FM Milososki: Next OSCE chair-country, Greece to resolve challenges with commitment
Helsinki, December 5 (MIA) - Macedonia expects from the next OSCE chair-country, Greece to resolve challenges and tasks with firm commitment and skill, without being afraid to accept diversities and feelings of the neighboring nation, said Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki in his address at the second day of the 16th session of the OSCE Ministerial Council, MIA reports from Helsinki.
"The OSCE Presidency must not be afraid of accepting diversities and feelings of the neighboring nation. I would like to assure them that Macedonia is ready to provide full support to the promotion of multilateralism as an efficient tool for settlement of regional and global problems, as we did during Macedonia's UN General Assembly chairmanship", stated FM Milososki.
He stressed that Macedonia remains firmly committed to NATO accession and its dedicated partner, adding that the Government would resume name talks under UN auspices.
Reminding on the NATO Bucharest Summit final conclusions, Milososki said that Macedonia did not obtain the invitation because it was obstructed by a member-state due to a bilateral issue, or more precisely, the invitation has been delayed until a mutually acceptable solution to the Macedonia-Greece name row is found.
According to Milososki, OSCE remains a political instrument in dealing with complex, existing and possible challenges, whereas an appropriate response requires strengthening of dialogue based on same values.
"Macedonia firmly supports OSCE's important role as a principle mechanism in preventing conflicts and post-conflict situations, as was the case following the Georgia conflict this August", stated the Macedonian Foreign Minister.
Pertaining to Kosovo, Milososki emphasized that Macedonia joined the group of countries that have recognized its independence in the hope this would ultimately lead to regional stabilization and joint European and Euro-Atlantic future, adding that relations with neighboring Serbia remain a top priority. In this context, he said that Macedonia fully supports OSCE's presence at Kosovo, aimed at democratic development and stability.
Finland hands over the OSCE Presidency to Greece at the beginning of 2009.
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