10 January 2003 00:00
RIA NOVOSTI INTERVIEW WITH RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN ALEXANDER YAKOVENKO ON THE EVE OF MOSCOW VISIT BY MACEDONIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ILINKA MITREVA
38-10-01-2003
Question: Could you, please, comment on the current co-operation between Russia and Macedonia?
Yakovenko: Russo-Macedonian relations are characterised by a stable political dialogue and a high level of mutual understanding. The sides regularly exchange opinions on topical issues of international politics and Russo-Macedonian relations. Russia and Macedonia target the maximum use of the existent potential with a view to further expanding bilateral co-operation on a broad range of issues.
The development of Russo-Macedonian trade-economic contacts has been stable too. Bilateral trade over the 9 months of 2002 made $75.6 million. Russian exports in January-September 2002, reached $64.3 million, and imports made some $11 million, a 15.6-percent increase year on year.
Question: What issues will be on the agenda of the coming negotiations in Moscow?
Yakovenko: The agenda of the working visit to Russia by Macedonian Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva includes the discussion of the Balkan developments, the Macedonian settlement and the development of bilateral contacts.
The close attention we pay to the Balkan problem and the efforts taken within various forums are prompted by the understanding that the provision of stability in this part of Europe meets Russian national interests and contributes to the development of a long-term mutually advantageous co-operation with the Balkan states.
Question: Could you, please, comment on the efforts the Macedonian government is taking to stabilise the internal political situation in the country?
Yakovenko: In 2002, the efforts by the Macedonian government in co-operation with leading international factors were concentrated on the fulfilment of tasks to stabilise the situation in the country on the basis of the Framework (Ochrid) Agreement. Much was done in the context of the global fight against terrorism with a view to nailing down the positive trends in the settlement, preventing the repetition of the conflict and creating conditions for a comprehensive development of Macedonia's multinational society.
The Macedonian side considers it a priority to uphold the principles of the inviolability of the borders, the provision of security on its borders and the consolidation of the multiethnic nature of the Balkan states. The development of good-neighbourly relations between the countries of the region is of great significance too.
Question: What is Russia's position in settling territorial and ethnic problems in Macedonia?
Yakovenko: We have been steadfast in favouring the maintenance of Macedonia as a single unitary state without any interethnic division lines and have unalterably supported the Macedonian leadership in its consistent efforts to consolidate sovereignty and integrity of the country.
The scheme of settling interethnic relations in Macedonia is based on the constitutional amendments and laws stipulated by the Framework Agreement and adopted by the Macedonian parliament. The scheme is designed to secure authentically equal rights to all ethnic groups, involve national communities in decision making and ensure a democratic development of Macedonian society as a whole. We hope that these goals will be reached despite any difficulties.
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