The EU Presidency took note of the preliminary results of the parliamentary elections held yesterday. While the elections were largely conducted in peaceful and orderly manner, the Presidency concurred with the OSCE/ODIHR assessment and deeply deplored that violence and intimidation accompanied elections in parts of the country. It insisted that all reported incidents will be duly investigated and action taken accordingly. It supports the initiative of Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and other political leaders to rerun elections in selected areas. Implementation of these initiative will contribute to guaranteeing the legitimacy of these elections.
At the same time, the Presidency welcomed the commitment expressed by all political parties during the election campaign in favour of the pro-European agenda of the country, which is essential for its future and of key importance for the stability in the region.
The Presidency encourages the leaders of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to redouble reform efforts once the election process is fully completed and irregularities properly sanctioned. Further steps in the European integration process are possible later this year by fulfilling the necessary conditions and implementing without delay the priorities identified within the Accession Partnership.
