On the Formation of a New Government in Macedonia
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Kate M. Byrnes
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
June 8, 2017
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The United States congratulates Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and the parliamentary majority on the formation of a new government in Macedonia.
We recognize the important steps taken by President Ivanov and the leaders of the majority coalition parties to collaborate in a constructive way, enabling this positive development for the people of Macedonia. The formation of a new government reflects respect for the will of the people freely expressed through lawful democratic processes, including on the basis of the December 2016 elections, which were accepted by all parties.
The United States also appreciates the Austrian Chairmanship’s efforts to address the political situation in Macedonia, including the personal engagement by Chairperson-in-Office Kurz, and the visit to Skopje last month by Special Representative Strohal.
As a friend and partner of Macedonia, the United States looks forward to working with the new government as it strives to fulfill the country’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations by implementing urgent reforms that strengthen rule of law and judicial independence, media freedom, and government accountability.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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