European Parliament adopts non-legislative resolution on Macedonia.

By bne IntelliNews April 7, 2011
The European Parliament adopted a non-legislative resolution on Macedonia, calling on EU Member States to begin accession negotiations with the country immediately, according to a release on the institution's website. At the same time, MEPs regretted that the name dispute with Greece continues to block Macedonia's road to EU accession. The resolution was adopted by 506 votes to 44 with 44 abstentions. The MEPs also expressed concern over a number of issues, including growing inter-ethnic tensions in the country, prevalent corruption, deep problems with the political culture, high unemployment among the youth, lagging reform of the judiciary, intimidation of civil society and the deterioration in media freedom, including politicisation of the media and interference in their work. With regard to the name dispute with Greece, the MEPs noted with concern the "use of historical arguments in the current debate, including the phenomenon of so-called 'antiquisation,' which threatens increasing tensions with neighbour countries and creating new internal divisions". On the positive side, MEPs congratulated the Macedonian government on the effective and smooth implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU.

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