Macedonia to hire Busek as its prime minister's advisor

Macedonia is to employ Erhard Busek, the special coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, as an advisor to its government and its prime minister, local media reported on Wednesday.

"It's my great pleasure to inform you that we have proposed to Mr. Busek to take up the post of our advisor," Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski told reporters.

He said, by using his rich experience and his wide contacts, Busek would make a great contribution to Macedonia's EU access efforts.

Busek said that he would use his connections, as well as his position in the stability pact, to enhance Macedonia's chance of getting into the European Union.

"It's my duty as an advisor to the Macedonian government and the special coordinator to back Macedonia on its way to EU, especially at a time when Romania and Bulgaria are joining the Union," Busek said. "We have to support Macedonia to become the next success story in getting closer to the EU."

Macedonia was granted an EU candidate status last December. Busek served in a number of positions, including vice-chancellor of Austria and mayor of Vienna. He participated in Austria's negotiations for its EU membership before its inclusion into the bloc in 1995.

Source: Xinhua