US Ambassador Jess Baily on Wednesday reiterated the comments of Wess Mitchell, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, who stated yesterday in Skopje that the US was interested in seeing the name dispute resolved and that both Macedonia and Greece should reach the decision themselves.
"We follow this closely. Macedonia and Greece are both friends and allies of the United States. We hope that they, together, can come to a mutually acceptable solution that helps both countries in the region," Baily stated.
Speaking to reporters at the first annual forum of mayors, organized by the US Peace Corps in Macedonia and the Local Self-Government Ministry, the Ambassador condemned violence against journalists.
"We condemn acts of violence and intimidation against journalists. These have no place in a democracy and they directly combat freedom of expression. Sadly you see sometimes the length they can go to, for example the very sad recent events in Slovakia. This is something that is of concern in Macedonia and and is always of concern throughout the world. The original incident that led to all of this speak to issues of impunity and it is important the leaders uphold high standards and respect the rule of law. This needs to be dealt with," the US Ambassador to Macedonia concluded.
