MPO Convention Resolutions

Admission of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU

RESOLUTION

The duly elected delegates of the Macedonian Patriotic Organization of the United States and Canada (MPO) who met on September 1, 2007, in Dearborn, Michigan, for their 86th Annual Convention, unanimously voted to urge the member nations of the European Union (EU) to commence entry talks with the Republic of Macedonia at the earliest possible time; and hereby proclaim:

WHEREAS, the Republic of Macedonia has created and maintained a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic state in Southeast Europe, has enacted and implemented comprehensive political, economic, defense, security and legal reforms including the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, has demonstrated significant progress in complying with the Copenhagen Criteria and recently conducted parliamentary elections in accordance with applicable international standards; and,

WHEREAS, on November 9, 2005, the European Commission issued a report to the European Council recommending that the European Council grant the Republic of Macedonia candidate status for membership in the EU; and,

WHEREAS, on December 15, 2005, the European Council accepted the European Commission’s recommendations and accepted the Republic of Macedonia as a candidate for membership in the EU; and,

WHEREAS, no date has been set for the commencement of admission talks with the Republic of Macedonia by the European Council, notwithstanding the European Council’s acceptance of the Republic of Macedonia as a candidate for EU membership; and,

WHEREAS, the setting of a commencement date for entry talks between the EU and the Republic of Macedonia and the admission of the Republic of Macedonia to the EU will improve the economic and political stability of the Republic of Macedonia and Southeast Europe, advance and promote inter-ethnic relations and heighten social development within both the Republic of Macedonia and all of Southeast Europe; and,

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the EU, and its member states, to continue the expansion of the EU by admitting those nations in Southeast Europe that, like the Republic of Macedonia, are committed to maintaining democratic societies, market-based economies, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of the civil and human rights of their citizens, to full membership in the EU, as the admission of such nations, including the Republic of Macedonia, will promote further peace and stability in Europe, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the MPO urges the member states of the EU to commence entry talks with the Republic of Macedonia and admit the Republic of Macedonia as a member of the EU at the earliest possible time.

Copies to:
Secretary-General of the United Nations, United Nations Security Council, Officials & Members of the European Union & European Communities, President of the United States of America, its Secretary of State, US Ambassadors to all appropriate countries and organizations, Prime Minister of Canada & its Minister of Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canadian Ambassadors to all appropriate countries and organizations, Appropriate US Congressional Committees, Officials and media in the Republic of Macedonia