Brussels, 18/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - Visiting the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on Tuesday 17 February, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn spoke of the EU's serious concern about the FYROM's situation. He urged its political actors “to engage in constructive dialogue, within the parliament, focusing on the strategic priorities of the country and all its citizens”. “All leaders must cooperate in good faith to overcome the current impasse which is not beneficial to the country's reform efforts”, the European Commission states in a press release. Among other things, the leader of the Social-Democrat opposition, Zoran Zaiev, is accused of a coup d'état (see EUROPE 11244).
Reiterating that the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedom of the media are at the heart of the EU accession process and “non-negotiable”, Hahn expressed his deep concern at the reported surveillance of thousands of citizens and called for this to be investigated thoroughly. Around 20,000 people, including journalists, religious leaders and politicians, have reportedly been wiretapped. Hahn called for “any investigations to be conducted in full respect of the principles of due process - impartiality, presumption of innocence, transparency, separation of powers and judicial independence”, and he expressed full support for the freedom of the media to report on issues of public interest.
Hahn also discussed key reforms, including those at the core of the High Level Accession Dialogue, as well as past and future EU assistance. The European Commission is in contact with FYROM's authorities concerning the floods, the assessment of damages and needs, and possible EU support
During his visit, Hahn met FYROM's President Gjorge Ivanov, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Deputy Prime Minister Fatmir Besimi and Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki. He also spoke with Social Democrat opposition leader Zoran Zaev, the DUI Albanian party opposition leader Ali Ahmeti and representatives from civil society and from the member states in FYROM. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)