COMMUNICATION A LA PRESSE

Objet :

The European Union warmly welcomes the favourable vote in the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia which opens the way to important constitutional changes. This vote is a significant step in the procedure for approval of the Framework Agreement signed in Skopje on 13 August 2001.

The EU notes that the majority was very large, representing a wide consensus within the Parliament and between the communities represented therein.

For the European Union, the Framework Agreement of 13 August is a guarantee of a return to peace and stability in the country, as well as national reconciliation between all the communities, with due regard for the territorial integrity and unity of the country.

The European Union hopes that, at the time of the final vote, the Parliament will approve all the provisions of the Framework Agreement, thus paving the way for its full implementation. The European Union is determined to support that implementation.

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