Macedonian president calls for unity, reconciliation around national interests
Xinhua, December 30, 2016 Adjust font size:
The leadership of major parties in Macedonia should find strength to forgive, reconcile and ultimately unite around the national interests of the Macedonian people and the state interests, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov appealed Thursday at his annual address.
According to the president, 2016 has been a year full of challenges and dominated by a longstanding political crisis. However, he said the recent snap parliamentary elections should be the key to solve such stalemate and pave the way to a better Macedonia.
In this regard, he called Dec. 11 elections as free, fair and democratic, where the citizens were given the opportunity to express their opinion.
The citizens of Macedonia have fulfilled their obligations to democracy, so it is time for the political parties to act responsibly and put citizens interests first, local media quoted President as saying.
Ivanov stressed that the new government should include in its program two key priorities: protection of the state interests of Macedonia and systemic reform after the crisis.
On the other hand, the head of state urged the six leaders of the parliamentary parties to show responsibility and renew their commitment to the European and Euro-Atlantic agenda.
But, he also urged the European Union to stop blocking Macedonia's future, saying that such blockage only punished the Macedonian citizens.
It is time for greater responsibility of the European Union towards Macedonia, Ivanov highlighted.
The president also praised Macedonia's capability in dealing with the migrants and refugees wave with the appreciated helps from the countries that have supported Macedonia in coping with the situation.
In the end, he reiterated his commitment to defending the Constitution and the constitutional order of Macedonia. Enditem