Macedonia deploys special forces amid pro-government, opposition rallies

Macedonian authorities deployed hundreds of police officers Thursday evening in the streets of the capital Skopje to maintain order during the ongoing pro-government and opposition rallies.

Thousands of opposition protesters took to the streets of Skopje again Thursday demanding the resignation of President Gjorge Ivanov, while a pro-government rally was held near the parliament building.

Police and special forces are protecting the government buildings, while some 10 armored vehicles and water cannons were also reportedly on duty in Skopje, dividing the two ongoing rival rallies in the Macedonian capital.

Earlier on Thursday, an EU-brokered meeting of leaders of main political parties was postponed. The meeting, aimed at tackling the country's ongoing political crisis, was scheduled to take place in Vienna to discuss implementing an agreement reached between them.

Protesters stormed the public office of the Macedonian president in downtown Skopje last week, showing their anger towards the decision of Ivanov to pardon and abolish all criminal persecution against 56 government and opposition politicians under investigation for alleged corruption and other criminal acts. Endi