Paris, 6 December – Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 6 December expressed the hope that his country (along with Albania and Croatia) would become a member of NATO by 2008 and of the European Union (EU) by 2011 or 2012.
 
Addressing the WEU Assembly, he said NATO membership would bring greater stability to the Balkans, help fight organised crime; and lead to more effective action in restoring stability in Kosovo. He also hoped Bulgaria; Romania; Albania and all the other states of former Yugoslavia would eventually join the EU.
 
Stressing his country’s efforts to establish a multi-ethnic society, the Prime Minister said the government could play "a small; but constructive role in (achieving) a final status for Kosovo, (which) should be more than autonomy but less than independence".
 
Asked about minority rights, Mr Buckovski explained that each ethnic group was represented in national and municipal administrations, the police and the army. The use of different mother tongues was also respected. The government was striving to improve the economy, had signed more than 15 free trade agreements and was optimistic about the potential for foreign investment.
 
In his speech, Mr Buckovski noted that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was due to be granted EU candidate status at the European Council summit on 15 and 16 December. "That will send an even stronger signal to the region that the European perspective is the only alternative," he said. He went on to suggest that cooperation with the WEU Assembly should be enhanced, since the parliamentary body's role was becoming more significant. "Considering the fact that provisions (in the EU Constitutional Treaty) for collective defence are not obligatory, WEU Assembly recommendations for the modified Brussels Treaty to remain in force are becoming more relevant," he said. "It is clear that European security and defence policy obtains its true legitimacy from the WEU Assembly."
 
Other issues addressed by Mr Buckovski included the need for KFOR forces to remain in Kosovo until a final political agreement is reached and for the formation of a transatlantic consensus as a key condition for achieving European security goals. He also stressed his government’s determination to continue its domestic reforms with the establishment of an independent judiciary.