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G-8 Leaders Issue Statement on Regional Issues
The leaders of the seven wealthiest countries plus Russia on Saturday issued a statement on regional issues including the crisis in Macedonia and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
The statement was released at the conclusion of the leaders' second day discussions during their three-day summit in this seaside city of Italy.
It said the leaders regard peace and stability in Macedonia as "a crucial objective."
"We strongly urge all parties in FYROM (the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) to display maximum responsibility in order to contribute to the rapid success of the ongoing political dialogue," the leaders said.
They said that they support the Macedonian government and its commitment to preserve the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity and condemn any use of violence in pursuit of political aims.
They said: "We welcome the parties' commitment to a cessation of hostilities and invite them to respect it rigorously and indefinitely. We call on all armed groups to disarm and disband voluntarily. "
The leaders said that they encourage the adoption and implementation of constitutional and legislative measures in Macedonia that ensure the participation of all citizens in the political life and the highest respect for the identity and rights of all communities according to the principles of non- discrimination and equal treatment.
They said that efforts by representatives of the international community in Macedonia to facilitate the political dialogue among the conflicting parties are necessary and should continue.
They also expressed support to the idea of convening a donors conference following the establishment of a durable peace and a successful conclusion of a political agreement between the conflicting parties in Macedonia.
In Macedonia, ethnic Albanian rebels have been engaged in fierce fighting with government troops over the past several months.
On the Korean Peninsula situation, the leaders said in their statement that encouragement should be given to efforts to reduce tension and establish lasting peace on the peninsula.
They reiterated their support for South Korea's policy of engagement and the continuation of the reconciliation process between both sides of the peninsula, which began last year.
"We look forward to an early Second Inter-Korean Summit and the resumption of ministerial contacts," the leaders said.
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