We welcome the early parliamentary elections held yesterday (5 June) in Macedonia in accord with the international standards and in an environment of peace and tranquility. We congratulate the democratic maturity shown by the Macedonian people.

In this respect, we gladly take note of the active involvement in the elections and the harmony demonstrated with the other communities in Macedonia by the Macedonian Turkish Community, which constitutes one of the main segments of the Macedonian society.

Social harmony, dialogue and the functioning of democratic institutions in Macedonia, which has a special role with its multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural structure and geographical position in the Balkans, bear great importance for the future of the country, whereas its Euro-Atlantic integration is of great significance for lasting peace and stability in the region.

Elections were followed by the Members of the Turkish Grand National Assembly within the PACE and OSCE PA observation missions and a Turkish observer group included in the election observation mission created by OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Turkey, which has deeply rooted historical and cultural relations with Macedonia, will increasingly continue its support in all fields in the coming period.