PACE co-rapporteurs call for full implementation of Przino Agreement in Macedonia

A full implementation of the Przino Agreement is the key to holding fair, free and democratic elections in Macedonia, co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said Thursday at a press conference here.

They urged political parties not to miss the chance of reaching a compromise.

On Jan. 18, Macedonian Parliament adopted a motion for self-dissolution in order to open the way for premature elections in the country. According to the adopted decision, the dissolution of the Parliament is effective from Feb. 24, and the elections will be held on April 24. The motion was supported by parliamentary members from the three major parties -- VMRO-DPMNE, DUI and DPA.

However, PACE members Lise Christoffersen and Valeriu Ghiletchi did not say whether conditions had been met to allow early elections to be held on April 24.

"As Council of Europe members, we are neither mediators nor facilitators in the process of the Przino Agreement, therefore it is not up to us to express our views in terms of preparations ahead of the elections. We can only express our conviction that elections should be just and adequate, free and fair," Ghiletchi said to the media.

In the meantime, co-rapporteur Christoffersen stated they would wait for the report being prepared by the European Union, which mediates the process stemming from the Przino Agreement, and the evaluation of the State Election Commission.

The PACE co-rapporteurs met with representatives of Macedonian political parties, state institutions and SEC members during their visit to Macedonia.

"Everyone remains committed to implementing the deal. All parties agree that early elections are the only way out of the political crisis. From the talks we have had, we found out there are different points of views involving developments and level of implementation of the agreement," Christoffersen said.

Furthermore, Christoffersen stated "the resignation of the prime minister in January and the formation of a technical government, in which two key ministries -- the interior and labor ministries -- are being managed by opposition representatives, should pave the way toward organizing early elections."

The establishment of a special public prosecution in Macedonia was considered as a crucial step by the PACE co-rapporteurs and they expected the special public prosecutor to conduct just and thorough investigations, free from political or any other influence, and the judiciary to fully complete this process.

Co-rapporteur Ghiletchi also said that "We expect the new Parliament to create an environment where democratic discussions will be held and decisions will be made for the urgent long-term reforms." Endit