PRESS RELEASE Hombach concerned about tense situation in FYR Macedonia and Southern Serbia - calls upon international community to rapidly help authorities of the region to tackle problems Over the last few days, tension in the north of FYR Macedonia has been building up. The Macedonian Government reports that the village of Tanushevci, located on the border with Kosovo, has been occupied by militant armed groups. Together with the equally disturbing tensions in the Presevo Valley, the situation is putting a real threat to the stability in this part of South Eastern Europe. The Special Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, Bodo Hombach, calls upon the international community to address this issue in a determined fashion, as a first step at today's North Atlantic Council meeting of NATO. Commenting on the situation, Bodo Hombach said: "The recent developments in FYR Macedonia and the tensions over the last few months in the southern parts of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are a cause for considerable concern. All sides should show moderation in their attempts to bring this situation to a peaceful conclusion. It is important that NATO, at today's North Atlantic Council meeting, and others of international influence, provide a strong signal of their support for the stability and security of the FYR of Macedonia, including the enhanced security of its borders. I remain in contact with the Macedonian Government, and others involved. I know that my EU, G8 and NATO colleagues will also be paying the closest attention to these events which, if not dealt with speedily and effectively, are a potentially serious threat to stability".