OSCE praises dialogue in Skopje on draft law on community symbols

LJUBLJANA, 31 May 2005 - The OSCE joined the Office of the EU Special Representative and the Embassy of the United States in Skopje in welcoming the Government's recent agreement on a draft Law regulating the use of Community Symbols.

"I acknowledge the constructive approach adopted by the governing coalition and look forward to Parliamentary debates being conducted in a similar spirit of broad political co-operation and dialogue," said the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister, Dimitrij Rupel.

"We are pleased with the results of the consultations among main coalition partners and look forward to a solution that would respect the freedom of expression of all communities, while preserving the integrity of the state symbols."

The actual adoption of a Law on Community Symbols would represent the last step in the fulfilment of all legislative commitments included in the Framework Agreement. Effective implementation, backed by genuine political commitment, will nonetheless be essential in promoting sustainable reforms.