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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-07-26
CONTENTS
[01] Barroso reply to FYROM PM
[01] Barroso reply to FYROM PM
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Friday sent a
letter of reply to Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Prime
Minister Nikola Gruevski, in which he emphasised that the Union has no
competency to deal with the issues raised by the latter's
eyebrow-raising letter a week earlier.
"The Commission is strongly attached to the respect of fundamental
rights and freedoms.
"Nevertheless, it is important to clarify that the European Union has
no general competence to deal with issues such as identities of
minorities, their rights, acquisition of citizenship and restitution of
properties, arising in its Member States. This is the primary
responsibility of the Member States in the light of their
constitutional traditions and international obligations ... I hope that
this clarification is helpful.
"I regret, however, that the bilateral relations between your
government and the government of a neighbouring country, Member State
of the European Union, are facing these problems. A fundamental aspect
of having a European vocation is to approach such difficulties with a
constructive and cooperative spirit, open to dialogue and to finding an
agreed way forward. Maintaining good neighbourly relations remains
essential for the progress of your country towards the European Union,"
Barroso said, indirectly reminding the premier of the neighbouring
state that carefree relations with Greece are a prerequisite for
continuing on a course towards the EU.
Caption: A file photo dated Monday, 18 April 2005 shows European
Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso during a press conference
immediately after his talks with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis
in Athens. ANA-MPA/PANTELIS SAITAS
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