Press Release (2006)084 6 July 2006

Secretary General statement on parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 1 Wednesday’s parliamentary elections were an important test for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on its path to achieving its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. I commend the efforts undertaken by the country’s authorities for the peaceful conduct of these elections and the considerable progress achieved since the last local elections took place in March 2005. I note with satisfaction the OSCE’s assessment that the elections largely met international standards, although isolated irregularities did take place. These should be investigated and those responsible should be held accountable. Achieving NATO membership is a performance-based process, and as an aspirant country the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is expected to consistently meet the highest democratic standards. I call on the political authorities and on the people of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to continue on the path of reforms necessary to meet NATO standards and to ensure the continued implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. NATO looks forward to working with the new government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in its Euro-Atlantic aspirations, supporting the critical reforms needed to that effect. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name.

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