Press Release (2004)111 19 July 2004

Statement by the NATO Secretary General on laws on Territorial Organisation in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(1) I welcome the agreement reached by the coalition parties last Wednesday on the issue of decentralization. This has been a significant achievement, as decentralization is a centre-piece of the Ohrid Agreement. I wish to congratulate those who have worked hard to find a solution for this sensitive and emotional question. It is encouraging to see that the political process is able to yield good results even at the most difficult moments. We are looking forward to the successful completion of the decentralization process in the months ahead. It will be another step ahead on the road to Euro-Atlantic integration. 1.Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.

Tel: Fax: +32 (0)2 707 50 41 +32 (0)2 707 50 57 B-1110 Brussels/Bruxelles http://www.nato.int press@hq.nato.int