President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova received the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, Christophe Kamp, who is visiting our country for the first time since taking office in December last year.
Speaking about the role of the OSCE as an organization whose primary role is to prevent internal, but also regional unrest and conflicts, the High Commissioner expressed readiness for expert assistance in creating or innovating the legal framework, if there is interest and request from the Macedonian institutions.
Expressing gratitude for the cooperation so far, Siljanovska-Davkova agreed that the OSCE can help accelerate the Macedonian, but also the Western Balkans’ Euro-integration path by promoting the protection of minority rights, in accordance with the fundamental documents on minorities.
The High Commissioner offered expertise on the existing national legislation for protection of minority rights, as well as on its implementation. He stressed the importance of an inclusive decision-making process at all levels in which every member of any minority would have the opportunity to participate.
President Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized the compliance of our legislation on minorities with the highest standards for minority rights, but also the need for greater care for smaller minorities, given their vulnerability.
Both stressed the importance of good-neighborly and friendly relations, of which respect for minority rights is an important factor.
The President reaffirmed the idea of preparing a comparative regional study on the guarantee and respect for minority rights in the Balkan countries, including ours.
