US voices "strong support" for Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration

Text of report in English by Macedonian news agency Makfax

Skopje: The United States strongly supports Macedonia in its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, but urge for speeding up of reforms and dialogue between the ruling power and the opposition.

This was stated after today's meeting of the Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and US Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo.

"We will back Macedonia in implementation of the necessary reforms and on its road to Euro-Atlantic integrations," DiCarlo said.

She added the highlights of discussions included also "the need of the rule of law, as well as the need of government's cooperation with all political parties, aimed at enhancing the efforts in the fields spanning battle against corruption, full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, and backing of the process for determining the future status of Kosovo."

DiCarlo underscored the importance of "the judicial reforms, combating corruption, human trafficking, and respect of religious freedom and rights of all citizens."

Macedonian Minister Milososki confirmed this. "We will put a special focus on the fight against trafficking with human beings and organized crime in the region. We will also work with all religious communities in the country to improve the legislation referring to religious freedom," Milososki said after his meeting with DiCarlo.

As regards the Kosovo issue, Milososki said he and DiCarlo shared the stance that resolving of the Kosovo status should be carried out in the manner that will provide for strengthening of the region's stability.

"The process of reaching a solution on the Kosovo status is also a good opportunity for closing the technical issue of the border demarcation. We express our gratitude to the international community for its support regarding this, but also to Pristina's authorities, who acknowledge the fact that this issue poses as a challenge that requires a positive response," Milososki said.

Source: Makfax news agency, Skopje, in English 1325 gmt 23 Oct 06