Wednesday, 28 July 2010
EU ADVISED MACEDONIA TO CONTINUE WITH THE REFORMS
Yesterday at the 7th meeting of the Stabilization and Association Council between the Republic of Macedonia and the European Union in Brussels the key events related to the fulfillment of the political criteria were reviewed. The Republic of Macedonia was asked to continue with the reforms concerning the political dialogue improvement, the public administration professionalization, the independence of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, and the improvement of the area of human rights and the business environment.
The Meeting was chaired by Mr. Steven Vanackere, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, the country which currently holds the EU Presidency, and also the EU Commissioner Stefan Füle took part at the meeting. On behalf of the Republic of Macedonia, the Co-chairman was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Antonio Miloshoski, and the Deputy Prime Minister for EU Affairs of the Macedonian Government, Mr. Vasko Naumovski who also participated in this meeting was accompanied by the State Secretary for the implementation of the Framework Agreement, Mr. Ilham Ismani. The EU Special Representative and Head of the EU delegation to the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Erwan Fouere also took part at the meeting.
The SA Council pointed out that the best way to strengthen the political climate is to fully implement the Law on Assembly by adopting the new Rules of Procedure and by continuing the formal coordination meetings with the coordinators of the parliamentary groups. Furthermore, the importance the constructive dialogue between the political factors was also underlined, in direction of sustainable implementation of the key reforms and the Ohrid Framework Agreement. The regional cooperation and the good-neighbourly relations, as an essential part of the progress towards the EU were emphasized.
The Members of the Macedonian Delegation promised that the Government shall be dedicated to the further efficient reform implementation, in order to meet the EU accession criteria and standards.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Antonio Miloshoski expressed appreciation for the fact that Belgium, as a country which holds the EU Presidency, shall address the Macedonian case and shall try to keep the EU enlargement process at a good level.