03/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 3 January, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and European Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle sent their condolences to the citizens of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the news of the passing away of the former president of the country, Kiro Gligorov, on 1 January. Gligorov was president from 1991-1999. The two EU representatives emphasised that “Mr Gligorov guided his country through critical transitions, including the peacefully achieved independence from the Socialist Federative Republic of Yugoslavia. Taking the country forward on that new path, he made important decisions to the benefit of his people based on his long experience and knowledge of his country.” (CG/transl.fl)