Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia¹
At the Warsaw Summit in July 2016, NATO urged all political leaders in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to fully implement their commitments under the Przino Agreement, as the framework for a sustainable solution to the political crisis.
The December 2016 election was seen by international observers as an essential step in resolving that crisis. It was judged to have been well-administered and to have proceeded without major incidents. Following one attempt to form a government, it has been announced that, in line with the requirement specified by the President, enough MPs' signatures have now been collected.
I look to the authorities in Skopje to fulfil the next step in the democratic process. I call on all parties to exercise restraint in statements and actions, and take decisions for the benefit of all citizens.
NATO remains committed to the membership of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the Alliance, in line with the decision made at the 2008 Bucharest Summit and Allied Declarations made at subsequent NATO summits.
- Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.