Strasbourg, 24/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 24 October, the European Parliament gave a favourable opinion to the signing of visa facilitation agreements with Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro and Serbia, and readmission agreements with the above countries (apart from Albania). The EU and the five Western Balkan states signed the agreements on 18 September 2007 (see EUROPE 9505). Adina Valean MEP (ALDE, Romania), who deals with the agreements with Albania, Montenegro and FYROM, welcomed the vote, saying in a press release: 'The Western Balkans countries have always been strategic partners of the European Union. The recent developments demonstrate that the region is at a turning point. We must continue to encourage them on the democratic path and give them incentives to stabilise and definitely turn their eyes towards a stable future in Europe'. The agreements could come into force by 1 January 2008. (B.C.)