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Macedonia Deserves EU Candidate-Status, FM Mitreva Says |
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Wednesday, 23 November 2005Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva addressed Tuesday members of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, saying that Macedonia has legitimized itself as a partner of confidence and a true ally of the European Union, MIA reports from Brussels.
Mitreva emphasized that the European Commission opinion that Macedonia fulfilled conditions for the EU candidate-status was of historic significance for the country and its citizens, adding that such concrete measures and activities materialized the perspectives for the Balkan's European integration.
"However, in Macedonia there is only one time - time for work, hard work. Our 'road map' includes the priorities identified in the European partnership. Therefore, my dear friends, we will need your support and your advice", Mitreva said, adding that Macedonia had a plan how to reach its objective, along with the will and capacity to implement the plan to its end.
"Republic of Macedonia is an example of functional democracy in a multiethnic society, a model of stability and ethnic tolerance. The respect of human and minority rights is the trademark of my country. We consider ethnic, cultural and religious differences an advantage, not a handicap. Understanding and tolerance are the civilizational values that have been nurtured at the Macedonian soil for centuries", FM Mitreva stressed.
According to her, Macedonia has closed chapter "stabilization", which would be confirmed by the departure of police mission "Proxima" in December. "Macedonia is an active contributor of stability and prosperity on the Balkans", Mitreva said.
"I believe that the European Council will adopt the European Commission assessment, giving Macedonia its deserved candidate-status", Mitreva emphasized, adding that the Macedonian candidacy would be a success for other regional countries too, and a confirmation that perspectives for EU membership could become a reality through perseverance and hard work.
FM Mitreva pointed out that the country had a clear agenda for EU accession, along with the resolve to implement the 2005 crucial priorities - reforms in judiciary, police, and election process, as well as the one-window system.
She also referred to the problem of visa regime liberalization, saying that generations of young Macedonians could not directly communicate with Europe due to the rigid regime. "Something has to be done in this respect as soon as possible", Mitreva said.
"Beginning of accession talks with Turkey and Croatia, talks on the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Serbia/Montenegro, the decision for opening of such talks with Bosnia/Herzegovina confirm that the Union perseveres on the vision of its founders. I believe that the internal challenges the Union is faced with today are not exclusively related to the enlargement process. However, one thing is more than certain - the European project has enabled our continent with the longest period of peace, stability and economic prosperity", Mitreva stated.
According to her, EU must remain rigorous in the request to fulfill its criteria, but also fair in the assessment of progress.
"Republic of Macedonia sees EU membership as a way to conquer future through courage and vision. Thus, I want to send a message: Macedonia has the courage to tread its own path and vision, be the builder of the common European home. Republic of Macedonia has a lot to offer to Europe", FM Mitreva concluded in the address before the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee members.
Several Euro-deputies congratulated Mitreva on the country's positive "avis" from the European Commission, expressing support for allocation of the Union candidate-status. German deputy Doris Pack pledged for abolishment of visas for the Macedonian citizens, while Hungarian Istvan Szent-Ivanyi asked that Macedonia was recognized under its constitutional name, adding that the competent Committee had supported the proposal for Macedonia's use of the pre-accession funds following the EU candidate-status.
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Wednesday, 23 November 2005
Macedonian Information Agency-MIA
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