SKOPJE WISHES TO START NEGOTIATING IN 1999

Brussels, 17/02/1999 (Agence Europe)

"The Government of the Republic of Macedonia is strongly determined to continue and to intensify the activities already started for joining the European Union and is fully prepared to undertake the obligations of associate membership of the EU as a precondition for its full membership", affirmed on 16 February, before the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs, Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski. The minister, who confirmed his wish to see his country begin accession negotiations this year, recalled that Skopje has also applied for appropriate status in the European Conference, "where issues of general interest for the countries with a European vocation are being treated very successfully". Mr Georgievski also called for the EP, which currently has a Delegation for Relations with South East Europe (chaired by Doris Pack), to create a "separate committee for relations with the Republic of Macedonia" and for the European Commission to open a delegation in Skopje this year. Mr Georgievski also hoped for an e

arly and positive solution to the visa problem, saying his country should be removed from the list of those whose citizens are required to have a visa to enter the EU. Lastly, describing progress made in democratic reform and stressing the importance Skopje attaches to respect for the rights of minorities, the minister made a point of recalling that "the number of members of minorities in the state administration and courts is constantly increasing".