11.04.06 (18:00)

WELCOME BY MR VAN DER LINDEN,
PRESIDENT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY
TO MR VLADO BUCHKOVSKI, PRIME MINISTER
OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
(Strasbourg, Chamber, 12 April 2006, 15.00 a.m.)

 

Dear colleagues,

I have the honour of welcoming amongst us Mr Vlado Buchkovski, Prime Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Mr. Prime Minister,

The consolidation of democracy and democratic institutions in your country, are the result of an intensive dialogue and cooperation with the Council of Europe and its Assembly.

In this context, I would like to pay tribute to the work of the Macedonian delegation to the Assembly, which makes a strong contribution to this co-operation.

Last year marked a milestone in your country’s progress to become a full member of the European Union.

Not least with the assistance and support of the Council of Europe.

However, European public opinion, mainly in Western Europe, has become very doubtful about enlargement.

The public climate has changed, and you must this take into account.

It is obvious that any further enlargement will be subject to strict scrutiny of an applicant country’s performance.

Your country therefore, will have to demonstrate further progress and achievements in meeting the Copenhagen political criteria, which is in fact Council of Europe criteria.

You have to be tougher on reform, uncompromising on corruption, determined to prove that Macedonia is a true democracy.

Only then will you be able to quell fears in Europe.

The Council of Europe stands ready to help you to rise to these challenges.

Under your leadership, your government has made progress in implementing the Ohrid Agreement.

You have proved that it is possible for people of different cultures and backgrounds to live together in peace and harmony.

Your immediate neighbours can learn from your experience and success, in building a multiethnic democracy.

Prime Minister,

You have the floor.

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