The European Union urged the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on Tuesday to stay focused on reforms in support of its EU membership bid and expressed regret at its decision to delay police reform, Reuters reported. In a meeting with Macedonian Foreign Minister Illinka Mitreva in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana welcomed the country's recent adoption of electoral reforms and its intention to move ahead with judicial reform. "But Mr Solana regretted the government's intention not to proceed with the parliamentary adoption of the police law prior to parliamentary elections," a statement from Solana's spokeswoman Cristina Gallach said. She said Solana stressed to Mitreva the need to remain focused on the EU reform agenda and electoral preparations. "As a candidate country, more than before, it is expected from Macedonia that no time should be lost in order to identify the priority areas," Gallach said. The Balkan country became an official candidate for membership of the European Union in December, but the EU, racked by disagreement over its continued eastward enlargement, has so far refused to set a date for the start of accession talks. Macedonia says negotiations could get under way in 2007 and plans to be ready to join by 2010. However, some EU diplomats have said privately that Macedonia rushed its candidacy bid before meeting requirements from a previous association accord, and that it might now have to wait longer before joining. The EU's executive Commission is due to report on Macedonia's progress later this year.
