Press Release (2005)038 17 March 2005

Statement by the Secretary General on the elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) I welcome the calm environment and generally orderly manner in which voting took place in last Sunday’s municipal elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(1). These elections are a key step in the implementation of the decentralisation process, as set out in the Ohrid Agreement, and it is important that they are conducted successfully. I therefore note with concern the reports by the International Observer Mission of serious irregularities, particularly in the Northwest of the country. I urge the leaders and people of the country to ensure that the second round meets the highest democratic standards – standards to be expected from a NATO aspirant country. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name.

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