Brussels - Macedonia takes a step towards membership of the European Union today, the first former Yugoslav republic to reach this stage in a move the EU hopes can help avert a new war on its Balkan doorstep.
With the country recovering from an armed revolt by ethnic Albanians, Macedonia will sign a "Stabilisation and Association Agreement" when President Boris Trajkovski and other officials join EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
The accord commits Macedonia, where minority Albanians complain of discrimination by Slavs, to respect democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law and the free market. It also removes most barriers to free trade with the EU and makes Macedonia a "potential candidate" for membership.
