Declaration by the Presidency on the parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Press release 218/2006
6 July, 2006

The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the preliminary assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission on the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 5 July, which concludes that they largely met with OSCE commitments and Council of Europe commitments for democratic elections

The Presidency notes with concern the violent incidents which took place in the course of the election campaign, as well as the fact that a number of shortcomings and irregularities were registered in the conduct of the election process. The Presidency underlines that all violent acts and other irregularities should be investigated and addressed accordingly.

The Presidency looks forward to a rapid formation of the new government and to its continuing the reform process in the country on its path towards the EU. It is especially important to proceed with decentralisation, police reform, the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as with strengthening the rule of law.

The Presidency will give its full support to the new government and to its efforts to proceed with the EU-oriented reform agenda.