Statement by NATO Secretary General

NATO is watching with intense interest and concern the current political dialogue in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(1) . It is clear the process of ending the crisis is now at a crossroads. At such a critical time a durable cease-fire is of the utmost importance and so I call on all sides to continue to respect fully the cease-fire declarations they made and to act with utmost discipline and restraint.
I applaud the efforts all the political parties are making, which have already achieved significant results. However a final agreement will still require difficult decisions by all sides, but the end result, a lasting peace and a stable, prosperous multi-ethnic society, is now within reach. At such a sensitive stage quick progress is vital, and I therefore urge all political parties to redouble their efforts to reach an agreed political settlement very soon.

1. Turkey recognizes the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.