SANTER ANNOUNCES THAT NEXT COOPERATION COUNCIL (5 MARCH) WILL RAISE POSSIBILITY OF BEGINNING ASSOCIATION NEGOTIATIONS

Brussels, 17/02/1999 (Agence Europe)

European Commission President Jacques Santer said on Tuesday that the Commission was ready to improve and intensify relations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Fyrom), but that it was still "too early" to give the go-ahead to negotiations to conclude an Association Agreement with the country. EU and Fyrom relations have so far been governed by the Cooperation Agreement, in force since 1 January 1998, but on several occasions, Fyrom has repeated its desire to begin negotiations as soon as possible in view of EU membership. The next important rendez-vous to raise the possibility of enhanced contractual relations between the EU and Fyrom will be 5 March when the next Cooperation Council is to be held, said Santer at the end of talks with Macedonian Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski. Mr. Santer also welcomed democratic developments in Fyrom and its general "stability" in a region in turmoil.

Mr. Georgievski welcomed implementation of the Cooperation Agreement ("an agreement that works well") and said he was "optimistic" as to prospects for the rapid opening of his country's association negotiations with the EU. "Our mind is wholly turned towards Europe", he said.