No system and society is immune from corruption. The negative effect on the country's financial system, as well as dependent and powerless institutions, accompanied by loss of citizens' confidence in the legal state, are some of the parameters that point to the existence of corruption in a country, said Minister of Interior Gordana Jankuloska at Friday's promotion of the "Toolkit on Police Integrity", developed by the Geneva Center for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).

According to her, every society should be committed towards mobilizing all institutional capacities in preventing corruption and corruptive conduct, achieved through non-selective and continual application of the rule of law in every environment.

"The Macedonian Government has placed the fight against corruption on the top of its priorities, continually demonstrating its clearly expressed political will in this regard", said Minister Jankuloska.

She emphasized the toolkit provided a good foundation for further enhancement of police work, since it has been developed following detailed analysis of police systems in numerous countries.

Norwegian Ambassador to Macedonia Kjetil Paulsen said society cannot only be guided by emotions, but an accountable society requires laws, regulations, standards and strong culture of integrity.

"All stakeholders need to take care of standards and integrity. Police is one of the few professional groups that are authorized to use force on behalf of all of us, maintaining law and order", said Paulsen, whose country is the project donor.

Switzerland's Ambassador Stefano Lazzarotto emphasized his country has supported justice and home affairs reforms, contributing to the stability of Southeast Europe through reforms in law enforcement institutions, including police services.

"The toolkit provides comprehensive guidelines on how police officers should carry out their job and in line with appropriate standards", added Lazzarotto.