OSCE Chairmanship representative, in Skopje, stresses need to continue reform, address causes of inter-ethnic tensions
Irish Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, during an official visit yesterday in Skopje discussed the implementation of reforms, the need for further reconciliation, and the role OSCE can play in advancing the reform and integration processes.
R-l: The Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Teuta Arifi and the Representative of the Irish OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office, Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton, addressing journalists, Skopje
Following a meeting with Teuta Arifi, the Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs, Creighton said addressing journalists: “I welcome substantial progress on the domestic reform agenda achieved in the past years, and encourage the authorities to continue implementation of reforms, especially those related to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, freedom and plurality of the media, and electoral reform.”
She stressed the importance of inclusivity and reconciliation and good neighbourly relations, especially in the light of inter-ethnic incidents in early 2012. “Addressing underlying causes of tension would help consolidate a model for a viable multi-ethnic society,” Creighton underlined.
She advised the authorities to make the best use of the OSCE, its Mission to Skopje and its Institutions in achieving this goal, as well as in dealing with other outstanding issues, such as the current reform of media legislation, namely decriminalization of defamation.
Creighton underlined that the Ohrid Framework Agreement has served as an “effective stabilization tool”, and it’s important to continue its implementation. “A qualitative assessment of the progress and remaining gaps in the implementation is also important, and the OSCE can assist the authorities in this,” she concluded. Later today Creighton is meeting with representatives of the civil society dealing with human rights, good governance and media freedom.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
- 400 reads
