Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Macedonia, EU to sign visa concession agreement

SKOPJE -- By the end of 2006, Macedonia will sign a visa concession agreement with the EU.

According to the head of the European Commission's Delegation in Macedonia Erwan Fouere this decision was made by the EU Council of Ministers in Brussels today, Macedonia’s TV station A1 reports. According to him Macedonia is the first Western Balkans state to sign such an agreement.

“We must negotiate with all the countries in the region starting with Macedonia. The Finnish EU Presidency insists the visa agreement to be signed by the end of the year. This is a very important step for the country in carrying out its long-term goals and namely – the visa regime liberalisation,” the European diplomat said.

The visa concession agreement will include conditions which Macedonia will have to fulfil and which are already known, new protected passports, readmission contracts and integrated security system along the borders, A1 notes.

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