GREEK VETO TO FYROM

EU FMs' conclusions on FYROM "satisfactory" for Greece's positions

Photo: On Red color the states pro FYROM vote in UE

Brussels. Greek foreign ministry sources described as "satisfactory for Greece's positions" the reference to FYROM contained in the text of conclusions of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers-General Affairs adopted on Tuesday morning by the EU foreign ministers following the political agreement they reached on Monday after long deliberations.

More specifically, the text agreed does not contain any reference to commencing EU accession negotiations with FYROM in March, but instead states that the Council will return to the issue during the next EU presidency, which is assumed by Spain on January 1, 2010.

The Council of Ministers, in its conclusions, welcomed the progress achieved by FYROM in a number of important issues and the fact that the country has to a large degree faced the fundamental priorities of the partner relationship. The smooth implementation of the Stability and Association agreement is expected to facilitate further steps, according to the conclusions, while the presidential and local elections of 2009 fulfilled most of the international standards.

It further said that implementation of the Ochrid Framework Agreement remains an essential element of democracy and a just state, and stressed that the reform program must continue.

More specifically, the conclusions said, continuation is necessary of the effort to combat corruption and ensure the independence and objectivity of Justice.

The Council of Ministers further noted that the European Commission has recommended the commencement of accession negotiations with FYROM, and that it will come back to this issue during the course of the next EU presidency.

The conclusions further stressed that the maintenance of good neighborhood relations, including a mutually acceptable solution to the name issue following negotiations under the auspices of the UN, remains essential, adding that the Council of Ministers encourage the recent positive developments in relations between Greece and FYROM.