Deutschland unterstützt uneingeschränkt die EU-Integration Mazedoniens, bei der Bedingungen erfüllt sein müssen, die für jeden Kandidaten gleichermaßen gelten. Es gibt keine neuen Aufgaben für Mazedonien. Deutschland wird sein Wort halten, fordert jedoch alle politischen Akteure des Landes nachdrücklich auf, vernünftig zu sein und das Interesse der Nation zu berücksichtigen, nachdem sie Kompromissbereitschaft und Flexibilität bei der Bewältigung der aktuellen Krise gezeigt haben.
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Germany fully supports Macedonia's EU integration which requires conditions to be met that apply equally to every candidate. There are no new tasks for Macedonia. Germany will keep its word, but urges all political stakeholders in the country to be sensible and to take the nation's interest into account after demonstrating readiness for compromise and flexibility in settling the current crisis.
This was stated by Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle after a meeting on Friday in Skopje with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki.
"I'm not going to hide our concern regarding the ongoing political crisis in Skopje. Therefore, I strongly urge the rules of democratic games to be respected and the Parliament to restore its functions based on mutual respect between ethnic Macedonians and Albanians as stipulated by the Ohrid Framework agreement. I truly call on everyone to see the objective and to take the nation's interest into account acknowledging their accountability and thinking of the fate and future of the country and to demonstrate sufficient extend of preparedness for compromises and sufficient flexibility in order to re-establish the democratic collaboration," Westerwelle noted.
Europe's peace project is based on common values, such as democracy, rule of law, independent judiciary, settling of disputes in the spirit of good neighbourliness and, first and foremost, peaceful coexistence between different ethnic groups, according to him. "Those are the European values that we are endorsing."
On his part, Poposki said that the visit paid by the German official "showcases Germany's commitment to the Euro-integration process." He added that talks focused on Macedonia's achievements in its reform process and that ways were discussed for strengthening the countries' collaboration.
"The key message was a message of cooperation, support in preserving the credibility of integration processes and of heightened cooperation in the interest of the entire region," the Macedonian minister stated.
When asked about Germany's stance in June if the local elections were boycotted by the Macedonian opposition, FM Westerwelle once again highlighted the need of settling the ongoing political impasse.
"Germany is not involved in the country's conflict, instead it is a partner and friend of your country. Therefore, I urge everyone to show preparedness for compromises and flexibility and, more importantly, to have your country's international agenda before their eyes and in their hearts," reiterated Westerwelle.
Asked whether Macedonia would be given a date for start of EU negotiations this June, the German FM said first he would wait for the EC progress report on Macedonia before making any predictions.
"Firstly, certain issues need to be settled, such as the name dispute and we encourage you to take advantage of every occasion that will be given to you. The government of Germany will exert just and fair influence in Europe, however decisions will be reached as soon as the reports are released and the results are known. There is no point in predicting future moves," Westerwelle stated.
Asked to comment the relations with Bulgaria, FM Poposki said that messages of rationality had been heard during the recent visit by Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov, "not to create problems where there are none." Referring to the name row with Greece, he emphasised the country's commitment to improving mutual relations.
"Macedonia's message involving the two issues is very clear - to focus on our Euro-Atlantic priorities. Only with mutual support and cooperation we are able to move forward," Poposki concluded.
German FM Westerwelle is also scheduled to meet with President Gjorge Ivanov, Deputy PM for EU Integration Fatmir Besimi and SDSM opposition leader Branko Crvenkovski.
