Skopje, 15 December 2023 (MIA) - Deputy PM for good governance policies Slavica Grkovska met with U.S. Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption, Richard Nephew, within the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference of the States Parties (COSP, in Atlanta, United States. 

Deputy PM Grkovska thanked U.S. Coordinator Nephew for the support that the United States provides to North Macedonia, particularly in terms of implementing good governance policies, judiciary reforms, as well as strengthening the capacities of judicial authorities, the Government said in a press release. 

Grkovska briefed Nephew on a procedure that has been launched at her initiative to amend the Law on Restrictive Measures, so that it also includes U.S. legal acts, thus enabling Macedonian institutions to take effective measures upon U.S. sanctions designations. She added that a working group she heads is to hold a session next week to discuss the procedure.

The Deputy PM noted that another legal solution is underway, also related to the U.S. sanctions list but aimed towards another type of specific sanctions.  

Nephew welcomed Grkovska's efforts to create efficient mechanisms in dealing with corruption. He sent a clear message that the United States continues to support North Macedonia in preventing corruption, including by holding accountable those who harm the country's future. 

The two also tackled the need to strengthen the capacities of the judiciary in terms of ​​dealing with corruption and organized crime, concurring that this should be one of the country's strategic priorities in the coming period, reads the press release.

Deputy PM Grkovska added that the drafting of the Law on Confiscation of Assets in Civil Proceedings is in the final stage, regarding which a public debate has already been held, and an opinion has been received from the European Commission, to be followed by implementation of the remarks.

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia