Luxembourg, 23/06/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 23 June, the European affairs ministers called on the political parties of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to assume their responsibilities and take “immediate” measures towards a lasting solution to the political crisis, to commit to a political dialogue, and to continue efforts to restore trust in FYROM's institutions.
In its draft conclusions, the Council states that it expects a detailed report of the concrete measures take and planned in the coming months, at the Stabilisation and Association Council with FYROM, which should take place on 20 July.
Questioned by EUROPE on the possible measures that the EU could take if the situation does not improve, Latvia's foreign minister Edgars Rinkevics said that additional stages were not envisaged “for the moment”. “At the moment, there is no discussion on the measures, steps that the EU should take”, he added, reiterating the Council's support for the mediation work of European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn.
The ministers believe that the agreement of 2 June is a “significant first step in addressing the political crisis” and that it must be “the basis” for future discussions. The Council also asks all the parties to honour this agreement and to implement all the recommendations of the European Commission, beginning with the urgent reforms targeting “the systemic rule of law issues confirmed or arising out of the current crisis”. The ministers mention the breaches of fundamental rights, judicial freedom, media freedom, corruption, the elections, the politicisation of state institutions, and collusion between the state apparatus and political parties. “The implementation of these recommendations will be closely monitored by the Commission”, the ministers warn.
The Council especially highlights the issue of the elections. An early ballot should take place in April 2016. Electoral reform in line with OSCE recommendations is “urgently required”, the Council states. The electoral reforms should “contribute to ensuring a level playing field ahead of future elections”, the conduct of which will be an important indicator of progress made.
While the majority and opposition accuse each other mutually of spying, threats and illegal tapping or corruption, the EU ministers state that it is “necessary to ensure as soon as possible a thorough and independent investigation of (…) any criminal wrongdoing, with full regard for due process, the principle of independence of the judiciary, and the presumption of innocence”. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)