Open letter of OSCE Chairman-in-Office to leaders of political parties represented in Macedonian National Assembly

LISBON, 13 September 2002 - On Sunday, 15 September, the Macedonian citizens will go to the polls in one of the most important elections in the recent history of this country. These elections will be a test of confidence for the further promotion of democracy and tolerance. They should herald a new period of peace and prosperity for all citizens.

The OSCE has been invited by the Macedonian authorities to observe the elections. We will make every effort to observe that they are carried out in accordance with the highest international standards. I call on you to support and facilitate the work of the International Observers.

On the eve of these crucial elections for the country, I would like to call on all political leaders to act responsibly and refrain from any inflammatory rhetoric in order to ensure the necessary conditions for free and fair elections. Citizens must be free to vote without fear of intimidation or harassment.

I also would like to call on the authorities to ensure a calm and suitable electoral environment. I am confident in the ability of the police force to ensure the safety and security of citizens and international observers. I welcome the Government's commitment to ensure that other units will be confined to barracks, monitored by the International Community.

In the last weeks, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has successfully overcome serious threats to its peace and stability. In particular the killing of two police officers on 26 August and the kidnapping of a group of citizens a few days later. The OSCE strongly condemns the killing of a police officer in Bogovinje yesterday morning. We deeply regret this vicious act and express our sincere condolences to the family of the victim.

All those responsible for criminal acts should be identified and brought to justice. I encourage the Government, political leaders and all citizens to continue to work with the representatives of the International Community in the country to improve the security situation, in particular during election day.

This country has come a long way since the signature of the Ohrid Framework Agreement a year ago. Free and fair elections on 15 September will be the next important step in that process. This is the only way to consolidate stability and to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the country and all its citizens and to advance towards its long-term goals of bringing the country closer to Euro-Atlantic structures.