Utrinski Vesnik /Skopje/: NATO Demands More Reforms in Macedonia

Utrinski Vesnik /Skopje/: NATO Demands More Reforms in Macedonia

27 January 2007 12:05 FOCUS News Agency

Skopje. NATO delegation headed by the Assistant Secretary General John Colston put new requirements to Macedonia and demanded new reforms, the Utrinski Vesnik writes.John Colston met PM Gruevski and government and defense ministry officials. According to the NATO delegation the most important reforms in the country’s defense policy have not been implemented yet. It has been stated that this year is very significant for Macedonia’s euroatlantic integration if the country wants to receive a membership invitation. Utrinski Vesnik adds that the overall political situation in Macedonia, parties’ maturity to make decisions and NATO policy implementation have been criticized.The delegation stated Macedonia does not meet the criteria for NATO candidate countries. The newspaper also writes that one of the most pressing areas is combat against corruption and the necessity of concrete results.