Macedonia urged to use window of peace

Robin Cook met with leaders from all sides

International envoys have called for progress in inter-ethnic talks in Macedonia in the wake of the recent fighting between government forces and ethnic Albanian militants near the country's northern border with Kosovo.

"We need to work while there is an interval, when Macedonia is clear of violence," British Foreign Minister Robin Cook said after holding talks with leaders from both sides of Macedonia's ethnic divide.

Ethnic Albanian leaders are pushing for better rights for their people

The Macedonian military offensive last month, which is believed to have been successful in routing the rebels has been much praised by the international community, but there is now pressure to integrate the Albanian community to create a lasting peace.

The current chairman of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Mircea Geoana, who was also in Macedonia brought the same message to his talks as Mr Cook.

"We feel the need of having some quick success, some quick wins which will give confidence," he said.

Talks between the communities have not made any progress so far.

The leader of the Democratic Party of Albania - part of the government coalition - complained the majority Slavs were not serious about the dialogue and warned that the danger of violence was not far away.

"If we do not open dialogue, the violence will return very easily. The people did not disappear they are around us," Arben Xhaferi said referring to the militants.

Strings attached

Mr Cook brought hardware as well as strong words with him to Macedonia.

He offered the Macedonian government body armour, mine and bomb clearing equipment and global positioning systems to help support its ill-equipped army.

But in return he expects moves to see at least some ethnic Albanian demands honoured. These include their recognition in the Macedonian constitution, increased language and cultural rights and better administrative representation.

"I hope that any changes to the constitution... will express the principle that all citizens are equal and that no citizen has superior status," he said.

Meanwhile Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski, who was meeting regional leaders, laid down his limits for talks with the ethnic Albanians.

He said he would not countenance talks with the rebels, or any discussion of turning Macedonia into a federation.