Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2008-04-09-Speech-3-072"
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"en.20080409.20.3-072"2
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"The best way of stabilising this part of the Balkans is for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to make progress and move closer to the European Union. Its successful negotiations will help all other neighbouring countries to make additional efforts to gain candidate status.
In order to overcome the dispute over the name, external initiatives are required. Symbolic gestures are necessary both in Skopje and Athens, as well as perseverance. Now is the right time to look for a less provocative name for Skopje Airport, and to condemn the disrespectful treatment of the Greek flag. However, any further difficulties and the discrimination which holders of Macedonian passports are subjected to in connection with Greek visas are also unacceptable.
In the European Union, we are building a community of modern post-national states. Mutual respect of differences and national identities is also an issue of respect for fundamental human rights. Only in this way can we prevent, or at least limit any negative consequences of the feeling that one's nationality is threatened. We need to abolish the visa regime for all the countries in this region. However, also required is a rapid and permanent solution for the country's name and a comprehensive alliance between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece. Peace and stability, and fast and successful Euro–Atlantic integrations are in the interest of both the states and all the nations.
Nevertheless, Commissioner, and Mr Lenarčič, the Slovenian Presidency ought to table the Macedonian question for the next summit. There is no need whatsoever to wait until autumn.
And one more thing about Croatia: by implementing the Ecological and Fisheries Protection Zone, Croatian politics was hoisted by its own petard. In the future such surprises will not be possible.
If this adventure has taught us something so be it, but if they have not learnt anything, then all the words and vows about finalising negotiations in 2009 is just dust in the eyes. No one needs dust in their eyes: not the citizens, nor the economy, nor the neighbouring countries, nor the European Union. What we now need is a success story. However, for any success the principle of
(agreements must be kept) is a necessity."@en1
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