The Special Co-ordinator Bodo Hombach hailed as “an important step to a peaceful settlement” the decision to amend the Macedonian constitution taken by the Parliament in Skopje in the early hours today. “This is the beginning and not the end of a lengthy process of rebuilding confidence between the communities in FYR Macedonia”, Hombach said. He calls on all sides to implement the constitutional changes and the Ohrid Framework Agreement constructively and in good faith. Hombach urged international donors to quickly set a date for the planned Funding Conference on Macedonia, which was originally scheduled for October. He stressed that significant and visible gestures were needed. The Stability Pact will continue to put its instruments at the disposal of the Macedonian Government and the EU as the lead authority in this process. In addition to project implementation under all three Working Tables, the Pact will take into account the mandate given to the Stability Pact at the Bucharest Regional Conference to enhance activities in the field of interethnic dialogue and crossborder co-operation. The Working Table I, responsible for Democracy and Human Rights, is currently co-chaired by Macedonia. The next meeting of this group is planned for mid-December in Skopje.