MONTH ETHNIC ALBANIAN INSURGENCY IN 2001 THREATENED CIVIL WAR, BUT AN EU-BACKED PEACE DEAL ENDED HOSTILITIES AND GUARANTEED IMPROVED RIGHTS FOR THE 25-PERCENT ALBANIAN MINORITY. BUCKOVSKI'S COALITION GOVERNMENT, WHICH INCLUDES A PARTY THAT EMERGED FROM THE GUERRILLA ARMY, HAS SET THE COUNTRY ON A REFORM PATH. MACEDONIA HAS ITS SIGHTS SET ON NATO MEMBERSHIP IN 2008 AND HOPES TO JOIN THE EU IN 2012 AT THE EARLIEST. BUT RACKED BY DISAGREEMENT OVER ITS CONTINUED EASTWARD ENLARGEMENT, THE EU HAS SO FAR REFUSED TO SET A DATE FOR THE START OF ACCESSION TALKS. IT IS DUE TO REVIEW THE COUNTRY'S PROGRESS LATER THIS YEAR, AFTER ELECTIONS.
