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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities visits Skopje
SKOPJE 5 November 2001
SKOPJE, 5 November 2001 (OSCE) - The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Rolf Ekeus, visited Skopje on 4 and 5 November and met with the President of the Republic, Boris Trajkoski, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilinka Mitreva, as well as the political leaders and representatives of some ethnic groups.
The purpose of this first visit of Mr. Ekeus to Skopje was to obtain an update on the latest developments in the country and to establish personal contact with the main actors. "We see the role of the High Commissioner to be supportive in developing and strengthening the identity of ethnic groups. On the basis of diversity, dignity and mutual respect, all persons should be able to integrate within one country. This will make it possible that the whole country plays a constructive role as part of the international community, joining in the major efforts towards more unity in Europe", Mr. Ekeus said.
"The visit of the High Commissioner on National Minorities illustrates the long-term commitment of the OSCE to conflict prevention and to contribute to the progress of this country towards European integration", said Craig Jenness, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.
The purpose of this first visit of Mr. Ekeus to Skopje was to obtain an update on the latest developments in the country and to establish personal contact with the main actors. "We see the role of the High Commissioner to be supportive in developing and strengthening the identity of ethnic groups. On the basis of diversity, dignity and mutual respect, all persons should be able to integrate within one country. This will make it possible that the whole country plays a constructive role as part of the international community, joining in the major efforts towards more unity in Europe", Mr. Ekeus said.
"The visit of the High Commissioner on National Minorities illustrates the long-term commitment of the OSCE to conflict prevention and to contribute to the progress of this country towards European integration", said Craig Jenness, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje.