Skopje, 22 September 2023 (MIA) – There are multiple levels of checking and multiple balances, including through the European Union, that would require North Macedonia to make sure that its laws are not only in line with its Constitution but also in line with European expectations and standards, said US Deputy Assistant Secretary and Special Representative to the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, in an interview for Radio Free Europe, when asked about the changes to the Criminal Code.

“With regard to the specific information on the changes in the Criminal Code, all I can say is that there are multiple levels of checking and multiple balances, including through the European Union, that would require North Macedonia to make sure that its laws are not only in line with its Constitution but also in line with European expectations and standards,” said Escobar.

Asked if the US is satisfied with the fight against corruption in North Macedonia, in the context of the changes to the Criminal Code which reduce sanctions for the abuse of official position, Escobar stressed that corruption is the biggest problem for all Western Balkan countries.

“Corruption is the biggest problem for the Western Balkans and I think all of the countries from the Western Balkans could do more, including North Macedonia, and that is one of the reasons why we are consistently in favor of the countries embarking on the reforms that the European Union requests,” said Escobar.

In an earlier interview with Voice of America, Escobar said North Macedonia plays a very important role in the regional processes, and expressed concern over the fact that the Western Balkans is progressing "at two speeds".

"We have, on one hand, the NATO members who are very much committed to their NATO and European path, and then we have the other three which are struggling. In my meetings, I have consistently said that the United States supports the Euro-Atlantic path of all of them, and we would like them to resolve the internal and the regional differences that are keeping them from moving forward," said Escobar.

Specifying his response, he pointed to the important role of North Macedonia in the ongoing processes.

"We are grateful for their regional and pro-European leadership. As chair-country of OSCE, I think that North Macedonia is continually proving itself as an excellent partner. In this regard, we would like to see the country in the European Union as well," explained Escobar.