I congratulate the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia on the elections that were competitive, transparent, well-administered, peaceful, dignified and with a high voter turnout. The quality of these elections is unprecedented, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Thomas Countryman told Voice of America in Macedonian Language.

However, he says OSCE has identified certain problems.

"The priority of the future government is to deal with these issues, so that the next elections can be even better", adds Countryman.

He says closure of the name issue with Greece, reforms aimed at European Union accession and further implementation of the Ohrid Accord are the government's main tasks.

"We absolutely believe this is the right time to encircle the debate with Greece over Macedonia's name. We believe this is within reach and can be done - it is better to do something like this after elections rather than before them. We eagerly await the settlement so that Macedonia can resume its path towards NATO and EU", says the U.S. official.

Countryman believes the new government should focus on some of the issues identified by the European Union on the road to accession.

"These include the rule of law, judicial independence and media freedom. These are crucial issues if Macedonia wants to meet EU standards", says the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary.

Taking into consideration this year marks the 10. anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, he claims a sincere and committed enforcement of its provisions is necessary, in order to give the feeling to all citizens of Macedonia they are part of the country, regardless of their ethnicity.

With regards to the region, Countryman emphasizes that the U.S. administration promotes its complete EU and NATO integration.

"The arrest and Hague extradition of Ratko Mladic is a huge step forward not only for Serbia, but also of the region towards calm waters. The Kosovo status is final, as are its borders. The re-opening of this issue is dangerous for the region, because it will only stir up nationalistic feelings", says Countryman.

According to him, there are no mono-ethnic states in the region, firmly believing these multiethnic societies are future EU and NATO members. ik/fd/9:54