Brussels 24/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, met Ali Ahmeti, the leader of the Albanian-speaking party DUI (Democratic Union for Integration) of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on Wednesday. Solana urged Ahmeti to continue to work towards the full implementation of the Ohrid framework agreement and reiterated the EU's support in this. The Albanian leader called for the Albanian minority to be better integrated in public life in FYROM.
Highlighting positive developments in Macedonia, both sides noted that there were a few problems with the implementation of the Ohrid agreement. Ahmeti focussed on the under-representation of Albanians in the police and administration (particularly the economic ministry) saying this was partly due to Albanians' lack of qualifications. He distanced himself from calls for self-determination for the Albanian section of FYROM, saying Greater Albania was a pipe-dream and it was vital that Albanians were better integrated in public life in FYROM, making Albanian an official language, for example. He highlighted his party's support for European integration and stability in Kosovo.
Solana briefed Ahmeti about the EU's decision to extend Concordia's mission in FYROM, and informed him that a police mission might follow the military mission (see EUROPE of 23 July, p.5). The news was welcomed by the Macedonian leader.