Greece to refrain from blocking Macedonia's EU accession, say European Academy, Atlantic Community leaders

Berlin, September 16 (MIA) - Macedonia has made large progress which is welcomed by the EU, whereas visa liberalization is a concrete step that demonstrates the increasing confidence in the country, assess European Academy director Eckart D. Stratenschulte and think-tank Atlantic Community founder Johannes Bohnen, MIA reports from Berlin.

They presented President Gjorge Ivanov with a memorandum sent to EU members, which expresses support to the Euro-integration of Macedonia and other Western Balkan countries. The document requires that bilateral disputes as the ones between Macedonia and Greece, and Slovenia and Croatia, are not used to block the EU accession of candidate-states, as well as to find instruments for sanctioning of such behavior.

"Unfortunately, there are bilateral problems that I do not understand, but I think that Macedonia is on a good path, which is perceived by the EU. It is a matter of time when the country begins accession talks", said Stratenschulte.

He added that the current situation in the Union is complex, taking into account that the Lisbon Treaty has not been ratified yet, repeat of the Ireland referendum, along with the expiry of the European Commission mandate. Stratenschulte expects there issues to be resolved this year, whereas the Union to focus on other priorities, including enlargement, as of 2010.

Bohnen claims that EU should keep its promises towards Macedonia and its future.

"Macedonia has the right to be part of the EU and possesses strong arguments that confirm this", he added.

The memorandum sent to EU member-states also stresses that the clear European perspective of Macedonia and Croatia would contribute to the permanent stabilization of the Balkans and enlargement of the peace zone. Disrespect of this principle could endanger Union achievements and bring instability back to the region.