Annan welcomes formation of national unity government in FYR of Macedonia

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the formation of a government of national unity by the political parties in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

A spokesman for the Secretary-General said in a statement that Mr. Annan considered such a government "essential to arriving to a sustainable solution to the very difficult situation facing the country."

"The Secretary-General joins the European Union, NATO and others in expressing his strong support of the current efforts of all the political parties to demonstrate their commitment to peace and stability in the country and participate constructively in the new government," the statement said.