The Republic of Austria is a strong supporter of Macedonia’s integration in the European Union, the Austrian President, Heinz Fischer, said at the meeting with the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, held today in Vienna, where the Macedonian President is participating at the 5th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

The Austrian President assessed that the Macedonian-Austrian bilateral relations are marked with constant positive dynamics and that Austria attaches particular importance to its relations with the Western Balkan countries, particularly with Macedonia.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the EU-integration process in the Republic of Macedonia and the current political situation. President Ivanov informed the Austrian President in detail on the latest developments and his personal commitment to overcome it.

President Fischer, extending his gratitude for the information, expressed hope that political leaders in Macedonia, through compromise, will find a way out of the situation and that all factors in the Macedonian state will focus on the EU agenda.

President Ivanov briefed President Fischer on the ongoing activities in the name resolution process, as well as on the relations with the neighbors. The Macedonian President thanked for President Fisher’s personal engagement and Austria’s support for Macedonia’s European aspirations, underscoring the importance of the next stage of the European integration process of Macedonia – setting a date for opening negotiations.

“The Republic of Macedonia and its society are waiting too long for the next stage in the European integration, the start of accession negotiations. It is the same with NATO. We are implementing reforms and delivering results, but there is no progress, a situation that leads to frustration in our society and affects, to a certain degree, the political environment”, President Ivanov said

The Austrian President expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to meet President Ivanov again and stressed that the frequent meetings speak enough of the relations between the two countries.

President Ivanov met today the OSCE Secretary General, Mr. Lamberto Zannier, and the Deputy to the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization - UNIDO, Taizo Nishikawa.

“The OSCE is pleased with the positive developments to overcome the situation by the latest proposal to postpone the deadline for submitting the lists for the forthcoming local elections”, Zannier said at the meeting with the Macedonian president.

Secretary General Zannier informed President Ivanov that the OSCE is closely monitoring the political situation in the Republic of Macedonia, through their mission, as well as their activities related to the local elections.

President Ivanov thanked for the engagement of Mr. Zannier and the OSCE, for all the help and support and informed him about the situation and developments following their last meeting, about his assessment and views on the situation, as well as the expectations and possible scenarios for the coming period.

The OSCE Secretary General expressed his satisfaction with the positive developments to overcome the situation by the latest proposal to postpone the deadline for submitting the lists for the local elections.

“The OSCE supports all efforts to overcome the situation and establish a dialogue”, Zannier said, indicating that the OSCE is ready and will continue to assist, within its capabilities and mandate.
At the meeting with the Deputy to the Director General of UNIDO, President Ivanov received information on the ongoing projects, welcomed the engagement and asked for further support from UNIDO, especially for the projects for removal of technical and technological barriers, relevant to sustainable development and environmental protection in Macedonia.

Tomorrow, at the official opening of the Forum, the Macedonian Head of State will address the plenary session dedicated to responsible leadership in diversity and dialogue.