OSCE Secretary General Zannier and ODIHR Director Link reiterate call for full implementation of the Przino Agreement

VIENNA, 14 January 2016 – OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier and ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link called today on political party leaders in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to act in the interest of all of the country’s citizens and take all necessary steps to ensure the full and timely realization of all elements of the Przino Agreement.

Underscoring that the process is at a critical juncture this week, Secretary General Zannier and Director Link urged the four leaders to remain fully committed to implementation of the agreement, including the nomination of an interim government and prime minister by the deadline established in the agreement and the holding of early parliamentary elections on 24 April 2016.

“Some very tough decisions and actions must be made in the upcoming days,” said Secretary General Zannier. “The country’s future is at stake and the trust of the citizens must not be betrayed. Let’s successfully complete the process already in motion.”

“Political leaders and representatives must remain committed to the goals set out in the agreement, including holding early parliamentary elections in April,” Director Link said. “ODIHR has already begun preparations for the deployment of a large-scale election observation mission, as such observation can play an important role in promoting voters’ confidence in the electoral process, and in the way they are governed.”

Following negotiations facilitated by the European Union and the United States, the four main political parties adopted the Przino Agreement on the 14 and 15 of July 2015, which established measures and a roadmap to overcome the political crisis in the country.  Some of these measures include giving enhanced powers to the State Election Commission, as well as new methodology for making revisions to the country’s voter register.