Summary: March 22, 2004: Statement by Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, on the occasion of the application for EU membership by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Brussels)
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made the following comments today on the occasion of the application for EU membership by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia:
"I welcome the application for EU membership presented today in Dublin by Prime Minister Crvenkovski as a signal of remarkable achievement as well as a sign of hope for the whole region.
A country that less than three years ago was divided by ethnic conflict, now stands united in its European aspiration.
The application is only the start of a long and difficult journey. Thorough implementation of the 2001 Framework Agreement and far-reaching reforms across the whole spectrum of society will be required to move this process forward. I encourage the leaders and the people of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to seize this opportunity to engage with even greater determination in the implementation of the measures that will benefit all Macedonian citizens and make the country's European
aspiration a reality. A strong European commitment would be the best tribute the country could pay to the late President Trajkovski, tragically killed in a plane crash only the day after he had put his signature to the application for EU membership.
From our side, we have made it clear that the future of the region lies within the European Union. We will continue to do our best to make sure that this common European dream comes true."
| Top |
European Union Member States
Alerts by email
Email this page
Print this page