Statement following the meeting with the President of the F.Y.R.O.M. (Štefan Füle)

European Commission, Statement, Brussels, 15 May 2014:

 Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met in Brussels with President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.) Gjorge Ivanov, during his first visit abroad since his re-election.

They discussed recent developments in the country and EU integration efforts. In relation to the recent parliamentary elections, Commissioner Füle pointed to the repeated OSCE/ODIHR recommendations regarding biased media coverage and the lack of separation between state and party activities, which are covered by the Copenhagen political criteria.

He  pointed to the importance of constructive dialogue, engaging all parties, in the interest of the entire country.

On good neighbourly relations, the Commissioner urged the President to attach particular importance to a negotiated and mutually acceptable solution to the name issue and welcomed recent reported progress on relations with Bulgaria.

Both expressed the intention to meet soon to continue this discussion as many questions and challenges need to be addressed.

[europa.eu]

15/5/14

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