12 Oct. 2005

Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(1) visits NATO Multimedia Audio of the press conference .MP3/7791Kb High resolution photos Opinions Transcript of the press point Background Membership Action Plan The Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(1), Vlado Buckovski, addressed the North Atlantic Council and met for talks with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on 12 October. The Prime Minister updated the Council and the Secretary General on the reform process in his country. He also discussed the situation in the Balkans, and particularly Kosovo, where a recent United Nations report has paved the way for talks on the province’s final status. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is one of three countries participating in NATO’s Membership Action Plan. This is a special programme of advice, assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of countries wishing to join the Alliance. Words of encouragement “Encouragement is the right word,” said the NATO Secretary General, summarizing the talks at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Buckovski, “Please go on doing what you are doing, keep up the momentum.” NATO membership is a performance-based process, the Secretary General stressed, saying that the Alliance’s door remains open. This was the Prime Minister’s third visit to NATO this year. - Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name. - La Turquie reconnat la Rpublique de Macdoine sous son nom constitutionnel.