Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski and Ambassador Frank Wisner, US special envoy to the negotiations on Kosovo's status, agreed that the issue of demarcation of Macedonia's border toward Kosovo should be closed prior to the resolving of this province's final status.

Crvenkovski and Wisner agreed that there is "an internationally recognized bilateral agreement" on the border issue, the President's office announced following Thursday's (13 April) meeting between the two officials.

"The final resolution on Kosovo, backed by the international community, will ensure definite stabilization of the Balkans and strengthening of the Euro-Atlantic prospects of all countries in the region", Crvenkovski said.

Ambassador Wisner expressed hope that a final resolution on Kosovo's status would be reached by the end of this year.

Wisner also met with Macedonian Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski, Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva, and BDI leader Ali Ahmeti. The US envoy will leave for Pristina today.