JOINT EU/US STATEMENT ON SITUATION IN MACEDONIA, SOUTHEAST EUROPE

GOETEBORG, June 14 (Hina) - The United States and the European Union at a summit in Goeteborg Thursday called for the political solving of crisis in Macedonia, the implementation of the Dayton peace Agreement and cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), expressing support to the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe. We will continue to coordinate our efforts invested in the promotion of a political solution for the current crisis in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, read a joint American- European statement, issued after the Goeteborg Summit. The presidents and prime ministers of 15 European Union countries and United States President George W. Bush call upon all partners to help the implementation of the Dayton peace Agreement, which remains the key element in the establishment of permanent peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. They also call upon all governments in Southeastern Europe to cooperate with the Hague tribunal and bring criminals to justice. The United States and the European Union support the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe and will continue to encourage countries in the region to promote democracy, the rule-of-law, the protection of minorities, international borders and regional reconciliation and cooperation, read the statement. Our goal is to encourage political and economic reforms, including those aiming at the strengthening of investments in the private sector in the region in order to ensure a long-term economic recovery, the joint statement read. Euro-Atlantic allies welcome positive changes in the federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the passing of a constitutional frame- work for an interim self-government in Kosovo, adding this is a great step in the establishment of a peaceful multiethnic and democratic society. They called upon Kosovo citizens to condemn violence and isolate extremists. (hina) it sb