Statement by Sweden

1. It is with great satisfaction that Sweden notes the efforts that have been made during the last six months in the implementation of the Framework Agreement by all parties concerned. Holding a donor conference like the one we are attending today is a good indication of all that has been achieved so far. However, it is an equally good indication of the work that remains to be done. It is therefore our ambition to contribute to a successful outcome of this conference as well as to a prosperous future for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

2. Sweden's interest and involvement in FYR Macedonia is deep and comprehensive. Sweden contributed substantially to UNPREDEP in the 90s and has continued in the same vein to second staff to the OSCE and EU Monitoring missions. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the EU and FYR Macedonia was signed during the Swedish Presidency of the European Union last year and our parliament is now in the process of ratifying it. Our development co-operation programme with FYR Macedonia dates back to 1999. The size and scope have gradually increased and now amounts to around 5 million Euro annually, based on a long-term development strategy. The programme focuses on democratisation and institution-building, human rights, private sector development, agriculture and environment. Among the more successful projects in the last few years can be found: co-operation between the Swedish farmers' association and its counterpart in FYR Macedonia, consisting of a comprehensive training programme aimed ultimately at increasing the agricultural production capacity in FYR Macedonia. The Swedish NGO Kvinna till Kvinna, with a comprehensive experience in supporting women's organisations in the entire region, co-operates with a number of women centres in FYR Macedonia, arranging activities such as prevention, education and social assistance for victims of trafficking, empowerment of women in politics, courses in English and computing and information on domestic violence and child abuse. As a final example, a credit guarantee fund has been set up to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with financial guarantees up to a maximum amount of 20 000 Euro, with a principal objective to increase the number and the size of the SMEs in the country.

3. However, much of what we do, not least in the area of institution-building and human rights, is directly related to creating a stable and peaceful society in the spirit of the Framework Agreement and thus contributes to the implementation of the agreement. An on-going project within the field of decentralisation is aimed at developing partnership between local government authorities and citizens' participation through civil society, as well as encouraging agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises on a local level. In the longer term, this programme could be extended to also include the creation of an NGO network for the improvement of inter-ethnic relations as well as community policing, focusing on the role of women police.

4. In addition, Sweden is seriously looking into the possibility of supporting the Ombudsman institution, as foreseen in the Framework Agreement, awaiting a clear and strong mandate for this function. In sum, it is the intention of Sweden to continue the co-operation with FYR Macedonia on approximately the same level as hitherto, ie 5 million Euro annually.

5. However, contributions and efforts towards economic recovery by the international community must be matched by similar efforts by relevant FYR Macedonia authorities in providing adequate co-ordination. Considerable experience has already been gained in this field, which should be made use of. But above all, relevant politicians in FYR Macedonia must make all necessary efforts to continue implementing the Framework Agreement, in all aspects, thus continuing on the path towards European integration as set out in the SA Agreement, in order to achieve economic prosperity, ethnic reconciliation and stability in the country. Involvement by the international community can never replace the responsibility that the people and its elected leaders have for the future of their country.