Strasbourg, 17/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 16 April, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said during her visit to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) that she wanted the dispute with Greece regarding the Macedonian name “Macedonia” to be resolved swiftly. This name issue is blocking the opening of FYROM's accession negotiations. “There is a need to bring the longstanding discussions on the name issue to a definitive conclusion without delay (…) I know this can be very difficult, but there is no other alternative, there is no way forward. To act sooner is better than later”, she said after her meetings with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, the leader of the Democratic Union for Integration, Ali Ahmeti, the leader of the opposition, Branko Crvenskovski, and President Gjorge Ivanov. “This is the only way towards progress on your European path”, she added. Ashton called on the two parties, therefore, to “take full advantage” of the efforts made by the United Nations at a time when the UN negotiations have gained “new strength” with the presentation of a new proposal.
Ashton also said that continued implementation of the Ohrid framework agreement “in spirit and in letter” is “absolutely necessary”. She reiterated the importance of “constructive and inclusive political dialogue” as well “inclusive dialogue” with media and civil society.
Like Ashton, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle stressed during the presentation of FYROM's progress report on 16 April that the EU is closely following implementation of the 1 March political agreement - after more than two months' of political crisis (see EUROPE 10828). “I have encouraged the political leaders to reach across the divides and create a new political tone and spirit of cooperation”, Ashton said.
In its report, the European Commission stresses inter alia that Skopje has taken measures to improve its neighbourly relations with Greece, and also with Bulgaria, and the Commission stresses Skopje's cooperation with the Western Balkan countries. The Commission also speaks of the country's progress in reforms - be it on freedom of expression and the media - including the decriminalisation of defamation and insult, or be it in terms of judicial reforms - with the systematic verification of conflicts of interest. The Commission notes that the intercommunity dialogue has continued at all levels, and it notes progress in administrative and electoral reforms and those aiming to strengthen the market economy. However, the Commission also reiterates that the progress must continue. (CG/transl.fl)