OSCE Chairman-in-Office calls for political leaders to complete final stages of Ohrid agreement

SKOPJE, 8 November 2001 (OSCE) - On Wednesday, 7 November, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, paid a one-day visit to Skopje, capital of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, together with Lord Robertson, Secretary General of NATO.

The purpose of the visit was to encourage political leaders to finalize the political process leading to the adoption of constitutional changes as stipulated in the Ohrid Agreement of August this year, and to clarify procedural issues with regards to the amnesty of former combatants who have voluntarily disarmed.

Following talks with the President, Prime Minister, members of the Government and party leaders, Minister Geoana and Lord Robertson expressed satisfaction that some elements concerning the application of the amnesty had been agreed.

"I am optimistic that the right conditions will soon be in place, including the amnesty, so that OSCE can complete its task of monitoring the return of the security forces to the villages affected by the conflict" said the Chairman-in-Office. He stressed that it was essential that people should feel safe enough to return to their homes before the onset of winter.

Minister Geoana stressed that the OSCE wanted to see the Parliamentary process concluded next week. " We are ready to continue our efforts, in close co-operation with the European Union, NATO and the Macedonian authorities, to contribute to confidence building, including through the development and training of a multi-ethnic police force," said Minister Geoana.