2007/2268(INI) | [ParlTrack]

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Points out that the renewed political momentum on the European integration of the Republic of Macedonia results from a strong commitment expressed by all political forces; welcomes the regular and intensive dialogue pursued between the leaders of the four major political parties (VMRO- DPMNE, SDSM, DPA and DUI), which has resulted in the adoption of a number of laws, as well as measures relevant for further EU integration;

Amendment 100 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;deleted

Amendment 101 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;deleted

Amendment 102 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;deleted

Amendment 103 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;deleted

Amendment 104 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;deleted

Amendment 105 #

Georgios GEORGIOU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;Delete

Amendment 106 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. ~~Rec~~Calls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslavon both sides to make every effort to overcome the name issue; points out that despite bilateral talks held under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz to find a mutually acceptable solution to the differences that have arisen over the name of the country no progress could be achieved since the adoption of the resolution of 12 July 2007; acknowledges the increased bilateral cooperation as well as people-to-people-contacts between the Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO; Greece; stresses once again that the name issue is not part of the Copenhagen criteria and should become in no circumstances an obstacle to the membership of the state in international organisations as provided in the Interim Accord of 1995 and therefore urges the Athens’ authorities to stop threatening Skopje’s authorities to use their veto both for EU and NATO negotiations in case the name dispute is not solved;

Amendment 107 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, a~~t world level, most other states have in fact recognised~~lthough a number of countries -mainly non-European- recognised bilaterally this state under ~~the~~its constitutional name ~~of 'Republika Makedonija', but that~~, the United Nations, NATO and the European Union, a~~nd the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim~~biding by Security Council Resolution 817 (1993), agre~~ement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation '~~ using the international provisional name "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia'", and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATOuntil a mutually acceptable solution on the official name of this country is reached at the UN -led on-going negotiation process;

Amendment 108 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

~~13.~~ Recalls that~~, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that~~ [...] the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 19935 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expressesd the hope that ~~this name issue will play no role in any decision on~~a win-win approach will be adopted with regard to the solution of the name issue, so that this issue can not affect FYROM’s future relations with NATO or the EU;

Amendment 109 #

Bronisław GEREMEK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties toare still reluctant to do so, and hence calls on both governments in the dispute to finally reach a ~~final~~n agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;

Amendment 11 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Welcomes the improvement in political cooperation between government and opposition, in particular the regular meetings between leading representatives of the main political parties, the establishment of a Council for EU Integration involving representatives of the opposition parties, the adoption of significant reforming legislation (particularly on the judicial system), and the fact that the Justice Council now has its full complement of members; hopes that efforts towards reform in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will continue in this spirit of compromise and that the reform measures adopted will be effectively implemented;

Amendment 110 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, ~~most other~~117 states have ~~in fact~~[...] recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement on this bilateral issue as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;

Amendment 111 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 19935 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on relations with NATO;

Amendment 112 #

Richard HOWITT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13

13. Recalls that, at world level, most other states have in fact recognised this state under the constitutional name of 'Republika Makedonija', but that the European Union and the United Nations take as their starting point the 1993 interim agreement with Greece, which, for international use, lays down the temporary designation 'former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', and calls on both parties to reach a final agreement as soon as possible with the help of ongoing mediation by the United Nations, under the direction of Mr Matthew Nimetz, and expresses the hope that this name issue will play no role in any decision on ~~relations with~~accession to NATO;

Amendment 113 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)

13a (new). Calls on the Greek Government to compromise on the question of the agreement on the official designation of the Macedonian State; at the same time, hopes that Greece will fully support Macedonia's aspirations to join the European Union, even if the Republic of Macedonia is acting under its constitutional name;

Amendment 114 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

Amendment 115 #

Georgios GEORGIOU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;Delete

Amendment 116 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

Amendment 117 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

Amendment 118 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

Amendment 119 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

Amendment 12 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Further welcomes the fact that, in accordance with the Ohrid Framework Agreement, more representatives of ethnic minorities are being employed in the public service, and hopes that the Ohrid Framework Agreement will continue to be consistently implemented;

Amendment 120 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

Amendment 121 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;deleted

Amendment 122 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that ~~the Hellenic Republic (~~Greece), ~~unlike in the first few years a~~in a compromising spirit, has lately shifterd its ~~northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotia~~initial position and demonstrated the political will to reach a timely solutions on ~~a final settlement, to accept~~the name issue on the basis of a composite name for the state ~~which~~, containsing the term '"Macedonia'", ~~provided that a distinction is made~~so that any confusion between itFYROM and the ~~part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia~~northern region of Greece which bears the name Macedonia, be avoided;

Amendment 123 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), ~~unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now~~is prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite, internationally recognised name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia;

Amendment 124 #

Bronisław GEREMEK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia; and believes that a solution can be found as it happened previously in the case of national flag and official language;

Amendment 125 #

Vytautas LANDSBERGIS

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14

14. Points out that the Hellenic Republic (Greece), unlike in the first few years after its northern neighbour became independent in 1991 is now prepared, as a result of negotiations on a final settlement, to accept a composite name for the state which contains the term 'Macedonia', provided that a distinction is made between it and the part of North Greece which is also called Macedonia (supposedly, Greek Macedonia);

Amendment 126 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)

14α. Calls on the government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to take the necessary steps and make a fresh effort to find a mutually acceptable solution regarding the name, within the framework of the United Nations, thereby contributing to good neighbourly relations and to a rapprochement with the EU;

Amendment 127 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

Amendment 128 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

Amendment 129 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

Amendment 13 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)

1c. Commends the commitment of the leaders of the major political parties represented in the Parliament to continue to work towards achieving progress on the remaining issues on which there are differences, such as the use of languages and the social package for the victims of the 2001 conflict;

Amendment 130 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

Amendment 131 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

Amendment 132 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

Amendment 133 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;deleted

Amendment 134 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. ~~Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible,~~While respecting the feelings of both countries, expresses the wish that both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country;

Amendment 135 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15

15. Expresses the wish that, prior to resolving the name dispute as quickly as possible, both sides do their utmost to help ensure that that dispute no longer causes dissatisfaction, as it does now, in connection with admitting persons, goods or lorries on the basis of documents which do not bear the desired name of the country; it also calls on the Government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to avoid, in this respect, any actions that could endanger the outcome of the negotiations under the U.N, auspices, including, inter alia, the mention of the word "Macedonia" on vehicles' license plates;

Amendment 136 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a (new). Recalling the Conclusions of the December 2007 GAERC, stresses the importance of regional cooperation, good neighbourly relations and the need to find mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues in the process of moving closer to the EU;

Amendment 137 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a (new). Supports the efforts of the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to establish joint committees on education and history with neighbouring EU member states to review possible discrepancies and misinterpretations of history that may cause disagreements and urges the authorities to promote the joint celebration of Macedonia’s common cultural and historic heritage with its neighbours;

Amendment 138 #

István SZENT-IVÁNYI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15a (new). Considers that all potential benefits offered to Serbia in the framework of a political agreement concerning political dialogue, free trade and visa liberalisation should also be simultaneously offered to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;

Amendment 139 #

Georgios GEORGIOU

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)

15α. Calls on the Skopje government to abandon the use of the Greek name ‘Macedonia’ (or derivatives of that name) and to proceed with the adoption of a new commonly acceptable designation, such as, for example ‘Vardarska’ (the official name until 1945) so as to overcome the impasse and usher in peace, genuine understanding and cooperation in the region.

Amendment 14 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Welcomes the encouraging results which have been achieved in the fight against corruption and organised crime;

Amendment 140 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

Amendment 141 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

Amendment 142 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

Amendment 143 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Jan Marinus WIERSMA, Hannes SWOBODA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

Amendment 144 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

Amendment 145 #

Bronisław GEREMEK

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;deleted

Amendment 146 #

István SZENT-IVÁNYI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitolaonsiders that the name dispute should not adversely affect the opening and conducting of EU accession negotiations;

Amendment 147 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particularNotes with satisfaction the adoption of amendments to the Criminal Code to address new crimes related to copyright and related rights and points out the importance of drafting a new law on CRR in 2008. At the same time, the protection of industrial property rights was strengthened with the name ~~Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;~~ndments in the Law of industrial property. Notes with satisfaction the Memorandum for cooperation between Macedonia and WIPO (World Intellectual property Organization);.

Amendment 148 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history ofand the ~~area in the north of Greece which is also designated~~cultural heritage of the Greek Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep, Stip and Bitola, perceived as irredentist character;

Amendment 149 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to ~~stop using~~use historical symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, ~~for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola~~in such a way as to avoid causing unnecessary tensions in relations between the two countries;

Amendment 15 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Hopes that the implementation of the strategy on judicial reform will continue and that it will deliver better results with regard to the independence and efficiency of the judiciary;

Amendment 150 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

~~16.~~ Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which its neighbour Greece regards as closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is also designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec~~, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola~~[...];

Amendment 151 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16

16. Calls on all authorities and organisations within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to stop using symbols which ~~its neighbour Greece regards as~~are closely associated with the history of the area in the north of Greece which is ~~also~~ designated Macedonia, in particular the name Alexander the Great or that of his father, Philip II, for inter alia the national airport at Petrovec, and erecting statues in the towns of Skopje, Prilep and Bitola;

Amendment 152 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Commends the Government on the successful implementation of economic policy reforms and the progress made towards establishing a fully functional market economy; welcomes the continued macroeconomic stability, the tax policy and the enhanced fiscal discipline which have resulted in an increase of the state budget revenues; welcomes the improved business climate and the activities aimed at reducing the legal and administrative barriers for starting business; notes with satisfaction that the World Bank report "Doing business 2007" ranked the Republic of Macedonia fourth among the top ten reform countries worldwide; encourages the Government to continue with the implementation of the comprehensive structural reforms;

Amendment 153 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b (new). Welcomes the entry into force of the Visa Facilitation Agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the European Community; takes note of the country's progress on the introduction of passports with biometric security features, the establishment of the National visa information system and the Visa centre, the implementation of the Integrated Border Management system, the fight against organized crime and corruption and urges therefore the Commission and the Member States to launch visa liberalization negotiations with Republic of Macedonia as soon as possible;

Amendment 154 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Takes note of the country's progress of the introduction of passports with biometric security features, the establishment of the National visa information system and the Visa Center, the implementation of the Integrated Border Management system and urges therefore the Commission and the Member States to launch visa liberalization negotiations with the Republic of Macedonia a.s.a.p.;

Amendment 155 #

Erik MEIJER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Takes the view that there is still only a small part of the population of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia that is able to benefit from improved access for its inhabitants to the territory of the EU Member States, and that this candidate country must have at least equivalent access rules if new concessions are made in this area to other former Yugoslav states, such as Serbia in the context of preparation of a stabilisation and association agreement, or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the case of open frontiers with the candidate country of Croatia;

Amendment 156 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Welcomes the active participation of the country in the establishment of the Regional Cooperation Council and its constructive position on the Kosovo status process; expresses serious concern over the delay on the technical demarcation of the border with Kosovo; welcomes the good cooperation with Kosovo in trade, customs and police matters maintaining at same time good neighbourly relations with Serbia;

Amendment 157 #

Erik MEIJER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b (new). Draws attention to the importance of removing unnecessary barriers for inhabitants of neighbouring countries to gain access to the territory of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and accordingly calls urgently for the opportunity for inhabitants of Albania to deal with all the formalities this requires at the frontier posts instead of only at the embassy in that country’s capital city;

Amendment 158 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 b (new)

16b (new). Commends the country for its cooperation in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), notably its participation in the EU mission ALTHEA and its willingness to contribute to the development of the ESDP capabilities and future EU-led civilian and military crisis management missions; pays tribute to the soldiers of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia who participated in ALTHEA mission and who lost their lives in a tragic crash of a helicopter outside Skopje in January 2008; expresses deepest condolences to their families;

Amendment 159 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Taking into consideration the historical complexity in the region and the pressing need for a reconciliation process in this sphere, welcomes Macedonia´s initiative to establish a bilateral joint committee with Greece on history and education and hopes that it will be used as a model for setting up such a committee also with Bulgaria;

Amendment 16 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 d (new)

1d. Welcomes the progress made in respect of economic reforms; however, urges the government to address the issue of high unemployment;

Amendment 160 #

Erik MEIJER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)

16c (new). Calls on the government and parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to relinquish as soon as possible agreements with the United States not to hand over any citizens of that country suspected of war crimes to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, contrary to the practice of other European states;

Amendment 161 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)

16a (new). Regrets the signing and the ratification by Macedonia of the Bilateral Immunity Agreement with the US authorities; stresses that such act contradicts EU standards and policies all aimed at supporting the International Criminal Court; calls on Macedonia, in this regard, to bring its legislation in line with the ones in the EU Member States;

Amendment 162 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 c (new)

16c (new). Welcomes the entry into force of the visa facilitation and readmission agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; supports the intention of the European Commission to launch a dialogue on visa liberalisation with the objective of establishing a road map with an ultimate aim of a visa free regime; commends the introduction of passports with biometric security features, the establishment of the National visa information system and the Visa Center, the implementation of the Integrated Border Management system;

Amendment 163 #

Kristian VIGENIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member Stat~~Calls on the European Commission to develop in due time a roadmap leading to the commencement of acces si~~nce 2005,~~on negotiations with the fFormer Yugoslav Rrepublic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiatio; urges the Council to take a decision as soon as possible on a starting date for negotiations, which will further enhance the stability and strengthen the European prospect of the Western Balkans;

Amendment 164 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. ~~Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only~~Acknowledges the recent progress made by the country won iths w~~hich no~~ay to EU accession ~~negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional s~~and welcomes, in this regard, the inituiati~~on should end, and calls~~ve onf the ~~European~~ Commission to ~~develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a star~~present to the Skopje authorities a document with a set of benchmarks whose fulfilment would result in setting a date for ~~the~~accession negotiations;

Amendment 165 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes ~~that, of~~, given the fact theat three countr~~ies which~~y has achieved significant progress since 2005 when it haves been ~~European Union~~given a candidate ~~Member S~~stateus ~~since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia~~and that of the three candidate countries it is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, ~~considers it~~that it is desirable that this exceptional situation should end~~, and~~; calls on the European Commission to develop a ~~roadmap leading to commence~~set of benchmarks whose accomplishment ofby th~~ose negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations~~e country will lead to the opening of the accession negotiations by the end of 2008;

Amendment 166 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that, ofgiven the fact theat three countr~~ies which~~y has achieved significant progress since 2005 when it haves been ~~European Union~~given a candidate ~~Member S~~stateus ~~since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia~~and that, of the three candidate countries, it is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, ~~considers it~~that it is desirable that this exceptional situation should end~~, and~~; calls on the European Commission to develop a ~~roadmap leading to commence~~set of benchmarks whose accomplishment ofby th~~ose negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations~~e country will lead to the opening of the accession negotiations by the end of 2008;

Amendment 167 #

Klaus HÄNSCH, Helmut KUHNE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. NStresses that the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the Western Balkan state which, after Croatia, has made the most progress towards Europe, and congratulates it on this achievement; notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations ;

Amendment 168 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, c~~onsiders it desirable th~~alls on the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to consolidate th~~is exceptional situation should end, and calls on~~e progress made until now in order to allow the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of ~~those~~[...] negotiations~~, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations~~ [...];

Amendment 169 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decisi; believes that all political parties have endeavoured to implement the recommendations of the last Resolution of 12 July 2007 and have shown good progress and made up for lost time, not least through the formation of the National Council for EU Integration and completion of appointments to the Judicial Council; strongly believes that should this good progress con tin ~~2008~~ ue, Macedon ia s~~tarting date for the negotiations~~hould be invited to open accession negotiations in the course of this year;

Amendment 17 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1α. Recalls the need for the continuous implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement as an instrument for promoting transnational confidence- building, which is the key to stability in the region;

Amendment 170 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to -date, ~~considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotia~~reiterates that the commencement of accession negotiations will depend on the progress being made on all the conditions, a~~fter which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations~~nd requirements set by the European Council of December 2005;

Amendment 171 #

Richard HOWITT

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, ~~and calls on the European Commission~~calls on the Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to ensure that the necessary reforms are undertaken, and calls on the European Commission following on from its Communication on the Western Balkans to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations;

Amendment 172 #

Giulietto CHIESA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations; points out that the name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should not be an obstacle to starting accession negotiations;

Amendment 173 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17

17. Notes that, of the three countries which have been European Union candidate Member States since 2005, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is the only country with which no accession negotiations have taken place to date, considers it desirable, insofar as the Copenhagen criteria are met, that this exceptional situation should end, and calls on the European Commission to develop a roadmap leading to commencement of those negotiations, after which, if there are no new domestic conflicts, the Council can take a decision in 2008 on a starting date for the negotiations;

Amendment 174 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a (new). Welcomes preparations by the Government for the implementation of the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) which have facilitated signature of the Financing Agreement for IPA 2007 and the Framework Agreement for 2007- 2013; reiterates the importance of the instrument for preparation for future EU membership; calls on both the Government and the Commission to speed up preparatory work to allow for early implementation of a decentralized system for the management of IPA in order to create greater efficiency and local ownership of the process;

Amendment 175 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17 a (new)

17a (new). Welcomes the introduction of biometric passports in the country as a step forward in the visa lifting negotiations with the EU;

Amendment 176 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)

A (new). whereas the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was granted since 2005 the status of EU candidate but as of today no date for the start of accession negotiations has yet been set; whereas this prolonged situation is adding frustration and uncertainty taking into account of the sustained pace of reforms undertaken lately by the Skopje authorities,

Amendment 177 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital A (new)

A. Bearing in mind that the EU/Western Balkans Declaration which was unanimously approved by all the Foreign ministers of the European Union and Foreign Ministers of the Western Balkan States in Salzburg on 11 March 2006, reiterates the importance of good neighbourly relations and the need to find mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues with neighbouring countries,

Amendment 178 #

Motion for a resolution
Recital B new

B (new). whereas corruption remains a serious problem in FYROM, and whereas on Transparency International's 2007 Corruption Perceptions Index, FYROM had an average score of 3,3 (on a scale of 0 "highly corrupt" to 10 "highly clean"); takes note of the considerable improvement in this respect in comparison to 2006 Index (2,7),

Amendment 179 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1

- having regard to the ~~Presidency Conclusions of~~Thessaloniki Agenda and the Thessaloniki European Council of 19-20 June 2003, ~~at which the promise was made to all Western Balkan~~where it was clearly statesd that the~~y would in the long term join the European Union~~ Balkans will be an integral part of a unified Europe,

Amendment 18 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the 2005 Law on the Use of Community Flags allows ~~communities’ national symbols be placed on and near local government offices; notes that disquiet arose following~~a minority community which is in a majority within a municipality to use its flag; notes that the Constitutional Court judgment of 24 October 2007 con ~~the use of national community symbols by local authorities, which gave the impressio~~firmed the right of a community to fly its flag alongside the state flag and that it also extended the right to fly an ethat, contrary to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, use of the flag depicting the Albanian eagle would no longer be allowed, and welcomes the government’s interpretation that the Constitutional Court judgment on national symbols does not mean that flags at local government offices, including Albanian symbols, must be removednic flag to all ethnic communities in a municipality and affirmed the right of ethnic Albanians to use the Albanian state flag as their ethnic symbol; stresses that the Court also sought to clarify the limits to this right because it considered that the state and community flags have different meanings, and concluded that community flags may not be flown permanently, for example during official state visits, or on state buildings; calls on all parties to discuss this issue in the spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and international standards;

Amendment 180 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1

- having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council of 19-20 June 2003, at which the pro~~mise was ma~~spect was extended to all Western Balkan states ~~that they would in the long term~~of joining the European Union in the long term,

Amendment 181 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1

– having regard to the Presidency Conclusions of the Thessaloniki European Council of 19-20 June 2003, at which the promise was made to all Western Balkan states that they would ~~in the long term~~ join the European Union,

Amendment 182 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 1a (new)

- having regard to UN Security Council Resolutions 817 and 845 of 1993,

Amendment 183 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 2

–- having regard to the European Council decision of 16 December 2005 to grant the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the status of candidate country for EU membership and set the conditions and requirements that have to be fulfilled for further steps to be made in this process, and the Presidency Conclusions of the European Councils of 15-16 June 2006 and of 14-15 December 2006,;

Amendment 184 #

Motion for a resolution
Citation 10a (new)

- having regard to the fact that a member state, Greece, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are in the midst of a negotiation process taking place under aegis of the United Nations in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution to the name of the candidate state,

Amendment 19 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the 2005 Law on the Use of Community Flags allows ~~communities’ national symbols be placed on and near local government offices; notes that disquiet arose following~~a minority community which is in the majority within a municipality to use its flag; carefully notes the Constitutional Court judgement of 24 October 2007 on the use of national community symbols by local authorities, which gave the impression that, contrary to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, use of the flag depicting the Albanian eagle would no longer be allowed, and welcomes the government’s interpretation that the Constitutional Court judgment on national symbols does not mean that flags at local government offices, including Albanian symbols, must be removedand calls on all parties to discuss this issue in the spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and international standards;

Amendment 2 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 (new)

- 1. Welcomes the renewed political consensus on the accession of the country to the European Union, achieved notably through the adoption of the Law on the Committee for Inter-Community Relations, which lists the laws to be adopted by the double-majority rule (Badinter principle), the election of the remaining members of the Parliamentary Committee on Inter-Community Relations, the adoption of the Law on the Public Prosecutors and the Law on the Council of Public Prosecutors and the appointment of the final member of the Judicial Council;

Amendment 20 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2

2. Recalls that the 2005 Law on the Use of Community Flags allows ~~communities’ national symbols be placed on and near local government offices~~a minority community which is in a majority within a municipality to use its flag; notes that disquiet arose following the Constitutional Court judgment of 24 October 2007 on the use of national community symbols by local authorities, which gave the impression that, contrary to the Ohrid Framework Agreement, use of the ~~flag depicting the~~state flag of Albania~~n eagle~~ would no longer be allowed, and welcomes the government’s interpretation that the Constitutional Court judgment on national symbols does not mean that flags at local government offices, including Albanian symbols, must be removed; calls on all parties to discuss this issue in the spirit of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and international standards;

Amendment 21 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2a. Welcomes the action taken by the Government to respond quickly to the recommendations of the European Commission's 2007 Progress Report and to adopt the revised National Plan for the Adoption of the Acquis in line with the priorities of the proposed 2008 Accession Partnership; commends the work that is being carried out in the public administration in preparation for the EU accession negotiation process;

Amendment 22 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2 a (new)

2α. Bearing in mind the 1995 interim agreement between the Republic of Greece and FYROM;

Amendment 23 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Considers it a shared challenge for all political forces and ethnic communities within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to demonstrate, in an independent and sustainable way and without constant recourse to foreign mediation, the maturity needed to implement in good faith the Ohrid Agreement and the May Agreement, which are pivotal elements for inter- ethnic relations, to demonstrate that the country is now free of conflicts viewed negatively both domestically and abroad which go beyond normal political differences, including boycotting democratic government institutions, and thus to demonstrate that the country is ready for the process of integration into the European Union;

Amendment 24 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Considers it a shared challenge for ~~all~~ political forces and ethnic communities within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to demonstrate that the country is now free of conflicts viewed negatively both domestically and abroad which go beyond normal political differences, including boycotting democratic government institutionsparties in the Parliament and all political forces and ethnic communities to demonstrate maturity and responsibility in overcoming political differences, through dialogue and mutual understanding, and thus to demonstrate that the country is ready ~~for~~to intensify the process of integration into the European Union;

Amendment 25 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3

3. Considers it a shared challenge for all political forces and ethnic communities within the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to demonstrate that the country is now free of conflicts viewed negatively both domestically and abroad which go beyond normal political differences, including boycotting democratic government institutions, the behaviour of MPs in parliament on 25 September 2007 and the relationship between the Head of State and the government, and thus to demonstrate that the country is ready for the process of integration into the European Union;

Amendment 26 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Welcomes the Institutional Platform and the principles adopted by the government for the negotiation process for accession of the Republic of Macedonia into the European Union; observes that the Platform – chaired by the opposition leader – sets the institutional priorities of the country in the preparatory stage of the negotiation process, by precisely allocating the necessary institutional set-up, human resources and budgetary funding;

Amendment 27 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Welcomes the progress made in the political dialogue between the government and the opposition, particularly the consensus among political parties on the legislative agenda related to European integration, which is reflected in the fact that the leader of the largest opposition party has become the chair of the Parliament’s National Council for European Integration;

Amendment 28 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Expresses the hope that Macedonian politicians can find a solution to the use of ethnic groups’ national symbols which complies with the Constitution while at the same time reflecting the need of smaller ethnic groups to express their identity;

Amendment 29 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)

3a. Supports the initiative of the Thessaloniki-based Center for Democracy and Reconciliation in Southeast Europe and the Soros Foundation to publish textbooks on Balkan history, in both the Albanian and the Macedonian language, intended for history teachers and secondary school students and aimed at incorporating different views on the common past, providing a balanced perspective and promoting reconciliation;

Amendment 3 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph -1 a (new)

- 1a. Welcomes the establishment of the National Council for European Integration, led by the leader of the opposition, as an important driving force behind the EU accession process; encourages the Government and the Parliament to continue with sustained, regular and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders involved, in a spirit of cooperation and consensus on the key issues of the country's European agenda;

Amendment 30 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. ~~Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both~~Welcomes the intentions of the Government to propose changes to the Electoral Code aimed at providing better representation of smaller ethnic ~~minor~~communities and representation of nationals living abroad, could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community, and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stabilityof the diaspora, and hopes that it will be adopted by consensus; emphasises, however, that these changes must be in line with the best European standards and with the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission;

Amendment 31 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which ~~was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and~~ would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, ~~could help bring about a relative weakening of re~~was given a reading on 27 September 2007; notes the concern expresse~~ntation for the Albanian speaking community, and regards the fact~~d that the proposed Law would have the effect of bypassing the use of the Badinter majority rule as intended by the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and trusts that the re~~ading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability~~ will be further consultations in order to achieve a consensus;

Amendment 32 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which ~~was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and~~ would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, ~~could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community, and regards the fact~~was given a reading on 27 September 2007; expresses its concern at the fact that the proposed Law would have the effect of bypassing the use of the Badinter majority rule as intended by the Ohrid Framework Agreement, and trusts that the re~~ading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability~~ will be further consultations in order to achieve a consensus;

Amendment 33 #

Sorin FRUNZĂVERDE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, ~~which was~~ given a reading on 27 September 2007 ~~and~~, would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, ~~could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community, and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability~~must be encouraged and supported;

Amendment 34 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community,; considers it therefore desirable that a broad consensus, with the participation of the Albanian representatives, should be reached on any revision of the Electoral Code; and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability;

Amendment 35 #

Giulietto CHIESA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian -speaking community, and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability; wishes any decision taken on this matter to be discussed by the political parties in the light of the Ohrid agreements, as otherwise the Badinter majority will be not be involved in any way;

Amendment 36 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4

4. Notes that the draft Law on Revision of the Electoral Code, which was given a reading on 27 September 2007 and would provide for the parliament to be enlarged by 13 seats in the interests of both representation of small ethnic minorities and representation of nationals living abroad, could help bring about a relative weakening of representation for the Albanian speaking community, and regards the fact that the reading has been suspended as a contribution towards domestic stability; trusts that there will be further consultations in order to achieve a consensus;

Amendment 37 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Commends the creation of a National Council for EU Integration headed by an opposition leader, which aims to achieve cross-party support for EU-related reforms; trusts that this body will help to maintain the momentum of reform; expresses confidence that the new sprit of political dialogue and cooperation, which emerged in December and is crucial for advancing the accession process, will continue and be strengthened;

Amendment 38 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 b (new)

4b. Welcomes the recent progress made on 3 December 2007 with the adoption of the Law on Prosecutors, the Law on the Council of Public Prosecutors and the Law on the Committee on Inter- Community Relations as well as, on 25 December 2007, the decision on the final appointment to the Judicial Council;

Amendment 39 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Notes that, on the basis of the renewed and intensified dialogue among all relevant political stakeholders in Macedonia, the Parliament has adopted the remaining laws of key importance for completing the reform of the judiciary: the Law on the Public Prosecutors and the Law on the Council of Public Prosecutors, and notes that most of the remaining EU-related laws have been adopted by the Parliament;

Amendment 4 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. ~~Applauds the fact that the government and parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is increasingly emphasising~~Welcomes the sustained efforts and the achievements of the government in the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and the increased recognition of the multi- ethnic character of their state ~~and that this has led to legislation making it possible for that diversity to work,~~; welcomes the commitment of the government to further promote inter- ethnic relations, which has resulted in the adoption of legislation such as the amendments adopted on 8 February 2007 to the Law on Public Holidays which lays down the various ethnic and religious holiday ~~day~~s, and the ~~agreement reached on the choice of 45 draft laws which can be adopted by Badinter majority only;~~ increased budgetary allocations for promotion of the cultural values and traditions of non-majority communities; points out the need to improve the equitable representation of members of non-majority groups notably in the public administration, police and the military forces;

Amendment 40 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Calls on the Macedonian authorities to ensure the full de-politicisation of the public administration in the country, to guarantee its professionalism, expertise and efficiency and to refrain from any action that may jeopardise the administrative capacity already built up;

Amendment 41 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a (new). Calls on the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to take immediate measures to depoliticise the public administration, reform the justiciary system and make determined efforts to combat crime;

Amendment 42 #

Sorin FRUNZĂVERDE

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Considers that the small minorities in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, such as Turks, Roma, Serbs, Aromanians, and Jews, should automatically be represented in the Skopje parliament;

Amendment 43 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Draws attention to the continuing discrimination against the Roma community, particularly in the areas of education, social protection, health care, housing and employment; hopes that the National Strategy for Roma will be implemented in accordance with its stated objectives in the near future;

Amendment 44 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)

4a. Takes the view that, despite the adoption of the visa-facilitation agreement, access to EU countries still represents a big problem for Macedonian citizens and in general for citizens of the countries of the Western Balkans; welcomes, in this regard, the intention of the Commission to launch a visa dialogue with all the countries of the region, aimed at gradual visa liberalisation, and calls on the Commission to make every effort to finalise this dialogue quickly and transform it into an agreement;

Amendment 45 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 c (new)

4c. Welcomes the entry into force of the visa facilitation and readmission agreement with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; urges the Commission to prioritise dialogue on visa liberalisation with the objective of creating visa-free travel as soon as the necessary conditions are met;

Amendment 46 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. ~~Expresses the hope that application as from May 2008~~Welcomes the adoption of the new Law on the Legal Status of Churches, Religious Communities and Religious Groups, ~~adopted on 20 September 2007,~~to be applied as of May 2008, which will make it possible to put an end, once and for all, to complaints by small church communities, in particular communities which have arisen or developed over the last few decades as a result of foreign proselytisation or by seceding from existing churches, on not being allowed to build, own or use premises serving as prayer rooms;

Amendment 47 #

Nirj DEVA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5

5. Expresses the hope that application as from May 2008 of the Law on the Legal Status of Churches, Religious Communities and Religious Groups, adopted on 20 September 2007, will make it possible to put an end, once and for all, to complaints by small ~~churc~~faith communities, in particular communities which have arisen or developed over the last few decades as a result of foreign proselytisation or by seceding from existing churches, on not being allowed to build, own or use premises serving as prayer rooms; furthermore, recognises the historic and essential role that the Macedonian Orthodox Church has to play in unifying the culture and ameliorating the fractures that exist within Macedonian society;

Amendment 48 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a. Welcomes the successful start of the second phase of the fiscal decentralisation in July 2007, when 42 out of 84 municipalities entered the process and a further nine municipalities joined;

Amendment 49 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)

5a (new). Points out that additional measures have been taken on women’s rights, specifically on equal opportunities; insists, however, that women’s protection against all forms of violence must be increased;

Amendment 5 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. AWelcomes the continued efforts in the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and applauds the fact that the government and parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia isare increasingly emphasising recognition of the multi- ethnic character of their state and that this has led to legislation making it possible for that diversity to work, such as the amendments adopted on 8 February 2007 to the Law on Public Holidays which lays down the various ethnic and religious holiday days, and the agreement reached on the choice of 45 draft laws which can be adopted by Badinter majority only;

Amendment 50 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6

6. Points out that it is desirable, in accordance with the Broadcasting Law adopted in November 2005, to uphold the independence of public broadcasting from state bodies, give free rein to existing diversity of opinion and, in the process, prevent other media from being obstructed as a result of government meddling; urges the authorities to ensure public compliance with EU and Council of Europe standards on countering the resurgence of “hate speech”, particularly in the media, against neighbouring EU Member States;

Amendment 51 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Welcomes the establishment within the Macedonian Parliament of a National Council on European Integration, chaired by the leader of the biggest opposition party, Mrs. Radmila Shekerinska, as a tool to foster EU integration and to ensure that all EU integration laws are processed as a matter of priority;

Amendment 52 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Commends the country on the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and the National Programme for Adoption of the EU Acquis; welcomes the progress made with legal harmonisation in various areas, such as customs, transport, the internal market, competition, state aid, protection of intellectual and industrial property rights, etc.; calls for continuous strengthening of administrative capacity through systematic and well-planned training designed to ensure the smooth implementation of the SAA and effective enforcement of EU legislation;

Amendment 53 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a (new). Calls for further progress in the area of reform of public administration; the Civil Service Law is gradually being implemented and the process of decentralisation has continued without interruption;

Amendment 54 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Welcomes the fact that marked progress has been achieved in the fight against organised crime and corruption in 2007, as well as significant progress in the fight against trafficking in persons and narcotics;

Amendment 55 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Recalls that much remains to be done in the short term in the fields of reforming the judiciary, strengthening the independence and the overall capacity of the judicial system and implementing anti-corruption legislation;

Amendment 56 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b (new). Welcomes the start of preparations for implementing the Police Law, full and effective application of which is a crucial challenge and constitutes a key priority for European Association;

Amendment 57 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 b (new)

6b. Commends the Government on the successful implementation of economic policy reforms and the progress made towards establishing a fully functional market economy; welcomes the continued macro-economic stability, the tax policy and the enhanced fiscal discipline that has resulted in increased state budget revenues; welcomes the improved business climate and the activities for reducing the legal and administrative barriers to business start-ups;

Amendment 58 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)

6a. Commends the Government on the progress that it has made in the economic area, while maintaining macro-economic stability; welcomes the adoption of the new Banking Law in line with the EU acquis; notes the importance of adopting a new law on the National Bank in 2008, thereby strengthening that bank's independence, as well as the administrative capacities for supervision;

Amendment 59 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that the~~re is scant progress with regard to water quality, but that the new water law can serve as a sound basis for improvement; again points~~ efforts with regard to the protection of water quality should be intensified on the basis of the new Law on Waters; points in particular to the need to protect water quality in the River Vardar, which drains most which most of the country and continues on Greek territory as the Axíos, and the frontier lakes Ohridsko Ezero, Prespansko Ezero and Dojransko Ezero against pollution and ~~to reach~~emphasises the need to conclude, and to ensure effective ~~agre~~implement~~s on thi~~ation of, the relevant bilateral agreements with the neighbouring countries of Albania and Greece;

Amendment 6 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1

1. Applauds the fact that the government and parliament of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is increasingly emphasising recognition of the multi- ethnic character of their state and that this has led to legislation making it possible for that diversity to work, such as the amendments adopted on 8 February 2007 to the Law on Public Holidays which lays down the various ethnic and religious holiday days, and the agreement reached on the choice of 456 draft laws which can be adopted by Badinter majority only;

Amendment 60 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7

7. Notes that there is scant progress with regard to water quality, but that the new water law can serve as a sound basis for improvement; again points to the great need to protect water quality and control pollution in the River Vardar, which drains most of the country and continues as the Axios carrying hazardous waste ton Greek territory ~~as the Axíos~~, and the transfrontier lakes Ohrid~~sko Ezero, Prespansko Ezero~~, Prespa and Dojran~~sko Ezero~~, against pollution and to reach effective agreements on this with the neighbouring countries of Albania and Greece;

Amendment 61 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7a (new)

7a. Notes that one-sided support for certain media products, e.g. in the form of government campaigns and advertisements by state-sponsored firms, leads to a distortion of competition in the media landscape and is thus prejudicial to other media, including those critical of the government;

Amendment 62 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Acknowledges that adoption of the Law on Waste Management has led to some progress on handling asbestos, waste collection and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and raw materials waste; points, however, to the need to establish specific legislation quickly which makes waste collection with maximum separation mandatory and is geared to preventing and combating the emergence and the spread of illegal dumps along roads and riverbanks and on the edge of woodlands;

Amendment 63 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8

8. Acknowledges that adoption of the Law on Waste Management has led to some progress on handling asbestos, waste collection and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and raw materials waste; points, however, to the need to take measures ensuring the expert disposal and treatment of hazardous waste, e.g. batteries, chemicals and medical waste; considers it desirable to establish specific legislation ~~quickly~~ which makes waste collection with maximum separation mandatory and is geared to preventing and combating the emergence and the spread of illegal dumps along roads and riverbanks and on the edge of woodlands;

Amendment 64 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Draws attention to the fact that the attitude towards the environment in general needs to be significantly improved, and appeals to the authorities of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to bring its environmental legislation into line with accepted EU standards so as not to create serious problems in neighbouring countries;

Amendment 65 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9

9. Draws attention to the fact that the attitude towards the environment in general needs to be improved, and appeals to the authorities of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to continue efforts to bring its environmental legislation into line with accepted EU standards;

Amendment 66 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Draws attention to the call by Amnesty Int~~Notes that, on 7 November 2007, a large police operation took place around the village of Brodec, north of Tetovo, with the aim of apprehending a number of alleged criminals, including those who had escaped from the Dubrava prison in Kosovo in July 2007; notes that six members of the so-called "Brodec gang" were killed during the opernation~~al to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 November 2007, north of Tetovo, during which at least six possible intruders from Kosovo di~~, that a further 13 individuals from the village were detained by the Ministry of Interior and that light and heavy weaponry was found in Brodec that included heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles; acknowledges that, according to the EU Monitoring Mission and the OSCE, the operation was carried out in a professional and effective manner resulting in no police or civilian casualties and that the composition of the police forces involved was ethnically mixed;

Amendment 67 #

Angelika BEER, Gisela KALLENBACH, Sepp KUSSTATSCHER

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Draws attention to the call by Amnesty Int~~Notes that, on 7 November 2007, a large police operation took place around the village of Brodec, north of Tetovo, with the aim of apprehending a number of alleged criminals, including those who had escaped from the Dubrava prison in Kosovo in July 2007; notes that six members of the so-called "Brodec gang" were killed during the opernation~~al to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 November 2007, north of Tetovo, during which at least six possible intruders from Kosovo di~~, that a further 13 individuals from the village were detained by the Ministry of Interior and that light and heavy weaponry was found in Brodec that included heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles; acknowledges that, according to the EU Monitoring Mission and the OSCE, the operation was carried out in a professional and effective manner resulting in no police or civilian casualties and that the composition of the police forces involved was ethnically mixed;

Amendment 68 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Draws attention to the call by Amne~~Notes that on 7 November, a large police operation took place around the village of Brodec, north of Tetovo, with the aim of apprehending a number of alleged criminals, in which six members of the so-called "Brodec gang" were killed and a further 13 individuals from the village detained by the Ministry of Inter~~national to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 November 2007, north of Tetovo, during which at least six possible intruders from Kosovo died;~~ ior; points out that, according to the EU Monitoring Mission and the OSCE, the operation was carried out in a professional and effective manner resulting in no police or civilian casualties; welcomes the fact that the government has publicly stated that it will rebuild the mosque and other damaged infrastructure; expresses its concern about some reports that detainees may have been subjected to maltreatment on being arrested; calls in this regard on the Ombudsman to fully investigate the events and stresses that any outstanding questions relating to the police operation in Brodec should be addressed in an open, transparent and legally consistent manner;

Amendment 69 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Draws attention to the call by Amnesty International to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 No~~Notes the events surrounding the police operation which took place in Brodec, north of Tetovo, and acknowledges that, according to the EU Monitoring Mission and the OSCE, the operation was carried out in a professional manner resulting in no police or civilian casualties and that the composition of the police forces was ethnically mixed; welcomes the fact that the government has publicly stated that it will rebuild the mosque and other damaged infrastructure and expects prompt action in this regard; expresses concern about some reports that detainees may havem be~~r 2007, north of Tetovo, during which at least six possible intruders from Kosovo died;~~ en subjected to maltreatment on being arrested; therefore calls on the Ombudsman to fully investigate the situation; further underlines that any outstanding questions relating to the police operation in Brodec must be addressed in an open, transparent and legally consistent manner;

Amendment 7 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a. Congratulates the country on the renewed political consensus on the accession of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the EU and applauds the creation of a National Council for EU Integration, which aims to achieve cross-party support for EU- related reforms and is chaired by the opposition leader; trusts that this body will help to maintain the momentum of reform;

Amendment 70 #

Nirj DEVA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. Draws attention to the call by Amnesty International to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 November 2007, north of Tetovo, during which ~~at least six possible intruders from Kosovo died~~two escaped convicts from Kosovo, and four paramilitary operatives (all six ethnic Albanians) were shot dead by the Macedonian authorities, apparently after the six outlaws opened fire on the police; recognises that a full and transparent disclosure of the events will aid the police in their efforts to maintain law and order;

Amendment 71 #

Józef PINIOR, Libor ROUČEK, Hannes SWOBODA, Jan Marinus WIERSMA

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10

10. ~~Draws attention to the call by Amnesty International~~Calls on the Macedonian Government to set up an inquiry into the events on 7 November 2007, north of Tetovo, during which at least six possible intruders from Kosovo died;

Amendment 72 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Welcomes the fact that the government has publicly stated that it will rebuild the mosque and other infrastructure damaged in the police operation in Brodec; expresses concern about some reports that detainees may have been subjected to maltreatment on being arrested; calls on the Ombudsman to fully investigate the situation;

Amendment 73 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Deplores the still high level of unemployment in the country and recommends to the national authorities, and also the Commission, that they should investigate the adoption of the most efficient measures to tackle it;

Amendment 74 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Encourages the authorities to take preventive economic measures in the regions bordering Kosovo directed at reducing the high unemployment in the villages in the region and preventing the local population from succumbing to criminal activities and "easy money";

Amendment 75 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)

10b. Calls on the FYROM authorities to improve legislation in the field of money laundering and to adopt proper measures to prevent money counterfeiting;

Amendment 76 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 c (new)

10c. Notes with concern the continuing inefficiency of the system of tax collection, which constitutes a serious obstacle to sustainable economic development, as well as the significant black market existing, and recommends that the national authorities tackle these issues as soon as possible;

Amendment 77 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 d (new)

10d. Salutes the progress made in the field of legislation concerning intellectual property rights, but emphasises that greater efforts are needed to ensure enforcement of the legislation adopted;

Amendment 78 #

Jas GAWRONSKI

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)

10a. Welcomes the launch of talks between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security on a free visa regime, and notes that the talks will provide the Macedonian authorities with clear information about the measures they will have to introduce to enable all Macedonians to travel to the EU without a visa;

Amendment 79 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the ~~efforts by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to maintain good relations on the northern border with Serbia and Kosovo and to guarantee effective scope for cross-border movement~~active participation of Macedonia in the South East Europe Cooperation Process and its contribution to the establishment of the Regional Cooperation Council; also welcomes its constructive position on the status of Kosovo; considers that the issue of technical demarcation of the border should proceed as envisaged in Mr Ahtisaari’s proposal; welcomes the active cooperation with Kosovo in trade, customs and police cooperation matters and the fact that, at the same time, good- neighbourly relations are being maintained with Serbia;

Amendment 8 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)

1a Welcomes the renewed political consensus on the accession of the Republic of Macedonia to the European Union, achieved notably trough the adoption of the Law on the Committee for Inter-Community Relations, which lists the laws to be adopted in accordance with the double-majority rule (Badinter principle), the election of the remaining members of the Parliamentary Committee on Inter-Community Relations, the adoption of the Law on the Public Prosecutors and the Law on the Council of Public Prosecutors and the appointment of the final member of the Judicial Council;

Amendment 80 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the efforts byof the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to ~~maintain good relations on the northern border with Serbia and Kosovo and to guarantee effective scope for cross-border movement~~contribute to regional stability and play a constructive role in the international effort to secure the final status of Kosovo, particularly the steps taken by it to provide support for the present and future EU missions in the region;

Amendment 81 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the efforts by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to maintain good neighbourly relations on ~~the northern border with Serbia and Kosovo~~its borders and to guarantee effective scope for cross-border movement;

Amendment 82 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11

11. Welcomes the efforts by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to maintain good relations on the northern border with Serbia and Kosovo and to guarantee effective scope for cross-border movement, as well as the signing of free trade agreements with those two neighbours, and recommends a similar policy in relations with Albania, Bulgaria and Greece, especially in the field of transport and communications;

Amendment 83 #

Kristian VIGENIN

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Encourages the authorities of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to make greater efforts to promote good- neighbourly relations with EU Member States Bulgaria and Greece and to enhance the dialogue and cooperation between neighbouring peoples;

Amendment 84 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Welcomes the contribution made by the country to the EU Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, acknowledges its role with regard to regional stability, and expresses its deep condolences to the country and to the families of the 11 peacekeepers who tragically died in a Macedonian military helicopter crash on 12 January 2008;

Amendment 85 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a (new). Points out, with regard to the International Criminal Court, that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has signed a bilateral immunity agreement with the United States which is in line neither with the joint position nor the relevant guidelines of the EU; therefore urges the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to take the necessary steps to deal with this matter;

Amendment 86 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Notes that, in spite of international publicity campaigns, the foreign investments hoped for have largely failed to materialise; considers that confidence in investment possibilities on the part of domestic and international business must continue to be strengthened;

Amendment 87 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)

11a. Notes that further investment is needed in developing the country’s infrastructure links with its neighbours, which would contribute to the economic development and stability of the region as a whole, and calls on the Government rapidly to complete the remaining rail link between Skopje and Sofia;

Amendment 88 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 b (new)

11b. Welcomes the legal recognition given to the University of Tetovo as part of the implementation of the peace treaty; stresses in this connection that the promotion of education and training represents a particularly important contribution to the country’s further development;

Amendment 89 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed~~Welcomes the increased bilateral cooperation, as well as people-to people contacts, between the fFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece~~, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process~~; regrets, however, that since the adoption of Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 12 July 2007 no progress has been made in the bilateral talks held under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz to find a mutually acceptable solution to the differences that have arisen over the name of the country; calls on both sides to increase efforts to resolve the issue; reiterates that in no circumstances should the name issue become an obstacle to membership of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Mac~~cession to the European Union;~~ edonia of international organisations, as provided for in the Interim Accord of 1995;

Amendment 9 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)

1b. Welcomes in particular the establishment of the National Council for European integration, led by the leader of the opposition, as an important driving force behind the EU accession process; encourages the Government and the Parliament to continue with sustained, regular and constructive dialogue among all stakeholders involved, in a spirit of cooperation and consensus on the key issues of the country's European agenda;

Amendment 90 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. ~~Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed~~Welcomes the increased bilateral cooperation, as well as people-to-people contacts between the fFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece~~, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process~~; regrets, however, that since the adoption of Parliament's above-mentioned resolution of 12 July 2007 no progress has been made in the bilateral talks held under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz to find a mutually acceptable solution to the differences that have arisen over the name of the country; calls on both sides to increase efforts to resolve the issues; reiterates that in no circumstances should the name issue become an obstacle to membership of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Mac~~cession to the European Union~~edonia of international organisations, as provided for in the Interim Accord of 1995;

Amendment 91 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process of accession to the European UnionWelcomes the increased bilateral cooperation, as well as people-to-people contacts between Macedonia and Greece; notes with satisfaction that since the adoption of its Resolution of 12 July 2007 first bilateral talks were held in the region, under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz, after the sessions in New York so far, to find mutually acceptable solution to the difference that has arisen over the name of the country; calls on both sides to increase efforts to overcome the issue, that in no circumstances should become an obstacle to the membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the international organizations, as provided in the Interim Accord of 1995;

Amendment 92 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process of accession to the European UnionWelcomes the increased bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and Greece; regrets however that since the adoption of its Resolution of 12 July 2007 no progress has been made in the bilateral talks held under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz to find mutually acceptable solutions to the differences that have arisen over the name of the country; calls on both sides to increase efforts to overcome the issue;

Amendment 93 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and ~~Greece~~EU member states Greece and Bulgaria, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece, and both can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process of accession to the European Union;

Amendment 94 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that in line with its active support of the European perspective of the Western Balkans, Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process of accession to the European Union;

Amendment 95 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece ~~can~~has already provided and continues to provide significant support for coping successfully with the process of accession to the European Union;

Amendment 96 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12

12. Notes that, in the years since independence, close economic relations have developed between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece, that Greece is now the largest investor and trading partner and that Greece can provide significant support for coping successfully with the process of accession to the European Union; Welcomes the increased bilateral cooperation, as well as people-to people contacts between the Republic of Macedonia and Greece, regrets, however that since the adoption of its Resolution of 12 July 2007 no progress has been made in the bilateral talks held under the auspices of the United Nations and assisted by Special Envoy Matthew Nimitz to find mutually acceptable solution to the differences that has arisen over the name of the country; calls on both sides to increase efforts to overcome the issue, that in no circumstances should become an obstacle to the membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the international organizations, as provided in the Interim Accord of 1995;

Amendment 97 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a (new). Recalls that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia maintains a bilateral immunity agreement with the United States, granting exemptions from International Criminal Court jurisdiction; calls upon the authorities to take measures to bring about the alignment with the EU common position on the integrity of the Roma statute as well as with other EU guiding principles concerning bilateral immunity agreements;

Amendment 98 #

Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)

12a (new). welcomes the efforts made by the secretariat for European Affairs to stress the importance of communication concerning the implementation of the necessary reforms in order to meet the membership criteria; utilising various tools to convey the messages to all interested parties;

Amendment 99 #