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Ladies and gentleman,
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Dear Presidents of Political groups in the European Parliament, Regarding the debate on European Roma Strategy that appears on your agenda of the forthcoming January plenary session in Strasbourg , we would kindly appreciate your highest attention on the following points: The European Roma Strategy is a necessity as well as priority for the European Union especially after the events that took place in Italy last year. Such strategy should serve the EU as an instrument for prevention of similar developments in other EU member states;
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On the 6 th of November 2007 Macedonian Prime Minister became a father.But, Macedonian media almost ignored the news. The focus was on the EC Progress Report on Macedonia published the same day. Newspaper headings as “Bravo for the economy, shame for the politics” summarised the Report. Public debates over the Report instantly emerged. Accordingly, it is important what the Report identifies as progress and what is written as a recommendation. On this note, a minority rights view on the EC Report on Macedonia follows.
When reading the Report on Macedonia one inevitably notices that generally little space is dedicated to minority rights. This approach appears astonishing bearing in mind that until recently the main EU concern in the region was conflict prevention and resolution. Also, a huge number of Macedonia's population – 35% belongs to minorities. It is hard to think that progress, either economic or political, is possible without a particular regard to minorities. The stability of the country, let alone its prosperity, is influenced by minority issues.
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