Statement by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the domestic political crisis in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Berlin, 14 April 2016 – “I am very concerned about the latest developments in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The decision of the Macedonian President to exempt from criminal prosecution politicians and office holders, who face charges of grave misconduct, damages the rule of law and legal peace. This decision contravenes the Przino agreement concluded between the country’s parties and the decision undermines the work of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and its mandate to investigate all accusations of abuse of power.

Efforts must now be prioritized and reinforced to create the minimum requirements, as jointly agreed, for holding credible elections as soon as possible.”