcoming chairmanship of the Council of Europe.
The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Mr. Lluís Maria de Puig underlined that this time he was coming to the Republic of Macedonia with an easy task. 'I want to express appreciation for all that you have accomplished so far and you have accomplished a lot. At the same time, I want to encourage you to continue the reforms and further the respect of human rights and democracy, as that is needed in any country, not just yours.'
The PA CE President expressed gratitude for the Council of Europe's 60th Anniversary celebration in the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia and stressed the involvement of young people in the event, 'who were thus introduced to the Council of Europe's fundamental principles', said President de Puig.