Stability Pact Special Co-ordinator Bodo Hombach participated at the conference of Heads of Parliaments of the countries of the Southeast European Co-operation Process (SEECP) in Skopje on March 20 & 21. These very constructive discussions are one more expression of the visible changes, which have taken place in the region. By now, a regional dialogue and a spirit of regional co-operation are firmly established elements in SEE politics. SC Hombach commended the Macedonian hosts for this vital contribution. Focussing on the internal situation in Macedonia, Bodo Hombach late last night convened a special meeting with representatives of all political parties represented in the Macedonian Parliament *, including parties representing Macedonia¡¦s Albanian population, which lasted more than four hours. As it is was the first time since the violence in Western Macedonia intensified, that such an all-party round table was convened, every party representative stressed its usefulness. It was unanimously agreed to continue meeting in this format. SC Hombach concluded that while risks with regards to Macedonia's security situation remain, there are promising signs and clear chances to further isolate the violence and find a solution which has the support of all political parties of the country in a comprehensive approach for reconstruction, justice and unity. The following points emerged from these discussions: „h Political Parties agreed on these basic principles „h Territorial integrity of Macedonia must be safeguarded „h Condemned violence as means to achieve political goals „h Integration into the European Union is common goal of the country „h That there is a connection between economic development and stability, and that more needs to be done by the International Community to assist all regions in Macedonia, but especially economically deprived ones „h That a national dialogue on the integration of all ethnic groups in the countries institutions has to be continued & intensified along the lines of the proposals made before -which was emphasised by all present - the violence in the Tetovo region started (establishing Tetovo university, better integration of Albanians into government institutions, establishment of an additional national TV channel, especially Albanian language) „h Parties expressed the view that immediate assistance is needed, especially in the field of interethnic dialogue „h That all these measures should be supported and closely accompanied by the International Community „h Parties agreed to continue the All-Party Dialogue in an institutionalised manner, holding regular meetings SC Hombach explained that his visit was one element of a well co-ordinated effort of the International Community, in particular the European Union. After the visit of Javier Solana yesterday, the initiatives taken by the Stability Pact are designed to strengthen the effort of assisting Macedonia in this difficult situation. SC Hombach offered to submit the proposals agreed in the all parties meeting to the Swedish EU-Presidency (Foreign Minister Anna Lindh) in view of the Troika's visit to Skopje later this week, thereby underlining the leading role of the EU in this process. These measures should be carried out closely interlinked with measures needed to implement the Stabilisation & Association Agreement Today Bodo Hombach held a meeting with Women's Groups of Macedonia, which again represented the various ethnic groups of the country. A strong consensus emerged, that a robust civil manifestation by the public at large is needed to demonstrate that Macedonian society remains determined to reject violence and terror as means of achieving political goals. The Stability Pact has created various information material for large scale public campaigning in this regard (poster, pinup buttons, bumper stickers), which is being made available to Macedonian civil society representatives for wide distribution. ** (Socialist Party could not attend)