Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Macedonian Situation

January 25, 2002

I would like to welcome the adoption in the Macedonian Assembly of the revised Law on Local Self-Government yesterday, which is based on the Framework Agreement. This is an important step toward realization of a democratic multiethnic society on the basis of political dialogue. I pay my highest tribute to the parties concerned in adoption this revision.
Japan strongly hopes that the parties concerned will continue to seek resolution of problems by the political dialogue, and will make further efforts to steadily build a stable nation based on harmony among ethnic groups.
Japan intends to continue its support for the efforts to resolve problems facing Macedonia, together with the international community.

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