Skopje, 15 March 2024 (MIA) - Pressures on the judiciary in North Macedonia must stop, judges must be free so they can practice law. Citizens of this country need and want this, said United States ambassador Angela Aggeler in her remarks at the international conference on the Constitutional Court's 60th anniversary on Friday.

Ambassador Aggeler highlighted the Constitutional Court's vital and indispensable responsibility over the past six decades to protect fundamental human rights, including free speech.

"In the U.S. and here in North Macedonia, this court is of crucial importance in ensuring a transparent and just society. Everyone must respect the independence of judges, who should be blind to political influence and public opinion, and be guided by the principles enshrined in our constitutions. The American constitutional judge continues to believe that the Constitution is not written in sand that can be washed away with every wave of new judges who are influenced by political waves. The pressure on judges in these courts can be enormous. We as citizens insist that pressures are eliminated, so our judges are always independent regardless of their background and personal opinions," said Aggeler.

She referred to the court's role in the context of the coming elections.

"Judicial independence is of key importance as ever. Only independent judges can implement the rule of law and protect rights. I have heard from many of you about the pressure you are put under. Pressures on the judiciary in North Macedonia must stop, judges must be free to practice law. Citizens of this country need this, they want this," said Aggeler.

German Ambassador Petra Drexler said her country is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution.

"Yes, democracy can be lost. In order to prevent erosion of the political culture of openness and diversity, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for a 'broad alliance of democracies'. It seems that the constitutional judges are the obvious partners for such an alliance. As guardians of the constitutional observance and through their capability to limit state authorities, the constitutional courts are fundamental in ensuring the rule of law and are necessary for every democracy. There are three fundamental elements that are essential in meeting this high political standard: independence from politics, functional capacity as an institution, and professional integrity," said Ambassador Drexler.

She highlighted the importance of having a discussion on the challenge of democratic resilience, welcoming the Constitutional Court's decision to hold an international conference instead of a ceremony.

Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl, noted the strengthening of the Constitutional Court through introduction of the efficient mechanism of appeal, while promising continued support for the court as a pillar of human rights, rule of law and democracy.

"Instead of relying only on the European Court of Human Rights, we are making justice more accessible and tangible for all citizens of North Macedonia. We find ourselves at this crossroad of celebrating the past and collectively promoting the Constitutional Court's successful journey in the future. The OSCE Mission has always been and will always be your stable partner, which is reaffirmed through the Memorandum of Cooperation we signed with the Constitutional Court, aimed at enhancing its capacities. Together with your partners, we will support the court, which will continue to serve as a pillar of the rule of law, protection of human rights and democracy in North Macedonia," said Wahl.

EU Delegation Deputy Head of Mission, Ben Nupnau, said the Constitutional Court has increased its transparency and referred to North Macedonia's Euro-integration path.

"The screening process was successfully completed in 2023. The country has drafted a roadmap that will serve as a guide in harmonization of the legislation, and we are pleased to see the further appointment of judges in the Constitutional Court, which is a very important element in the court's operations," said Nupnau.

He also referred to regulations in the media field and the progress made in the sector.

"Preserving the freedom of expression is an essential concept not only in North Macedonia but also in global terms. Journalists continue to be victims of online and offline attacks. These attacks are in fact attacks on democracy and society in general, especially ahead of elections. I am pleased to see an improvement in the legislation related to an increased protection of journalists. North Macedonia has aligned its regulations on protection of media and journalists. We will continue our support in the Western Balkans. EU is focused on capacity strengthening of the civil society and professional organizations. I hope this partnership will produce capacities for protection of fundamental freedoms in the years to come," underlined Nupnau.

The conference brings together representatives of constitutional courts from other countries, international institutions, media and NGOs. ik/