Chairperson-in-Office welcomes adoption of Law on Higher Education by former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Parliament

VIENNA, 26 July 2000 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, welcomes the adoption of the Law on Higher Education by the Parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on July 25.

The Chairperson-in-Office especially welcomes the fact that the provisions of the law give the possibility for Higher Education in the languages of the national minorities of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The adoption of the Law on Higher Education represents an important measure in promoting the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups in the country.

The Chairperson-in-Office calls on all ethnic groups and all political parties in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to continue the path of mutual understanding and creating a comprehensive legal and political environment which gives all citizens equal rights and opportunities.

The Chairperson-in-Office expresses her appreciation for the efforts of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Max van der Stoel in this respect.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org