Download - South East European University

Stocktaking
î Stocktaking
Ambassador Ferenc Kekesi
Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary in the Republic of Macedonia
EU presidency chair
Your Excellencies! Distinguished Colleagues! Dear Ladies and Gentlemen!
Let me start by congratulating the Columbia University, the Sts. Cyril and
Methodius University, the South East European University, the State University of
Tetovo, the EU Delegation, the Swedish, US and UK Embassies in Skopje, plus all
other involved stakeholders for organizing this conference. Thank you also for
inviting me to speak on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency of the European
Union.
It is a landmark occasion that this conference takes place with the aim of
taking stock of the last 10 years since the signing of the Ohrid Framework
Agreement. As the representative of the current Hungarian Presidency of the
Council of the EU - which is advocating a stronger Europe and deems
multiculturalism and the promotion of fundamental human rights, including
minority rights a top priority - it is a real pleasure for me to discuss this
important topic here. A topic, which also means a great deal to the European
perspective of Macedonia, a candidate of the European Union since 2005, standing
at the threshold of EU and NATO membership.
Hungary’s assessment of the Ohrid Framework Agreement’s implementation
has been very positive. Ever since the signing of the Agreement, we have seen a
clearly expressed strategic interest on behalf of local partners to make interethnic
dialogue a priority goal. This document as a complex and legally binding
political act has helped a great deal to place this country among the potential
members of the EU and has become a driving force in establishing a society with
the highest democratic values and security for all citizens.
From a political point of view, the Ohrid Framework Agreement has lived up
to its goals so far and contributed immensely to stability in Macedonia.
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