ALBANIA'S GOVERNMENT APPLAUDS MACEDONIAN PEACE AGREEMENT

TIRANA/PRISTINA, Aug 14 (Hina) - Albania's government has described a peace agreement which Skopje and ethnic Albanian representatives signed on Monday as a solid basis for the consolidation of democratic processes and the strengthening of civil society in Macedonia. Tirana issues a special statement on Monday evening saying that the Albanian authorities believe that it is the interest of all parties in concern to implement the deal as soon as possible. Albania's government reiterated its support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbour, Macedonia. Tirana also assesses that the peace agreement will help improve the inter-ethnic relations and build democratic institutions in Macedonia, and it will also contribute to peace, stability and cooperation in the region. Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo congratulated two Macedonian Albanian leaders, Arben Xhaferi and Imer Imery, on the signing of the document. Leading political parties of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo on Monday also applauded the conclusion of the peace accord in Macedonia. They appealed to the international community for assistance in the implementation of the agreement. (hina) ms