Nuland: Continuation of reforms to result in NATO invitation at Bucharest Summit

Thursday, 08 November 2007

Macedonia has made significant progress, especially in the economic sector, attraction of foreign investments, fight against corruption and organized crime, but it should continue with the reform process, thus coming closer to Euro-Atlantic integration and our joint goal - NATO membership invitation at next year's Bucharest Summit, said U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Victoria Nuland after Thursday's meeting with Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. "Time is short, but we are confident that Macedonia will succeed. When you run a marathon, you cannot relax  in the final two miles, but sprint to the finish line", stressed Nuland, calling on the country's political leaders to resolve open issues and establish a constructive dialogue. According to her, progress in Macedonia is remarkable, and the country represents a model of multi-ethnic democratic society in the region. Pertaining to the name dispute, Ambassador Nuland said that Macedonia and Greece should go back to the negotiating table, because one of the criteria for NATO accession is good neighborly relations. Prime Minister Gruevski stressed that Macedonia would resume to keep good relations with its neighbors. "Macedonia will invest a lot to overcome the name problem through talks. The state's top officials have prepared the analysis on the draft-document submitted by mediator Matthew Nimetz, who we expect by the end of the month", said Gruevski. Nuland and Gruevski agreed there is serious progress in defense reforms, Ohrid Agreement implementation, and decentralization. "We agreed there is serious progress in economic reforms. The GDP has increased by 5,5 percent in the first six months of 2007, export has increased by 50 percent compared to the same period last year, as well as foreign investments. At the same time, gray economy has been reduced, thus increasing Budget revenues in conditions of lowered taxes. However, a lot of work remains ahead in this regard. The Government will continue to work even harder", emphasized PM Gruevski. Regarding the Kosovo issue, Gruevski stated that Macedonia remains on its stance - support to the international community, but taking into account its national interests at the same time. Ambassador Nuland saluted Wednesday's police operation in village Brodec. "We were informed on the operation. We were especially impressed by the fact that multi-ethnic police forces carried out the tasks", stressed U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Victoria Nuland.

 

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