Skopje, 13 August 2021 (MIA) – Twenty years ago, North Macedonia, supported by the EU and international mediators, boldly chose compromise and responsibility. Nationalism and ethnic conflicts on our continent are used too often for divisions and sowing hatred, but pluralism is a treasure and a force. EU’s motto is ‘United in Diversity’ and the agreement we observe today marks the country’s leadership in choosing peace as the best way to foster diversity and dialogue, said EU High Representative Josep Borrell in a video-message within the conference on the 20th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, held in Skopje on Friday. Borrell said all issues in the country are today solved through public debate and talks, there is just representation in institutions and high-level service, and there is still room for improvement towards increased participation of non-majority communities. “This agreement helped North Macedonia in moving forward on the Euro-Atlantic path. EU will continue to support the country’s democratic processes and economic development while it makes progress towards the EU. The future of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans lies in the EU,” noted Borrell. EU Ambassador to the country David Geer said the Framework Agreement was a European solution, it required compromises, the process was difficult but successful, contrary to the path many other countries have chosen that led to disasters. “EU was a witness of the Framework Agreement and provided significant assistance in its implementation and support to democratic processes. We should look forward and build a common future. The reform process should not stop, since we are facing new challenges that were unimaginable in the past. The Parliament, the local authorities, the civil society, they should all get involved in building social harmony and progress. EU will continue to support the country and its people, seeing them as a future member-state and future citizens of the Union,” underlined Ambassador Geer.