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Council of the EU: A serious concern about the situation and the crisis in Macedonia

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Reaffirming its conclusions in relation to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from December 2014 to April 2015, the EU’s commitment to the Thessaloniki Agenda and the candidacy of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Council reiterates its concern about the situation in the country, especially for the current political crisis, reads the draft conclusions for Macedonia which are to be accepted by the General Affairs Council of the EU tomorrow in Luxembourg, reports “Radio Free Europe”.

“The Council positively registers last efforts of party leaders to seek and achieve solutions and in this context welcomes the facilitation of Commissioner Hahn and members of the European Parliament.

The Council has noted the agreement of 2nd of June 2015, made in Skopje, as an important first step in resolving the political crisis. This agreement sets out the obligations of the leaders of the main political parties to deal with serious concerns about the rule of law and commitment to the process of accession to the EU and the democratic principles of the country, including maintaining good inter-ethnic relations through full implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and by strengthening good neighborly relations.

The Council considers the agreement of 2nd of June as a basis for future discussions. The Council urged political parties in the interests of citizens and the country to take responsibility and immediate action to achieve a sustainable solution and to continue constructive political dialogue and efforts to restore confidence in the institutions.

The Council called for implementation of all recommendations of the Commission, starting with priorities for urgent reform in terms of the rule of law arising from the current crisis, including the violation of fundamental rights, the judiciary, media freedom, elections, corruption, politicization of state institutions and interference State Party and the blurring of oversight.

The application of these recommendations will be closely monitored by the Commission. Electoral reform in accordance with the recommendations of OSCE/ODIHR are urgently needed and will contribute to ensuring equality before the next elections and their free and fair conduct that would be an important indicator of the reforms in this regard. Moreover, it is necessary to ensure as soon as possible a thorough and independent investigation of the materials revealing any criminal offenses, with full respect for due process, the principle of independence of the judiciary and the presumption of innocence.

At the session of the Stabilization and Association Council in July, the Council will expect detailed reports on specific taken actions projected for the coming months.

Stressing the need for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to make tangible progress towards meeting the priorities for urgent reform in accordance with the conclusions from 16th of December 2014 and those of 21st of April 2015, the Council confirmed the EU engagement, including through regular reporting by the Commission and EEAS for, among other things, priorities for urgent reform and European progress on the process of joining the EU and the situation in the country. The Council will revisit this issue in the coming months.”

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