The forthcoming parliamentary elections will be the most important test for the Republic of Macedonia and its Euro Atlantic prospects, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said today following his meeting with Macedonian Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski.

"On 5 July you will have to make the most important progress. The most important test will be the holding of 110 percent free, peaceful, and fair elections. I am convinced that you will succeed and that you will show that this is possible", De Hoop Scheffer said at today's press conference in Skopje.

Prime Minister Buckovski said that, "the parliamentary elections will be the real test for whether the Republic of Macedonia will have Atlantic or Euro-Atlantic prospects. I am convinced that, but exerting pressure on the politicians, the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia will create an atmosphere in which everyone will be prepared to recognize the election results and congratulate those who achieved the best results".