Press Release

U.S. Embassy Statement on the Election Campaign

May 9, 2008

The United States believes that the proper conduct of elections is essential to Macedonia’s future.  As Secretary Rice and Foreign Minister Milososki noted in our Declaration on May 7, “a democratic, secure and prosperous Macedonia, with friendly and constructive relations with its neighbors and as an active participant in regional and international economic, political and security fora, is vital to peace and stability in Southeast Europe.”  With the official opening of the election campaign on May 11, we again urge all parties to respect and obey the laws and regulations designed to ensure free and fair elections.  In recent weeks, U.S. representatives have met with party leaders and officials in the responsible state institutions to underscore the importance of maintaining an election environment where there is a free flow of ideas and a level playing field for all participants.  We were encouraged by the signing of the Code of Conduct for Free and Fair Elections on May 8 and we count on all the parties to follow through on the commitments they made in this document.  Together with other friends and partners of Macedonia in the international community, the United States will continue to monitor the election campaign to support elections that Macedonia can be proud of.  We encourage all citizens of Macedonian to use their democratic right to help determine the future course of their nation.