Recent political developments in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” in the context of regional stability

Recommendation 1705 (2005)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

Text adopted by the Standing Committee acting on behalf of the Assembly on 6 June 2005 (see Doc. 10547, report of the Political Affairs Committee, rapporteur: Mr Bianco).

Thesaurus

1. Referring to its Resolution 1440 on recent political developments in “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” in the context of regional stability, the Parliamentary Assembly notes that a number of fields in which Macedonia [(1) The use in the text of the term “Macedonia” is for descriptive purposes and the convenience of the reader and does not prejudge the position of the Assembly on the question of the name of the state; it does not reflect the position of the Council of Europe.] should endeavour to accomplish further improvements fall under the specific area of expertise of the Council of Europe.

2. Having in mind the key geopolitical position of Macedonia in securing lasting peace and stability in the region of the western Balkans, the importance of supporting Macedonia’s efforts towards closer Euro-Atlantic integration and the Council of Europe’s aim to achieve greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage and facilitating their economic and social progress, the Assembly asks the Committee of Ministers to intensify its co-operation with Macedonia, if necessary by setting up country-specific programmes or activities, in particular as regards :

free and fair elections ;

efficiency and independence of the judiciary ;

local self-government ;

the fight against corruption ;

financing political parties and their democratisation ;

strengthening civil society and the promotion of democratic education ;

multiculturalism, social cohesion, inter-ethnic relations and protection of minorities ;

the fight against organised and transnational crime.