6 Mar. 2002

Amnesty law brings hope to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) A focal point of Lord Robertson's, meetings with the top government officials of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), President Trajkovski (photo top left) on 6 March and Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski (photo bottom right) on 11 March, was the country's decision to pass an amnesty law. Lord Robertson said that while "an amnesty law is never something easy after a time of conflict, it is an essential part of any healing and confidence-building process and a huge milestone in the peace process for Macedonia". The amnesty law will cover criminal acts related to the 2001 conflict, including high treason, mutiny, armed rebellion and conspiracy against the state, but exclude those crimes currently under the jurisdiction of the UN War Crimes Tribunal. The meetings at NATO HQ also focused on a wide range of other issues, including progress made in implementing the Ohrid Framework Agreement signed in August 2001, the process of NATO enlargement and the steps taken by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) in its bid for membership, and the status of NATO missions in the country. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1) is a partner country in NATO, an active participant in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and the Partnership for Peace (PfP), and as a country aspiring for NATO membership, it actively participates in NATO's Membership Action Plan (MAP). Additional information: High resolution photos of the visit to NATO by the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), Mr. Boris Trajkovski Audio file of the press point by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson and the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), Mr. Boris Trajkovskii (.MP3/2.638Kb) High resolution photos of the visit to NATO by the Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), Mr. Ljubco Georgievski Audio file of the press point by NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson and the Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), Mr. Ljubco Georgievski (.MP3/5.320Kb) Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name.