Joint statement on political crisis in Macedonia
Ambassadors of US, France, Italy, UK, Germany and EU voice concern over stalemate in political developments in Macedonia.
Ambassadors of US, France, Italy, UK, Germany and EU voice concern over stalemate in political developments in Macedonia.
Late Friday night, we met with Prime Minister Gruevski and expressed our disappointment at the failure to meet the October 20 deadline agreed to in the July 15 Przino Agreement for the exchange of ministers. We urge VMRO-DPMNE to demonstrate the required commitment and to implement the agreement in a constructive and urgent manner and with good faith. We believe implementing the Przino Agreement is the best path out of this political crisis.
We called on Prime Minister Gruevski to empower his team to finalize agreement on the unresolved issues in the Przino Agreement and to implement the necessary reforms quickly to ensure a level playing field for credible elections with national and international recognition, as well as accountability for possible wrongdoing. Regarding the latter, we expect the Special Prosecutor, appointed by a unanimous vote in Parliament, to be given the resources requested to allow her to take on the important work ahead.
We have urged SDSM, for their part, to continue to fulfil their obligations arising from the political agreement, including the commitment not to publish any further wiretap material. The Przino Agreement calls for the parties to put the interest of the country first and confirm their commitment to the Euro-Atlantic integration process and democratic principles. All parties should act in good faith, to renew their commitment to that Agreement, and to act upon measures agreed to with the absolute urgency that the situation demands. Failure to do so will impact the assessment by the European Commission.
Governments, and especially their heads, have a special responsibility in times of political crisis. Should they act immediately and clearly indicate through actions that they are taking this path, the international community stands ready to support that effort.
Connect with us on Facebook or follow us @ukinmacedonia
Connect with the British Ambassador on Facebook or @BritAmbCGarrett
Read our blog UK in Macedonia