Monday, 22 june 2009
Meeting of the CHAIRPERSON of the foreign policy COMMITTEE OF the assembly of the republic of macedonia and CHAIRPERSON of the foreign policy committie OF the NATIONAL COUNCIL of the republic of slovenia
The Chairperson of the Foreign Policy Committee, Mrs. Teuta Arifi and the Members of the Committee had a meeting with the Chairperson of the Foreign Policy Committee of the National Council of the Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Vincenc Otonichar and the Committee Members.
The National Council is the second parliamentary house in the Republic of Slovenia and is composed of 40 Members, elected on indirect election. The Council does not function according to party affiliation of its Members. It has numerous powers, including decision to hold a referendum, starting a procedure before the Constitutional Court concerning adopted laws, and a right to veto the adoption of particular laws. The National Council has 7 committees, including the Foreign Policy Committee, which covers the European issues, ethnic community issues and other areas.
The National Council cooperates with the NGO sector in the Republic of Slovenia, organises debates and panel discussions, the results of which are used to enhance legal texts.
The National Council closely observes and supports the EU and NATO accession process of the Republic of Macedonia, and in particular the free visa regime for the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia.
The visa liberalisation, preferably to be in force by the end of the year, will send positive signals and provide an opportunity for the young people to continue their education abroad.
The open and constructive relationship between the Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Slovenia was underlined, as well as the successful Slovenian presidency with the European Union. Slovenia is a successful lobbyist for the Republic of Macedonia within the Union, and with its open support for the Republic of Macedonia and the clear and good intentions, it is among the EU Member States which are very important for the Republic of Macedonia.