Thursday, 13 October 2011
STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT VELJANOSKI ON THE OCCASION OF THE EC PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA FOR 2011
Distinguished,
Traditionally, I have been officially handed the EC Progress Report for the Republic of Macedonia on its path toward the accession in the European Union. The year’s report, as the previous ones, is an objective reflection of the positive changes we have made, as well as the issues and areas which we should address.
As a President of the Assembly, I am satisfied from the part on the work of the Assembly, which is a result of the common work and activities of all colleagues, MPs, both, from the governing and from the oppositional party.
According to the previous practice, the Report will be reviewed in details by the authorised committees, I believe that the debate will emphasise the manner how to surpass the remarks of the Report. Also, the Progress Report will be on the agenda of the plenary session on 17th October.
Distinguished,
This is the third EC Report which contains a recommendation for the Republic of Macedonia to receive a date for opening accession negotiations.
The European Commission, for the third time, confirms the existence of the European standards which are becoming part of our everyday lives and being implemented in our legal system.
That is why, rightfully, I expect the Council of Ministers of EU to respect these principles and the Republic of Macedonia to receive a date on opening negotiations, and finally the bilateral issue with our southern neighbour not to be the reason for our blockage. All this for the benefit of the region and its European perspectives, and will benefit for the European Union.
Thank you.