Press Release (2001)107 19 July 2001

Joint Press Statement by the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Dr Javier Solana, and the NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson Mr Georgievski's statement yesterday in reaction to the proposals of EU and US envoys in Skopje was an undignified response to international efforts to assist in the search for a peaceful solution. It is also disappointing, given that the international facilitators are in Skopje at the invitation of the government, which has been informed of every move made. The EU and NATO are helping a country faced with great difficulties and they have done so at the invitation of, and with the support of, the national unity government. The International Community has given no support or comfort to the ethnic Albanian armed groups. Throughout the current crisis, the International Community has clearly stated its commitment to the democratic institutions, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(1), and this is reflected in the proposals being presented by the international facilitators. The EU and NATO remain committed to a peaceful solution to the current crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which can only be found through a successful conclusion of the political dialogue between the political parties. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.