OSCE will continue to support reform process, says OSCE Secretary General during visit to Skopje

SKOPJE, 2 October 2007 - The OSCE remains committed to assisting the Government in its reforms efforts, said Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut during a visit to mark the 15th anniversary of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, the Organization's oldest field operation.

"The successes that the OSCE has achieved over the years are essentially the successes of the country, its society and its people," he said. "The achievements of the Mission are the achievements of the numerous and diverse local partners, including not least the Government, political parties and numerous state and non-governmental institutions."

During his two-day visit, the Secretary General discussed the country's reform progress with President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Vice Prime Minister Imer Aliu and President of Parliament Ljubisha Georgievski.

He commended the country's commitment to OSCE principles and its comprehensive approach to security, as evidenced by the Government's efforts to engage with political counterparts.

"The OSCE is ready to continue working with its partners to help strengthen the rule of law and to support reforms in the area of policing, the judicial system, public administration and the media," he said.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the development and implementation of community policing in the country. "This is now being used as a model from which many other participating States are drawing inspiration. It serves in many ways as an example for how a country can successfully manage the complex fabric of inter-ethnic relations," he said.

Another key achievement was the largely successful implementation of decentralization, in which the OSCE Mission played an important supporting role, he added.

"Anniversaries are also moments to cast our thoughts forward and to look to the future," the OSCE Secretary General said. "No doubt, many challenges remain ahead. The OSCE is deeply committed to continuing its support to the country in implementing key laws and for building a productive political climate."