Summary: 2 June 2008, Brussels - Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security policy (CFSP), made today the following statement on the Parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, held on Sunday 1 June 2008:
"I followed yesterday the elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and I strongly condemn the use of violence on election day and the many attempts to intimidate voters.
I am of course disappointed that the expectations of progress were not realised, especially because of a failure to prevent violent acts in ethnic Albanian areas. I also regret the many irregularities which occurred during the campaign itself such as intimidation and instances of abuse of media. Key European commitments were not met.
However, our overall assessment will depend on the further handling and investigation of the violations identified.
Against this background, I welcome the statements by Prime Minister Gruevski and other political leaders that they support re-runs of the elections in the areas affected by violence and irregularities.
The voters must be given the final word and no effort should be spared to ensure the legitimacy of the election results.
The European Union remains firmly committed to the European perspective for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia."
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