Brussels, 01/03/2001 (Agence Europe) - On 28 February, the Swedish Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the European Union:
"The EU expresses its strong concern about the recent escalation of violence in the border region between FRY/Kosovo and FYROM, and in particular the exchange of fire in the village of Tanusevci on Monday afternoon. The EU strongly condemns the rising number of violent incidents in this area, and calls on all involved to isolate the extremists. The EU urges all parties to respect the border demarcation agreement between the FRY and the FYROM signed in Skopje on 23 February, and reiterates its strong attachment to the principle of inviolability of borders, including the territorial integrity of FYROM. A peaceful and stable FYROM - within internationally recognised borders - is an important condition for furthering the integration of FYROM within the European Union, soon through the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement".