OSCE and Council of Europe parliamentarians conclude assessment visit to Skopje ahead of elections

SKOPJE, 28 August 2002 - The joint Pre-election mission of the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe and the OSCE visited the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from 26 to 28 August in order to assess the preparations for the elections to be held on 15 September.

The mission had an extensive programme, which included talks with representatives of major political parties, non-governmental organizations and the media. They also met the President of the Parliament and the President of the State Election Commission (SEC).

The mission was impressed by the efficiency and professionalism of the SEC and welcomed its well-balanced composition. They concluded that the electoral law provided the right conditions for democratic elections. Overall, the campaign has been peaceful and constructive. Some interlocutors expressed a general feeling of insecurity concerning the electoral process, but SEC gave assurances that proper measures would be taken to provide security. The Joint mission calls on the authorities concerned to take the required action.

The pre-election mission emphasizes the importance of the elections. It is essential for the future of the country and for its further integration into the European structures that the conduct of these first, post-conflict elections should meet international standards. Good elections would contribute towards stability in both the country and the whole of southeastern Europe. Therefore the international community, including the Council of Europe and the OSCE, remains committed to supporting the country and its citizens in their efforts to further develop democracy and reconciliation.

However, members of the joint mission are disturbed by the killing of two police officers and offer condolences to their families. This criminal act must be unreservedly condemned by all political forces. The joint mission supports the authorities concerned in their efforts to investigate this tragic incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The mission sincerely hopes that this most unfortunate incident will not derail the so far constructive electoral process and appeals to the leaders of all the political parties to refrain from any inflammatory action.

The joint mission calls on all political parties to continue to work for constructive elections in the best interest of the country and its citizens. A meaningful dialogue between different communities is essential to inter-ethnic peace. It calls on all political parties to unconditionally honour the Ohrid Framework Agreement and to unreservedly condemn all acts that threaten to undermine the fragile peace in the country.

The joint mission appeals to all citizens to exercise their right to vote so that the 15 September 2002 elections are the true expression of the will of the people.