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Deutsch: Mazedonien: Neues Gesetz für elektronische Kommunikation verabschiede...

The amendments to the Law on electronic communications would allow the Ministry of Interior to play the "Big Brother" role, concluded the opposition parties during the debate on this bill that took place in the Assembly on 11 May 2010.

According to the allegations of the opposition party SDSM, not only the Ministry of Interior would eavesdrop on telephone conversations without any obstruction, but it would also be authorized to monitor the computers of all Macedonian citizens.

According to the opposition party New Democracy, these amendments are not prepared in accordance with the European standards and they are jeopardizing the privacy of all Macedonian citizens. This party argued that the current government, aside from adopting a law which is not harmonized with the European legislation is also strengthening the position of the Ministry of Interior, thus creating a police state.

On the other hand, Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Goran Mihajlovski claims that the proposed amendments to the Law on electronic communications have been prepared in accordance with the latest report of the European Commission.

According to the Deputy Minister, the amendments clearly define the authorizations and responsibilities of relevant institutions, therefore enabling the further development of the competition, the liberalization of the electronic communications, the entry of new operators and the introduction of new services and affordable charges for the citizens.

"Brussels expects the government to submit the adopted Law on Electronic Communications. The Commission has not been consulted about the adopted amendments, and Brussels would comment once it receives the text of the bill" announced the Delegation of the European Commission in Skopje.

Assembly of Republic of Macedonia: Proposal for changing and amending the Law on electronic communications (second reading) (only in Macedonian)
http://www.sobranie.mk/ext/materialdetails.aspx?Id=4055857c-81de-45b1-...

(contribution by EDRi-member Metamorphosis Foundation - Macedonia)