|
STATEMENT
BY THE PRESS SECRETARY
On
Signature of a Political Settlement in Macedonia
The United States welcomes today's signature of a political
settlement in Macedonia. We commend the leadership of President
Boris Trajkovski in negotiating the agreement with Macedonia's
main political parties. We also wish to express appreciation
to the European Union's Francois Leotard and U.S. Ambassador
Jim Pardew for their important role in facilitating the settlement.
Today's settlement
promises to strengthen Macedonia's democracy and help meet the
political aspirations of all its citizens. To fulfill this promise,
the cease-fire must be respected, the insurgents must disarm
and disband, and Macedonia's Assembly must adopt the necessary
constitutional amendments and legislation.
The United
States has consistently supported the territorial integrity
and political unity of Macedonia. We have worked closely with
the European Union and NATO to prevent further conflict and
to convince the extremists to lay down their arms. These goals
will continue to drive U.S. policy towards Macedonia in the
weeks and months ahead. Today's agreement gives hope that peace
can return to Macedonia and that Macedonia can return to its
path toward Europe.
|
