Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Meeting of the President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, with the Delegation from the Parliament of Slovenia, headed by the President of the Slovenian Parliament, Dr. Pavel Gantar
At the beginning of the meeting both sides underlined that the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Slovenia are good and friendly, and that there are no opened issues between the two countries. This provides an opportunity for intensification of the bilateral relations on all levels - said Mr. Trajko Veljanoski.
Expressing appreciation for the consistent support provided by the Republic of Slovenia in the realization of the strategic goal of the Republic of Macedonia, the Euro-Atlantic integration, Mr. Veljanoski pointed out the recent report adopted by the European Parliament, which clearly states that the Republic of Macedonia should receive the date for opening negotiations in a reasonable timeframe.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia Mr. Trajko Veljanoski added that the national parliaments have a very important and responsible role in the stage of negotiations and opening of the chapters, and that this is an opportunity for intensification of the cooperation between the two countries. During the discussion both Presidents underlined that the regional cooperation is important, and expressed their satisfaction from its current developments. Parliamentary democracy provides a strong impetus to this, pointed out Mr. Veljanoski.
Mr. Veljanoski also referred to the recent events with certain Macedonian citizens applying for political asylum in some of the European countries. He emphasised that these citizens do not have political or problems with the Government policies, but that they are manipulated by certain individuals influenced by economic motivation. This is why the state institutions pay great attention to this and take concrete measures to explain the visa liberalization to our citizens, which means that the free travelling cannot be a solution for the social and economic situation of the individuals.
The President of the Slovenian Parliament Dr. Pavel Gantar said that for Slovenia Macedonia is a European state, and that he personally is impressed with the progress that the country has achieved and with its contribution in the NATO peacekeeping missions. He pointed out that there is no obstacle for Macedonia to be a full NATO member-state or to start the negotiations with the EU.
“Certainly, the name issue with neighbouring Greece exists, but this bilateral issue cannot affect the European and Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia. This is why Slovenia will continue to support Macedonia in its process of Euro-Atlantic integration”.
Referring to the problem of the asylum seekers, he stressed that this is not a on a large-scale and that it is not something new. The situation was similar in many other countries after the liberalization of the visa regime, added Mr. Gantar.
The Slovenian Parliament, with all its capacities, is prepared to provide assistance to the Republic of Macedonia, said President Gantar.