The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Government reached an agreement Wednesday over decriminalization of slander and insult, as well as the amount of the fine for non-material damages.

The fine will stand at EUR 2,000 for the author-journalist, EUR 10,000 for the editor-in-chief, and EUR 15,000 for the media owner.

Vice Premier for European Affairs Teuta Arifi, who chairs the working group on media, said the agreement demonstrated that all issues could be put on the table if the objective is achievement of higher democratic standards in society.

She also voiced belief that the agreement would be welcomed by the EU.

AJM president Naser Selmani said an acceptable solution has been reached, an optimal compromise that would be put for public debate.

According to him, the law contributed to the improvement of case law, but also enhancement of professionalism and standards in journalism.

"The law has been set in a way that fines are the final instance. A system has been established that would provide the journalist with an opportunity to prove the truth of his writings. If he fails to do this, he should apologize or publish a denial. The final measure is the fine for non-material damages", stressed Selmani, adding the agreement represented an important step towards improvement of situation in the media field.

He said issues related to the Broadcasting Council, Law on Labor Relations, Government campaigns, and Macedonian Radio Television would be closed by September.