Brussels, 23/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 23 July, the Foreign Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Nikola Poposki, stressed that he hoped “that (the Council) will agree to the opening of accession negotiations under the Lithuanian Presidency, we are doing all we can to bring this about, we hope that we will be able to reap the rewards”.
After the Stabilisation and Association Council, he stressed that his country is “still committed to starting talks” and hopes to “solidify relations with the EU”. The Macedonian minister for European affairs, Fatmir Besimi, added that European integration is “a priority”. “We hope to overcome the difficulties in order to move forward with the accession process”, he added. Poposki stressed the progress that has been made in reforms and in the key areas of the high-level dialogue.
“We are ready, by dint of considerable efforts, to resolve the problem (with Greece) of the name (Macedonia)”, he added. In a press release, the Stabilisation and Association Council noted the progress in the implementation of EU-related reforms, stressing that relations with the neighbours remain good and that progress has been made in FYROM's relations with Greece and Bulgaria as well as over the issue of the country's name.
Commissioner for Enlargement Stefan Füle said that “it is important for the country to continue with the reforms, laying emphasis on capacity and implementation”. “It is also important for the outstanding political issues to be dealt with, in order to create a positive climate later this year, when the member states are to make decisions concerning the enlargement process (in October)”, he added. The Council stresses the importance of constructive dialogue across the political spectrum. Füle reiterated the need for FYROM to implement the political agreement of 1 March. In the priorities of the high-level accession dialogue, the commissioner stressed the importance of developing dialogue with the media, in order, amongst other things, to “conclude the reforms necessary for pluralism and the freedom of expression”. He also highlighted the need to tackle, “as soon as possible, and in a fully inclusive way”, shortcomings flagged up by the elections and to set international recommendations in place. Reinforcing the independence of the judiciary and the effective and non-selective application of the fight against corruption were also highlighted by the Association Council. (CG/transl.fl)