Influx of refugees prompts Macedonia amend asylum law, says deputy foreign minister

Budapest (MTI) – An influx of refugees has been a serious problem for every country in Europe, to which Macedonia responded by amending its asylum law, the country’s deputy foreign minister said in Budapest on Monday.

Dragana Kiprijanovska spoke about Macedonia’s current affairs at a roundtable discussion hosted by the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The amendment ensures illegal immigrants the option to first register with the authorities, she said. This allows them to obtain a temporary refugee status for three days during which they can either apply for asylum or leave the country, the Macedonian minister added.

Macedonia is not a destination but a transit route for people on their way to western Europe, she said, adding that this measure alone will not solve the problem overall.

The refugee issue must be resolved at a European level, Kiprijanovska said.

Concerning Macedonia’s EU integration, she said her country’s longstanding dispute with Greece over the use of its name was still blocking the way of beginning accession talks.

Macedonia therefore has been increasing its efforts in other areas such as implementing reforms, creating a more attractive business environment for foreign investments and promote the country as a new democracy, she said.

The EU must acknowledge Macedonia’ efforts towards accession and begin related talks so that the country can contribute to “the European project” of  integrating the western Balkans, she added.

She described Macedonian-Hungarian relations excellent and the two countries’ cooperation close, adding Macedonia’s great appreciation to Hungary for its dedicated support to that country’s EU endeavours.

Source: http://mtva.hu/hu/hungary-matters