Ahern accepts Macedonia's belated EU application

EU/MACEDONIA: The postponed application for membership of the European Union by the Republic of Macedonia was formally accepted…

EU/MACEDONIA: The postponed application for membership of the European Union by the Republic of Macedonia was formally accepted at Farmleigh last night by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, on behalf of Ireland's European presidency.

The application was originally scheduled to be made on February 26th but the ceremony was called off because of the sudden death of Macedonia's President, Mr Boris Trajkovski, in an air crash.

At the end of a joint press conference, the Prime Minister of Macedonia, Mr Branko Crvenkovski, switched from his own language to English to point out to the Taoiseach that the application still bore the signature of the late President.

"I assure you that this signature today is stronger than ever, sealing Macedonia's commitment to the European Union," he said. Mr Crvenkovski was accompanied by a senior Macedonian politician of ethnic Albanian background who is also one of his deputy Prime Ministers, Mr Musa Xhaferi. Another deputy Prime Minister, Mr Jovan Manasievski, and the Foreign Minister, Ms Ilinka Mitreva, were also present.

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"The Republic of Macedonia shall face this challenge ready and prepared," the Prime Minister said.

"After all, in the last 13 years, we have demonstrated that we have the necessary capacity and democratic potential to resolve even the most complex problems by applying European norms and standards."

Welcoming the application, the Taoiseach said: "Macedonia will not alone get our support but our assistance and encouragement." The initial steps in processing the application would be "seen through" in the Irish presidency.

"At a time of increased tension in the region, we recall [Mr Trajkovski's\] example and his courage in pursuing the path of reconciliation in a divided society," Mr Ahern said.