UNITED NATIONS CERD International Convention On the Elimination Of all Forms of Racial Discrimination Distr. GENERAL CERD/C/MKD/CO/7 13 June 2007 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION Seventieth session Geneva, 19 February - 9 March 2007 CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA 1. The Committee considered the 4th to 7th periodic reports of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – due in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004, respectively, and submitted in a single document (CERD/C/MKD/7) – at its 1798th and 1799th meetings (CERD/C/SR.1798 and 1799), held on 26 and 27 February 2007. At its 1813th meeting (CERD/C/SR.1813), held on 8 March 2007, it adopted the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the 4th to 7th periodic reports of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, submitted in a single document, and the opportunity thus offered to resume an open and constructive dialogue with the State party. The Committee expresses appreciation for the attendance of a high-level delegation, as well as for the comprehensive and thorough answers to the list of issues and the wide range of questions raised by members. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee welcomes the declaration made by the State party in December 1999 under article 14 of the Convention recognising the competence of the Committee to receive and consider communications from individuals or groups of individuals. 4. The Committee takes note with interest of the comprehensive reforms carried out in the State party pursuant to the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, with particular regard to the adoption of amendments V to XVII to the Constitution, creating a comprehensive legal framework for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons belonging to ethnic minorities. GE.07-42880