Brussels, 16/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - Following the outcome of Sunday's legislative elections in Macedonia, at the end of which moderate Macedonian (SDSM social-democrat led by Branko Crevenkovski) and Albanian parties (Democratic Union for Integration, headed by Ali Ahmeti, former chief of the UCK), won over the nationalist parties, Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, made the following statement: "It is with great pleasure that I welcome the peaceful and dignified elections held in Macedonia on Sunday. Voters, political parties and elections officials showed their clear commitment to peace and democracy, as well as their unquestionable rejection of violence as a means for change. The elections largely met European democratic standards. I would like to take this opportunity to praise the governing parties for respecting the verdict of the polls by conceding defeat. They have done great honor to themselves, to democracy and their country. As well, I would like to congratulate the winning parties and wish them the greatest success in meeting the challenges and expectations of the voters. The results of the State Election Commission should be fully accepted and implemented. I hope that a new parliament will be convened as soon as possible. After more than one year of peace, yesterday's elections show that Macedonia can look beyond last year's crisis towards a brighter future within Europe." The Macedonian elections thus went well, despite incidents in August between the two communities and the fact that certain ballot boxes remained open during the vote. "It is a very positive sign for the stabilisation and association agreement that Macedonia and the EU have signed", declared Christina Gallach, Javier Solana's spokeswoman. As we stand, only Germany, Denmark, Ireland and Sweden have ratified it, but "the results and the unfolding of the elections may push other Member states to do likewise", he added.