Ireland to support start of Macedonia-EU membership talks in December

Dublin, November 19 (MIA) - Republic of Ireland supports Macedonia and at the December EU summit it will vote in favour of a start of membership talks with the Union, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski stated Thursday in Dublin after meeting his host - Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen and President Mary McAleese.

Talks focused on Macedonia's EU integration process, MIA reports from Dublin. The government of Ireland praises country's efforts and at the same time reaffirmed its support for the enlargement process. Ireland, which has recognised Macedonia's constitutional name, also offers its endorsement for start of membership negotiations in 2010.

Gruevski at today's meetings informed about the reforms, which were commended by the European Commission in its report and as a result recommended a date for negotiations and also about Greece's attempts to contest the constitutional name of Macedonia. The government of Ireland is interested in favourable neighbourly ties, including talks and mutually acceptable solution on the name row.

- In the past they have faced similar issues related to their name, even identity and up to a point we can easily relate. They wish a certain solution with Greece to be found in order the issue not to become more complex. We have presented our position - we strive for a solution which will be acceptable both for Greece and Macedonia taking into consideration our political pledge to organise a referendum on a possible agreement with Greece. We have been also intensifying our contacts at every level and in the future, at least till the summit of EU, we will do everything in our power to secure some kind of solution which will not obstruct the start of membership talks, stressed PM Gruevski.

Interlocutors also discussed the visa liberalisation for the people of Macedonia, which starts as of Dec. 19, but it will not enter into effect in Great Britain and Ireland.

- They are not in the Schengen zone, but Macedonia wishes visa-free regime with these countries as well. Ireland decides on visa liberalisation together with Britain, since they share the same visa policy, but pledged to review this issue in the future. It is expected Ireland and Britain to back the visa liberalisation for Macedonia, said Gruevski.

Ireland and Great Britain have enforced travel restrictions for EU countries, including Bulgaria and Romania.

The PM held talks today also with the vice-president of the Irish Senate. Gruevski is to wrap up his visit to Ireland with an address at a business forum on Macedonia's investment opportunities.