We focussed our discussion on the current situation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

The High Representative for CFSP has given us an account of his last visit to Skopje together with the Secretary General of NATO. We strongly commend HR Solana's decisive action in the current crisis. We welcome the cooperation with NATO and USA.

We reiterate our strong attachment to the inviolability of the internationally recognised borders in the region and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of FYROM, as one multi-ethnic State.

We reaffirm the necessity of a political solution. This implies:

the opening of a true dialogue covering all issues on the agenda, including the constitutional issues; we welcome the readiness of President Trajkovski and the national unity government to act accordingly. We urge them to achieve tangible progress now and look forward to Prime Minister Georgievski's report to the General Affairs Council on 25 June;

the establishment of a durable peace; it is imperative that the cease-fire is maintained. We strongly condemn any resort to violence. President Trajkovski's plan for disarmament adopted by the government is a good basis for progress in this direction. We call on all democratic forces in FYROM, on neighbouring countries and on the international community to unite against extremism.

Steps to consolidate a cease-fire will be necessary without delay.

We declare that the European Union stands ready to build on progress made in the current talks and to engage further in facilitation of the political dialogue in FYROM.

In this context, we have agreed to appoint, for a limited period of time, a representative of the EU, resident in Skopje, who will act under the authority of the HR. The EU will continue to act in close cooperation with NATO as well as with the main partners and organisations involved. We invite the Council to take the appropriate measures.

We announce that an agreement in the political dialogue on substantial reforms will create the conditions for the EU to provide further assistance to FYROM.

We reiterate the EU's determination to exercise its responsibility. With our key partners we will promote the region's stability, democratic development and prosperity, in particular through the Stabilisation and Association Process and the Stability Pact.

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