Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Madrid supports the European Integration of Macedonia
The Chairperson of the National European Integration Council, Ms. Radmila Shekerinska, the Members and the Representatives of the Council had a meeting with the Minister on Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Hose Manuel Pas Agueras, the Representatives of the Foreign Policy Committee, Representatives of the Committee on European Issues, Representatives from the Joint Parliamentary Committee- the Republic of Macedonia – EU and Representatives from the NGO Sector attended this meeting.
Ms. Shekerinska greeted the presence of the Spanish Minister and informed the guests on the composition and competences of the National European Integration Council.
The Minister on Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom underlined that he is an optimist on the issue which could be closed during their presidency with the EU by the end of June, underlining that Madrid supports the European Integration of the Republic of Macedonia.
Mr Moratios said that he noticed that the country is implementing every economic and social reforms needed for the European future of the state. It is not a question of being a Euro-optimists or Euro-pessimist, but we should be Euro- realists. We all have the right to be part of the EU. Macedonia is a candidate state and it belongs to the states which have promoted the relations with the EU. Macedonia cannot miss the enlargement momentum of the Union.
The present Members expressed their appreciation of the support provided by Spain on the way towards EU and NATO and requested realistic approach in the solution of the name issue.
Ms. Shekerinska said that beside the name, the country has to fulfil the reforms and standards for EU Membership and that the Council and the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia will continue to work on the accomplishment of these standards.