Statement by Members of the European Parliament Knut Fleckenstein, Eduard Kukan and Ivo Vajgl after meetings with the Speaker of the Sobranie, Talat Xhaferi, political party leaders and parliamentary party coordinators
Mr Fleckenstein, Mr Kukan and Mr Vajgl issued the following statement today:
"We met with the Speaker, political party leaders and parliamentary party coordinators to discuss our continued support to dialogue between the political parties, in particular on the reform agenda necessary for the country's EU membership and on the effective institutional functioning of the Sobranie. We discussed the challenges inside the Parliament in the current political climate and all agreed that political dialogue is essential to advancing on the urgent reforms and for improving the parliamentary culture and atmosphere in the Sobranie.
The Speaker and political parties all welcomed the commitment of the European Parliament and our proposals to support dialogue and the search for compromises that are the features of all effective and modern parliamentary institutions. We discussed how to further political dialogue in the Sobranie and support capacity building for staff and Members of Parliament, including through technical expertise supported by the European Commission.
In our work with Commissioner Hahn, we have always stated our solidarity to work with the Sobranie in supporting the country's path to European integration. Following our meetings, we note a new forward dynamic in the country. We are also pleased by the interest expressed by the Speaker and political party leaders to engage in dialogue on matters of strategic importance for the country and its citizens including the reforms necessary to advance on the European integration path. We look forward to discussing these matters further. Ahead of the local elections, we also encourage all political representatives and institutions to act responsibly and to ensure the conditions are in place for all citizens to exercise their democratic rights freely."