Brussels, 3 August 2000: Although Macedonia has so far survived intact the wars of Yugoslav disintegration, real differences still exist between ethnic Albanians, the country’s largest minority, and ethnic Macedonians and must be bridged - and bridged soon - in order to avoid further destabilisation in the region.
Ethnic Albanians demand greater recognition and civil rights, while ethnic Macedonians fear that yielding to these demands will bring about the division of their country and the loss of its Slavic character. The solidarity shown by ethnic Albanians in Macedonia for those in Kosovo highlights the continuing gulf between the two communities.
A new report published today by the International Crisis Group (ICG) emphasises the importance of avoiding a disputed outcome in next year’s census. If accepted by both communities, it could set the stage for agreements on contentious issues including constitutional rights, education, federalisation and public-sector employment. The report recommends that:
- The EU should take the lead role in drawing Macedonia into both European and transatlantic political, security and economic institutions.
- The OSCE should work directly with the ethnic Albanian political leadership on the April 2001 census to avoid repeating the disputed outcomes of 1991 and 1994.
- NATO should seek agreement with Skopje to maintain a NATO troop presence along Macedonia’s borders with Kosovo and Serbia for an indefinite period.
- International donors should make funding of higher education contingent upon progress by the Macedonian government in resolving outstanding access and funding issues for all the country’s minorities.
ICG’s report emphasises that now is the time for reaching a final status agreement: the window of opportunity will not remain open indefinitely.