Today, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government responsible for European affairs, Dr Fatmir Besimi, held a meeting with the ambassador of the European Union in the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Aivo Orav and with the EU Member States ambassadors in the Republic of Macedonia, in order to inform them about the progress of the Republic of Macedonia on the eve of the European Council June Summit.

At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister Besimi emphasised the fact that the Republic of Macedonia continues with the realisation of reforms in key areas included in the High Level Accession Dialogue. Also, Besimi informed the ambassadors of the meetings realised with his counterparts in several Member States within the visits.

At the meeting, the activities undertaken to address one of the key priorities of the High Level Accession Dialogue, freedom of expression and media, were highlighted.

Emphasis was given to the formation of Inquiry Commission which, according to Besimi, will contribute to improve the dialogue with journalists and to address other outstanding issues in the area of freedom of expression and the events of 24 December 2012.
The European Union Member States ambassadors in the Republic of Macedonia approved the establishment of the Inquiry Commission on the events of 24 December 2012 and they expect the Commission to come forward with concrete proposals and solutions to overcome this situation, as well as the importance of intensifying the dialogue and communication with the media regarding the outstanding issues. Also, they emphasised the need for signing inter-party Memorandum, which will determine the commitment of all relevant parties to the process of European integration.

Additionally, the Member States ambassadors stressed the importance of resolving the efforts of the Republic of Macedonia to promote good neighbourly relations, and they also indicated the continuation of these activities with special emphasis on the need to find mutually acceptable solution on the name issue as soon as possible.