"This is a great day for peace in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", says Chairman-in-Office Geoana

BUCHAREST, 13 August 2001 (OSCE) - The Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, participated today in the signing ceremony of the Framework Agreement for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

"It is a great day for peace in this country and also in the region. We are happy to be here in this crucial moment. This is a clear signal that the Macedonian society has chosen to take the path of Ohrid peace spirit and to refuse the civil war", stated Mr. Geoana.

The minister joined NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, European Union Foreign Policy High Representative Javier Solana, and the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louis Michel, representing the current European Union Presidency for high-level talks with President Trajkovski, governmental authorities and political party leaders.

"We bring the message of support on behalf of the international community", the Chairman-in-Office stated.

The high international representatives used this opportunity to reaffirm their support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Also, they stated their strong support for the rebuilding of the multi-ethnic society in the country.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office also expressed his gratitude to Max van der Stoel, his Personal Envoy appointed on 29 June, who facilitated the dialogue and provided advice for a speedy solution of the current crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

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