Macedonia's Economic and Political Development

Thank you, Ambassador Jenness and [ODIHR] Director Stoudmann, for your timely, thorough assessments. The United States applauds your efforts. Ambassador Stoudmann, we applaud your acceptance of our offer to observe elections in the United States. We look forward to your report.

The United States also would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the citizens of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia -- over 70 percent, a commendable percentage in the world of elections, of whom turned out to vote -- on the successful conduct of their Parliamentary elections on September 15.

Every Macedonian citizen should be proud of this historic demonstration of democracy, in which a superb collective effort made sure that the system worked. Macedonia has taken another critical step in the spirit of the Framework Agreement toward its goal of a vibrant democracy fully integrated into Euro-Atlantic institutions.

All those who ensured free, fair, and peaceful elections in Macedonia are to be commended. First and foremost, the people of Macedonia deserve praise for their allegiance to democracy; with their votes they made the election conduct such a success. The exemplary work of the State Election Commission, police assigned to the polling stations, and domestic NGOs and observers helped round out what was a significant and successful internal effort. Several other organizations also must be recognized for helping to lay the groundwork for, and ensuring the success of, Macedonia's elections.

Again, Ambassador Jenness, let me congratulate you and your staff for your tireless efforts. Also, I commend the ODIHR Mission and its head, Mr. Peel-Yates, and the participants in the largest election observer mission it has ever deployed -- some 850 international observers. The indispensable support, too, of NATO's Task Force Fox and the personal engagement of EU Special Representative Le Roy both were significant further contributions.

We note with some concern, however, reports of the 24 September attack on a journalist in Kumanovo, allegedly by a member of the "Lions" Interior Ministry paramilitary forces. This incident demonstrates once again the unacceptability of such unprofessional security structures and the urgent necessity for the new government to disband the "Lions" as soon as possible. This group only has tarnished the reputation of Macedonia's security forces. And such intimidation against the media, in particular against those who have spoken out against corruption, absolutely cannot be tolerated.

Continued commitment to the Framework Agreement and strengthening Macedonia's multiethnic democratic institutions is the key to the country's successful future. We expect the new coalition government, when formed, to be inclusive, to represent the entire electorate, and to rapidly advance implementation of the Framework Agreement, in close coordination with the International Community.

We express our hope that the census, scheduled for November, is run as smoothly as the elections, and encourage the OSCE to provide assistance to the Council of Europe and other authorities who will be conducting the census, as appropriate and as needed.

Elections are not the end, but the beginning. We look forward to a smooth transition, the prompt constitution of the new Parliament, and formation of a new government with a strong multiethnic mandate. OSCE's assistance through continued police training, institution building and the rule of law can help the new government move forward. The Framework Agreement as well as the EU Stabilization and Association Process lay out the way ahead.

OSCE can continue to help Macedonia down this path. The United States is committed to working, through the OSCE and bilaterally, with the parties in government, those in opposition, and with the International Community to support Macedonia's continued economic and political development. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.