PM Gruevski: Macedonia determined to tackle corruption

Corruption is not an innate and endemic phenomenon that is protected by people's stances and habits. It's a systematic phenomenon that should be tackled with joint forces in order to limit it to the slightest level, stated Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski in an address before participants at the 6th annual regional conference of Transparency International for Europe and Central Asia, which is being held on June 15-17 in Ohrid.

- A wide front against corruption is essential, where contributions in the fight against this modern evil will be made with personal examples. It is a tough opponent, but it is not invincible. Success depends on political will, determination and commitment from state organs and courts, but also from the society and media by suggesting actions, organising public debates and contributing with researches regarding the matter, said Gruevski.

The process of raising the public awareness has huge and most probably the key role, noted the Macedonian PM.

- One corrupted judge, politician, professor, customs official paints the same picture for his/her professions and casts a shadow of doubt on hundreds of other people who are professionals in their field of work, added Gruevski.

He highlighted Macedonia's firm determination for reforms, positive changes in economic trends, international cooperation and strategic orientation towards Euro-Atlantic integration "which are our strong allies in the fight against corruption in the same way as the successful outcome of that fight is a precondition to meet these goals".

- We have been encouraged by the fact that Macedonia has made a breakthrough while meeting conditions stemming from the European Commission benchmark on the fight against corruption. The Government continues its uncompromising combat against corruption, aiming to make Macedonia a partner in the international arena for fight against corruption. We are opened for cooperation, exchange of experiences, advices or criticism, because it is the only way to improve the fight against corruption, Gruevski said.

As a sign of gratitude for his engagement in the combat against corruption, PM Nikola Gruevski was presented with a dedicated book from Transparency International chairman and founder, Peter Eigen.

The Ohrid conference convenes 200 representatives from 45 countries from Europe and Central Asia. Its working part resumes with three panel discussions: "EU Enlargement and Anti-Corruption Reforms, "Corruption and Economic Development" and "Illegal Money Flow".