Brussels, 08/09/2004 (Agence Europe) - Javier Solana, CFSP High Representative, welcomed the adoption by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in August of legislation on the transfer of competencies from the central authority to local levels. Macedonian vice prim minister Musa Xhaferi, who he will be meeting on Tuesday also announced that the parliament had recently decided to organise a referendum on the subject of the law on territorial organisation of the country and the town of Skopje. Planned for 7 November, this new stage in the legislative process will postpone the implementation of the decentralisation. According to Mr Solana, this reform is essential, as part of the Ohrid Agreement of August 2001, for FYROM's chances of joining Europe. Local elections will not be taking place in FYROM, as the EU had wanted. The question is likely to be discussed on Thursday when Solana meets Michael Sahlin, EU Special Representative for FYROM. The two men are expected to discuss internal and administrative issues at this first meeting since the former Swedish diplomat began work at the beginning of August.