Macedonian Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva, who is paying a visit in the US, met Wednesday in Washington with US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice and Under Secretary of Political Affairs, Nicholas Burns.
The meeting focused on Macedonian integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, name dispute with Greece and demarcation of Macedonia's northern border in Kosovo's part.
As Foreign Ministry press release reads, Mitreva emphasized the decisiveness of Macedonian Government for realization of reforms' commitments.
She said that Framework Agreement implementation was in its final phase, and that the decentralization process would start to implement on July 1. Mitreva informed Rice and Burns country's progress in judiciary reforms and aspects of Government's economic program.
Mitreva said that Macedonia would continue with its constructive and leader's role in the development of regional cooperation, aimed at providing long-term stability and prosperity on the Balkans.
She stressed the need of solving the demarcation issue as soon as possible.
Regarding solving the name dispute with Greece, Mitreva said reiterated Macedonia's preparedness to participate in talks in a constructive way, proposing as a solution the double formula - using of our constitutional name in the international communication and finding adequate formula for bilateral communication with Greece.
US State Secretary Rice expressed gratitude for Macedonia's participation in peacekeeping missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, reaffirming US support of Macedonia's integration to the Euro-Atlantic structures.
Burns said that Macedonia had a leading role in reform processes in the region. He said that process of NATO enlargement would continue, adding that Macedonia is a serious candidate for membership in the next round of Alliance's expansion.
Minister Mitreva will hold meetings with senators and congressmen as well as with the US administration officials.
She will deliver an address on topic "Macedonia Road to NATO and EU" at the Woodrow Wilson International Institute in Washington.
During her visit to the US, she is scheduled to meet representatives of Macedonian emigration organizations.
In the statement with the Voice of America, Mitreva assessed that it would be a big mistake if the EU enlargement process would be stopped or delayed.
According to her, the rejection of the Constitution for Europe by France and the Netherlands shouldn't reflect on the speed of the enlargement of the EU.
She said that Rice and Burns told her that Macedonia was on the right track. "Macedonia is a country that could be qualified as a successful story in our region. A country which follows its reform's path and through its leader's role contributes to entire regional cooperation", FM Mitreva said.
She added that Macedonia should continue with the implementation of all criteria necessary for NATO membership, as well as preparations for EU accession.
"We are expecting the European Commission's avis in November and a candidate status in December, as well as the start of entry talks in 2006", FM Mitreva.