Skopje, 8 February 2024 (MIA) - The upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections were in the focus of today's meeting of caretaker Prime Minister Talat Xhaferi and Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl.

PM Xhaferi highlighted his unequivocal commitment that the caretaker Government organizes and implements peaceful, fair and democratic elections that meet the highest European standards, the Government said in a press release.

PM Xhaferi noted that the pro-European coalition that the Government is founded on, is committed to European values in all fields, since North Macedonia's EU integration is an essential necessity for the people's quality of life, elections being part of that path. He voiced expectation that all political entities and institutions would provide their contribution to fair and democratic elections, as was the case in previous election cycles and considering the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.

On the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, Xhaferi said an official invitation letter would be sent prior to the formal announcement of the dates for the presidential and parliamentary polls, with the OSCE Mission in Skopje already making the necessary assessment.

The meeting also tackled North Macedonia's contribution to regional stability amid the specific geopolitical context as a successful example of a functional multiethnic democracy.

North Macedonia chaired over OSCE during exceptionally difficult global developments but it proved to be a success story for cooperation and the country itself, demonstrating its capacities for effective diplomacy and productive dialogue, as credible partner of the democratic international community in promoting peace and stability in the Western Balkans, Europe and the world, adds the press release.

Interlocutors agreed that OSCE plays a significant role in the promotion of democratic processes in North Macedonia and the reforms that are crucial on its European path, voicing their commitment for continuation of the close and effective cooperation.

Photo: Government