Skopje, 7 June 2023 (MIA) - The fact that the country is among the first signatories of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities in 1996, says a lot about us a democratic country, about our constitutional regulation, and us as people, Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi said Wednesday addressing the formal in the Parliament marking the 25th anniversary of entry into force of the Framework Convention.

"The breakup of Yugoslavia, which we were once a part of, uncovered all kinds of discrimination and disrespect toward minority rights, and we witnessed it. We also witnessed the 2001 conflict, after which we signed the Ohrid Framework Agreement, an act that changed our country's future and was simultaneously the best roadmap for ensuring stability, sustainability, and constructive dialogue. It allowed space for dealing with issues regarding respect of the rights of all communities, fair and adequate representation, inclusion in political and institutional decision-making," Xhaferi said, and added that now we live in the aftermath of the implementation of the Agreement, which influenced the raising civil awareness that the contribution of every citizen is equal.

“The key principles and universal rights of minorities, like human rights, and their implementation are just as relevant in 2023. These are not issues of individuals, certain groups, or just one country. These are issues that affect the entire international community which has to take care of the rights of minority groups, for their own protection and equal access on all levels to society," Xhaferi added.

Xhaferi stated that we must get rid of narrow-minded thinking that national minorities are a cause for concern in their "home counties."

"Those are citizens of the county in which they live, work, and pay contributions for the progress and development of that country. That same country has the responsibility to ensure equal access to minority rights because this is the only way to encourage trust, loyalty, responsibility and love towards a country. This will automatically produce relaxed relations between communities, political stability, and a sense of joint contribution towards something beautiful," Xhaferi noted. ssh/sk/

Photo: Parliament