Roundup: Tusk calls on Macedonia political class to find solution to protracted crisis

European Council President Donald Tusk Monday called on Macedonia's political class to work towards finding a way out of the protracted political crisis that is holding it back from the Euro-­Atlantic path.

At a joint press conference with Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, visiting Tusk said Macedonia's political class should find a solution based on democratic principles, decency, and common sense, adding that Macedonia would have EU support once it solved the crisis.

Speaking about the country's European Union (EU) accession process, Tusk said: "Working towards EU and NATO membership has consistently proved to be a factor of unity, unity that is so needed in your country today. I therefore hope that you will continue to follow this internal compass and avoid anything that could further fuel tensions, also along ethnic lines."

Macedonia held general elections on Dec. 11 but parties here have failed to form a new government, as the two main political camps, namely the conservative VMRO-DPMNE and SDSM, deeply divided over the issue.

With the most votes, the VMRO-DPMNE was first mandated to form a government, but failed the mission within a deadline.

Thus, it should be the SDSM's turn to make the attempt after it reached an agreement with ethnic Albanian parties and managed to secure 67 seats.

However, President Ivanov rejected to mandate SDSM leader Zaev to form a new government, claiming Zaev's government would support "a platform undermining Macedonia's sovereignty."

At the press conference with Tusk, the Macedonian president reiterated his stance on the necessity of eliminating the legal and political obstacles for the new government not to be contested by any party or on any basis.

"A blackmailed government means an unstable government with a short life span and negative consequences," Ivanov said at the press conference.

According to Ivanov, the so-called "Tirana platform" jeopardizes the independence of the country, puts conditions on the establishment of a parliamentary majority, and disturbs good neighborly relations, inciting inter-ethnic tensions and manipulating the citizens.

Ivanov noted that the focus should be placed on the reforms needed for the country to make progress towards EU integration.

Earlier, the head of the SDSM Zoran Zaev told reporters that he expected Tusk to put forward precise suggestions for a way out of the political crisis in Macedonia.

"I believe (the suggestions) will be in line with our request for peaceful and swift power transfer, respect of the Constitution of the Republic of Macedonia, respect of the established majority in Parliament," Zaev told reporters.

Tusk's visit to Macedonia comes after the visit of two other senior EU officials -- Federica Mogherini and Johannes Hahn -- who also appealed to the political class here to end the political deadlock. Endit