SKOPJE, 13 August 2013 - Today, the OSCE Mission to Skopje is honouring the Ohrid Framework Agreement (OFA), signed exactly 12 years ago on this day that brought an end to an armed conflict by codifying equitable rights and representation of all ethnic communities.

“At the time it was a victory of reason and dialogue over conflict, said the Acting Head of Mission, Ambassador Marianne Berecz. “Today it stands as a proud milestone marking an essential process of integrating society and building a truly multi-ethnic, modern state”.

“In order to keep the dynamics of the OFA implementation process it is crucial that all sides stay actively involved. The progress made so far and the barriers still to be overcome need to be closely followed,” she said. “Therefore the OSCE Mission to Skopje welcomes and supports last year’s initial steps towards taking stock of the implementation of the OFA and looks forward to its next phases.”

“This effort would undoubtedly profit from closer involvement of all communities. We hope it will result in viable policies in line with the multicultural spirit of the agreement,” Berecz added.

Arno van der Pas, Senior Co-ordinator for Inter-Ethnic Relations of the OSCE Mission, said: “We would like to reiterate our full support for the crucial process this country and its people embarked upon 12 years ago. We call on all communities to provide the agreement with a solid footing for its second decade.”

He stressed the importance of preparing the younger generation for an integrated future in a multi-ethnic Europe in the process: If children learn the riches of diversity in mutual respect, the OFA achievements will be cemented,” he said, adding that the OSCE Mission to Skopje is looking forward to bolder steps in the essential area of education.